Former Google Engineer Quits ₹4.25 Crore Job, Builds Barbecue Business That Earns ₹21.7 Crore in First Year
Former Google Engineer Quits ₹4.25 Crore Job, Builds Barbecue Business That Earns ₹21.7 Crore in First Year
A former Google engineer has become an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs after leaving a high-paying technology career to follow his passion for barbecue. Within just one year of launching his Texas-based halal barbecue restaurant, the business generated nearly ₹21.7 crore (USD 2.3 million) in revenue.
Thirty-five-year-old Salahodeen Abdul-Kafi spent 14 years working in the technology sector with major companies, including Google, Microsoft, YouTube and Cruise. Despite earning an annual salary of around ₹4.25 crore (USD 450,000), Abdul-Kafi said he felt increasingly disconnected from the industry, believing it had become more focused on profits than meaningful impact.
After resigning from the tech sector, he joined a religious non-profit organisation, accepting a salary cut of more than 50 percent. During that time, he began hosting barbecue dinners for friends, whose enthusiastic response encouraged him to turn his hobby into a full-time business.
Abdul-Kafi launched Kafi BBQ in Texas in December 2024. The restaurant received an overwhelming response on its opening day, with food prepared for three days selling out within hours. The team had to cook another batch the same night to meet customer demand.
The restaurant went on to generate nearly USD 2.3 million (approximately ₹21.7 crore) in revenue during its first year. Abdul-Kafi said the business is now on track to achieve almost USD 4 million (around ₹37.8 crore) in revenue this year.
Despite the impressive growth, Abdul-Kafi revealed that he has not taken a salary since opening the restaurant and continues to rely on his personal savings. He explained that the business is still recovering its initial investment of around USD 1 million.
He also highlighted the high operating costs involved in running the restaurant. According to Abdul-Kafi, monthly expenses exceed USD 215,000, including around USD 125,000 for food supplies, USD 50,000 in staff salaries, USD 15,000 in rent, along with marketing and other operational costs.
While the restaurant has achieved rapid success, Abdul-Kafi said his primary focus is on building a financially sustainable business for the long term rather than drawing a personal income immediately.
