Startup Originals Team
From Hotel Kitchens to Building an Iconic Bakery Brand:
Kainaz Messman Harchandrai’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From working in the luxury kitchens of a five-star hotel to overcoming a life-altering accident, and eventually building one of India’s most beloved bakery brands, Theobroma, her story is a true testament to grit, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit.
A Passion for Pastry Begins:
Kainaz trained as a professional pastry chef, studying at the prestigious Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) in Mumbai and later at the renowned Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development (OCLD) in Delhi. Her culinary journey began at the Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur, where she found herself drawn to the art of baking. Her love for pastry and desserts began to shape her career path, one filled with ambition and promise.
An Unexpected Turn of Events:
At just 24 years old, Kainaz’s career came to an unexpected halt. A freak accident left her bedridden for an extended period. Doctors informed her that she would no longer be able to stand for long hours,a non-negotiable requirement in any professional kitchen. This devastating news threatened to end her culinary dreams before they had truly begun.
But Kainaz wasn’t ready to give up. “I simply loved my job, and being unable to do what I wanted to wasn’t something I was prepared for,” she later shared. Refusing to let the setback define her future, she began searching for a way to stay connected to her passion, even if it looked different from what she originally planned.
The Birth of Theobroma:
Determined to reinvent her dream, Kainaz teamed up with her sister, Tina Messman Wykes. With a loan of Rs 1 crore from their father, the sisters launched Theobroma in 2004. Their vision was simple yet powerful: bake what they love to eat, maintain quality above all, and never compromise on authenticity.
Theobroma, which means “food of the gods” in Greek, began as a humble pastry shop in Mumbai. From brownies to cheesecakes to decadent cakes and desserts, the brand quickly carved out a niche with its focus on rich flavors, consistent quality, and honest ingredients. Word of mouth did the rest, and soon Theobroma became a go-to destination for dessert lovers.
Growing a Cult Brand One Brownie at a Time:
Over the years, Theobroma’s loyal customer base grew rapidly. People across Mumbai fell in love with its famous brownies, and soon the brand expanded into other cities. Today, Theobroma operates more than 250 outlets across major Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Pune, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. Its menu has evolved over time, but the core values of quality, simplicity, and heartwarming flavor have remained unchanged.
Reaching a Major Milestone in the Business World:
Theobroma’s remarkable growth story reached a new high when ChrysCapital, one of India’s leading private equity firms, agreed to acquire a 90 percent stake in the company for Rs 2,410 crore. The promoters, including Kainaz and Tina, will continue to hold a 10 percent stake. This major investment is not just a financial milestone but a powerful acknowledgment of the brand’s strong market presence and potential for future expansion.
An Inspiring Journey of Strength and Sweetness:
From a hospital bed to the heights of India’s culinary scene, Kainaz’s journey reflects what can be achieved with resilience and passion. Theobroma is now more than just a bakery-it’s a symbol of hope, hard work, and the joy of following your dream no matter the odds.
Kainaz Messman Harchandrai turned personal tragedy into one of India’s most celebrated success stories. And in doing so, she gave the country a taste of something truly sweet-not just in desserts, but in the power of never giving up.
