The vibrant culinary culture of Downtown Dallas is adding some spice—Indian spice that is, as The Kati Roll Company (TKRC) announces its arrival. The popular New York concept will open its first U.S. location outside of New York on Thursday, April 4th in Downtown Dallas located at 1322 Elm Street.
The Kati Roll Company has garnered acclaim for its innovative take on traditional Indian flavors, wrapped in the convenience of a handheld roll. Kati rolls (“kati” literally meaning skewer) are known as a popular street food found in Kolkata, India. Kati rolls are made of skewer-grilled ingredients stuffed in a buttery paratha flatbread and topped with chutneys and spices. With over 20 years in Manhattan, TKRC steps into cowboy country looking to add some Indian flavor from lunch to late night.
“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,” says founder, Payal Saha. “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.”
The menu, while simplistic in form, is not lacking in flavor. The hero menu item is served in a variety of tantalizing options, including: Chicken Tikka Roll with chicken breast marinated in yogurt and spices; Aloo Masala Roll with a mashed potato patty, tomatoes, green peppers and spices; and Shami Kabab Roll with minced lamb & lentil croquette, aromatic herbs & spices. The menu additionally boasts: Momos, Indo—Tibetan dumplings; Lassi, a housemade, traditional Indian yogurt smoothie, and a variety of Indian beverages, desserts, and house made sides to pair.
Founded in 2002, TKRC is responsible for bringing the kati roll to the U.S. Payal Saha started the brand as an immigrant in New York longing for the flavor of home. With zero restaurant experience, she built the concept from the ground up focusing on sourcing the best ingredients and spices available and scaled to now having four locations in New York and two locations in London. The brand now steps into a new venture with the first ever franchise location for TKRC with the Dallas location.
“When we decided to move forward with a franchisee it was after years of ignoring others’ requests.” says Anil Bathwal, Managing Director and husband to Payal Saha. “We believe we found the right partner for our continued expansion, as he understands our brand and our vision for the future.”
TKRC is launching their first franchise partnership with local Dallas entrepreneur, Hebron Sher. Sher started his food & beverage journey as a Chick-Fil-A franchisee which later led him to investing in other brands including The Melting Pot, as well as creating original concepts. With experience as a franchise operator, Sher sees this opportunity with The Kati Roll Company as a perfect merger of personal interests with past endeavors. Alongside his partner, Allen Humphris, they plan on developing the brand within Texas and beyond.
“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,” says franchise owner, Hebron Sher. “We are thrilled to be a part of expanding TKRC into Texas as the first ever franchise partner.”
The Kati Roll Company welcomes seasoned food enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike to experience a plethora of flavor and culture, lovingly wrapped in every roll.
