SANTHOSH MURUGANANTHAM, a name that resonates with perseverance and innovation, is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Kolapasi, a brand that began its journey in the vibrant neighborhood of Choolaimedu, Chennai. What started as a humble takeaway outlet has now blossomed into a global Indian restaurant chain spanning across three continents. His inspiring journey is a testament to what grit, determination, and the power of unyielding belief can achieve.
SANTHOSH MURUGANANTHAM’s vision wasn’t just to create a brand, but to build something that transcends borders while maintaining authenticity. His story isn’t just about reaching global markets but about turning an idea into a movement one that resonates with people from all walks of life.
From those early days in Chennai, SANTHOSH MURUGANANTHAM and his partner Adithya Jothi faced every challenge head-on, armed with just one belief: that you don’t need everything to start, but you need the guts to begin. Their journey began with simple steps, motivated by nothing more than the desire to prove that good food, rooted in tradition, could connect communities around the world.
SANTHOSH MURUGANANTHAM often emphasizes that “Every big thing has to start somewhere small.” His philosophy was not to be discouraged by setbacks, but to use those moments as stepping stones. He firmly believes in starting no matter how imperfect it might seem. His own words capture the essence of his approach: “Start crappy, start shitty – but have the balls to go and start.”
The success of Kolapasi is a clear example of how starting small can lead to monumental achievements. From opening just one outlet in 2013 to now planning 20+ across various cities like Charlotte, Chapel Hill, San Jose, Seattle, Dallas, Sydney, and even Nederlands, SANTHOSH MURUGANANTHAM’s vision has grown beyond imagination.
But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. There were countless challenges pandemics, shifts in global economies, and competition. Yet, SANTHOSH MURUGANANTHAM never lost sight of his goal. He faced the harsh reality of closures during the pandemic but used those experiences as learning opportunities. “Overnight success means minimum 10 years,” he candidly reflects, acknowledging that success doesn’t happen without perseverance and hard lessons.
What sets SANTHOSH MURUGANANTHAM apart is his refusal to wait for the “perfect time.” He often states, “The biggest lie we tell not to start is that we are waiting for the right time to start something.” For him, the perfect time is today—because you have to be alive to thrive tomorrow. His journey through Kolapasi is a direct contradiction to those who believe in over-planning. As he puts it, “Instincts are more powerful than business plans.”
This mindset of focusing on action rather than analysis has proven fruitful. SANTHOSH MURUGANANTHAM never relied on business plans; instead, he trusted his gut instincts. His commitment wasn’t to create something that followed conventional standards but to craft something unique. His belief in going against the odds and “not calculating the odds” has led Kolapasi to break through barriers where others have faltered.
For SANTHOSH MURUGANANTHAM, it was never about being the most visible in the beginning. It was about being the odd one out—choosing to forge a new path that others couldn’t see. “Be the odd one out,” he advises, and it is that thinking that has made Kolapasi a standout brand.
As he continues to scale Kolapasi, SANTHOSH MURUGANANTHAM remains deeply connected to his values. He has always placed people his partners, his team, his customers at the center of everything. His gratitude is evident in his words: “Today it’s because of the wonderful partners and licensees who believed in our values and vision that we are able to scale Kolapasi across the globe.”
His vision isn’t just to expand; it’s to create a thriving community where everyone partners, employees, and customers—feels empowered. With each new outlet, SANTHOSH MURUGANANTHAM takes another step towards his dream of building a brand that isn’t just global, but truly connected to the lives it touches.
In every aspect of his journey, SANTHOSH MURUGANANTHAM has shown that success isn’t about luck, but about relentless action, the courage to start, and the unwavering belief that, with time and effort, things will grow beyond expectations. His story serves as an inspiration to anyone who dares to dream big and act boldly.
For SANTHOSH MURUGANANTHAM, every outlet that opens is a testament to his belief that growth is a result of perseverance, vision, and the refusal to settle for anything less than excellence. His journey continues to remind us all that when you believe deeply in what you’re doing and are willing to put in the work, success will follow.
