Inside Bombay Eats: Bringing Indian Street Food to Chicagoland
Location: 1763 Freedom Drive, Naperville
Contact: 630-857-9082; www.bombayeats.com
Ownership: Ali and Falguni Dewjee, based in Chicago
Years in Operation: 4 in Naperville, 16 overall
Business Concept
Bombay Eats presents an Indian fast-casual dining experience. Customers personalize their meals, selecting their preferences before paying. Ali Dewjee likens their model to Chipotle, highlighting its emphasis on choice and customization.
Background
The business began in 2010 in Chicago’s Loop, originally called Bombay Wraps. It held the distinction of being the first fast-casual Indian restaurant in Chicago. Initially, the menu featured simple offerings with four meat and vegetable options, alongside a selection of sides and drinks.
Ali Dewjee, who was raised in Bombay, wanted to encapsulate the vibrant street food culture he fondly remembers. Over time, as customer preferences evolved, they expanded the menu, introducing rice bowls, salads, and sandwich rolls. These offerings provide familiar presentation with new flavors.
Naperville marks the debut of their venture as Bombay Eats. They maintain other locations in the Loop, Streeterville, and Lakeview in Chicago, reaching a diverse mix of tourists and residents.
Menu and Specialties
A visit to Bombay Eats is incomplete without trying the chicken tikka wrap, a standout item. They recently introduced the BombayRito, aiming to offer substantial value amidst inflation challenges. The BombayRito reflects their commitment to maintaining affordable, hearty meals despite economic pressures.
Operational Details
Operating Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Saturday; closed on Sundays.
Ali Dewjee’s Journey
Before delving into the restaurant industry, Ali Dewjee had a substantial career in consumer packaged goods marketing. He spent 12 years with PepsiCo, including a role managing innovation for Quaker Oats. The skills acquired in product development and strategic marketing have greatly influenced his approach to running Bombay Eats.
Entrepreneurial roots run deep in the Dewjee family. Ali was raised in his mother’s beauty salon in India, while Falguni grew up around her father’s popular Indian dessert store. Their upbringing instilled a natural inclination towards entrepreneurship.
Reflections on Bombay
Describing Bombay, Ali mentions its dynamic and diverse nature, likening the city to a bustling hub akin to New York City. It’s a melting pot of cultures, embodying a unique blend of flavors, colors, and energy.
Job Satisfaction
Ali expresses a strong passion for hosting and serving guests. He derives genuine pleasure from managing the restaurant and interacting with patrons.
Despite hurdles like the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent staffing challenges, the team persists. Inflation continues to pressure food and labor costs, yet they navigate these issues with determination.
Location and Potential Expansion
Although the strip mall location in Naperville experiences some softness in traffic, a significant number of patrons working in the Loop appreciate having Bombay Eats closer to home.
As for future plans, there’s enthusiasm about potential locations in Chicagoland, including Evanston, Hyde Park, and Schaumburg. Franchise requests have been frequent, signaling strong interest in expanding their unique format.
Unique Selling Proposition
Bombay Eats’ distinct format continues to advance the Indian restaurant scene. Although there’s a lack of similar Indian dining options, they face this niche market with confidence.
The team comprises four employees working in two shifts. During peak times, Ali keeps tabs on operations across various sites, effectively navigating Chicago’s busy traffic.
Personal Stories
A particularly fulfilling aspect for Ali is the opportunity to introduce people to Indian cuisine and culture. Sharing stories and experiences through food remains a source of great pride.
Business Advice
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Ali emphasizes the multi-faceted nature of running a restaurant. Besides the critical focus on food quality, there’s equal importance in managing finances, marketing, procurement, and customer service.