From a Small Shop to a Retail Empire: The Rise of Min Bahadur Gurung, Nepal’s Supermarket King

A few familiar names come up when people talk about the biggest names in Nepal’s business world. But the story of Min Bahadur Gurung stands out, possibly because it is rooted in ordinary Nepalis’ daily struggles. He is the man behind Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket, the largest retail chain in the country, and one of the most quietly influential figures in the Nepalese retail market.

What’s fascinating about Min Bahadur Gurung isn’t just the size of his empire today, but where it all began. The tiny corner shop, barely big enough to swing a bag of rice, has somehow grown into a household name. It’s one of those stories that makes you wonder how much of success is planning and how much is stubborn, unglamorous persistence.

In a country where big business names often seem distant, Min Bahadur Gurung’s journey still feels surprisingly relatable.

Early Life and Background of Min Bahadur Gurung

Humble beginnings in the hills of Nepal

Min Bahadur Gurung grew up in an isolated village in Khotang District, Nepal, a quiet, rugged place where life was simple and opportunities were limited. Growing up in a large family of six siblings, his childhood was filled with the ordinary joys and struggles familiar to many in rural Nepal. Since private schooling was a distant dream for any rural child, Gurung was a pampered son through the politeness of his father and mother, given whatever little comfort his parents could afford.

Min Bahadur Gurung was curious and ambitious from an early age. One example that remained with him was the legend of Madame Marie Curie melting down 17 tons of stone to harvest a bean-sized piece of radium. For Gurung, this was not only a science lesson but also a lesson in perseverance.

Another strong influence was his high school teacher, Megnath Lamsal, whose inspirational class encouraged Gurung to believe in himself and that he could achieve greater things. Though the two-hour walk to class daily was brutal, he eagerly looked forward to the lessons. It was in the hills that the seeds of tempered hope took root, shaping the man he would become.

Educational and personal values shaping his journey

Life took a turn for him when he failed his SLC exams, shocking his teachers, classmates, and family members, who held high expectations of him. In Nepal, SLC results often shape people’s futures, which is a disaster for someone considered a bright student. But Min Bahadur Gurung now sees that moment as a defining one. It forced him to abandon beliefs and reconsider where he was headed.

Without passing SLC, pursuing the science stream, a path usually reserved for high achievers, was no longer possible. But failure didn’t end his story; it redirected it.

Armed with Rs 400 from his father, Gurung left for Kathmandu. He was unsure what he was chasing, but he was sure he didn’t want to fade into obscurity. Jobs were scarce, and money was tighter. Eventually, he landed a job at Nepal Bank Limited, starting in Nepalgunj. It was a stable job, and he settled into this predictable routine for a while.

But predictability never quite suited him.

After two years, he managed a transfer back to Kathmandu, a move that changed everything. While working full-time at the bank, he began attending morning college classes and pursuing his master’s degree. During this period, he started dabbling in retail, selling small goods. What began as a part-time gig to supplement his income slowly became bigger.

He married Sabitri Ghale Gurung, a girl from his village, further rooting himself in both family and ambition. As his retail sideline began to show promise, Gurung realized he’d stumbled onto something with potential. It wasn’t long before the side hustle became his calling. He left his secure banking job and turned his modest retail venture into a full-time profession, a decision that, at the time, must have seemed risky but would eventually lay the foundation for the Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket empire.

The story is inspirational and aspirational because it conveys that anyone with a dream can rise above adversity. It is also inspirational because it tells of those few humbling choices made when faced with necessity, faith, and a willingness to start all over again at the drop of a hat after each of life’s setbacks.

The Start of Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket

The story of Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket didn’t start with huge investment deals or fancy board meetings. It began humbly in 1984 (2041 B.S.) when Mr. and Mrs. Gurung, with the help of a single staff member, opened a small grocery store in a single shutter space of just 120 sq. ft. The initial investment was Rs. 35,000, and on a good day, they made about NPR 2,000 in sales. It wasn’t much, but for Gurung, it was a brave step away from the safety of his bank job into the unpredictable world of retail.

His vision was clear. In 1992, he expanded that tiny shop into a two-floor, 3,000 sq. ft. supermarket with an investment of NPR 2.5 million. Daily sales shot up to NPR 50,000, and he built a small team of 11 dedicated staff members.

Later, the dream grew bigger with his family deeply involved, his wife, son, and daughter supervising new store constructions. A milestone came in 2008 with the opening of the Maharajgunj superstore, Bhat-Bhateni’s first major outlet. Soon after, three more stores appeared in Koteshwor, Kathmandu, marking the true beginning of Gurung’s retail empire.

