Tendercuts is preparing for a new phase of expansion after stabilising its business and achieving profitability, marking a turnaround from the operational challenges it faced in 2022. The company, which was acquired by Good to GO in 2023, is now looking to scale its retail footprint by opening 12 new stores this year as part of a measured growth strategy focused on sustainable unit economics and operational efficiency.
Tendercuts had previously gone through a period of financial distress that led to store closures and workforce reductions, as it struggled with cost structures and market dynamics. Over the past year, however, the company has undertaken a comprehensive restructuring exercise, focusing on improving supply chain efficiencies, optimising store level operations, and strengthening overall unit economics. These efforts have enabled the brand to achieve positive EBITDA at both store and consolidated levels, signaling a return to financial stability and disciplined execution.
With a stronger foundation now in place, the company is shifting its focus toward expansion while maintaining a cautious and capital efficient approach. The planned addition of 12 stores is expected to deepen its presence across key markets, allowing it to capture growing demand for organised fresh meat and seafood retail, a segment that continues to benefit from increasing consumer preference for hygiene, quality assurance, and convenience.
To support this expansion, Tendercuts has secured approximately $2 million in debt funding from Lakme Finance. The capital will be deployed toward scaling operations, enhancing infrastructure, and strengthening its market presence in core geographies. Unlike equity funding, the use of debt reflects the company’s improved financial position and confidence in its ability to generate stable cash flows to support growth.
According to co founder and chief executive officer Sasikumar Kallanai, the company’s recent focus has been on building a disciplined operating model with clear visibility on profitability and capital efficiency. With these fundamentals now established, Tendercuts believes it is well positioned to scale in a controlled and sustainable manner, avoiding the pitfalls of aggressive expansion that previously impacted its business.
The broader fresh meat and seafood category in India is witnessing a gradual shift toward organised retail formats, driven by rising consumer awareness around food safety and quality. This trend presents an opportunity for brands like Tendercuts to expand their footprint, particularly in urban markets where demand for reliable and hygienic sourcing continues to grow.
Overall, Tendercuts’ revival and expansion plans highlight a strategic reset, moving from rapid, capital intensive growth to a more balanced model focused on profitability and operational discipline. By leveraging improved financial health and targeted investments, the company is positioning itself to rebuild scale while maintaining long term sustainability in a competitive and evolving market.
