In the post-pandemic era of inflation and recession fears, businesses that have adapted stand as a testament to resilience. Jigri Sekuwa, the brainchild of our CEO, Sudarshan Poudel, is one such success story. Jigri Sekuwa aimed to be a low-cost, efficient restaurant operated with a small team. It became a sensation due to its top service and low prices.
In Search of the Perfect Jigri Flavors
Jigri Sekuwa’s story shows that business success comes from experience, a unique vision, and a relentless drive. Sudarshan had vast experience in Nepal and abroad. He made a name in hospitality by opening Lavie Garden in 2020. Yes, at the peak of the pandemic. Against all odds, Lavie Garden thrived. This success led to the expansion into Lavie Residence & Spa and Lekali Bhoj Thakali.
Jigri Sekuwa, however, was a different kind of challenge. Jigri Sekuwa’s success comes from hands-on research. Sudarshan and his team traveled across Nepal. They tasted and learned about regional sekuwa recipes. Though he’d never tried sekuwa, Sudarshan knew he must know its roots to serve it best to true connoisseurs. He and the team spent a month tasting and uncovering the secrets behind the perfect sekuwa.
“The flavors changed with each village we visited, whether it was pork, mutton, or chicken. We took meticulous notes. We absorbed every bit of local wisdom, from the spice mix to the techniques,” said Sudarshan.
“I traveled all over the country, tasting different kinds of sekuwa. Some days I ate sekuwa from morning till night. I came back with those tastes on my tongue,” Sudarshan recalls. This dedication to mastering the craft of sekuwa made our brand authentic.
Once we perfected the recipes, he knew we had something special. He invited his closest friends—his “Jigris”—to try the dishes. Their enthusiasm led to the menu that now forms the backbone of Jigri Sekuwa.
Friendship and Franchising
In his search for the perfect spot, Sudarshan reconnected with two friends: Ramu Sharma, his childhood friend, and Bijay Maharjan, a friend from Qatar. Ramu returned to Nepal from Dubai, hoping to start something in his own country. Bijay also came back from Qatar and was running a restaurant in Budhanilkantha. However, the business wasn’t doing well.
Bijay was about to close his restaurant and return abroad. Then, Sudarshan shared his idea for Jigri Sekuwa. “Both of them loved it,” Sudarshan recalls. They decided to rebrand their restaurant as the first Jigri Sekuwa.
Although Sudarshan planned to run Jigri Sekuwa. But, he couldn’t refuse his friends’ request to run it as a franchise. And so, the Jigri Sekuwa franchise was born.
The first outlet opened in Hattigauda on Baisakh 15, 2080 (April 28, 2023). It quickly became a crowd favorite. Jigri Sekuwa has expanded to eight outlets in just a year and a half. Seven are in Kathmandu, including Hattigauda (formerly Budhanilkantha), Jorpati, Jhamsikhel, Shantinagar, Kapan-Faika (Central), Baluwatar, and Narayanthan. One is in Pokhara, which launched on Ashoj 1, 2081 (September 17, 2024).
Jigri Sekuwa is a beacon of hope for struggling restaurant owners. And for young people eager to build their future in Nepal without leaving the country.
Jigri Franchise: Trust Us Like Your Jigris
Owning a Jigri Sekuwa franchise is a great option for those looking to start a business with less risk. As a franchisee, you pay a fee to use the Jigri Sekuwa name, its business model, and its sekuwa recipes. In return, you get full support from the brand. This includes training and advice on running your restaurant.
Jigri Sekuwa helps franchisees avoid startup mistakes. It offers a simple, proven system. You’ll enjoy group buying power. It means better deals on supplies and services. Plus, Jigri Sekuwa does the market research for you, so you know there is a demand for your restaurant.
Like you trust your closest friends, you can trust us to help you build and run a successful restaurant. With Jigri Sekuwa by your side, you’re not just running a business. You’re joining a family committed to your success.
