The enterprising Shettys

After this pioneering feat, the Shettys of the Bunt community, basically a farming community hailing from Udipi, began a steady migration into Pune. Though a new environment did have its disadvantages, there was nothing to deter this hardworking and industrious people from making a mark.

In 1975, Sitaram Shetty travelled from Udipi via Mumbai to Pune and set up the Wadia college canteen serving the South Indian thali, idlis and vada.

Soon after Chandan8217; followed. It was another hit more so because of its location in Shankarshet road. No other restaurant existed in the vicinity. Back in the 70s, idlis were 50 paise a plate, a rice plate served at 75 paise and a masala dosa at 60 paise!

In 1984 came the Coffee House, another establishment of Sitaram Shetty. Today, it is considered a landmark not only for Puneites but for tourists8217; who are on the lookout for something special to take back home. Such was the confidence, that the hotel which stood here earlier Indian Coffee House8217;, a non-vegetarian restaurant with a beer permit room was made over into a vegetarian restaurant serving continental and Chinese along with the South Indian fare. After the initial hitches, the business took off never to look back again. People from Lonavala, Nashik and Bombay thronged the Coffee House giving the Puneites a long wait for a table.

Over the years, the Shettys have grown in number and made Pune their home. They have an association of their own at Shanti Kunj and they need it too since the population amounts to about 15,000.

Since 1974, the Shettys get together and come December, they have an active cultural and sports round up which continues until January 26 when a cultural event is organised. They have regular picnics and outings.

This association, which is basically a social organisation looks after the community development of its people and judging by the way, the people are doing, it is doing an extremely good job.

Jagannath B Shetty, the proprietor of the famed Vaishali, came to Pune in 1949, at the age of 17. At the age of 13, he left his home district, Udipi for Bombay where he joined his uncle Sridhar.

In Pune, a restaurant, Madras Health Home8217;, was converted to Vaishali8217; and Cafe Madras8217; to Roopali8217; which was owned by his uncle. Now, both are run by his family as ties have formed through marriage.

The success of Vaishali is phenomenal for all to see. Shetty feels that the onus goes to the hard work put in by the management down to the staff. Another important reason for their success is that all Udipi restaurants are very reasonably priced as compared to other restaurants.

Today, those Shettys who left their land and farms and taking a great risk with only dreams to succeed, have made those dreams come true. Though they started out as restaurants, which required little finance in those days, they are now established in all professions.

With their ability for hard work and business acumen, the Shettys can only do better. Pune, today, is all the better for their presence.