A Spring Bank Small Business Story
New York City, the city that never sleeps, never stops eating.
Meet Brothers, Parlad and Kuldeep Singh, co-owners of Vintage Mirchi, an Indian restaurant group and one of our small business clients. Mirchi, the Hindi word for chili, means spicy, and they do not disappoint. Think Chili Chicken, a favorite dish of the brothers, and Malai Chicken Tikka, a popular dish among customers. Their extensive menu offers traditional Indian dishes, fusion Chinese cuisine, and a great selection of homemade breads and drinks.
Growing up, both Parlad and Kuldeep had a passion for cooking that runs deep in their family history. As far back as they can remember, their family has been in the catering and hospitality business, cooking for 20-30 people at a time. They grew up surrounded by food and community, and wanted to showcase their talents, culture, and family legacy in New York City.
“We introduced a menu here that represents our home in India and our family,” says Kuldeep. “We also wanted to offer a real Indian dining experience, and Vintage Mirchi is one of the few restaurants to offer both.”
With their first location in Hicksville, New York, home to one of the largest South Asian populations, they found many locals already familiar with their cuisine, building an immediate customer base. But their dream was always to build a restaurant group. Just two years in business, they expanded to open their second location in Richmond Hill, Queens, a neighborhood famously known as “Little Punjab,” and also where the largest Sikh population in NYC resides.
“It can be hard to find a seat on the weekend at the Richmond Hill location,” says Kuldeep. “It’s always packed, so come early!”
But not to worry. If you don’t have time to wait or are hosting a larger group, Vintage Mirchi also offers full suite catering services for business events, weddings, and family gatherings. We are so glad to have provided them with a small business line of credit as working capital for a delivery van to support the operations and growth of their catering business. They also maintain a small business checking account for day-to-day banking needs.
As first-time business owners, Parlad and Kuldeep have learned a lot about employee management, cash flow, projections, and adapting to higher-than-expected food costs. They are thankful to have the guidance of our team.
“Spring Bank provides a personal experience for us as we navigate many new and unpredictable challenges. They do their best to support us quickly, and it’s so helpful to pick up the phone and call our banker,” says Kuldeep.
Find Vintage Mirchi’s full menu here and follow them on Instagram. Check out recent press by CBS News and Newsday. Learn how we can support the growth of your small business, too. From business checking accounts to SBA small business loans, our team is here to help you navigate your best path forward so you can stay focused on what matters most—your business! Get in touch with us here.