We recently connected with Shreyas Makam and have shared our conversation below.

Shreyas, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Several years ago, I found myself at a crossroads in my life and career. I had been working a steady job, but I was yearning for something more, something that would allow me to pursue my passion for food and Indian cuisine. It was during this period that I decided to take the biggest risk of my life – quitting my job and fully committing to opening my own restaurant, Makam’s Fresh.Indian.Fast.

The idea for Makam’s was born out of a realization I had shortly after moving to Salt Lake City. I noticed a gap in the local food scene – there were plenty of restaurants serving various cuisines, but there was a lack of a fast-casual Indian dining option. This gap represented an opportunity, but it also meant venturing into uncharted territory and taking on numerous risks.

One of the most significant risks was financial. Starting a restaurant requires a substantial investment, from securing a location and setting up the kitchen to marketing and hiring staff. I had to use my savings and secure loans to finance the venture. The fear of financial failure was always looming, but I believed in the concept and was willing to take the risk.

The second risk was in terms of my time and effort. I knew that running a restaurant, especially in its early days, would be an all-consuming endeavor. It meant long hours, hard work, and significant personal sacrifices. I had to be prepared to dedicate myself fully to the business.

Another risk was my lack of experience in the construction. I had no prior background in building a restaurant, but I was determined to learn and adapt as the project progressed. It was a steep learning curve, but I was willing to take on the challenge.

The journey was far from smooth. There were unexpected hurdles, sleepless nights, and moments of self-doubt. However, I persevered, sought advice from experts in the industry, and stayed committed to my vision.

As Makam’s Fresh.Indian.Fast. opened its doors, the risks began to pay off. The restaurant gained popularity, attracting a diverse group of customers who appreciated the unique concept and the delicious, customizable Indian dishes. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations started pouring in, and the business flourished.

Today, Makam’s is a thriving establishment and a beloved part of the local dining scene. The risks I took have not only paid off but have also given me a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment that I could never have achieved by staying in my previous job. Starting my own business, despite all the risks involved, was a life-changing decision that allowed me to pursue my passion and create something meaningful.

Shreyas, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Makam’s Fresh.Indian.Fast. Is the FIRST Fast Food Indian restaurant in Utah that combines traditional Indian flavors with modern convenience. As the brainchild of an immigrant with a deep-rooted passion for the rich and diverse cuisine of India and a culinary student, we’ve embarked on a journey to offer a unique dining experience focused on customization and authenticity.

Our Offerings

At Makam’s, we’re redefining the fast-food landscape by offering a wide variety of Indian street food classics and customizable options. Our menu features bowls, wraps, salads, and plates that can be tailored to your liking. The crown jewel of our menu is our delectable naan bread, which is the perfect complement to any of our dishes.

Our Unique Selling Proposition

What sets Makam’s apart from others is our unwavering commitment to using only the freshest and highest-quality ingredients in our dishes. We understand the importance of both taste and health, and we aim to deliver on both fronts. Our emphasis on customization is another key differentiator. We believe that every individual has their own unique palate, and we empower our customers to build their own curry bowls and plates according to their preferences. This allows them to explore diverse flavor combinations and create a meal that is truly tailored to their taste.

Solving Problems for Busy Individuals

In a world where time is of the essence, we specialize in providing quick, affordable, and flavorful Indian food that caters to the busy lives of our customers. Unlike traditional Indian restaurants, we’ve streamlined our service to ensure that you can savor the authentic taste of India without compromising on your schedule. Our goal is simple: to provide our customers with a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.

What We’re Most Proud Of

At Makam’s, we take immense pride in our ability to offer high-quality, authentic Indian food in a fast and convenient format. Our brand is built on three core pillars: freshness, affordability, and customization. We believe that everyone should have access to delicious and healthy food at an affordable price, and we’re honored to share the culinary treasures of India with a wider audience.

Conversations about M&A are often focused on multibillion dollar transactions – but M&A can be an important part of a small or medium business owner’s journey. We’d love to hear about your experience with selling businesses.

I have not personally experienced the sale of a business, but I am currently in discussions regarding the potential merger of my restaurant with Munchkart. I believe that considering a merger is a crucial step in the journey to achieve our growth objectives. It is common for business owners to develop strong emotional ties to their enterprises and wish to remain the sole proprietors. However, when expansion is the primary objective, it becomes evident that strategic actions like mergers are essential to attain the desired level of growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: makamskitchen.com
• Instagram: @makams_fresh_indian_fast
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makamskitchen