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Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
Kolapasi Indian Canteen is a first-of-its-kind Quick Service Indian Restaurant (QSR) located in Charlotte, North Carolina, near the Charlotte Premium Outlet Mall in the Steele Creek area. Our concept redefines Indian dining by allowing guests to See, Taste, and Order — a unique “Taste-Before-You-Buy” experience that lets customers sample multiple dishes before deciding what they’d like to enjoy, making us very unique when it comes to Indian Culinary experience in the USA. We specialize in authentic, slow-cooked Indian curries, crafted fresh daily with no MSG, no preservatives, and no artificial colors or flavors. Every dish — from our signature Butter Chicken and Chicken Chukka to our Changezi Paneer and the fan-favorite Buttery Flaky Parotta (the Naan Killer) — celebrates the true flavors of India while being served in a modern, quick-service setting where meals are ready in just minutes.
Beyond dine-in and takeout, we also offer office and event catering across Charlotte, NC delivering the same freshness and flavor at scale. Our mission is simple — to introduce Charlotte to the best Indian food near the Charlotte Premium Outlets, served fast, fresh, and full of soul.
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Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
I’m one of the co-owners of Kolapasi Indian Canteen – Charlotte, and I’m proud to say that our restaurant is jointly owned and operated by two women entrepreneurs who turned their shared love for authentic Indian food into a full-fledged culinary experience for the Charlotte community.
My professional background is in pharmaceuticals, while my business partner comes from the banking and financial sector. Although our careers began in very different industries, we’ve both always been deeply passionate about food — the kind that’s slow-cooked with care, filled with flavor, and true to its roots. We’ve always believed that great food doesn’t need shortcuts — just the right ingredients, time, and love.
That shared passion inspired us to become affiliated partner with the Kolapasi brand and open an outlet right here in the Steele Creek area of Charlotte, near the Charlotte Premium Outlet Mall. What drew us to Kolapasi was its unique and transparent dining concept — the “See, Taste, Order” model, where guests can sample dishes before choosing what to eat. It’s the first experiential quick-service Indian restaurant (EQSR) of its kind in the U.S., and it perfectly captures our belief that food should speak for itself.
We take great pride in serving authentic South and North Indian curries that are free from MSG, preservatives, and artificial colors, using traditional recipes and techniques that preserve both flavor and nutrition. Dishes like our Butter Chicken, Chicken Chukka, Changezi Paneer, and our signature Buttery Flaky Parotta — lovingly called the “Naan Killer” — have become local favorites.
Our biggest achievement has been watching how quickly the Charlotte community has embraced us, making Kolapasi one of the highest-rated Indian restaurants in the city. But even more rewarding is seeing how this journey has inspired other women entrepreneurs to follow their passion. For us, Kolapasi isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a statement that authenticity, quality, and heart-led leadership can redefine dining experiences in America.
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What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
The inspiration to bring Kolapasi Indian Canteen to Charlotte came from our shared passion for authentic Indian food and the dream of creating something meaningful within our community. Both of us have always been passionate home cooks — experimenting with traditional recipes, balancing spices, and recreating the flavors we grew up with. But as food lovers living in Charlotte, we felt that something was missing — a place that served authentic, home-style Indian food made fresh daily, yet fast and convenient enough for today’s lifestyle.
When we discovered the Kolapasi brand in India, we were immediately drawn to its values — authentic recipes, no MSG, no preservatives, and no artificial colors or flavors. More importantly, their “See, Taste, Order” concept — where customers can sample dishes before they buy — completely aligned with our own belief that food should speak for itself. We knew right away that this was the kind of dining experience Charlotte would appreciate.
After connecting with the Kolapasi team, we decided to become affiliated partners and open right here in Charlotte, in the vibrant Steele Creek area near the Charlotte Premium Outlet Mall. This wasn’t just a business decision — it was a passion project. We wanted to introduce the city to a new kind of Indian restaurant — an Experiential Quick Service Indian Restaurant (EQSR) that delivers authentic flavor, transparency, and warmth, all in one experience.
Our backgrounds — one in pharmaceuticals and the other in banking — have helped us bring both operational discipline and entrepreneurial spirit to this journey. But the true motivation has always been our love for good food and the joy of sharing it with others. Seeing our guests experience the “Taste-Before-You-Buy” concept for the first time, or watching families bond over our Butter Chicken, Chicken Chukka, or buttery flaky Parotta — the ‘Naan Killer’ — makes every bit of effort worthwhile.
