Bimal Bhojani was born in Uganda and was made a refugee by Idi Amin as an infant. He and his parents fled to London, where he grew up in humble surroundings, in a home of 40-50 people. From an early age, Bhojani had two passions: entrepreneurship and sports. After meeting two representatives from Adidas following three years of college, Bhojani convinced them to sell him five pairs of shoes on credit, so he could try to sell them. The rest was history.
Bhojani opened several sports retail stores throughout London before transitioning into currency trading. After overcoming countless obstacles to move to the U.S., he made it in 2007 and by 2009, built his first private school. By 2013, the school reached a maximum of 308 students and had a waitlist.
By 2018, Bhojani exited the business and found himself wondering what could be next. It was one day on a trip to visit family in London, when a vision to continue the family legacy in the coffee and sugar industry presented itself. The first Raining Berries location opened its doors in 2020 and currently has nine locations open and 19 additional sold across the state of Florida.
“Bimal Bhojani is not only a visionary but he’s a man who is constantly seeking innovation and disruption,” said his staff. “He wants to offer something unique to the marketplace and foster connections between people.”
The coffee industry has remained the same for decades and has cried for a major player to come in and offer something new, said Bhojani. By combining ethically sourced coffee with delicious and healthy acai and smoothies, along with a one-of-a-kind space, Raining Berries has created something truly special, he said.
With Raining Berries, Bhojani’s selection has led to several recognitions for the brand. In 2023, the firm was a finalist for best acai in Creative Loafing’s 34th Annual Best of the Bay contest and was named the best coffee shop in the Tampa Bay Times contest. In February 2024, Bhojani was invited to London to speak to an audience at the international law offices of Bird & Bird about Raining Berries and international franchising. He also served as a panelist at the British and International Franchise Exhibition.
According to Bhojani, life is a risk, so it’s important to enjoy every moment by sharing your vision. “You can’t replace yesterday, but one can create tomorrow’s destiny,” he said. “I only have one vision, and that is what you see is what you get, so believe, believe, believe.”
