A culinary journey from India to Manitoba

Fort Garry

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/10/2024 (418 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Since 2017, three friends-turned-entrepreneurs have been on a mission to bring the vibrant flavours of Indian street food to Canada. The journey began in Yorkton, Sask., where the friends became business partners and opened their first establishment. This laid the foundation for what has now grown into a multi-location enterprise across Manitoba, driven by the passion and vision of Tusharkumar Akbari and Prafullkumar Kanani, who immigrated to Canada in 2012 and 2013, respectively, along with their third partner, Hardik Patel, who stayed in Saskatchewan to manage a few restaurants and gas station.

Recognizing the growth potential and opportunities in Manitoba, the partners made the bold decision in 2020 — amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic — to relocate. They began by opening a Wok Box restaurant in Crestview, followed by another in St. Vital. Their success continued with the acquisition of Prairie Donair.

Today, the team of three owns seven businesses across Manitoba, with presences in Winnipeg, Neepawa, Portage la Prairie, and Steinbach. In Steinbach, they expanded into the grocery business, owning First Choice Convenience Store and Homestyle Kitchen & Deli.

For five years, the partners harboured a dream of opening a comprehensive Indian grocery store that would also offer Indian street food. They envisioned a place where customers could experience the bustling energy of an Indian street market, complete with traditional food carts and a wide range of grocery items.

In April, that dream became a reality. The Indian Brothers Grocery and Street Food opened its doors, offering 10,000 square feet of Indian and Canadian vegetables, dairy products, and a full range of grocery items at 2-1761 Pembina Hwy.

“We wanted to do a business for the Indian people with street food and grocery so they can find everything under one roof,” Akbari says.

The store quickly attracted the local community. The food carts, imported directly from India, give customers an authentic street food experience. Golgappas, a popular savoury Indian snack, and ice gola have become crowd favorites. Customers stand in line to enjoy these snacks.

“People love it,” Akbari says.

A seating area just outside the grocery store invites people to linger and socialize, transforming the space into a parking lot turned community hub.

The appeal of Indian Brothers Grocery and Street Food goes beyond just the food. Recognizing the needs of the community, particularly for those working late hours, the store remains open until midnight on weekdays and until 2 a.m. on weekends.

“We are immigrants. We work till late night to pay the bills. So, once we are done our jobs everything shuts down, all the businesses are shut down, all the restaurants are shut down. That’s why we are open until late, so people can come after they finish their shift and they can find the Indian food after 9,” Akbari says.

The partners’ decision to do business in Manitoba has been successful. The province’s growth has provided a good backdrop for their business expansion. With their combined backgrounds in business management, medical and accounting, honed both in India and Canada, they have successfully navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship in a new country.