With 40 shops, Naganathar is a synonym for tea in Trichy

Trichy: The name Naganathar has become synonymous with

tea

in Trichy with a chain of over 40 tea shops found in almost in every crowded location in the city.

The business was started by a family from an agrarian village in Ramanthapuram district who migrated to Trichy to do milk business three decades ago and slowly expanded their reach. Naganathar tea shop is now a household name in the city for its unique taste and is found at almost at every major junction in the city.

Unlike other tea stalls in thed city, what makes their tea special is a combination of two types of dust tea brands, the proprietors claim. And the milk for all the shops is procured from Namakkal.

“It was my uncle who first migrated to Trichy from Ramanathapuram district,” said R Muthu Kumar, 62, the founding owner of the chain, who was into supply of milk from Namakkal to tea shops in the city.

Muthu Kumar came along with his brother-in-law and decided to set up his own tea shop in Trichy. The first shop was started behind Anna statue near Chatram bus stand in 1978.

“But the journey wasn’t very pleasant,” recollects Muthu Kumar while narrating how they had to overcome threat from a local rowdy Pitchaimuthu who had once hacked a man inside the tea shop.

“We were able to overcome hurdles with patronage from people and also a set of loyal workers who stood by me at all times and kept me moving ahead, no matter what,” said Muthu Kumar. The shop expanded to Anna Salai, Othakadai, Thiruvalluvar bus stand, Kajah pettai, Trichy Junction roundabout, court premises and other parts of the city.

There are now over 15 members of the family who manage more than a tea shop in many parts of the city.

Naganathar shops are also run by non-family members who were made owners of branches in recognition of their long service.

Starting his career as a cleaner at the tea shop near the Cantonment police station by cleaning glasses and vessels, U Murthy, 54, has become a tea master today.

“I had no reasons to move out of Naganathar,” says Murthy who is associated with Naganathar for three decade now. “The owner not only helped me get married but has also rendered support in helping my son,” he said.

More than the taste, people frequent Naganathar for the warm reception they get after a couple of visits to the tea shops. While regular customers are key to their success, these shops located at strategic points also help them stay ahead in the competitive market. Most of the shops are located at points where roads converge, giving them opening on two sides to attend more people.