The nation’s fastest-growing Indian fast casual concept signed a third multi-unit franchise deal in The Lone Star State to bring additional restaurants to Fort Worth and surrounding areas
Curry Up Now, the nation’s largest and fastest-growing Indian fast casual concept popularly known for its fun and innovative approach to Indian cuisine, signed a deal with a new women-led franchise group to bring multiple Curry Up Now restaurants to Fort Worth, Texas, and the surrounding areas. The new deal is the third multi-unit franchise agreement the brand has secured in Texas in the past year, with other markets including Austin, Dallas and Houston.
The female-owned franchise group Ekam Gourmet Kitchens, LLC, led by Samyuktha Kilaru and Kiran Khajuria, plans to continue growing with the brand after the initial Curry Up Now locations are opened in the greater Fort Worth area. The duo is actively seeking restaurant sites in their territory, planning to open the first restaurant in 2022.
“We were incredibly drawn to the Curry Up Now concept immediately for its welcoming ambience, consistent ‘party in the mouth’ flavors and overall customer experience,” said Kilaru. “Curry Up Now has achieved what was missing in the American fast and fine casual market – it has captured the essence of traditional Indian street food, delivering the authentic and flavorful cuisine straight to American streets with an enhanced guest experience. We are already looking for real estate for our first few restaurants, one of which will include the craft cocktail bar concept that some flagship Curry Up Now’s house called Mortar & Pestle.”
Franchisee partners Kilaru and Khajuria have more than 25 years of experience in logistics, project management and customer service in the corporate sector. Both women have vast knowledge of the business world, including Kilaru’s previous experience in the food business and managing multi-million-dollar IT engagements and Khajuria’s experience in the healthcare industry.
“We couldn’t be more excited to work with Samyuktha and Kiran to further expand the Curry Up Now brand throughout the state of Texas,” said Akash Kapoor, Founder, CEO and Chief Troublemaker for Curry Up Now. “Their passion for Curry Up Now’s authentic and playful Indian cuisine coupled with their extensive business knowledge gives us full confidence that their restaurants will be incredibly successful. We’re also looking forward to bringing our unique cuisine to the Fort Worth community as we expand throughout the great state of Texas and continue on our quest to be the biggest & baddest Indian brand.”
Since day one, Curry Up Now has been on a mission to serve Indian flavors and ingredients in a way that is approachable for the everyday American consumer by utilizing formats that are recognizable to the mainstream. Their signature dishes include Burritos, Bowls, Tacos, Poutine they call Sexy Fries, and Naughty Naan, as well as a wide variety of Indian street food snacks and traditional dishes like Thali Platters, Kathi Rolls and family style entrees that create the perfect Indian spread for the whole family. Ingredients are clean and sourced from local vendors whenever possible, and the menu is designed to support vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and Halal diets in an effort to accommodate all guests, no matter their dietary preferences.
Working with industry-leading franchise development company Fransmart, Curry Up Now is seeking experienced, multi-unit foodservice operators to develop additional franchise locations in major markets across the country. Now through September 30, Curry Up Now is offering a limited-time franchise development incentive that allows experienced, multi-unit operators to sign a deal for a minimum of three Curry Up Now franchise restaurants rather than the typical five-unit commitment. In addition, the craft cocktail bar Mortar & Pestle is housed within select Curry Up Now restaurants and is available as a sister brand for franchisees to establish based on local market dynamics.
“Curry Up Now is taking over Texas by expanding into all the hot markets, like Fort Worth, Dallas, Austin and Houston, and is set up to continue rapid growth into additional available territories throughout the state,” said Dan Rowe, CEO and founder of Fransmart. “With its Tex Mex-like spin on authentic Indian food, Curry Up Now is a fail-proof concept in the hands of an experienced business owner. Interested franchisees will want to jump on the limited-time franchise development deal while they still have the chance.”
In the last 18 months alone, Curry Up Now opened seven new locations and signed multiple, multi-unit franchise deals. Curry Up Now plans to open seven additional new locations in 2021 with lease signings confirmed in California, Georgia, Indiana and Texas, and has more than 50 restaurants in varying stages of development.
To learn more about Curry Up Now franchising opportunities, visit www.fransmart.com/curryupnow.
Curry Up Now was established in 2009 by husband-and-wife team Akash and Rana Kapoor, and ably supported by co-founder and now Senior VP of Operations, Amir Hosseini. The concept, which is known for its innovative spin on traditional Indian cuisine, has been recognized in publications such as Zagat: ‘5 Hottest Fast-Casual Chains,’ EATER SF: ‘SF’s Best Indian Restaurants,’ 7×7: ‘100 Things To Eat Before You Die,’ QSR: ‘The 40/40 List,’ Fast Casual: ‘Top 100 Movers & Shakers,’ Nation’s Restaurant News: ‘2018 Breakout Brand,’ and International Council of Shopping Centers: ‘Hot Food & Beverage Chain.’ Curry Up Now currently operates 13 brick-and-mortar locations, three food trucks and several digital kitchen outposts nationwide, and has both corporate and franchised units in development across California, New Jersey, Colorado, Utah, Georgia, Texas and Indiana.
To get $5 off their first order, receive exclusive offers and earn free menu items, customers can download the Curry Up Now app and sign up for the rewards program at www.curryupnow.com/rewards. Keep up with the latest menu items, events and special offers by following @CurryUpNow on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. To learn more about Curry Up Now franchising opportunities, visit www.fransmart.com/curryupnow. For more information about Curry Up Now, visit www.curryupnow.com.
Fransmart is the global leader in franchise development, selling over 5,000 franchises worldwide and turning emerging restaurant concepts into national and global brands for 20 years. Company Founder Dan Rowe identified and grew brands like Five Guys Burgers & Fries, QDOBA Mexican Grill, and The Halal Guys from 1-5 unit businesses to the powerhouse chains they are today. Fransmart’s current and past franchise development portfolio brands have opened thousands of restaurants globally. Fransmart and their partner brands are committed to franchise development growth. Follow Fransmart on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. For more information, visit www.fransmart.com.
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