We were lucky to catch up with Sejal Patel recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sejal , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

The name “Nomad” for our restaurant was inspired by the concept of nomadism, which is characterized by a lifestyle of constant movement and migration. It represents a deep connection to our immigrant parents’ past and their experiences of living a nomadic life before settling in the United States.

The decision to name our restaurant “Nomad” serves as an ode to our parents, recognizing and honoring their journey as nomads and the diverse cultures and cuisines they encountered during their travels. It symbolizes the adventurous spirit and openness to embracing various cultures that they instilled in us.

In summary, naming our restaurant “Nomad” is a meaningful and evocative choice. It embodies our family’s immigrant story, their nomadic past, and the wide array of cultural influences that have shaped our culinary journey. By embracing the name, we convey a sense of adventure, inclusivity, and a passion for sharing diverse cuisines with our patrons.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born and raised in South Boston, Virginia, before moving to Raleigh in 2001 to get a degree in computer science and business management at NC State. It was during college that I got into cooking. The food I was eating at the cafeteria tasted bland to me, so I started cooking for myself based on what my parents taught me in their kitchen at home. During tailgates I cooked a lot for my friends, experimenting with different dishes. My family in India relied heavily on farming, a tradition that they continued once they moved to America and something I remain very passionate about.
My day job is a Pharma Director, but my true love, however, is food and traveling. During vacations I’d learn to eat where the locals eat and cook the foods they ate, getting to know their cultures and ways of life, which serves as one of the biggest inspirations behind Nomad. I hopes to expose diners to the different cultural experiences I enjoyed and expand their palates with the types of food I enjoy myself, as I believes that food brings people together in ways
that other things can’t.

We opened Nomad as an ode to our parents and the nomadic lifestyle they grew up with. Our family is from India, but the family have lived all over the world, from the United Kingdom to Canada to various places in the U.S., finally making their way to North Carolina where they’ve resided since 1980. During their travels, they learned to cook the food
common to the area they were living in, eating where the locals eat and learning about different customs. To honor the family’s nomadic lifestyle, we opened Nomad in an effort to showcase the various cultures and cuisines they’ve come to experience.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale among team members is essential for fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Lead by Example: As a manager, your actions and behavior set the tone for the team. Demonstrate professionalism, respect, and a positive attitude. Show dedication to the organization’s goals, and your team will likely follow suit.

Effective Communication: Maintain open and transparent communication with your team members. Listen to their concerns, ideas, and feedback. Regularly share updates on the team’s progress and any changes that may affect them.

Recognize and Appreciate: Acknowledge and celebrate individual and team achievements. Publicly recognize team members’ efforts and contributions. Simple gestures of appreciation can go a long way in boosting morale.

Provide Growth Opportunities: Offer professional development and growth opportunities to team members. Encourage continuous learning and skill-building to help them advance in their careers.

Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage a healthy work-life balance for your team members. Avoid overloading them with excessive work, and support flexible working arrangements when possible.

Resolve Conflicts Promptly: Address conflicts within the team in a timely and constructive manner. Encourage open discussions and mediate if necessary to find resolutions that satisfy all parties.

Set Clear Goals and Expectations: Define clear goals and expectations for the team. Ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. Regularly review progress and provide feedback on performance.

Foster a Positive Culture: Cultivate a positive and inclusive team culture. Encourage collaboration, support, and a sense of camaraderie among team members.

Be Approachable and Supportive: Be approachable and make yourself available to your team. Support their professional and personal needs. Offer guidance and mentorship when needed.

Celebrate Milestones and Special Occasions: Recognize birthdays, work anniversaries, and other special occasions within the team. Organize team-building activities and social events to foster camaraderie.

Address Employee Burnout: Watch for signs of burnout among team members and take action to address it. Offer support, provide time off if needed, and create a low-stress work environment.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Our reputation within the market has been built on a foundation of authenticity and dedication. From the outset, our story has resonated with customers, as we honor the nomadic journey of our immigrant parents who exposed us to diverse cultures and cuisines. This personal narrative has not only captivated hearts but also instilled a profound sense of passion in every aspect of our business. Our team’s unwavering commitment and hard work have been evident in every dish we serve, crafted with love and attention to detail. We take immense pride in sourcing the finest ingredients, ensuring our food consistently delivers the exceptional quality that our patrons have come to expect. Our authenticity, passion, hard work, and quality have been the cornerstones of our reputation, attracting a loyal and enthusiastic customer base who wholeheartedly embraces the unique dining experience we offer. As we continue to stay true to our roots and values, our reputation within the market continues to flourish, and our restaurant stands as a testament to the power of passion and dedication in creating an exceptional culinary journey for all who walk through our doors.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thenomadnc.com
• Instagram: @thenomadnc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenomadnc/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sejalpatel18/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-nomad-hillsborough-4