Year of Establishment: 1939
Founding visionaries: Govindan and his son P. M. Valsan
Current leader: Sumesh Govind (son of the founder)
Flagship brands: Paragon, Fort Paragon, Salkara, Salkara Express, M Grill, Brown Town, Café Calicut, Meat & Mackerel, Appam & Co., and Paragon Specialty Catering
Areas of operation: Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Dubai, and Sharjah
What began in Kozhikode has today evolved into an international culinary phenomenon. With its diverse flavours and uncompromising authenticity, Paragon has become a true global ambassador of Malabar cuisine, capturing the hearts of Malayalis around the world.
How did this legacy brand take shape? What principles built its foundation? And what continues to drive its success?
“Paragon’s story is rooted in consistency, innovation, and emotional connection,” says Sumesh Govind, the current torchbearer of the family legacy. Over the decades, the brand has earned numerous national and international accolades, consistently featuring among the top-rated restaurants in India and Dubai — a testament to its enduring quality and vision.
The venture was founded in 1939 by my grandfather and father, during the British era. There’s a popular story that the name Paragon was suggested by the wife of a British officer who governed the region at the time. But for me, Paragon isn’t just a name handed down by someone — it is my field of duty and devotion.
In English, the word Paragon means “beyond excellence.” Linguistically, it has Greek origins. In Greek, paragon refers to the stone used to sharpen the knives that cut diamonds. That meaning resonates deeply with me and defines how I interpret the spirit of our brand.
A diamond, one of the hardest substances in the universe, appears at first to be an ordinary stone. What transforms it into something precious are five elements — its carat, colour, cut, clarity, and the character of the person who presents it.
In the same way, Paragon’s success is built on the collective brilliance of a team. This team is the reason Paragon shines. My role is that of a knife — one that polishes, cuts, and shapes each member of the Paragon family into a diamond. And Paragon itself is the whetstone that sharpens and refines that knife.
That is how I see our name — not just as a brand, but as a reflection of our purpose and craft.
I lost my father when I was very young. Even while he was alive, he didn’t give me much — and that, in a way, became my greatest lesson. My childhood and adolescence were marked by deprivation; I truly understood what it meant to go without. Perhaps it was that very sense of lack that instilled in me a relentless determination to succeed at whatever I chose to do as an adult.
I don’t believe in surrender. I believe in conquering. That drive — often described as aggressive — is what has lifted Paragon to where it stands today.
Paragon, by nature, has always been dynamic. As a business, it grows organically, not through acquisitions or forced expansion. Whenever an opportunity presents itself, we pursue it with intent — but never at the cost of our values or balance. For instance, Paragon’s entry into Mumbai wasn’t part of an aggressive expansion plan; it was simply the right moment, the right environment. The opportunity appeared, and we rose to meet it.
I have always believed in divine timing. I believe that if we give our best effort, God leads us exactly where we are meant to be. That philosophy continues to guide every step of Paragon’s growth — steady, sincere, and purposeful.
Business, to me, is a journey — a continuous one towards an ever-evolving destination. Along the way, there are stretches where the road is smooth and effortless, and moments when the path turns rough. Sometimes the tyre punctures; sometimes the vehicle itself breaks down.
What do we do then? We pause where we must, repair what needs fixing, and move forward again — mindful of the road’s rhythm and texture. That is how I approach business as well: with patience, awareness and a willingness to adapt. The idea is not just to reach the destination, but to enjoy the journey in its entirety.
In this journey, I am surrounded by many kinds of people. Some are bold and assertive, others calm and reflective. Some are strong; others are still finding their strength. Together, they form my team — a diverse group drawn from every walk of life. My role is to polish each of them, bringing out their best and blending their strengths into one cohesive force.
That is how we travel — together — on Paragon’s road towards excellence.
At Paragon, innovation is not a slogan — it is a discipline. We place great emphasis on research, experimentation and creative development. Every new idea, whether it’s a recipe, a process or a customer experience, goes through thoughtful exploration before reaching our guests. This relentless pursuit of originality is what truly sets Paragon apart.
If innovation fuels creativity in business, sensitivity anchors it in humanity. At Paragon, we believe that empathy and responsibility must guide every decision. Cleanliness and hygiene are not limited to our restaurants — they extend into every aspect of our management, from accounting practices to HR policies. Good business, after all, is not just about profit; it’s about care, respect and consistency.
I believe that vision should not belong only to the brand — it should belong to every person who helps build it. At Paragon, I encourage every team member to have a personal vision, a sense of purpose beyond their professional role. Work and life must remain in balance, and success must be holistic. We are committed to creating a platform where each individual can define and achieve their own goals while contributing to Paragon’s larger mission.
