From Real Estate to Sweets: The Inspiring Journey of Ankit Sahni
Ankit Sahni, born into a real estate family, left the business to start The Hazelnut Factory, a cafe-cum-artisanal sweets brand with a turnover of Rs 60 crore.
Real EstateEntrepreneurThe Hazelnut FactoryCafeSweetsReal EstateJul 10, 2025
Before entering the food and beverage industry, Ankit Sahni worked in the real estate sector for four years. After his graduation, he joined a real estate consultancy firm named Investors Clinic in 2011 at an initial salary of Rs 25,000. With his job experience, he returned to managing his family's real estate business and successfully handled premium residential apartment projects. However, he turned to fulfilling his dream of owning a cafe despite a well-established real estate business. He took his first step by taking a franchise of Impresario, a café chain. In 2018, he recognized the gap in the market for a place offering a diverse range of coffee, bakery treats, and sweets. After a year of meticulous crafting, he launched the first The Hazelnut Factory store in Lucknow.
Sahni was born in Palia in Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh. His father, Harvinder Kumar Sahni, used to run a rice mill, later transitioned to the real estate business, eventually into politics, becoming the MLA of Palia in Lakhimpur Kheri. Sahni completed his schooling at Birla Vidya Mandir and GD Goenka World School. Further, he pursued a BA Honours in Economics from Punjab University in Chandigarh.
Ankit Sahni’s foray into the food and beverage industry was challenging as it involved finding and managing manpower. Starting from scratch, the rigorous food tastings took a toll on his physique, as he gained 20 kg in the first 7-8 months. With hard work and dedication, he overcame obstacles and successfully launched the first outlet of THF in 2019. Spanning 4,000 square feet, the outlet was initially set up in a rented space with 150 products. Now, the company offers over 500 daily-prepared items with multiple outlets. He has further fueled expansion by securing Rs 131 crore investment from Bikaji International Food by selling a 51% stake.
The Hazelnut Factory has become a beloved brand in the region, known for its high-quality coffee, bakery treats, and sweets. Ankit Sahni’s journey from a real estate consultant to a successful entrepreneur serves as an inspiration to many. His ability to identify market gaps and his unwavering commitment to his vision have made him a standout figure in the food and beverage industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Ankit Sahni's initial job after graduation?
After his graduation, Ankit Sahni joined a real estate consultancy firm named Investors Clinic in 2011 at an initial salary of Rs 25,000.
What inspired Ankit Sahni to start The Hazelnut Factory?
Ankit Sahni recognized a gap in the market for a place offering a diverse range of coffee, bakery treats, and sweets, which inspired him to start The Hazelnut Factory.
How many outlets does The Hazelnut Factory have?
The Hazelnut Factory has 11 outlets in Lucknow, Kanpur, and Noida.
What is the current turnover of The Hazelnut Factory?
The Hazelnut Factory has a turnover of Rs 60 crore.
What major investment did The Hazelnut Factory secure?
The Hazelnut Factory secured Rs 131 crore investment from Bikaji International Food by selling a 51% stake.
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