In a recent LinkedIn post, Karishma Mehta explores the profound impact of businesses built not on rapid scaling or unicorn status, but on deep-seated principles of care and service. Mehta uses the example of Sheetal Shivalkar, the chef and co-founder of Puranpoli, a popular Indian restaurant in the Bay Area, to illustrate her point that true business success can be measured by the warmth and belonging a venture fosters among its patrons.
The Essence of Building Community
Mehta begins by contrasting the conventional pursuit of hyper-growth startups with ventures that prioritize making strangers feel at home. She shares her personal experience of feeling a constant ‘ache of home’ while traveling between India and the US, a void filled by Puranpoli and its proprietor, Sheetal Shivalkar.
“Some of the most extraordinary people I’ve met haven’t built unicorns – They’ve built things that make strangers feel at home.💛”
According to Mehta, Shivalkar’s journey is a testament to this philosophy. Despite having no prior restaurant experience, Shivalkar dedicated years to learning every facet of the business by working in various roles across Bay Area restaurants before embarking on her own venture. This foundational dedication, Mehta suggests, is key to Shivalkar’s success.
Overcoming Challenges with Unwavering Dedication
Mehta highlights the challenging circumstances under which Puranpoli was launched. Shivalkar and her brother Roshan opened their first restaurant on March 17, 2020, the very first day of the COVID-19 lockdown. This precarious timing, Mehta points out, would have deterred many, but not Shivalkar.
“On 17th March 2020, she and her brother Roshan opened Puranpoli; the very first day of the COVID lockdown. Most people would’ve given up…Instead, they kept showing up! 🚀”
Mehta notes that Shivalkar and her brother persevered, ultimately building not one, but three successful, bootstrapped restaurants: Puranpoli, Suramai, and Solkadhi. These establishments have since served millions of dollars worth of food, maintaining the same level of care established on their opening day.
Service as ‘Seva’
The core of Mehta’s narrative revolves around Shivalkar’s operational philosophy, which she describes as rooted in ‘seva’—a concept often translated as selfless service or devotion. Mehta observes Shivalkar’s hands-on approach, including her early morning presence in the kitchen and meticulous attention to detail in every dish.
“She obsesses over every dish, keeps the menu intentionally small so quality never slips, and treats every customer not as a transaction, but as a guest.✨”
Karishma Mehta argues that this dedication to quality and guest experience, rather than a focus on sheer volume, is what defines true business greatness. Shivalkar’s commitment extends beyond the restaurant, with Mehta mentioning her dream of creating a sanctuary in India for stray dogs, further emphasizing her compassionate ethos.
The Quiet Power of Service-Obsessed Businesses
In her concluding thoughts, Karishma Mehta reiterates her central theme: in a world often preoccupied with rapid expansion and achieving ‘unicorn’ status, the most impactful businesses are frequently those led by individuals driven by an obsession with service. As Mehta observes:
“In a world obsessed with scale, Sheetal reminds me that the greatest businesses are often built by people who are obsessed with service.”
Mehta suggests that these quietly impactful leaders, who prioritize genuine connection and exceptional service, are often found not in the spotlight, but diligently working behind the scenes, ensuring others feel welcomed and cared for. She encourages readers in the Bay Area to experience Puranpoli firsthand.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Karishma Mehta on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on July 30, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →