Like the popular Hyderabadi
Biryani, the making of Haleem in Hyderabad is
mastered to an art form, which gives it the name `Hyderabadi Haleem'. It is available at almost
every restaurant in Hyderabad during Ramzan. But Pista House has transformed this
generic commodity into a unique global brand using its expertise in making, distributing
and marketing. However, the intriguing part of this successful brand is its scalability
and sustainability of a `concentrated advantage'.
Hyderabad, the fifth-largest metropolis of India, is the state capital of Andhra
Pradesh. It is a 400-year old city named after Hyder Mahal—wife of Quli Qutab Shah, a ruler
of Nizam dynasty—and is known for its rich history and culture with monuments,
mosques, temples, a rich and varied heritage in arts, crafts and dance. A considerable number of
the city's population is NRIs working in the Middle East. Today, it is a city on the fast
track with a cosmopolitan culture, leading institutes and many MNCs.
A native of Hyderabad and from a family involved in textile business,
Mohammad Abdul Majeed (Majeed), founder and CEO, Pista House, is an enterprising
businessman with a vision, foresight and drive. Prior to 1997, he was involved in his family
business along with his father and elder brother. The family had textile stores at various places
in Hyderabad—Yousoufain Bazaar in Nampally and New Banaras Hall, New
Yousoufain Bazaar and Sara's Collection in Pathergatti.
However, in 1995, the textile market in Hyderabad had become very competitive,
as businessmen coming from other states had started capturing the market. As a result,
he decided to change his line of business. While venturing into food business, he had
no apprehensions of it facing similar situation as that of his family business. Realizing
that food is a basic need on which people would not cut their expenses, he decided to set
up a bakery and restaurant. |
