For many people in their 50s, the idea of starting a new career or business can feel daunting. However, Reshma Suresh, the founder of Tocco, has turned this notion on its head by empowering people in this age group to rediscover their culinary talents and make a living doing what they love. Tocco is a food startup that helps home chefs—especially those in their 50s—share their regional delicacies with the world, turning nostalgia-filled recipes into a thriving business.

Started with the mission to provide home chefs with a platform to showcase their culinary skills, Tocco today is an established brand, earning Rs 1 crore annually. It’s not just about making money; it’s about giving these chefs an identity, a sense of purpose, and the opportunity to craft meals that connect with their cultural roots.

The Birth of Tocco

The idea for Tocco came from Reshma Suresh’s personal experiences and passion for regional food. She noticed that many talented cooks in their 50s and beyond were often overlooked when it came to professional cooking opportunities. Many of them had years of experience cooking for family and friends but lacked the platform to reach a larger audience.

Reshma, herself in her 50s, understood the challenges of this age group, especially women, when it came to finding new career opportunities. With a deep respect for the culinary traditions of India and a desire to bring home-cooked food back to the forefront of people’s dining experiences, Reshma founded Tocco. The platform connects passionate, skilled cooks with customers looking for authentic, wholesome meals made with love and tradition.

Empowering Home Chefs to Thrive

One of Tocco’s most innovative aspects is its ability to empower home chefs. The platform allows chefs to sell their homemade regional delicacies directly to consumers, earning a steady income while doing something they love. Tocco focuses on promoting small-batch, handmade foods that carry the essence of local flavors, prepared using time-honored techniques passed down through generations.

By providing home chefs the tools and support they need to sell their food, Tocco helps them create a sustainable income. These chefs are encouraged to produce their culinary masterpieces in their own kitchens, ensuring that each dish is prepared with utmost care and attention to detail. Whether it’s a traditional Biryani, homemade pickles, or regional sweets, Tocco helps chefs share their passion for cooking while earning a livelihood.

The Special Touch: Nostalgia and Authenticity

What sets Tocco apart is its focus on nostalgia. The startup encourages its home chefs to create meals that invoke memories of childhood, family gatherings, and hometown flavors. Each dish tells a story—of a grandmother’s recipe, a beloved street food, or a secret spice blend passed down through generations. This sense of nostalgia resonates deeply with customers, many of whom are looking for comfort food that reminds them of their roots.

Tocco’s dishes are more than just food; they are an experience. Whether it’s a spice-infused curry, a crispy snack, or a dessert made with local fruits, every product carries the flavors of home. This authenticity has helped Tocco build a loyal customer base that appreciates not only the quality of the food but also the personal stories behind each dish.

A Business that Gives Back

Tocco’s success is not just measured in profits but also in the impact it has had on the lives of its home chefs. For many of them, Tocco has been a life-changing opportunity. The platform has helped people rediscover their purpose and build confidence. By giving them a chance to share their cooking skills, Tocco has enabled these chefs to contribute to their families’ financial well-being while doing something they love.

Tocco also creates a sense of community. Home chefs interact with customers and fellow cooks, exchanging tips, stories, and experiences. It has become a space where people can come together, celebrate their shared love for food, and support each other in their entrepreneurial journeys.

Scaling the Business

Since its inception, Tocco has scaled rapidly, with chefs from across the country joining the platform. The business has grown to earn Rs 1 crore annually, serving a large customer base looking for healthy, wholesome meals. Tocco’s success can be attributed to its strong values—authenticity, quality, and empowerment.

The company also focuses on offering meals that cater to busy lifestyles. In a world where time is often limited, Tocco provides customers with convenient access to healthy, home-cooked meals that they can trust. The meals are freshly prepared, free from preservatives, and packed with the nutrients and flavors that busy individuals crave.

Looking Ahead

As Tocco continues to grow, Reshma Suresh plans to expand the platform, bringing in more home chefs from different regions of India and beyond. She envisions Tocco becoming a global brand, known for its high-quality, regional, and authentic food offerings. There are also plans to introduce more categories of food, catering to different dietary preferences and modern culinary trends.

For now, the focus remains on supporting the community of chefs that Tocco has built. Reshma believes that by empowering individuals in their 50s and beyond, Tocco is not just building a food business but a movement that celebrates the joy of cooking, the importance of tradition, and the power of entrepreneurship.

Conclusion

Tocco is more than just a food startup; it is a platform that empowers individuals, especially those in their 50s, to turn their culinary talents into a source of income and pride. Reshma Suresh’s vision of providing home chefs with the opportunity to create and share their regional delicacies has helped thousands of people rediscover their passion for cooking and find new purpose in their later years. As Tocco continues to grow, it remains dedicated to serving delicious, wholesome meals made with care, while empowering individuals to build an identity and livelihood through their love for food.

By offering a platform for authentic, homemade food and empowering chefs to build a sustainable income, Tocco is reshaping the way we think about cooking, entrepreneurship, and regional cuisine.