BLR Brewing Co. and Beanlore Coffee Roasters have emerged as prominent players in the food and beverage industry, captivating the palates of Bengaluru’s discerning consumers. The mastermind behind these ventures, Mr. Prasanna Kumar, shares insights into their evolution, unique approaches, and future endeavors
What sparked your shift from the tech industry to brewing and coffee roasting?
Much before BLR Brewing Co and Beanlore Coffee Roasters, I endeavored to support my friends who had initiated a microbrewery on the verge of closure. Through my efforts, I successfully transformed it into a lucrative business. This experience not only provided me with a taste for the food and beverage industry but also ignited a passion that led me to pursue it as my full-time career. BLR Brewing Co. and Beanlore Coffee Roasters are products from previous learning experiences and passion for food & beverage.
How has BLR Brewing Co. evolved from its roots in Electronic City to becoming a major player in the Whitefield brewpub scene?
BLR Brewing Co.’s journey began in Electronic City, shortly before the COVID-19 lockdowns. While the initial launch faced unforeseen challenges, it presented a unique opportunity. The pause in operations allowed the team to strategically refocus their products and operational structure for a post-pandemic landscape. This period of reflection proved invaluable, fostering an environment to explore scalability without the immediate pressure of staffing constraints. It was during this time that the vision for larger F&B outlets emerged. The success of the Electronic City outlet, coupled with the strategic restructuring, fueled the company’s expansion into bigger spaces. This ethos of growth led to the subsequent openings in Kanakapura, HSR Layout, and most recently, the establishment of their flagship outlet in Whitefield. Each new location represents a significant milestone in BLR Brewing Co.’s evolution from a local favorite to a major player in Bengaluru’s craft beer scene.
What unique approach does Beanlore Coffee Roasters take to coffee roasting that sets it apart?
Started Beanlore in 2023 with my passion & addiction towards specialty Coffee, idea behind the name Beanlore – is Bean (Coffee Bean) Lore (a Group of people telling stories about beans) our idea is to have multiple beans from estates across the country and in house roasting offerings and also experiment on fermentations like Pineapple, Tropical Fruits, Banana and lot more, these are technically coffee beans fermented with real fruits!
We also have plans to do whiskey-barred aged coffee beans very soon!
Our pilot coffee shop is located in HSR Layout, Bengaluru in the middle of the Startup hub, we also have some integrated Working & Meeting PODs offerings inside our coffee shop which help people to take their private calls and video conferences and virtual meets, etc.,
Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the F&B industry?
The F&B industry is a dynamic and competitive landscape. For aspiring entrepreneurs, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Embrace Innovation, maintain consistency, and refine your business model.
How do you approach sustainability and environmental responsibility in your businesses?
Given our association with Bangalore in our name, we are committed to preserving the charm of the Garden City. As part of our initiative, we gift plants to our customers using seed paper coasters placed under all craft drinks served, accompanied by a thoughtful message. We adhere to a nearly zero-plastic policy in our operations. In instances where complete avoidance is challenging, we prioritize using top-notch biodegradable products. Our spaces are predominantly designed with earthen materials and colors, and adorned with ample greenery. Through these initiatives, we firmly believe in contributing towards a sustainable future.
What exciting developments or innovations can we anticipate from BLR Brewing Co. and Beanlore Coffee Roasters?
Our ambitious growth plans involve sustainably scaling our business to two-digit numbers of outlets initially, and with the acceptance and support of our customers who we consider part of our extended family, we are open to expanding to three-digit numbers when the time is right. Furthermore, our commitment to collaboration remains strong, particularly with local brands, as we seek to curate unique and exceptional experiences for our valued guests.
By Jaun Shahi
