Franchising

The Kati Roll opening 1st franchise

Photo: The Kati Roll Company

March 26, 2024

New York City-based The Kati Roll Company is opening its first franchised location next month in Dallas at 1322 Elm St.

"When we launched the original TKRC in New York City's Greenwich Village in 2002, we were inexperienced and passionate about the food of our hometown," Founder Payal Saha said in a company press release. "So much about Indian cuisine is complicated and doesn't translate well to a grab-and-go concept. We knew the kati roll was the perfect vehicle for bringing cultural flavor in an unassuming form. We've been pleased to see the fanfare throughout the years for what is nostalgic food for us."

Kati, meaning skewer, is a popular street food found in Kolkata, India, made of skewer-grilled ingredients stuffed in a buttery paratha flatbread and topped with chutneys and spices.

Founded in 2002, TKRC has four locations in New York and two locations in London.

"When we decided to move forward with a franchisee it was after years of ignoring others' requests," Anil Bathwal, managing director and husband to Payal Saha, said in the release. "We believe we found the right partner for our continued expansion, as he understands our brand and our vision for the future."

That franchisee is Dallas entrepreneur, Hebron Sher, who started his journey as a Chick-Fil-A franchisee. He has also invested in The Melting Pot and created original concepts.

"Living in Dallas, we see the interest and demand for cultural cuisine, and we were fervent in our pursuit of TKRC to bring their business to Texas," he said in the release. "We are thrilled to be a part of expanding TKRC into Texas as the first-ever franchise partner."