It all began when Ravi Singh and his business partner Sami Karras dared to challenge Australia’s conventional dining norms. In 2018, after three years perfecting the elusive “Kajun” spice recipe, they launched their first restaurant in Petersham, Sydney—on 17 September 2018—introducing Australians to a Cajun-style seafood boil like none before: gloves, bibs, no plates, and hands-on feasting.
Ravi’s ingenious rebranding—from Cajun with a “C” to Kajun with a “K”—did more than just spice up the name. It embedded a storytelling ethos and instantly distinguished Kickin’Inn in a crowded market. The “messy eating” concept, once seen as unsociable, became the brand’s signature—and a badge of fun.
A Grit-Fueled Rise
Ravi Singh emerges as a hero forged in entrepreneurial grit. He navigated early challenges—like sourcing authentic sauces and convincing Australians to embrace off-beat communal dining—and transformed them into strengths. His strategy wasn’t just about food—it was about fostering connection, joy, and belonging. As he famously puts it, “We’re not just serving seafood. We’re serving connection, laughter, and love,” adding: “One bite, one laugh, one memory at a time”
Today, Kickin’Inn is one of Australia’s fastest-growing chains. As of mid-2025, they boast 27 locations, with more in the pipeline Their growth trajectory is steep: from a single Petersham location in 2018 to restaurants in NSW, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth—and counting.
A Vision Rooted in Community
For Ravi, business success is inseparable from purpose. He launched a Kids Eat Free initiative—every child under eight dines free nationwide—not as a promotion, but as a heartfelt gesture. He’s also fiercely committed to social causes: Kickin’Inn supports charities like Little Wings, the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Dementia Australia, and during COVID-19, provided meals to frontline workers.
Ravi leads with the four pillars of his business DNA: People, Sales, Profits, and Community. His “500-strong tribe” of staff are invited to feel like part-owners—as “flame-bearers” pushing the brand ahead. “People is our game,” he says. “Our fans, our tribe, and our suppliers are the flame-bearers who move the needle”
Looking Ahead: An Australian Empire
Ravi and Sami began with a small Petersham pilot in 2018. Less than seven years later, Kickin’Inn has exploded to 27 sites and a goal to reach 50 restaurants by 2030—a number Ravi believes they’ll exceed.
Ravi positions himself not just as a CEO, but as a cultural architect who has redefined Australia’s seafood dining culture: inviting us to ditch table etiquette in favor of laughter, sauce-slicked camaraderie, and a taste of something boldly new.
