🌱 From Pandemic Panic to Local Solution

In March 2020, as COVID-19 gripped India and lockdowns were enforced, we launched MrGrofer in Dehri-on-Sone & Sasaram, Bihar. Built using Java for the Android app and PHP + Firebase backend, our app connected users to local grocers, vegetable sellers, restaurants, and medical shops. With support from local authorities, colleges, and community leaders, MrGrofer became a critical local tool during a global crisis.

📱 Version 1.0: Essential Delivery App

• Android app in Java
• Firebase for authentication
• Admin added vendors and products manually
• Delivery managed by 27 riders

Unlike national players overwhelmed by demand, MrGrofer delivered within hours thanks to local roots and efficient management.

🚀 Third Wave Pivot: Medical Aid & Doctor Consultation

• 70%+ of catalog converted to medical equipment
• Introduced doctor consultations via WhatsApp video calls
• Reports sent to medical shops for faster delivery

This telemedicine feature was crucial during the medical supply shortages and resonated with global healthcare tech trends.

📣 Government Alerts & Public Health Notices

We integrated real-time push notifications and popup alerts with local authority guidance: mask mandates, curfew times, and help contacts. It increased trust and reliability, with praise from local media.

👥 Team Behind the Screens

• 2 Founders: Chandeshwar Sharma & Ankit Kumar
• 1 Manager: Abhishek Kumar
• 27 Delivery Boys

All operations were coordinated using WhatsApp groups, Excel sheets, and basic mobile tracking—no fancy dashboards.

🔧 Tech Stack Growth

1. Basic app with product catalog
2. Firebase OTP & SMS
3. Real-time order updates
4. Telemedicine through WhatsApp integration
5. Push notification alerts and order status tracking

🎯 Impact & Recognition

• Delivered 70% of all local medical needs during peak COVID-3
• 100+ daily orders
• Recognized by Bihar Govt, college, and local bodies
• Social recognition: Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter)

📊 Challenges Overcome

• Inventory shortages
• Manual delivery coordination
• Financial credit to local shops
• Trust building during panic

🔮 Roadmap Ahead

• React Native App with Kotlin backend
• MySQL + Cloud hosting
• Vendor analytics dashboard
• Real-time GPS tracking for orders
• Green packaging and eco delivery

💡 Advice to Young Founders

1. Start local and small
2. Use tools like Firebase and WhatsApp creatively
3. Collect feedback and adapt fast
4. Work with community leaders
5. Keep building—even without funding

🙌 Final Thoughts

MrGrofer wasn’t just an app—it was a community effort powered by students, tech, and trust. It proved that impactful tech can come from anywhere, even small towns with big hearts.

🔗 Useful Links

• JustDial Listing
• Restaurant Guru Listing
• Crunchbase Profile
• Play Store App