Inspiring Conversations with Kapil Jain of Bikanervala

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kapil Jain

Hi Kapil, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m Kapil Jain, and along with my wife Shruti Agarwal, we are both Senior Software Engineers at Microsoft. Our journey to where we are today has been an incredible ride, shaped by our love for technology, education, and food.

Originally from India, Shruti and I came to the U.S. to pursue our Master’s degrees at UMKC. Over the years, we worked at various companies before joining Microsoft, where we continue to work today. While thriving in our tech careers, we also ventured into entrepreneurship—my brother and I run Simandhar Education, a leading institution based in Hyderabad, India, that provides training for CPA, CMA, EA, IFRS, and other professional certifications across the country.

Despite our professional commitments, we always felt something was missing in Kansas City’s food scene. While there were Indian restaurants, a truly authentic North Indian dining experience was lacking. This idea remained in the back of our minds for years—until one fateful trip to Bikanervala in New Jersey changed everything.

Dining at Bikanervala in NJ was a turning point. The flavors, authenticity, and legacy of the brand deeply resonated with us. We knew then and there that this was what we wanted to bring to Kansas. Thus began our journey of securing a Bikanervala franchise, navigating the challenges of the food industry, and finally opening our doors in July 2024.

For us, Bikanervala Kansas is more than just a restaurant—it’s a celebration of our roots, a passion project that blends our love for food and entrepreneurship, and a way to bring the rich, authentic flavors of India to Kansas City. It has been an incredible journey, and this is just the beginning!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey to opening Bikanervala Kansas was anything but easy. It was filled with unexpected challenges, countless hurdles, and moments of doubt, but through it all, our passion for bringing authentic Indian flavors to Kansas City kept us going.

From the start, securing the franchise itself was a complex process. There were legal formalities, financial planning, and extensive back-and-forth discussions to ensure everything aligned with our vision. Finding the right location was another major hurdle—one that required months of research and negotiations before we finally secured our spot.

Once we had the space, construction and setup came with its own set of struggles. Managing contractors, dealing with delays, ensuring compliance with regulations, and setting up a full-fledged restaurant from scratch while balancing our full-time jobs at Microsoft was overwhelming. Some days, it felt like nothing was going as planned.

Then came the challenge of staffing—hiring skilled chefs and a reliable team to maintain the high-quality standards that Bikanervala is known for. Recruiting the right people, training them, and ensuring smooth operations took a lot of time and effort.

There were also personal struggles—the stress of juggling multiple responsibilities, working long hours, and dealing with setbacks took a toll. At one point, the immense pressure even affected my health, leading to hospitalization. But despite all these challenges, we never lost sight of why we started this journey.

When we finally opened our doors in July 2024, the feeling was surreal. Every struggle, every sleepless night, and every setback suddenly felt worth it. Seeing customers enjoy our food and appreciate the authenticity of our offerings has been the most rewarding experience.

While the road was tough, we wouldn’t have it any other way—because great things never come easy. This is just the beginning, and we’re excited for what’s ahead!

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Bikanervala Kansas is a premier destination for authentic North Indian cuisine and street food in Kansas City. We specialize in pure vegetarian dishes, offering everything from rich and flavorful North Indian curries like Paneer Butter Masala and Dal Makhani to iconic chaat items such as Pani Puri, Bhel Puri, and Aloo Kathi Rolls. Our Indian sweets (mithai), including Rasmalai, Kaju Katli, and Motichoor Laddoo, are crafted using traditional recipes, making us one of the best places for desserts in the region.

Bikanervala has a legacy that dates back to 1905 in Bikaner, India, where it started as a small sweet shop and has now expanded into the most popular Indian vegetarian franchise globally. With over 100 years of culinary excellence, Bikanervala is known for its high-quality ingredients, time-honored recipes, and diverse menu, catering to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free preferences.

What sets us apart is our commitment to authenticity and quality—we don’t just serve Indian food; we bring the true flavors of India to Kansas City. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal, mouthwatering street food, or a beautifully packed box of sweets for a special occasion, Bikanervala Kansas promises an unmatched dining experience filled with tradition, taste, and warmth.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The key qualities that have been most important to my success are perseverance, consistency, discipline, and innovation. Perseverance has helped me push through challenges, whether in my tech career at Microsoft or in launching Bikanervala Kansas despite numerous hurdles. Consistency ensures that every customer experiences the same high-quality food and service, building trust and loyalty over time. Discipline has been crucial in balancing my responsibilities—running a restaurant while excelling in my full-time job requires focus and commitment. Lastly, innovation has been a game-changer; Kansas had Indian restaurants, but there was no place truly specializing in the finest and most authentic Indian desserts. We brought that to the area with handcrafted mithai, made using traditional recipes and premium ingredients. Whether it’s our soft Rasmalai, rich Kaju Katli, or perfectly balanced Motichoor Laddoo, we take pride in offering a dessert experience that was missing in Kansas City. These qualities, combined with a passion for excellence, continue to drive my success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bikanervalausa.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bikanervala.kansas/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bikanervala.ks
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BikanervalaKansas