What do you think?
Rate this book
Baking A Dream: The Theobroma Story
Anyone whos tried Theobromas brownies knows that they are literally food for the gods. What most people dont know is that the recipe was born in a small Colaba kitchen, on a neighbours request. Baking a Dream is the story of a food obsessed family that made their culinary dreams come true. Founders Kainaz and Tina Messman tell the story of how their ambitious and slightly eccentric Parsi family grew a home-catering business into a multi-million dollar venture. From a single café with just four tables, Theobroma has today expanded into a chain of 50 outlets across the country. Sharing their stumbles and successes, the Messman sisters offer a no-holds-barred look at the challenges of working with family and offer tips on how to turn a passion for baking into a profitable career. The book also serves as a guide to other entrepreneurs looking to scale their ventures.
- GenresBusiness
260 pages, Hardcover
Published March 5, 2020
15 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 6, 2020
Baking A Dream is an honest and unflinchingly raw account of the now multi million business venture Theobroma.
Starting from a kitchen to the first outlet to the 50 outlet chain that Theobroma now is, the book covers Chef Kainaz's and her family's journey through the time. The writing includes how Mrs. Messman unknowingly built the base for this 50 outlet chain by making brownies for their neighbour ad homemade chocolates, Chef Kainaz's love for desserts and how Rotary International contributed to her skills. Their first outlet in Colaba, their downfalls and success stories, their struggles and their vision and their absolute love for the clients and desserts is what makes the book what it is. Multiple business tactics, obstacles and their shortcomings have been mentioned very honestly and with an aim to improve upon. The entire journey shows us how humble and passion driven as a family they are.
Co-authored by Chef Kainaz and her sister Tina, they have laid bare everything that is to know about their start up. From the significance behind the name Theobroma to how much they love serving the regulars, big names and how they are never to compromise on the quality of their products has been well described. The writing is warm, lucid and very engaging. I never wanted the book to end. It's moderately paced and covers all the aspects of their start up. The book is not only a memoir for Theobroma but a guide for the people in the food business with a start up as well. Their passion, hard work and dedication will definitely inspire you. Upon completing the book, I felt like I knew the Messman family and the Theobroma team very well. It's been written in a wholesome manner. With a beautiful pastel green cover imbibing their outlet design, this gorgeous and equally well written book is a must read if you have a food start up or are curious about Theobroma or just want to.
Starting from a kitchen to the first outlet to the 50 outlet chain that Theobroma now is, the book covers Chef Kainaz's and her family's journey through the time. The writing includes how Mrs. Messman unknowingly built the base for this 50 outlet chain by making brownies for their neighbour ad homemade chocolates, Chef Kainaz's love for desserts and how Rotary International contributed to her skills. Their first outlet in Colaba, their downfalls and success stories, their struggles and their vision and their absolute love for the clients and desserts is what makes the book what it is. Multiple business tactics, obstacles and their shortcomings have been mentioned very honestly and with an aim to improve upon. The entire journey shows us how humble and passion driven as a family they are.
Co-authored by Chef Kainaz and her sister Tina, they have laid bare everything that is to know about their start up. From the significance behind the name Theobroma to how much they love serving the regulars, big names and how they are never to compromise on the quality of their products has been well described. The writing is warm, lucid and very engaging. I never wanted the book to end. It's moderately paced and covers all the aspects of their start up. The book is not only a memoir for Theobroma but a guide for the people in the food business with a start up as well. Their passion, hard work and dedication will definitely inspire you. Upon completing the book, I felt like I knew the Messman family and the Theobroma team very well. It's been written in a wholesome manner. With a beautiful pastel green cover imbibing their outlet design, this gorgeous and equally well written book is a must read if you have a food start up or are curious about Theobroma or just want to.
September 11, 2020
Truly inspiring!
February 7, 2021
Excellent read (inspiration) for someone who wants to pursue their food dreams!!!
May 24, 2021
The first time I visited a Theobroma branch was in 2018 when a friend and I were exploring South Bombay. We came across this corner patisserie in pastel colours near Dalal street. The patisserie had a feeling of a single branch, small, neighbourhood cafe, while still having the layout of a multibranch store (little did I know, Theobroma has 50+ outlets across India!) There, I had one of my favourite lemon tarts. Baking a Dream is a memoir of this very business. It's a very honest take of Kainaz and the Messmans' story of success.
The book blends in the personal stories of Kainaz and her sister, their ambitions, along with lessons in business that they picked up and implemented along the way. Like a lot of us, Kainaz didn't have a big vision of the business and went where life took her. Kainaz's fundamentals about her business are solid: create a good product and everything good will follow. Each chapter in the book talks about a different aspect of the business, there are chapters about the branding of the business, the management, quality control, and so many chapters dedicated to the Messmans that you'd feel as if you know the family like they're your friends! It's very wholesome. The book also doesn't shy away from telling us the challenges and hurdles the Theobroma family faced while growing their business, and how much of an overhaul was needed when corporate structure was added and expansion was involved. The book also has some short pieces written by some other folks who were a part of the Theobroma journey, and they give some fresh perspective to the story.
Kainaz has been very lucky throughout her life, with supportive parents who were with her through her thick and thin. Sometimes, her privilege shows as the family was relatively well-to-do and Kainaz got to explore places most people don't and live in different countries. But that's not necessarily a bad thing, as Kainaz made the most of what was given to her in life, as we all should. The book is inspiring and challenges the status quo when it comes to a lot of things, especially women-run businesses. It also gives a glimpse to what Theobroma might be up to in the future. Read it if you love business stories, women entrepreneurs, baking, or just a good, wholesome read.
The book blends in the personal stories of Kainaz and her sister, their ambitions, along with lessons in business that they picked up and implemented along the way. Like a lot of us, Kainaz didn't have a big vision of the business and went where life took her. Kainaz's fundamentals about her business are solid: create a good product and everything good will follow. Each chapter in the book talks about a different aspect of the business, there are chapters about the branding of the business, the management, quality control, and so many chapters dedicated to the Messmans that you'd feel as if you know the family like they're your friends! It's very wholesome. The book also doesn't shy away from telling us the challenges and hurdles the Theobroma family faced while growing their business, and how much of an overhaul was needed when corporate structure was added and expansion was involved. The book also has some short pieces written by some other folks who were a part of the Theobroma journey, and they give some fresh perspective to the story.
Kainaz has been very lucky throughout her life, with supportive parents who were with her through her thick and thin. Sometimes, her privilege shows as the family was relatively well-to-do and Kainaz got to explore places most people don't and live in different countries. But that's not necessarily a bad thing, as Kainaz made the most of what was given to her in life, as we all should. The book is inspiring and challenges the status quo when it comes to a lot of things, especially women-run businesses. It also gives a glimpse to what Theobroma might be up to in the future. Read it if you love business stories, women entrepreneurs, baking, or just a good, wholesome read.
January 4, 2022
Anyone who's tried Theobroma brownies knows that they are literally food for the gods (the actual meaning of the word). What most people don't know is that the recipe was born in a small Colaba kitchen, at a neighbour's request.
Baking a Dream: The Theobroma Story is the story of a 'food-obsessed' family that made their culinary dreams come true. Theobroma founders Kainaz and Tina Messman tell the story of how their ambitious and slightly eccentric Parsi family grew a home catering business into a multi-million business venture. From a single cafe with just four tables, Theobroma has today grown into a chain of 50 outlets across the country.
The Messman sisters offer a no-holds-barred look at the challenges of working with family and offer tips on how to turn a passion for baking into a profitable career. Sharing their stumbles and successes, the book also serves as a guide to other entrepreneurs looking to scale their ventures.
The best part? I’ve visited Theobrama’s Colaba outlet several times as it was just a stone-throw distance from my school. I was oblivious to the fact that the Messman sisters had also studied in the same school.
Thanks to the book that I got to re-live those days and I exactly know what went into building their brand. The book also contains the exact recipes of some of their iconic products. You will definitely respect their food more once you know what exactly goes on behind the scene.
Baking a Dream: The Theobroma Story is the story of a 'food-obsessed' family that made their culinary dreams come true. Theobroma founders Kainaz and Tina Messman tell the story of how their ambitious and slightly eccentric Parsi family grew a home catering business into a multi-million business venture. From a single cafe with just four tables, Theobroma has today grown into a chain of 50 outlets across the country.
The Messman sisters offer a no-holds-barred look at the challenges of working with family and offer tips on how to turn a passion for baking into a profitable career. Sharing their stumbles and successes, the book also serves as a guide to other entrepreneurs looking to scale their ventures.
The best part? I’ve visited Theobrama’s Colaba outlet several times as it was just a stone-throw distance from my school. I was oblivious to the fact that the Messman sisters had also studied in the same school.
