On December 19, 2019, a modest cloud-based pizza delivery service named Oven began its journey in Dhaka. Born out of a desire to satisfy late-night cravings with high-quality food, Oven aimed to fill a gap in the market by offering gourmet, square-shaped pizzas delivered directly to customers’ doors during the odd hours of the night. Their simple yet innovative concept focused on exceptional taste and service from midnight to 4 am, appealing to night owls seeking comfort food during those quiet hours.
Starting out in a small kitchen with limited personal investment, Oven faced numerous challenges. But as the COVID-19 pandemic hit Bangladesh just months after their launch, the business found unexpected growth. With traditional restaurants struggling under restrictions, demand for Oven’s late-night delivery service surged, keeping them busy throughout the pandemic. However, as restrictions eased and life began to return to normal, the surge in late-night orders dwindled, prompting Oven to rethink their strategy.
To adapt, Oven decided to open a small physical outlet in Banani, one of Dhaka’s bustling neighborhoods. This move marked the beginning of a new chapter, allowing the brand to reach more customers. Alongside this, Oven introduced “Chokka,” a tea shop within their pizza outlet. Chokka offered a variety of teas and light snacks, adding a new dimension to their business and attracting a wider audience. The combination of Oven’s gourmet pizzas and Chokka’s comforting tea selection provided a unique and complementary experience, helping to stabilize the business in a post-pandemic world.
The dual offering proved to be a hit, drawing in customers of all ages who appreciated the convenience of having multiple options in one location. With the success of their combined ventures, Oven and Chokka quickly outgrew their initial space. This led them to expand into a larger, more versatile restaurant on Banani Road 6, House 93, where they now offer a full-service dining experience. The new location boasts an expanded menu that includes not just their signature square pizzas, but also steaks, seafood, snacks, and mocktails.
Oven and Chokka’s journey from a small cloud kitchen to a thriving, multifaceted restaurant is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and adaptability. Their story is a powerful reminder that even with limited capital, small businesses can grow into something extraordinary with hard work and dedication. The evolution of Oven and Chokka encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to start small, dream big, and keep pushing forward—because with the right mindset, success is within reach.
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