For us, this venture isn’t just about owning a restaurant; it’s about creating a space where authentic Indian food, women-led entrepreneurship, and community come together — right here in Charlotte.
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What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
If I had to share three key lessons with aspiring entrepreneurs, they would be passion, consistency, and values — because together, they form the foundation of any successful business.
First, passion is everything. It’s what drives you to keep going even when things get tough. You have to genuinely love what you do — whether it’s food, design, or technology — because that love becomes your biggest motivator. For us, our passion for authentic Indian food is what made us bring Kolapasi Indian Canteen to Charlotte and introduce a new way of experiencing Indian cuisine.
Second, consistency. Success doesn’t come from doing something extraordinary once; it comes from doing the ordinary things extraordinarily well, every single day. Whether it’s the way you greet a customer, cook a curry, or manage your team, staying consistent in quality and effort builds long-term trust and brand loyalty.
And third, values. Your business must reflect who you are and what you stand for. At Kolapasi Indian Canteen, we value authenticity, honesty, and community. Our “See, Taste, Order” model — which lets customers sample before they buy — is built on transparency and trust.
Beyond these three principles, I also believe every entrepreneur should aim to solve a real problem or fill a meaningful gap in their industry. In our case, we noticed there weren’t many Indian restaurants in the U.S. that bridge the space between traditional dine-in and fine dining — something that’s authentic yet fast, high-quality yet approachable. That’s the gap we filled with our Experiential Quick Service Indian Restaurant (EQSR) model.
So, my advice is simple: build your business around a problem that needs solving, power it with passion, fuel it with consistency, and anchor it with strong values — because that’s what turns an idea into a brand that truly stands the test of time.
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What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
From our journey as women entrepreneurs building and operating Kolapasi Indian Canteen in Charlotte, I’d say the top three skills every successful entrepreneur needs are adaptability, perseverance, and people management.
1. Adaptability:
The business landscape — especially in food and hospitality — changes constantly. Consumer preferences, economic conditions, and even daily challenges can shift without notice. Being able to adapt quickly while staying true to your core values is essential. When we launched our restaurant, we introduced a completely new concept for the U.S. market — “See, Taste, Order” — and adaptability helped us fine-tune the experience to fit local tastes while keeping the essence of Kolapasi intact.
2. Perseverance:
No entrepreneurial journey is easy. There are long days, unexpected hurdles, and countless learning curves. Perseverance is what keeps you grounded through it all. For us, it meant staying focused on our mission — to bring authentic, preservative-free Indian food to Charlotte — even when it required extra effort to educate customers about our unique concept.
3. People Management:
Ultimately, your team and your customers are the heart of your business. Learning to manage, motivate, and connect with people — whether they’re employees, partners, or guests — is what determines long-term success. We believe in building a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered, because a happy team naturally creates happy customers.
When these three skills come together — the adaptability to evolve, the perseverance to stay the course, and the ability to inspire people around you — success becomes not just a goal, but a continuous journey of growth.
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How many hours do you work a day on average?
10 to 12 hours a day
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To what do you most attribute your success?
Our success truly comes down to three things — our passion for authentic food, our commitment to consistency, and the trust we’ve built with our community.
From day one, our goal with Kolapasi Indian Canteen – Charlotte was not just to open another Indian restaurant, but to introduce an entirely new dining experience to this city — one that’s transparent, engaging, and true to its roots. The “See, Taste, Order” concept, where guests can sample curries before ordering, reflects everything we stand for: honesty, freshness, and flavor that speaks for itself.
We also attribute our success to staying consistent — in taste, service, and values. Every bowl of Butter Chicken or Chicken Chukka that leaves our kitchen is prepared with the same care and precision as the first one we ever served. We take pride in using high-quality ingredients with no MSG, preservatives, or artificial colors, ensuring that what our guests enjoy is both authentic and wholesome.
But above all, we owe our success to the incredible support of the Charlotte community. The warmth, curiosity, and encouragement we’ve received from our guests have been overwhelming. Many have become regulars, friends, and advocates — sharing our story and introducing new people to Kolapasi every week.
As women entrepreneurs, we also see success not just in numbers, but in creating something meaningful — a place that celebrates culture, quality, and connection. Every positive review, every returning customer, and every smile at the tasting counter reminds us that we’re doing something right.
