Deepinder Goyal, CEO of Zomato, recently shared the backstory of how the popular food delivery platform got its name. Appearing on The Great Indian Kapil Show with his wife, Gia Goyal, Goyal explained how the company went from a tomato-inspired idea to becoming the globally recognized Zomato.
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The Original Name Choice: Tomato
Initially, Goyal wanted to name his food delivery company “Tomato,” a simple, catchy word that resonated with food. However, he ran into a common issue— the domain name was already taken. This prompted Goyal and his team to think creatively about alternatives, ultimately leading to the now-iconic name Zomato.
“We wanted ‘tomato.com’ but couldn’t secure the domain,” Goyal explained with a smile, recalling how a small change transformed the brand’s identity.
The Inspiration Behind “Zomato”
During the show, host Kapil Sharma humorously questioned Goyal, asking about the meaning of “Zomato” and how it differs from the everyday word “tomato.” Goyal shared that the name Zomato emerged by replacing a letter from “tomato” to make it unique and accessible online.
“We just changed an alphabet and got Zomato.com,” Goyal said, recounting how this quick, creative solution led to a distinct brand name.
The Marketing Genius of Zomato’s Notifications
Kapil Sharma also asked Goyal about Zomato’s memorable and often humorous notifications, which many users see as playful and engaging. Goyal revealed that his marketing team took inspiration from his approach of “building a relationship with the customer,” even integrating some of his personal romantic messages to his wife into the app’s notifications.
“Sometimes, my romantic messages to Gia inspire the app’s notifications,” Goyal shared, adding that he gives full credit to his marketing team for their creativity.
Deepinder Goyal Meeting His Wife, Gia Goyal
During the episode, Goyal also opened up about his relationship with his wife, Gia Goyal (formerly Grecia Munoz from Mexico). Recounting their first meeting, he mentioned that friends set them up, encouraging him to meet her with the idea that he would ultimately marry her.
“When I first met Gia, it felt like fate,” he said, describing how their relationship blossomed from a friend’s suggestion.
Zomato’s Growth and Future Innovations
Zomato has evolved from a small startup into a global food delivery giant. With a commitment to innovation, the platform recently introduced a “Food Rescue” feature to address order cancellations, aiming to reduce food wastage and enhance customer experience. Goyal’s leadership has helped shape Zomato’s distinct brand voice, further establishing the company’s connection with its customer base.
From its quirky name to its engaging notifications, Zomato has captured the hearts of millions, thanks to Deepinder Goyal’s vision and leadership. The story of Zomato’s name reminds us how a small, creative pivot can leave a lasting mark, turning an everyday word into a brand loved worldwide. As Zomato continues to innovate, Goyal’s passion for both his company and his team remains the driving force behind its growth.