READ MORE: From Noodles to a Billion-Dollar Empire: The Binod Chaudhary Story

Min Bahadur Gurung Net Worth

Today, Min Bahadur Gurung is one of the most successful and respected figures in Nepal’s business scene. His financial journey from a small grocery store in the 1980s to a retail empire is remarkable. According to Gurung’s estimates, around 2025, considering the scale, revenues, and assets of Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket, the estimate is at NPR 40 to 50 billion (approximately USD 300 to 400 million). This is an almost remarkable number when you consider its humble origins in the hills of Khotang District and a humble initial investment of Rs. 35,000.

However, the numbers are not the only measure of Gurung’s wealth. It speaks to decades of patience, resilience, and an ability to read the local market that few others could. Every expansion, ranging from a small shop to a multi-storey supermart, was mapped out and, for most, financed by reinvesting his profits instead of taking institutional funding.

His financial success also speaks to the sheer growth of Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket, now Nepal’s largest and most popular retail chain. With over 27 outlets, 13 inside Kathmandu and 14 outside Kathmandu, and approximately 4500 employees, it generates daily revenue exceeding NRs. 3.5 crores. Despite all these achievements, Gurung nevertheless kept himself under the radar, focusing on work rather than going for the limelight. Truly, his story tells of how riches can quietly follow when hard work is put in.

Wife, Children, and Personal Life

At the core of Min Bahadur Gurung’s remarkable feat is a tight family that has stood firmly by him all along. Before even considering the prospect of building a retail empire, Min Bahadur Gurung married Sabitri Ghale Gurung, who was also from his village in Khotang. Based on trust, courage, and ambition, their relationship has been an unheard-of prophecy for the evolution of Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket.

Sabitri Ghale Gurung didn’t just sit back and watch her husband work; she also helped in many different ways. She worked hard and got involved in the business, especially when it grew fastest. Whether supervising the building of new stores or taking care of the daily running of the business, Sabitri made sure every part of the growing company was looked after.

Their son, Kalyan Gurung, manages all store developments and helps with the daily routine at Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket. Working closely with his father, Kalyan helps ensure the family embraces its core values while the retail business grows quickly.

Their daughter has made a difference by starting social projects at the business, including the Made in Nepal campaign, which encourages people to buy Nepali products and helps local makers. Her efforts make the Gurung family business more connected to the people and help build a better community and business in Nepal.

Awards and Achievements of Min Bahadur Gurung

• Honored with a high civilian award by the Government of Nepal in 2018 for his contribution to the country’s retail industry and employment generation.
• Built Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket into Nepal’s retail chain with over 27 outlets, 5,200+ employees, and daily sales exceeding NPR 5.5 crore.
• Recognized as the largest taxpayer in Nepal’s retail sector, consistently contributing to the national economy.
• Donated over NPR 110 million in 2024 to assist flood and landslide victims across Nepal, reflecting his commitment to social welfare.
• Expanded into the financial sector by acquiring a significant stake in Roadshow Securities, entering Nepal’s stock brokerage market.

A Legacy Built on Humility, Resilience, and Quiet Ambition

The story of Min Bahadur Gurung is one of quiet persistence, family values, and unwavering belief in hard work. From a tiny grocery shop with a single shutter to leading Nepal’s largest supermarket chain, his journey proves that success isn’t always about where you start, but how steadily and honestly you move forward.

What makes Min Bahadur Gurung’s story special isn’t just how much money he’s made or the number of convenience stores he has; it’s more about how he changed many lives and gave hope to people in his village. He believed in and held on to these values throughout his life. Resilience, simplicity, and treating others well. Despite facing many troubles and problems, from failing the SLC to coping with Nepal’s changing economy, he was always mindful of what was expected of him.

Today, with Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket thriving, his children are actively involved in the business, and his family supports him at every turn. Min Bahadur Gurung’s legacy is firmly in place. More than a businessman, he’s an example for young Nepali entrepreneurs, showing that with determination and patience, it’s possible to shape your future, no matter how modest the beginnings.

His life reminds us that sometimes history is made not with loud announcements but through steady, purposeful steps, like Gurung’s journey from Khotang to Kathmandu’s retail empire.

Min Bahadur Gurung Quick Facts

Previous Article From Noodles to a Billion-Dollar Empire: The Binod Chaudhary Story