Meet Chandigarh pastry chef who came back to India to set up multi-crore bakery chain

“When I visited India in 2005, my father persuaded me to remain in Chandigarh and open a bakery here, even though I initially had no plans to stay. His belief in my potential led to the creation of Nik Bakers, and the rest is history.”

He began Nik Bakers in August 2006 with a vision of bringing high-quality baked goods to India.

“The initial capital for the business came as a loan from the bank, and some friends also helped during the early stages,” he said.

“Starting from a single outlet in 2006, Nik Bakers has now expanded to over 30 company-owned locations, and we are growing rapidly, with a new outlet opening every month. Our vision is to establish a strong presence in metro cities like Mumbai and internationally in Dubai.

He also credits his brother’s contributions and dedication for scaling the business.

The entrepreneur also expressed his love for the ‘City Beautiful’, praising its cleanliness, greenery, and the overall quality of life it offers. “It’s a city that combines modernity with tranquility,” he said, adding that anyone who works in Chandigarh falls in love with its charm. “However, to retain talented chefs and professionals, it’s essential to offer better working environments and competitive pay scales. Many chefs move to metro cities for better recognition and financial growth. Addressing these factors can help retain talent within the city,” Mittal suggested.

In his free time, Mittal loves spending quality moments with his family, reading books, and traveling to explore new cultures and cuisines. He also meditates daily to keep himself stress free.

“I meditate daily to de-stress and maintain a balanced mindset. It helps me stay focused and energised.”

To budding entrepreneurs, his message is: “there are no shortcuts to success”. “Focus on your growth rather than comparing it with others. Stay consistent, work hard, and never compromise on quality or values. Success will follow.”