Nepali-American Entrepreneur Expands Breakfast Chain Across U.S. While Funding Schools in Nepal

Nepali-American entrepreneur Dharma Bhattarai, founder of The Breakfast Club restaurant chain, recently shared his journey from a struggling immigrant student to a successful business owner. Operating 11 restaurants across Michigan, Bhattarai is now outlining an ambitious plan to expand across North America and invest NPR 10 million in education in Nepal.

Bhattarai shared these insights during an interview on Community Cornerstone, a podcast produced by Khasokhas and hosted by journalist Suresh Shahi. The program highlights stories of immigrant success, community impact, and public service within the Nepali diaspora in the United States.

From Gorkha to the United States

Bhattarai arrived in the U.S. in 2005 from Gorkha, Nepal, with aspirations of pursuing higher education and eventually becoming a professor.

“I came with the dream of earning a doctorate,” he said. “I was always an excellent student and wanted to learn one step ahead of everyone else.”

However, his career path shifted dramatically after he was exposed to the food industry in New York. A visit to a sushi restaurant on Wall Street sparked an unexpected passion for hospitality.

“I had never even chopped onions before coming here,” he admitted. “But I saw sushi and thought—why can’t I learn this?”

That curiosity led him into the sushi business, where he managed dozens of restaurants, eventually gaining extensive experience in operations and training.

Building a Restaurant Chain

Bhattarai eventually launched The Breakfast Club, a brand focused on simplicity, affordability, and healthy options tailored to American tastes. The business currently operates 11 locations in Michigan and is expanding via a franchise model designed to be accessible to first-generation immigrants.

“Our concept is simple: healthy food, affordable prices, and convenient hours,” Bhattarai explained. “We open early and close by mid-afternoon so families can spend time together.”

The menu focuses on American staples such as pancakes, omelets, and French toast. To support growth, Bhattarai developed a streamlined training system that allows new operators to become functional in the kitchen within days.

Franchise Model and Expansion

Bhattarai noted that the initial investment for franchise partners is relatively low compared to traditional chains, ranging between $200,000 and $300,000 depending on location. He claimed that franchisees typically see a break-even point within months under favorable conditions, aided by high breakfast demand and the U.S. tipping culture.

“Our goal is a win-win model,” he said. “Entrepreneurs earn income, and we build a strong brand together.”

Expansion is already underway beyond Michigan, with planned locations in Toronto and Mexico, and future sites envisioned for major U.S. cities like New York.

Investing in Nepal’s Future

Beyond business, Bhattarai has launched a philanthropic initiative through the Gajadhar Gayatri Foundation, named after his parents. The foundation supports underprivileged students in Nepal. He has already invested in 21 community schools, providing funds for school supplies, meals, and clothing.

“My goal is to ensure children do not have to go to school barefoot or without books,” he said. His long-term commitment includes funding scholarships for over 50 students to help them become doctors and professionals in Nepal.

Lessons in Resilience

Reflecting on his journey, Bhattarai described early struggles with financial pressure and the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There were many times I felt I had made a mistake entering this business,” he recalled. “We worked 24/7 for years just to survive.”

These experiences motivated him to build a more flexible, entrepreneur-friendly system than the ones he had encountered previously. “I realized I wanted to be the head of my own business, not the tail of someone else’s,” he said.

Advice for the Next Generation

Bhattarai encouraged aspiring immigrant entrepreneurs to choose businesses aligned with their passions and to start small. He emphasized a four-part philosophy: food must be visually appealing, taste good, be digestible, and remain affordable.

“If you get those four things right, customers will come back,” he said.

Creative Pursuits and Public Service

In addition to his business ventures, Bhattarai is a poet and songwriter, having contributed lyrics to Nepali music. He is currently working on an album and exploring film projects. He has also held leadership roles in various Nepali-American community organizations in Michigan.

Looking ahead, Bhattarai envisions potential investments in Nepal’s aviation and tourism sectors and hopes to produce a feature film inspired by his life story.

“Life is about continuous effort,” he concluded. “We are born with nothing, and we should try to leave something meaningful behind.”