In a world where dreams and ambitions often unfold against a backdrop of fierce competition and daunting challenges, the story of Ammamma’s stands as a testament to the extraordinary power of familial love and unwavering dedication. What began as a heartfelt commitment to support a budding tennis star has now blossomed into a culinary empire that captivates taste buds and warms hearts across the region.
It all started with the spark of a young girl’s passion for tennis. Maanya, a determined and talented eight-year-old, embarked on a journey that would not only shape her life but also ignite a culinary revolution. Her parents, Vishwanath and Prathima, recognized the financial demands of nurturing a global athlete, and they made a resolute decision to stand by their daughter’s side, no matter the cost.
As Maanya’s tennis journey took her to international circuits, her parents chose an unconventional path. Instead of merely cheering from the sidelines, they became pillars of support in her quest for excellence. Little did they know that their commitment and love for their daughter would pave the way for a remarkable culinary enterprise.
Nurturing Excellence on and off the Court:
For Prathima Vishwanath, the journey of supporting Maanya’s athletic pursuits was more than a labor of love—it was a culinary odyssey that would redefine her life’s purpose. With limited financial resources, the prospect of hiring a dedicated nutritionist and manager remained a distant dream. Prathima took matters into her own hands, becoming both caretaker and nutritionist, driven by necessity and boundless devotion.
In the world of international competition, where dietary precision is paramount, Prathima’s commitment to nourishment became an art form. She delicately balanced taste and sustenance, crafting a culinary repertoire that combined indulgence with wholesome nutrition. From light and oil-free puris to moringa and methi-infused chapatis, each dish became a testament to the sacrifices made for excellence on the global stage.
From Love to Legacy: Building Ammamma’s
After Maanya’s departure for the international tennis circuit, Prathima found herself facing an unexpected void. Armed with an MBA credential from JNTU (Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad) and a passion for crafting nutritious meals, she saw an opportunity to transform her skills into an entrepreneurial venture. In 2019, Ammamma’s was born, seeded with a monetary infusion of INR 10 lakh.
As fate would have it, her husband, Vishwanath, a seasoned professional in the FMCG industry, returned from Africa, bringing his expertise and boundless enthusiasm to the table. Together, they started a humble tiffin business, naming it after Prathima’s grandmother, Ammamma. The venture was an instant hit, with their authentic Telugu delicacies winning hearts and taste buds.
Rising Above Challenges: A Tale of Resilience
Just as Ammamma’s was gaining momentum, the world was plunged into the depths of the Covid-19 pandemic. The challenges seemed insurmountable, but Prathima and Vishwanath refused to yield. In a bid to secure funding and expand their venture, Prathima appeared on the reality show ‘Neno Superwoman’. While the investment fell short of the desired amount, angel investors Sudhakar Reddy and Deepa Dodla recognized the potential and infused INR 50 lakh into the enterprise, solidifying their belief in Prathima’s vision.
“Our inception involved the modest production of 20-30 packets, each containing 10 chapatis per day. Today, our output has burgeoned to an impressive 5,000 packets daily,” Prathima proudly declares. What was once a small duo has now grown to a team of nearly a hundred dedicated individuals.
With a presence in over 1,000 retail points across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Bengaluru, and Chennai, Ammamma’s has become more than a brand—it is a symbol of love, care, and passion on every plate. The culinary offerings range from nutritious ready-to-cook chapatis infused with methi, moringa, and ragi, to delectable savories like murrukalu and an array of mouthwatering chutneys. With plans to establish a manufacturing hub in Bengaluru, the brand is poised for further expansion, with an investment of INR 1.5 crore.
Ammamma’s transcends the realm of food—it embodies a remarkable journey of love, determination, and the pursuit of excellence. What began as unwavering support for a young athlete has transformed into a legacy that resonates with food enthusiasts and families alike. As Prathima and Vishwanath continue to weave their culinary magic, Ammamma’s stands as a true testament to the power of love, resilience, and the boundless possibilities that can emerge from even the most unexpected beginnings.
