Unforgotten Brands – Havmor
The legacy of Havmor is a testament to the perseverance and innovative spirit of Satish Chandra Chona and his family
The Havmor story began over 75 years ago in Karachi, undivided India, with Satish Chandra, an engineer employed with BOAC (now British Airways). Despite his engineering career, Satish had a passion for food, which led him to work at his uncle’s restaurant after his day job. It was there that he mastered the art of making ice cream. The original shop, where this journey started in 1944, still exists in Karachi, now Pakistan, though it is under different ownership.
Post-Partition Struggles and Settling in Ahmedabad
Following the Partition, Satish and his family relocated to India, initially setting up a small outlet in Dehradun. However, the cool climate was not conducive to the ice cream business. Acting on a well-wisher’s advice, they moved to Indore but were unfortunately cheated out of their money.
Undeterred, Satish’s friends suggested Gujarat, noting the state’s warm climate and the local populace’s preference for sweets. Determined and with little money, Satish and his wife lived at a railway station while they prepared ice cream at night to sell during the day.
The ice cream was well-received, prompting Satish to settle in Ahmedabad. In 1953, with the help of Kasturbhai Lalbhai, a renowned industrialist and co-founder of Arvind Mills, Satish established the ice cream and food brand, Have More. The first outlet was set up on Relief Road, a location that still exists today. The name “Have More” cleverly played on the desire for more delicious ice cream, capturing customers’ imaginations and appetites.
Rebranding and Expansion
In the 1960s, Have More was renamed Havmor. Initially, the brand focused on ice creams and opened a few restaurants in Ahmedabad, including their first one in Kalyan Bhavan on Relief Road. The success of the initial outlet led to the opening of another in Baroda, and Satish was content with the steady growth.
The entry of Satish’s son, Pradeep, marked a new era for Havmor. Pradeep introduced the latest technology and professional management practices, which helped the brand grow significantly. He expanded Havmor’s presence throughout Gujarat, establishing numerous ice cream parlours and making it a well-known name in the state. In 2005, Pradeep’s son, Ankit, joined the business and focused on further expansion, resulting in Havmor’s presence in 14 cities.
The Sale to Lotte
The decision to sell Havmor to Lotte was a difficult one, described as emotionally challenging and bittersweet by the family, as they were deeply connected to the business. However, they recognized the practical benefits of the sale. They understood that a larger group like Lotte could expand Havmor’s footprint and accelerate its growth beyond what they could achieve on their own.
Legacy and Future Prospects
The legacy of Havmor, from its humble beginnings in Karachi to becoming a household name in Gujarat and beyond, is a testament to the perseverance and innovative spirit of Satish Chandra and his family. Their journey underscores the importance of adaptability, resilience, and the willingness to embrace change for growth. The Virani family’s guiding principles and dedication to quality continue to direct Havmor’s course even though the sale to Lotte marks the beginning of a new chapter. The brand’s story serves as an inspiring example of how dedication and hard work can transform a small venture into a beloved and successful enterprise
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