If you crave for a piping hot tea with samosas at Raja rani Chowk in Nagpur, you will be directed towards Lalu bhaiya’s tapri. Yes this is the man, whose tapri is like a second home to a lot of Nagpurians.
At 50, Lalulal Dhulaji Prajapati is fondly referred to as Lalu bhaiya in whole of Civil Lines.
He has been running his own business for 22 long years now, prior to which he worked as a ‘Halwaai’ at a local sweet shop.
From morning 6AM to evening 7.30PM, the tapri is always full. With selling almost 150-200 plates of Kadhi-Samosas, Poha, Patodi, Kachori, Wada and around 15 litres of tea-coffee everyday, he is a favourite amongst the corporates in the area. Lalulal is helped by his wife for preparing the food items from early morning to evening, while he and his son take care of tea and coffee giving absolute customer service.
22years of impeccable service and delicious food has earned him a strong bond with a good 40+ regular customers. There are also a few new customers who are completing a decade with him.
In order to manage the business, Lalulal acquired a few helpers from his village, Rajsamand in Rajasthan. He gave them training, taught them customer service so that even they can earn a living and support their respective families.
All these years nothing could dampen his spirit. He dreams to open his own restaurant someday. 100% hardwork in everything is the mantra he lives by.
The same values of discipline, manners, respect he has inculcated in his children as well.
To give a better life and living to his family, Lalulal plans to open a small Kirana shop. For him, a Kirana shop is the next level of business.
He absolutely loves his current business of tea/coffee and snacks. Even if given a handsome amount, he doesn’t want to give away his tapri and is a content man. How many of us can claim that?
50 years of age, 22 years in pure customer service has compelled his customers come to him time and again.
His pure dedication and honesty towards his business and work is what makes him an