So, if we had to sum it up, our success comes from the perfect blend of passion, purpose, and people — the three ingredients that define everything we do at Kolapasi.
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How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
For us at Kolapasi Indian Canteen – Charlotte, marketing begins long before we think about ads or promotions — it starts with the experience we create inside our restaurant.
We call it the “Kolapasi Experience” — and it’s not just about the food; it’s about how a customer feels from the moment they walk in until the moment they leave. Every guest is warmly greeted, guided through our “See, Taste, Order” process where they can sample multiple dishes before choosing, and ensured a fast, friendly, and satisfying service all the way through checkout. Our goal is simple: to make sure every customer leaves 100% happy — with both their meal and their experience.
That dedication to genuine hospitality has been our most successful form of marketing. When guests feel valued, they naturally become your brand ambassadors. The majority of our growth has come through word-of-mouth referrals, repeat visits, and glowing Google and Yelp reviews, where customers share their personal experiences of how different and refreshing Kolapasi feels compared to any other Indian restaurant in Charlotte.
Alongside that, we’ve built a strong digital marketing ecosystem — from our active presence on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Google, and Yelp, to targeted Google Ads and Yelp campaigns focused around Steele Creek and the Charlotte Premium Outlets area. These help new customers discover us when searching for “best Indian food near me” or “Indian catering in Charlotte.”
Our visual storytelling — showcasing authentic dishes like our Butter Chicken, Chicken Chukka, Changezi Paneer, and our signature Buttery Flaky Parotta (fondly called the ‘Naan Killer’) — has also played a huge role in attracting food lovers. But what truly converts first-time visitors into regulars is the Kolapasi Experience itself: the warmth, transparency, and personalized care that come with every meal.
We also focus heavily on community engagement, participating in local events, festivals, and corporate catering opportunities, which help us build relationships directly with the people of Charlotte. Every interaction — whether online or in person — is part of our marketing philosophy: serve sincerely, communicate authentically, and let your customers tell your story.
At the end of the day, our best marketing isn’t a campaign — it’s a satisfied customer walking out with a smile, eager to bring a friend next time. That’s the true power of the Kolapasi Experience.
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What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
In the restaurant industry — especially with a concept like Kolapasi Indian Canteen — long-term success doesn’t come from chasing trends; it comes from staying true to your core values and consistently delivering an experience customers can trust.
For us, success is built on three pillars: authenticity, consistency, and adaptability.
Authenticity means staying true to what we promise — serving food that’s fresh, slow-cooked, and free from MSG, preservatives, or artificial colors. In a world where shortcuts are tempting, holding on to real ingredients and honest cooking methods has helped us earn the trust of our customers. People can taste the difference when food is made with integrity.
Consistency is equally important. Every guest who walks into our restaurant should feel the same warmth and satisfaction — whether it’s their first visit or their fiftieth. That’s why we created the “Kolapasi Experience” — it’s not just about the food, but the entire journey. From the time a customer is greeted, guided through our “See, Taste, Order” process, served their meal, and checked out, we make sure every touchpoint reflects care, speed, and hospitality. When that level of consistency becomes part of your culture, customers naturally keep coming back — and bringing others with them.
And finally, adaptability. The food industry is dynamic. Customer expectations evolve, and technology changes the way people discover and order food. The Kolapasi model thrives because it’s flexible — it bridges the gap between traditional Indian dining and modern quick service. We listen to our customers, we evolve our menu, and we continuously refine our operations to stay ahead while keeping our soul intact.
Long-term success, to us, is about building trust one meal at a time. When customers know that every visit will deliver the same freshness, honesty, and warmth — that’s when a restaurant moves from being just a place to eat to becoming part of people’s lives. That’s what we strive for every day at Kolapasi Indian Canteen – Charlotte.
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Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
In the next five to ten years, we see ourselves continuing to grow the Kolapasi Indian Canteen brand across the United States — starting with a few more outlets that follow the same philosophy, quality, and customer experience that have made our Charlotte location such a success.
Our vision is to participate in Kolapasi’s brand expansion journey while staying firmly rooted in our core values of authenticity, consistency, and customer trust. We want every new location — whether it’s in North Carolina or beyond — to reflect the same “Kolapasi Experience” that our guests in Charlotte have come to love: friendly service, honest cooking, the See-Taste-Order sampling process, and the unmistakable warmth that defines who we are.
