The Rise of Rice-N-Curry: From Vision to Thriving Restaurant

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Renton, Washington, Rice-N-Curry is a bustling Indian restaurant that has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Founded in 2020 by Gurminder Kaur, the restaurant has successfully navigated the many challenges faced by small businesses, particularly during unprecedented times. Over the past four and a half years, Gurminder has poured her heart and soul into creating an inviting atmosphere where patrons can enjoy authentic Indian cuisine. The menu features a stunning array of dishes rich in flavor and culture, including aromatic curries and freshly made biryanis, making it a culinary destination for Indian food lovers.

Rice-N-Curry’s story is one of remarkable resilience and passion. Gurminder’s unwavering commitment to quality and customer service has fostered a loyal customer base, showcasing the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. As the community continues to rally around this beloved establishment, Rice-N-Curry stands as a shining example of strength and dedication, embodying the joy of delicious food that brings people together.

Mom’s Kitchen

Gurminder grew up immersed in her mother’s kitchen, surrounded by the enchanting aromas of spices and home-cooked meals. Her mother effortlessly prepared a stunning variety of dishes for large and small gatherings, inspiring Gurminder’s passion for cooking. She was enthralled by how her mother transformed ordinary ingredients into colorful, flavorful meals, out of her mother and grandmother’s recipes, that celebrated their cultural heritage. The kitchen became a vibrant hub of laughter, engaging conversations, and the joy of sharing meals with family and friends.

With a steady stream of guests gracing their home- often dozens at a time- Gurminder mastered the art of cooking for both small and large groups. More importantly, she learned from her mother that the key to memorable meals lies in the love infused into each dish, making every gathering truly special. Watching her mother skillfully craft unique recipes passed down through generations, Gurminder easily learned and recreated recipes that would enable her to share these cherished dishes with others. Gurminder says,

“My mother grew up watching my grandmother cook and throw parties, and then she would cook for sometimes 40 or 50 people. I grew up watching that, and it became a passion.”

Launching Her Dream

Gurminder had always dreamed of sharing her mother’s beloved recipes, each one steeped in the rich culinary traditions of Northern India, particularly with the vibrant flavors of New Delhi. From the fragrant spices of the area combined with the comforting warmth of sharing meals, she yearned for people to experience the authentic tastes of her childhood. Opening Rice-N-Curry felt like the perfect opportunity, allowing her to transform her passion into a thriving business while bringing delicious, homemade meals to the community. Through this venture, she envisioned creating a welcoming space where diners could savor the unique flavors of her heritage and enjoy a true taste of home.

Gurminder had her chance in 2020. She had found the perfect space to launch Rice-N-Curry and finally open her doors. Filled with excitement and anticipation, this was so much more than just a business venture. For Gurminder, this was the launch of her dream, bridging her cultural roots and her new community, celebrating both her past and present all at once. This vision of bringing traditional tastes of India through her mother’s recipes, that she had nurtured for so long, was finally coming to life. She says,

“I had developed that passion and always wanted my own restaurant.”

Against All Odds

Gurminder’s journey with Rice-N-Curry began in 2020, right as the world was grappling with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. It took a year to build and open the restaurant, pushing the launch to 2021.  Amidst the uncertainty and chaos, she opened her doors, not fully realizing the storm that was brewing. As she watched beloved local businesses shutter their doors, the gravity of the situation hit her hard. Gurminder knew her restaurant needed to rise above the challenges to survive. Looking back, she says,

“It was really very, very scary because established businesses were going out of business at that time. They couldn’t survive the pandemic, and I am just opening.”

With unwavering determination, she turned obstacles into opportunities. The rich, vibrant flavors she offered were just the beginning. It was Gurminder’s extraordinary customer service and her warm, inviting personality that truly set Rice-N-Curry apart, creating a community of loyal patrons. In a time when people craved connection, she became not just a chef but a familiar face that brought comfort and joy.

Gurminder embraced a take-out model and adapted quickly to the new rules, always prioritizing the safety and satisfaction of her customers. Rice-N-Curry transformed into more than just a local dining spot; it became a refuge where people could enjoy a chat with someone who genuinely cared while waiting on their orders. Gurminder poured her heart into every dish, ensuring that each meal tasted great and was crafted with love. In a world turned upside down, Rice-N-Curry stood as a testament to resilience, proving that with innovation and kindness, her business would be able to weather any storm.

