Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nikhil Baxi, CEO and executive chef of KRAVE INDIAN™, located in Woodbridge, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
KRAVE INDIAN™ is a fast-casual Indian restaurant inspired by the northwestern cuisine of India. It takes inspiration from authentic regional and street food from the Indian subcontinent. Because of its location in Woodbridge Vaughan, Krave Indian™ targets the executives from nearby offices and factories looking for quick meals during lunch and offers casual dining service, take-outs and deliveries during the evening to families and individuals residing in Woodbridge, Vaughan, Brampton, and Kleinberg area of Vaughan in GTA.
Our team is committed to bringing authentic Indian flavours that one craves to your table. Each order is made fresh in a clean and hygienic environment utilizing high-quality ingredients using consistent recipes.
Tell us about yourself
My food cravings and vision inspired the inception of KRAVE INDIAN™. I am the CEO and Executive Chef; I started my career in the food industry with Taj hotels in Mumbai, India, almost 33 years back. " I was privileged to start my career in the food industry with the Taj group of hotels in Mumbai. During my days at Taj President in Colaba Mumbai, I got the opportunity to learn many global cuisines, namely Thai, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, and Italian". My passion for food was one of the reasons that took me to the doors of the catering college. My hunger for good food drove me to join a catering college and become a professional chef. I had the privilege of growing up in a foodie family where cooking was fun. The good home-cooked food was one of the main reasons for our family and friends to come together. I have these fantastic memories of growing up amidst interesting flavours in India. Be it the cumin and asafoetida Tadka (tempering) in the Pancha Ratna Dal specially prepared for dal baati or the aromas of spices being bhuna-od (sautéing) while making Laal Maans (red meat) at home.
My fondness for Indian food continued to drive me to explore Indian cuisine. While I trained to cook and serve food in 5-star kitchens, my love for good food made me explore the various street food joints and local restaurants in Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kota Udaipur, Chandigarh, and wherever he traveled in India. I often analyzed their craving factors, making them unique and famous and leaving an everlasting impression on everyone's tastebuds.
At KRAVE INDIAN™, the menu consists of unique items that one would crave from the northwest regions of India with some exceptional regional specialties from Rajasthan. The company opened for business in 2019 with one goal in mind: to satisfy the cravings of those looking for freshly made authentic regional and street food from India. Thanks to the dedication of our team, our customers believe that we have managed to become masters of the craft. Our customer's feedback and reviews keep us motivated to do what we do each day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a business owner, my biggest accomplishment so far is to convert my dream into reality and continue to build it in the past three years in adverse conditions since its inception in 2019.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is the unpredictability of the business. However much one plan one must be ready to deal with the reality of the situation and improvise a plan to succeed.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be consistent - consistent product and service is the key to retaining old customers and winning new ones.
- Be patient - Success comes to those who believe in their purpose and do not lose focus in the struggle period.
- Keep updating with time - Keep learning and adapting to the industry changes and trends.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.kraveindian.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kraveindian/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krave_indian/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KRAVEINDIAN
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kraveindian/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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