Once a frequent customer of Spring Valley Coffee, Ritesh Doshi’s curiosity was piqued by the unparalleled taste of their brew. After successfully selling his Pizza Hut franchise, he found himself drawn to the aromatic world of coffee. As he savored his favorite cup of java after another, sparked an idea that would change the course of his entrepreneurial journey.
This is the story of how Ritesh decided to take the reins and become the proud owner of Spring Valley Coffee as told by WoK;
How it started
Ritesh Doshi is the owner and CEO of Spring Valley Coffee, Kenya’s original specialty coffee roaster, a business he acquired in March 2018.
Prior to his entrepreneurial journey, Ritesh gained experience in investment banking and private equity in Europe, the US, and the Middle East.
He is an active member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and enjoys spending his free time in the forests of Nairobi, walking his two dogs.
Education
Ritesh completed his Bachelor of Science in Management from The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) between 1998 and 2001. He then pursued further education and attended Stanford University Graduate School of Business, where he engaged in a seed program from January 2023 to December 2023.
Professional Background
Armed with a strong educational foundation, Ritesh embarked on his professional career in the financial world, working as an Analyst in the Private Funds Group at Credit Suisse in London, United Kingdom, from June 2001 to January 2002.
He then worked as a Vice President at Probitas Partners in London, United Kingdom, and San Francisco, CA, from June 2002 to June 2006.
Following that, Ritesh served as an International Manager at HSBC in London, United Kingdom, and Amman, Jordan, from December 2008 to December 2011.
Entrepreneurial Journey From Pizza Hut Kenya
After gaining valuable experience in the finance sector, Ritesh decided to pursue his entrepreneurial aspirations. He founded Naked Pizza Kenya and served as its CEO from January 2012 to May 2016.
The business quickly gained recognition and popularity in the local market before being sold to Pizza Hut.
On Becoming Owner and CEO, Spring Valley Coffee
After successfully selling his Pizza Hut franchise, Ritesh acquired Spring Valley Coffee in March 2018. He has served as the CEO of the company since then to date. Located in the heart of Nairobi’s historical coffee area, Spring Valley Coffee has become a beloved destination for coffee enthusiasts.
Ritesh’s vision for the company is centered around promoting local impact, improving the lives of individuals in the coffee value chain, and creating positive social change within the industry.
Social Impact and Supporting Local Communities
The CEO commitment to social impact is reflected in Spring Valley Coffee’s approach. By roasting coffee in Kenya and selling the roasted beans domestically and internationally, the company generates more value within the country.
This allows for higher prices to be paid to farmers, promotes local economic development, and helps address the issue of youth unemployment in Kenya. Ritesh believes in a holistic approach to business, emphasizing the responsibility to improve the lives of those around us.
Reflection and Finding Purpose
Following the sale of Naked Pizza, the entrepreneur took time off to reflect on his next venture. During this period, a friend shared a report highlighting the challenges faced by Kenyan coffee farmers in receiving fair compensation for their beans. This revelation sparked Ritesh’s interest in roasting coffee in Kenya, which led to the acquisition of Spring Valley Coffee.
The opportunity to create economic opportunities for Kenyans while pursuing his passion aligned with Ritesh’s vision of achieving individual and collective success.
Focus on Roasting and Local Impact
Ritesh recognized that roasting coffeein Kenya could significantly benefit both Kenyan coffee farmers and the local economy. Instead of exporting green coffee beans, roasting domestically adds value and creates employment opportunities within the country.
Through his role as the owner and CEO of Spring Valley Coffee, he is contributing to the economic growth of Kenya and empowering local communities. Ritesh’s focus on social impact, dedication to fair compensation for farmers, and passion for coffee have made him a key figure in the Kenyan coffee industry.
