The former India cricket team captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, has stepped into the kitchen – this time as an investor – backing House of Biryan (HOB), a chef-led, tech-powered cloud kitchen brand redefining how biryani is served and savoured.
Known for its “Meri Wali Biryani” concept, HOB lets customers personalise everything – from spice levels to ingredients – bringing a bespoke touch to one of India’s most-loved dishes.
With Dhoni’s strategic investment, HOB is gearing up for a global sprint. The brand plans to launch in Australia, Japan, the UK, and North America, targeting 120–150 kitchens worldwide and ₹450–550 crore in revenue over the next three years.
Speaking about the partnership, MS Dhoni said, “I’ve always believed in backing teams with strong vision, disciplined execution, and a deep connection to their roots. House of Biryan has brought that vision to life, and I’m happy to be part of their journey as they are ready to take this Indian classic from kitchens to hearts worldwide.”
Mohammed Bhol, Co-Founder and CEO, House of Biryan, added, “Welcoming MS Dhoni to the HOB family isn’t just about fame – It stands for clarity under pressure and consistency at scale – exactly what we’re building: precision on the plate, every single time. Together, we’re building not just a brand – we’re reshaping how the world sees biryani.”
Founded in 2022 by Bhol and Chef Mikhail Shahani, HOB has grown from a single outlet to over 20 kitchens across Mumbai, Delhi, and Dubai – driven by a tech-first approach to cloud kitchens and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Dhoni’s move is part of a wider trend of Indian sports icons entering the F&B space, leveraging their credibility and following to back scalable consumer brands. For Dhoni, it’s another addition to an already diverse commercial portfolio – from equity stakes in Garuda Aerospace and EMotorad to ventures like Seven (sportswear), 7InkBrews (beverages), and Tagda Raho (fitness).
Off the field, he remains one of India’s most bankable endorsers, associated with brands such as ACKO, Gulf Oil, Mastercard, Swaraj Tractors, Zed Black Agarbatti, and Dettol.
With his strategic capital and global pull, HOB is positioning itself as an ambassador for Indian comfort food, hoping to tap into the growing international appetite for customisable, experience-led dining.
