In the heart of Brooklyn, Swetha and Venkat Raju transformed their passion for traditional South Indian cuisine into a thriving pop-up restaurant. Initially inspired by their young daughter Mahati's lemonade stand, this couple quickly discovered an enthusiastic audience eager to taste authentic dosas. Starting with modest setups at local markets, they gradually expanded operations to meet overwhelming demand. Today, their Brooklyn Curry Project not only serves delicious food but also fosters community connections through shared culinary experiences.

From a Lemonade Stand to a Flourishing Pop-Up

During a vibrant spring in 2021, a six-year-old named Mahati encouraged her parents to establish a small drink and dosa stall outside Fort Greene Park Green Market in Brooklyn, New York. Her mother, Swetha, crafted masala dosas, a cherished South Indian delicacy made from fermented rice and lentils. As customers savored these creations, Swetha noticed their delight and decided to offer dosas every Saturday. By incorporating portable cooking equipment, they were able to produce more dosas on-site. Within months, long queues formed each weekend as hundreds eagerly awaited their chance to purchase these flavorful pancakes.

As time progressed, the Rajus transitioned their production to a nearby commercial kitchen while maintaining their monthly seated lunches. Their financial success fluctuates seasonally, yet it consistently reflects strong public interest. For instance, one month brought in over $15,600. Despite juggling full-time careers—a software engineer and a real estate lawyer—the Rajus dedicate significant personal hours to sourcing ingredients, preparing meals, and managing staff. They emphasize the importance of connecting with others through food, especially as immigrants seeking meaningful community ties.

Viewing food as both an expression of care and cultural sharing, Swetha and Venkat hope to expand Brooklyn Curry Project into a permanent sit-down establishment. Through crowdsourced fundraising efforts, they aspire to secure a location where diverse individuals can gather and enjoy authentic regional Indian dishes.

From a journalist's perspective, the Rajus' story highlights the power of blending tradition with entrepreneurship. It demonstrates how personal passions can evolve into impactful ventures that unite communities. Their dedication to preserving regional flavors while adapting to new environments serves as an inspiring example for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.