On a busy corner near Girgaon Chowpatty, where the salty sea breeze mingles with the aroma of street food, stands a Mumbai icon that has delighted generations, Bachelorr’s. From infamous names of the Mumbai underworld to Bollywood royalty, the place has left a mark on many. And of course, how can you talk about Bachelorr’s without mentioning their iconic sweet and spicy chilli ice cream?
However, behind all these stories lies a tale of legacy, determination, and love. This story that began with a simple fruit stall in the 1930s now rests in the hands of its third-generation custodian, Mr. Aditya Agarwal. Team unstumbled got an opportunity to strike up a conversation with him as he revealed the rollercoaster journey of Bachelorr’s, how the brand added an extra ‘r’ to their name, their iconic chilli ice cream, and plans for the future.
The Journey That Began From A Fruit Stall
Mr. Aditya’s grandfather, the late Mr. Om Prakash Agarwal, first set up a small stall by the seaside. He sold whole fruits to passersby until a casual request from a customer – to slice the fruit – sparked an idea. Mr. Om Prakash started arranging freshly cut fruits on platters, unintentionally introducing what we now recognize as the iconic fruit plate or fruit platter. Thus, the legacy began, one fruit slice at a time.
By the 1950s and 60s, Bachelorr’s expanded from cut fruits to include fresh juices, milkshakes, and sandwiches. By the 1980s, a wave of new energy took over the business in the form of the Late Mr. Arun Agarwal, Mr. Om Prakash’s son, and Mr. Aditya’s father. And since 2017, Bachelorr’s legacy is being taken forward by Mr. Aditya and his brother after the unfortunate demise of Mr. Arun Agarwal.
Brahmachari, ‘Bachelorr’s’, And The Extra ‘R’
Interestingly, Mr. Om Prakash Agarwal had no plans to marry and remained a celibate by choice for quite some time in his life. This was at a time when you’d get hitched in your early 20s or even in your teenage years! People in his hometown of Ghaziabad affectionately called him ‘Agarwal Brahmachari’ or ‘Brahmachari Bombaywale’ and it is this nickname that influenced the business’s name.
Decades later in the 80s, Mr. Arun added a unique flair to the brand name seeking inspiration from big names in the food industry at that time – McDonald’s for example. He officially named their business ‘Bachelorr’s’, giving the punch and memorability we associate with the name today. So, if you think that the extra ‘R’ is a probable typo in the brand name, know that it was a thoughtfully calculated business move to stand out from the rest and attract curious customers. A move that definitely did wonders for the seaside eatery!
The Iconic Chilli Ice Cream: What Makes It So Special
No discussion of Bachelorr’s would be complete without mentioning the now-famous Chilli Ice Cream. Created in 1993 after a cheeky suggestion from a customer, Mr. Arun took it as a creative challenge and soon perfected the hot-sweet blend. The making of the sweet-and-spicy ice cream isn’t any different from other ice creams on the menu. No extra additives, no artificial flavorings, or preservatives – just fresh fruits and high-quality ingredients in every bite.
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After the passing away of his father, Mr. Aditya felt the flavor was lacking its original spark. However, he didn’t simply fold his hands – he was determined to continue the legacy of the ice cream that had a fair share in catapulting the fame of Bachelorr’s to newer heights. Determined, he experimented tirelessly until even loyal customers couldn’t tell the difference. “I believe Goddess Annapurna blessed us,” he says confidently.
Celebrity Encounters: Bollywood’s Love For Bachelorr’s
During our conversation, Mr. Aditya fondly recalled stories of his father and uncle rubbing shoulders with Bollywood legends like Jeetendra and Dharmendra, who not only enjoyed the juices but tried their hand at making it as well. Celebrity encounters weren’t as common back then as they are today but Bollywood’s A-listers of that era simply couldn’t get enough of this humble eatery!
His grandfather was also known to be a close friend of the late actor Prithviraj Kapoor. “The two would sometimes sit for hours chatting and having fruits and milk at the eatery”, recalls Mr. Aditya with a bright smile on his face. We’re thankful that social media and the internet didn’t exist back then or it would’ve been too difficult for these stars to enjoy their snacks in peace!
A Memorable Incident Of Shared Legacies
Not just Bollywood celebrities, but the Agarwal family has struck a chord when it comes to forging heartwarming connections even with their loyal customers. For Mr. Aditya and his family, customers are more than just buyers – they’re like extended family. And this extended family only continues to grow with each passing day!
He fondly recalls a moving moment when in 2016, a gentleman walked in with his grandson. The gentleman, energetic even in his old age, shared how he who once visited Bachelorr’s with his father was now at the place with his own grandson!
“He remembered my dad and my granddad more than I did”, Mr. Aditya smiles. “When loyal customers have frequented the eatery more than me, it feels surreal to hear their stories!”, he continued as we looked back at this heartwarming incident.
Innovation, Trends, And Future Plans
The gift of innovation that began from Mr. Om Prakash and Mr. Arun has continued to flow seamlessly into the business even today. From ginger-flavored scoops to Californian Mixed Berries (featuring seven different kinds of berries!) and indulgent Afghani Malai ice cream loaded with dry fruits, the menu is a celebration of flavors.
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Mr. Aditya jokingly recalls his days of being obsessed with ice cream – so much so that he would have it for all three meals of the day! While he has achieved control over this excessive ice cream desire, he is still very much an ice cream lover at heart! This passion and love for ice cream is what reflects seamlessly through the different flavors the eatery currently offers.
When we spoke of trends that many similar businesses follow, Mr. Aditya affirmed that Bachelorr’s sticks to its own rhythm. “We don’t chase competition”, he mentions. “We focus on our basics and have complete faith in what we sell”, he added as he mentioned how their loyal customer base has found its footing at Bachelorr’s. Now, the eatery is dedicated to serving new as well as loyal customers who have been frequenting the place for years.
And though the pandemic downsized their physical presence, they now operate two main stores – one near the iconic Girgaon Chowpatty and one in Matunga. The spirit of expansion is still strong, with plans for franchises and dreams of opening in other Indian cities. We certainly can’t wait for that to happen.
Final Few Words
For Mr. Aditya Agarwal as the current owner of The Bachelorr’s, the business is more than just that. As we reach the end of the interview, he fondly mentions how it is a living memory, a daily ritual, and above all, a labor of love that he’s proud to continue. Truly a legacy that lies in the pursuit of serving love and generosity, one scoop at a time.