We also aim to introduce more beneficial and inclusive menu options — healthier choices, vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, and even region-specific specialties — while keeping the flavors bold and authentic. Our goal is to make Indian food more approachable for those who may have never tried it before, by presenting it in a way that’s inviting, transparent, and true to its roots.
Beyond expansion, we see ourselves becoming a trusted household name for Indian food in the U.S., known not just for great taste, but for the overall experience we deliver. We want Kolapasi to be the place where people think of authentic Indian comfort food served fast, fresh, and full of soul.
And as women entrepreneurs, we hope to continue inspiring and empowering others, showing that with passion, values, and persistence, you can build something meaningful that makes people happy — one meal at a time.
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Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
We’ve always admired brands like CAVA, Tacos 4 Life, and Talking Tacos — modern, fast-casual restaurant concepts that have completely redefined how people experience food in the U.S. What stands out to us about these brands is their ability to combine freshness, speed, transparency, and flavor into a single, seamless experience.
CAVA, for instance, took something as traditional as Mediterranean food and turned it into a customizable, build-your-own-bowl experience that feels both healthy and exciting. Similarly, Taco for Life and Talking Tacos have created a strong emotional connection with their guests through flavor, consistency, and strong community engagement. These brands have proved that when you focus on quality, purpose, and customer experience, people respond — even in fast-paced dining environments.
That’s exactly the kind of inspiration that shaped our vision for Kolapasi Indian Canteen – Charlotte. We realized there was a significant gap in the U.S. restaurant landscape for Indian cuisine presented in a modern, experiential quick-service format. Most Indian restaurants here either fall under traditional dine-in or fine dining, leaving very little in between. We wanted to fill that space — with something authentic, approachable, and efficient.
Our “See, Taste, Order” concept — where guests can sample multiple curries before choosing — takes that fast-casual energy and infuses it with the warmth and authenticity of Indian home cooking. It’s our way of saying: Why not the same experience for Indian food? If CAVA can make Mediterranean food an everyday favorite, and Talking Tacos can turn street-style tacos into a premium casual experience, then Kolapasi can do the same for Indian cuisine — by making it more accessible, transparent, and exciting for everyone.
We admire these modern restaurant brands not just for their scale, but for how they’ve bridged culture and convenience — something we’re deeply passionate about continuing through our work here in Charlotte.
1. How important have good employees been to your success?
Our employees are the backbone of the Kolapasi Experience. From greeting guests to guiding tastings, their warmth and consistency ensure every visitor leaves happy. A great team transforms good food into a memorable experience.
2. How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
We believe in giving every idea the time and focus it deserves. If it aligns with our values and solves a real customer need, we refine it — not abandon it. Persistence often turns good ideas into great results.
3. What motivates you?
Seeing customers enjoy our food and return with friends motivates us every day. Their trust fuels our passion to keep raising the bar for authentic, fresh, and experiential Indian dining in Charlotte.
4. What are your ideals?
Our ideals are built on authenticity, consistency, and community. We believe in serving honest food, creating transparent experiences, and building lasting relationships with every guest who walks through our doors.
5. How do you generate new ideas?
Our best ideas come from listening — to our guests, our team, and the community. Every suggestion, every piece of feedback helps us innovate while staying true to the Kolapasi promise: fresh, flavorful, and real.
6. How do you define success?
For us, success isn’t just numbers — it’s trust and loyalty. It’s when a guest says, “This tastes like home,” or brings someone new to try the See, Taste, Order experience. That’s when we know we’ve succeeded.
7. How do you build a successful customer base?
By focusing on experience over marketing. From the first greeting to the last bite, we ensure every visit feels personal. Satisfied guests naturally become our strongest brand ambassadors.
8. What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
The freedom to turn passion into purpose. We love shaping a concept that redefines how people experience Indian food — fast, fresh, and full of heart — right here in Charlotte.
9. What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Watching customers experience our “Taste-Before-You-Buy” model for the first time and seeing their excitement never gets old. That moment of surprise and delight — that’s our true reward.
10. What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
Entrepreneurs live in uncertainty — but we also create opportunity. We take risks not just to build businesses, but to build ideas that didn’t exist before. It’s equal parts courage, purpose, and conviction.
11. What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why?
We’ve built a culture of care, accountability, and pride. Every team member understands that we’re not just serving food — we’re serving experiences. That shared vision keeps our service consistent and heartfelt.
12. In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
Purposeful.
