Café Niloufer: Brewing Success From Small Tea Stall To IPO Plan
From a humble beginning with 10 employees in 1978, Anumula Babu Rao transformed tea selling biz into a Hyd’s beloved brand with 2,000 headcount
Anumula Babu Rao, Founder and Chairman, Café Niloufer, with his son Shashank
I have never compromised on the quality of our tea. My taste buds ensure that every cup maintains its authentic flavor - Anumula Babu Rao, Founder and Chairman, Café Niloufer
Hyderabad: Hyderabad’s tea culture is incomplete without the mention of Café Niloufer, a brand that has brewed its way into the hearts of thousands since its inception in 1978. Founded by Anumula Babu Rao, Café Niloufer has grown from a modest tea stall in Lakdikapul to a household name, serving over 20,000 customers daily across multiple outlets in the city.
Babu Rao, the founder and Chairman, attributed Niloufer’s success to an unwavering commitment to taste, quality, and hygiene.
“I have never compromised on the quality of our tea. My taste buds ensure that every cup maintains its authentic flavour,” he told Bizz Buzz, adding that customer satisfaction remains his top priority.
What started with just 10 employees has now grown into an enterprise with over 2,000 staff members across several branches in Hyderabad, including Red Hills, Banjara Hills, and Himayatnagar. With a firm belief that “the customer is God,” Babu Rao continues to personally oversee the preparation of Niloufer’s signature chai, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a satisfied smile.
While Café Niloufer remains synonymous with its signature chai, the brand has ventured beyond tea service. It recently made a grand entry into the retail market with its own brand of tea powder, Supreme, catering to those who want to recreate the Niloufer experience at home. The brand has also forayed into the bakery segment, offering a variety of biscuits and baked goods, with plans for further expansion in this space.
Looking ahead, Niloufer’s growth story is set to reach new heights. Babu Rao’s son Shashank, who joined the business in 2015 after earning degrees in engineering and business management, has been instrumental in the brand’s expansion. With a vision for the future, Babu Rao hinted at the possibility of entering the capital market with an IPO in the coming years.
The story behind Café Niloufer’s name adds an emotional touch to its legacy. It is named after Niloufer, a benevolent relative of the late Nizam ruler, known for her contributions to children’s healthcare. Inspired by her philanthropic spirit, Babu Rao felt a deep connection and decided to honor her legacy through his café.
Even after decades of success, Babu Rao remains deeply involved in the daily operations, personally ensuring that each cup of tea retains its rich flavor.
“A well-blended tea is my responsibility. When a customer walks in happy, they must leave even happier,” he asserts.
From a single tea stall to a beloved brand, Café Niloufer’s journey is a testament to dedication, passion, and an unbreakable bond with the people of Hyderabad. With its expanding product line and plans for the future, Café Niloufer is brewing success-one cup at a time.
