From Google to Gourmet: The Inspiring Journey of Simmy Dhillon and Simmer Eats
Quitting a high-paying job at Google to pursue a dream may seem daunting, but for 27-year-old Simmy Dhillon, it was a necessary step to create a legacy. Hailing from Hitchin, Hertfordshire, Dhillon turned his passion for cooking into a multimillion-pound business, Simmer Eats. From humble beginnings with just £10 worth of ingredients, he now runs one of the UK's fastest-growing food companies, proving that dreams fueled by determination and sacrifice can lead to extraordinary success.
The Roots of a Dream
Growing up in a working-class household, where his father worked in a factory and his mother in a supermarket, Dhillon witnessed the challenges his parents faced. This motivated him to dream big—not just for himself but also to provide his parents the retirement they deserved.
"The main motivator was seeing my parents struggle and not being in the same position as them as an adult," Dhillon shared.
From Side Hustle to Enterprise
While studying Economics at the University of Bristol, Dhillon began cooking and selling meals to his peers as a side hustle. What started as a small-scale operation to showcase his initiative for future internships quickly grew into something much bigger.
After graduating as the first person in his family to earn a degree, Dhillon secured a marketing job at Google. But the entrepreneurial spark ignited during his university years never left him.
He made the bold decision to leave Google and pour all his energy into building Simmer Eats, co-founding the company with his brother Jhai Dhillon, a former professional footballer and accountant.
Seven Years to Success
Fast forward seven years, Simmer Eats is now a multimillion-pound business, delivering healthy ready meals across the UK. The company has achieved impressive milestones:
- £10M+ in revenue with over 1 million meals sold in the past 12 months.
- Ranked 11th in the Sunday Times Hundred 2024, with annual sales growth of 184% over three years.
- Gained celebrity endorsements from rapper Central Cee and Premier League footballer Alex Iwobi.
Dhillon reflected on his journey:
"Where we are today is exceptional, but it has happened very slowly over seven years time, and we've been working on it every single day."
Building Simmer Eats on Sacrifice
Success didn’t come without challenges. Dhillon recalls sleeping on an airbed on a friend’s kitchen floor in London to save money.
"[Living like that] wasn't fun, but it just made me appreciate a comfortable bed more," Dhillon said. "It made me realise you don’t have to have a lot—you can survive."
His frugality and relentless focus allowed him to invest every penny into his business, gradually transforming it into the thriving enterprise it is today.
The Power of Family
Dhillon co-founded Simmer Eats with his brother Jhai, who left a career in professional football and accounting to join the business. Together, they built a team of 15 full-time employees, including chefs who cook thousands of meals daily.
The brothers credit their parents for instilling a strong work ethic and teaching them the value of resilience.
"Our dad used to say, 'You have to work hard so you don’t end up with a bad job like me.' That’s what motivated us from a young age."
A Dream Fulfilled
In 2024, Dhillon achieved his lifelong goal of funding his parents’ retirement. He described the moment as "a very unique feeling, full of emotion and pride; you've spent your whole life trying to achieve something, and then it finally happens."
What’s Next for Simmer Eats?
Dhillon has set his sights on making Simmer Eats a household name across the UK. Beyond financial success, he’s driven by a desire to build a legacy that reflects his values of hard work, family, and perseverance.
"I want to build a legacy," he said.
An Inspiring Journey
Simmy Dhillon’s story is a testament to the power of determination, sacrifice, and chasing one’s dreams. From sleeping on a blow-up mattress to running a multimillion-pound company, Dhillon embodies the entrepreneurial spirit. His journey inspires others to take risks, overcome challenges, and build a future they can be proud of.