Thanks to the book that I got to re-live those days and I exactly know what went into building their brand. The book also contains the exact recipes of some of their iconic products. You will definitely respect their food more once you know what exactly goes on behind the scene.
April 26, 2024
Anyone who has tried Theobromas brownies knows that they are literally food for the gods. What most people don't know is that the recipe was born in a small Colaba kitchen at a neighbor's request. Baking a Dream is the story of a food-obsessed family that made their culinary dreams come true. Founders Kainaz and Tina Messman tell the story of how their ambitious and slightly eccentric Parsi family grew a home-catering business into a multi-million dollar venture. From a single café with just four tables, Theobroma has today expanded into a chain of 50 outlets across the country. Sharing their stumbles and successes, the Messman sisters offer a no-holds-barred look at the challenges of working with family and offer tips on how to turn a passion for baking into a profitable career. The book also serves as a guide for other entrepreneurs looking to scale their ventures.
I have been a huge fan of Theobromas's cakes and sandwiches. I never knew the struggle behind making this venture so huge and loved by all! Co-authored by Chef Kainaz and her sister Tina, they have said everything we need to know about their start-up. From the name Theobroma to having chains of outlets across the country, they never compromised on the quality of the products. It's kind of a guide for people in the food business with a start-up as well. Their passion, hard work, efforts, and dedication inspired me. A must read!
I have been a huge fan of Theobromas's cakes and sandwiches. I never knew the struggle behind making this venture so huge and loved by all! Co-authored by Chef Kainaz and her sister Tina, they have said everything we need to know about their start-up. From the name Theobroma to having chains of outlets across the country, they never compromised on the quality of the products. It's kind of a guide for people in the food business with a start-up as well. Their passion, hard work, efforts, and dedication inspired me. A must read!
September 19, 2021
For people who know me knows how much I love food. I love eating, baking, cooking and everything in between. I have always felt connected to food, it has not merely been a three time meal for me.
The author of this book and co founder of Theobroma shares the same zeal. Her love for food has been reflected so well in her book.
'The Theobroma Story' is a journey of a home-catering business into a multi-million dollar venture. The book makes you feel like a part of their journey, a few pages of knowing them feels like a lifetime.
Even though I have never considered to take my passion for food to a professional level, I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
It is like a guide to other entrepreneurs looking to start their own ventures.
I absolutely loved the part where Kainaz shares her journey to France, i loved reading each story of her host parents there.
The book also reminds us the hardship of women in the chef arena.
I loved reading it!
The recipes at the end feels like an achievement of knowing the Messman family, I so wish the recipes had been without eggs but I am definitely trying Mava Cake soon(without eggs ofcourse).
.
Definitely visiting Theobroma as soon as I go to Delhi.
The author of this book and co founder of Theobroma shares the same zeal. Her love for food has been reflected so well in her book.
'The Theobroma Story' is a journey of a home-catering business into a multi-million dollar venture. The book makes you feel like a part of their journey, a few pages of knowing them feels like a lifetime.
Even though I have never considered to take my passion for food to a professional level, I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
It is like a guide to other entrepreneurs looking to start their own ventures.
I absolutely loved the part where Kainaz shares her journey to France, i loved reading each story of her host parents there.
The book also reminds us the hardship of women in the chef arena.
I loved reading it!
The recipes at the end feels like an achievement of knowing the Messman family, I so wish the recipes had been without eggs but I am definitely trying Mava Cake soon(without eggs ofcourse).
.
Definitely visiting Theobroma as soon as I go to Delhi.
March 10, 2023
This is a tell-all book that will immensely help anyone wanting to enter the F&B Industry. In fact, aspiring entrepreneurs from every industry will find plenty to learn from this book.
But this is not only a 'business book'. This book is a journey. It's well-written and the reader feels as if it is the reader that is going through the trials and tribulations, as if the reader is the one who lived in France as an exchange student.
Personally for me, one big reason that I can relate to this book is because Theobroma was birthed in my city. There are three outlets at walking-distance from where I live. I've grown up with Theobroma. That's why knowing what went behind building the brand was such a joy to read. And if you love food and travel like I do, it's a cherry on the cake!
The biggest takeaway from this book though is the importance of a healthy childhood and a supportive family, which may not be perfect, but which is always there to support you at every step of the way.
