HattiKaapi’s Second Innings: Recycled Teenagers at Work!

Some businesses are built on ideas, others on opportunities. But HattiKaapi was built on emotion, memory, and a deep love for people—especially senior citizens.

For Mahendar, the Founder and CEO, losing his father at just 20 left an unfillable void. But rather than letting grief consume him, he chose to honor his father’s memory by seeing him in every elderly person he met. As he grew older and embarked on his entrepreneurial journey, he knew one thing for sure—his company wouldn’t just serve coffee; it would serve people, particularly those who often feel forgotten: senior citizens.

A Dream Fueled by Wisdom

HattiKaapi was founded with a simple yet powerful vision—to serve India’s most authentic South Indian filter coffee. But Mahendar knew that wisdom and experience were just as important as passion.

That’s when he met Mr. Lakshmana Swamy, a 75-year-old industry veteran with decades of experience in the food and beverage sector (Hindustan Lever). More than just a mentor, Mr. Swamy became a guiding force, sharing his knowledge and passion for coffee.

Even after his passing at the age of 95, his legacy lives on, inspiring HattiKaapi’s leadership team. His story is a testament to the fact that age is never a barrier to contribution, nor is retirement the end of one’s purpose.

The Birth of the “Second Innings Club”

With gratitude in his heart and a desire to give back, Mahendar took his commitment even further. He founded “The Second Innings Club”, a special initiative that welcomes senior citizens back into the workforce, giving them a renewed sense of purpose, dignity, and joy.

Through this initiative, HattiKaapi hires senior citizens across various roles—from managing counters and greeting customers to assisting with logistics and mentoring younger employees.

A Job, A Purpose, A New Beginning

For these “recycled teenagers”, as Mahendar fondly calls them, working at HattiKaapi isn’t just about earning a paycheck. It’s about:

• Feeling valued in a society that often sidelines the elderly.
• Financial independence, proving that age is never a barrier to self-reliance.
• Finding joy in companionship, working alongside younger generations who respect and learn from their wisdom.

For many, it’s a second chance at life—a fresh start where they aren’t just waiting for time to pass, but actively living each day with meaning and fulfillment.

A Legacy of Inclusivity and Respect

Today, HattiKaapi is more than just a coffee brand—it’s a company that stands for people, dignity, and inclusion. From empowering differently-abled individuals to embracing senior citizens, HattiKaapi continues to redefine what a truly inclusive workplace looks like.

And at the heart of it all is Mahendar—with a twinkle in his eyes and a heart full of love, reminding us that no one is ever too old to dream, to work, or to belong.

What a blessing, indeed.