We’re in one of the most frustrating economies in recent memory. It’s not a full-on recession yet because, despite layoffs in tech, unemployment is generally low. But inflation is high, interest rates are high, and people aren't buying like they used to. And it's causing some serious sales slumps.

He started out as a software professional, working with multinational companies. Then 13 years ago, Sreenivas Dasari pivoted to something entirely different, helping launch the 7 Food Court along a busy stretch of highway between the south Indian cities of Hyderabad and Vijayawada. The gleaming rest stop offers travelers a place to refuel with hearty local fare like dosas and idlis, while teenagers mill around sipping cold drinks from the Thick Shake Factory.