A Changing Front

For over a year, Rice-N-Curry flourished by creating a customer base it built through its dishes and exceptional service. As Covid-19 restrictions decreased, customers started to inquire about dining-in. Gurminder, at the time, did not have the dine-in facilities that she intended to have due to the pandemic, but the customers were not deterred. Happy to have a place to sit and socialize, they didn’t mind the disposable take-out food containers.

During this challenging period, regular customer Deon stepped up to offer support. A loyal patron from the start, he recognized Gurminder’s hard work and resilience through the pandemic. With kind words and encouragement, he reminded her of the hurdles Rice-N-Curry had overcome and celebrated the achievements she had made. This acknowledgment from a familiar face provided a much-needed boost of confidence for Gurminder and her family, reinforcing their belief in the success of their venture.

While chatting with another regular customer, Gurminder expressed her desire to secure funding to expand into a dine-in setting. This conversation led to a major connection when the customer shared information about Business Impact NW. With a different potential funding option, Gurminder was excited about the possibilities that lay ahead for Rice-N-Curry. She says,

“The customer gave me the information about Business Impact NW, and said they help small businesses grow. From there, I filled out all the information, and everything moved very fast.”

Small Business Support  

Given the struggles of the Covid-19 pandemic and being a new business, Gurminder was having some difficulty obtaining additional funding support for Rice-N-Curry. Traditional methods were not working out, though she was hoping to obtain the funding to expand her dine-in options, which would lead to more opportunities for her business to grow, both financially and with customers.

After reaching out to Business Impact NW, Gurminder was impressed with how smoothly the process went. She connected with Ngan Phan, Loan Officer for Business Impact NW. Ngan says,

“Gurminder was very pleasant to work with. I feel her overwhelming passion for her restaurant as well as the Indian cuisine.” Ngan adds. “She was very patient, responsive, and prepared throughout the whole process, always ready to submit documents or respond to our requests, in a timely manner, which helped things go smoother and faster,” emphasizing how client interaction and preparedness helps during the lending process.

The process took around 30 days for Rice-N-Curry to obtain funding. Since then, Gurminder has used the assistance not only to expand but also to truly enhance the customer experience. Gurminder was able to purchase additional equipment for her restaurant, as well as hire new staff. She also purchased dine-in materials, and with the new staff, she is able to meet all her customers’ needs, whether they are take-out or dine-in. Gurminder says,

“The funding has helped to increase staff, which, ultimately, led to increased revenue and market reach.”

Fusion and the Future

With operations running smoothly for Rice-N-Curry, Gurminder looked to the future. Along with her traditional Indian dishes, she, once again, opted for creativity and innovation. Looking to further satisfy the palates of her customer base, she updated her menu and included fusion options in the form of sliders made with naan. With chicken and lamb options, and even mango flavors, Rice-N-Curry truly offers choices for all. In addition to the sliders, Rice-N-Curry offers Gluten Free, Vegetarian, and Vegan dishes as well. Gurminder encourages,

“No one serves a mango chicken tikka or a beetroot tikka, so come in and try it. The Butter Chicken is also popular, but if someone asks me what I recommend, I ask them to try the Murg Masala. It is my mother’s recipe.”

The future looks very bright for Rice-N-Curry, quickly becoming a trending restaurant that has been featured in the press and has local media celebrities as loyal customers. The City of Renton has also been an avid supporter of the restaurateur. As Gurminder looks ahead, she can’t help but think of all she has been through. She states,

“So many went out of business in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic, and I’m a newcomer to the market- a woman-owned business. I thank God, its kindness, and I feel blessed that I survived the pandemic. That’s a really big thing, and I feel very blessed; that means you’re doing something good,” Gurminder says, when speaking about her business making it through Covid-19.

With Gurminder Kaur’s indelible spirit and knack for innovation, Rice-N-Curry is thriving. Business Impact NW is proud to be part of her story, in helping her to achieve more than just sustainability in her business ventures, but to help be a part of her growth.

Support With Business Impact NW

For over 25 years, Business Impact NW has been dedicated to supporting small business dreams, especially in communities with limited funding resources. We offer free, one-on-one business coaching tailored to each business’s unique needs, along with mentorship, training opportunities, and assistance with financial readiness. Additionally, we provide various funding options to empower entrepreneurs in transforming their innovative ideas into successful businesses.

If you’re seeking hands-on funding assistance from a trusted community partner, Business Impact NW is here to support you, whether you’re looking to start or grow your business. Our Lending Team is ready to assist entrepreneurs at every stage. To connect with them, click here!