For most students, the period after Class 12 board exams is meant for relaxation. But two teenagers from Surat chose a different path, transforming their summer break into an entrepreneurial journey with a cold coffee startup. (Image-AI)
Shreyanshu Rana and Pratham Pengawala first tested their idea at a school fair, where they sold nearly 150 cups of cold coffee. The enthusiastic response convinced them the concept had real business potential. (Image-Instagram/@aes_the_thick_coffee_surat)
Inspired by the success, the duo spent their post-exam break refining the idea. They aimed to offer café-style cold coffee at student-friendly prices while preparing a practical business plan before stepping into college. (Image-Instagram/@aes_the_thick_coffee_surat)
The friends invested nearly Rs 90,000 to build their own coffee cart from scratch, according to The Better India. Their venture, Aes The Thick Coffee, officially launched in Surat in April 2026, serving premium cold coffee in an open-air setup. (Image-Instagram/@aes_the_thick_coffee_surat)
Business started on a modest note, with around 30 to 35 bottles sold on the opening day. Customer feedback helped them improve their offerings while gradually building a loyal base of regular buyers. (Image-Instagram/@aes_the_thick_coffee_surat)
The coffee cart operates daily from 5:30 PM until midnight, targeting peak student hours. As more customers spread the word, the venture steadily expanded through repeat visits and positive recommendations. (Image-Instagram/@aes_the_thick_coffee_surat)
According to reports, the startup has generated between Rs 1.18 lakh and Rs 1.58 lakh in revenue within less than three months. Their story highlights how a simple school project evolved into a promising business opportunity. (Image-Instagram/@aes_the_thick_coffee_surat)