But this is not only a 'business book'. This book is a journey. It's well-written and the reader feels as if it is the reader that is going through the trials and tribulations, as if the reader is the one who lived in France as an exchange student.
Personally for me, one big reason that I can relate to this book is because Theobroma was birthed in my city. There are three outlets at walking-distance from where I live. I've grown up with Theobroma. That's why knowing what went behind building the brand was such a joy to read. And if you love food and travel like I do, it's a cherry on the cake!
The biggest takeaway from this book though is the importance of a healthy childhood and a supportive family, which may not be perfect, but which is always there to support you at every step of the way.
July 31, 2022
Theobroma, as a brand has been very close to my heart owing to their great quality products. 'Baking a Dream' is a well written account of what is now an iconic brand in India's F&B Industry. Through this book Kainaz has shared her journey of choosing to become a chef, working hard and persevering each day and building Theobroma from scratch with the support from her Family and Friends.
The book also highlights various learnings they have had in this journey of building the business and the do's and don'ts.
Reading this book has made me feel like an insider to the Theobroma journey. Now that I know the entire journey that has gone behind the brownies we get or the sandwiches we eat at their outlets, I'm sure the whole experience will be much more special!
The book also highlights various learnings they have had in this journey of building the business and the do's and don'ts.
Reading this book has made me feel like an insider to the Theobroma journey. Now that I know the entire journey that has gone behind the brownies we get or the sandwiches we eat at their outlets, I'm sure the whole experience will be much more special!
December 9, 2021
Such a simple book and yet with a powerful and inspiring story! Kainaz has written her experiences of setting up Theobroma, her journey and ups and downs. The book has a language to connect to, a story to connect to and a journey to connect to.
Thank you for sharing this, is what I would say to Kainaz! It’s not about the big achievements, it’s the tiny threads that were woven to make the beautiful fabric. Kainaz shows us that and reiterates how perseverance and commitment, passion and product all make a successful entrepreneur!!
Thank you for sharing this, is what I would say to Kainaz! It’s not about the big achievements, it’s the tiny threads that were woven to make the beautiful fabric. Kainaz shows us that and reiterates how perseverance and commitment, passion and product all make a successful entrepreneur!!
August 18, 2024
Kainaz Messman Harchandrai's Baking a Dream: The Theobroma Story is an inspiring and heartwarming account of the journey behind one of India's most beloved patisseries, Theobroma. Through candid reflections and engaging anecdotes, Harchandrai shares the challenges and triumphs of building a bakery brand from the ground up. The book is a delightful blend of personal memoir and business insights, making it a must-read for food lovers and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. It's a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the sweet success that follows.
February 3, 2021
If you want to start a business or open a restaurant, this book is a guide to the failures and successes of a business. It’s the honest revelation of how Theobroma came to be and what it entails to run a family business.
A business is successful, but what goes behind the success is documented in Baking A Dream: The Theobroma Story
A business is successful, but what goes behind the success is documented in Baking A Dream: The Theobroma Story
October 11, 2022
Baking A Dream - The Theobroma Story by Kainaz Messman Harchandrai. Starting up with the idea of a small store in Colaba to more than 100 stores across major metro cities, From a small family run mom and pop business to a professional organisation, Kainaz’s book is a sweet inspirational read. #BookLovers #LoveToRead #dntjbookclub #atozentrepreneurship
September 1, 2020
The book explains well the story of a bakery startup. Privilege shows in the entire book via the author's upbringing, but she has made the most of her work. Good book also on how to scale a passion business using private equity and professional CEO, while still keeping loyal employees
December 23, 2020
An amazing insight into the world of the baking industry in general and Theobroma in specific. Truly a must read for those who wish to understand how the baking industry works.
July 8, 2022
A true delight :)
- A loyal customer for the better part of a decade, a cheerleader for Theo’s brownies, croissants and hot chocolate
- A loyal customer for the better part of a decade, a cheerleader for Theo’s brownies, croissants and hot chocolate
April 13, 2023
From heart of an Entrepreneur.
Words melt just like their Brownie.
Excellent Read.
Words melt just like their Brownie.
Excellent Read.
April 26, 2020
I loved the book. It's an easy read and chalks beautifully the struggle of an entrepreneur. I am bias to theobroma...afterall I have loved their brownies forever.. I have been a loyal customer for the brand ever since they had a single outlet in Colaba. It was fun to read the story and be able to relate to it... It's an inspiring story of a family business which was put together with love and struggle. The book and the brownies are a must try!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews