Woks of Success
By Jacob David.
Inchin’s Bamboo Garden has been streaking woks of success opening franchises all over the United States. Founders and partners Amitabh Agarwal and Kaushik Patel are serious about their business, yet delighted that their first restaurant caught on the right spirit of becoming a huge franchise hit. Amitabh and Kaushik are busy turning empty leasing spaces all over the United States into thriving busy brand name restaurants called Inchin’s Bamboo Garden, serving Indo-Chinese cuisine.
Kaushik Patel, co-founder of Inchin's Restaurant answers questions on the runaway hit franchise he and his partner Amitabh Agarwal opened just 3 years ago.
The name Inchin’s is novel. Tell us how you came about that name?
We started off with the name ‘Bamboo Garden’ in Atlanta, Georgia. Our Corporate name has always been Inchin Restaurants Inc. When trademarks were considered Bamboo Garden being a fairly common name was not available, hence we added Inchin’s before the name. Inchin’s means a combination of Indian and Chinese.
Inchin's Bamboo Garden Restaurant, Sugar Land, Texas location.
When did you have the idea to start a franchise?
With the success of our first location and the overwhelming response we had, a lot of our out of town customers wanted us to open locations in other cities.
What made you want to start / pursue a restaurant business?
It is the dream of one of my founder/partner Mr. Amitabh Agrawal’s father. Amitabh Agrawal , me and three of my other partners started the first Bamboo Garden in Duluth ( Atlanta,GA) in April of 2003, the second one in Decatur (Atlanta, GA) . It was originally Mr Agrawal’s idea that we go into this business. At the time there was a restaurant, Hot Wok village in Atlanta, very popular, serving this cuisine. The Chef claimed he was of China Garden, Bombay. Seeing its popularity and success, we believed that we could do this much better in terms of service, ambience and giving our customers the total dining experience. We did just that. We are very serious about our business and address customers concerns individually.
Can you tell us the story behind the cart at the entrance to your restaurant?
It is our trademark symbol. It grabs the attention of lot of the locals and customers. There is a buzz and a curiosity angle that is generated by its mere presence. A lot of our customers have been away from home and it brings back memories. It is still used as a transportation mode in certain parts of India and China.
What is Inchin’s mission in serving Indo-Chinese cuisine?
We do only Chinese food and we do it right. Our slogan is “Chinese Swad India Ki Yaad.” Many of the restaurants have tried to serve this cuisine, but their focus is not this cuisine, They are serving everything from Dosas , Muglai food, Chaat etc. Our focus is only Chinese Cuisine - Hong Kong Style, food that you get in restaurants in India. We have an Executive Chef Mr. Bijesh Sur . All our locations have the chefs managing the kitchen for the franchisees. This makes the operation relatively easy for our franchisees as they have to manage the business part of the restaurant and not worry about food quality and consistency.
Please tell us in brief about yourself, your life history, education, aspirations and goals.
My partners and I have been in various franchised Hospitality Businesses for the last 20 years from Gas Stations, Motels and Sandwich Shops.
What were the procedures you had to go through to start a franchise?
Being a franchisee for the last 20 years in various businesses, it was relatively easy starting one. We had a business model that we could duplicate and franchising was the only way to go, if we were to open restaurants all over the country.
What were some of the huge hurdles you had to go through at the start?
The restaurant business is one of the toughest businesses. Franchising is a business which is subject to state scrutiny at all times. Individually we have to register to sell franchises in most of the states. Some states require registration with them. The procedures are very time consuming. Even with the best attorneys working for you it would take about 6-8 months for the formation of a franchise. As far as the operation of the franchise, it is easy if the entire operation is simplified. Our chefs manage the kitchen, the franchisee manages the outside business. We monitor the entire business for consistency in all levels - quality, customer service and satisfaction and the entire dining experience.
How many franchises are you looking to start each year?
Our goal is to open 50 restaurants in the next 4 years. We have had inquiries as far as London, UK and Punjab, India for our franchise. We want to create a brand name and image nationwide and give our customers a dining experience they would remember.
That would put it at 10-12 franchises every year, based on the time factor.
Did you start Inchin’s with a view to franchise it from the very start?
Right from the start we were working with a business model. Everything that we used was customized and trademarked. We used Custom Crockery, décor, placemats, to go bags, Rickshaw, Pavilion, water falls, etc. for both of our restaurants. We were creating a brand image with the very first restaurant that we started.
How much does an Inchin’s franchise cost and how can someone contact you?
They can go on our web-site www.bamboo-gardens.com and under Franchise inquiry send their contact information to us. Initial costs vary from $250,000.00 to $450,000.00
What is your mission in life that keeps Inchin’s thriving?
We are determined to open restaurants in every major city by the end of next year. I have a dozen inquiries every week for franchisees. This fusion cuisine has really been very popular today and the success of our existing franchisees is the measure of our success.
Can you give us an insight to your daily business schedule?
My typical business day involves a lot of interaction with franchisees and the restaurants in the planning and construction stages. We help with site selections, all phases of construction, and the entire set up of the restaurant from start up to completion to ongoing support 24/7 once it starts business. We have several other Projects on hand apart from this franchise. We are constantly seeking franchisees and providing them information. We are also opening a State-of-the-Art lounge, Shlok Lounge, members only, membership by invitation, in Chicago by May of this year. We have Sanjeev Kapoor of Khana Khazana fame; create a menu exclusively for the lounge “Shlok”. We have already franchised this in Atlanta, Ga.
How does it feel being the owner of a successful franchise?
At the end of the day, the success of our franchisees measures our success. It is a great feeling of accomplishment and achievement.
Do tell us about your partner Amitabh Agarwal?
Amitabh’s vision and determination has let us enjoy our success today. He is most instrumental in the operations of the entire franchise. I have a role in the franchising part of the restaurants but he is the heart of all of our operations. Currently it is a two man team running the entire business.
L-R: Partner Piyush Agarwal, Franchisee Nimesh Patel, Founder Amitabh Agarwal and Co-Founder, Kaushik Patel far ahead in their new franchise hit restaurant Inchin's Bamboo Garden, which has caught the fancy of people's tastebuds and taken them for a wok.
What are the requirements a franchisee looking to start Inchin’s have?
Our franchisees are the new entrepreneurs. We do not want the standard franchisees that are available out there in the market. Our franchisees are sold on our products, presentation and concept.
Are exclusive franchise rights sold out to Houston?
Our Houston franchisee has the first right of refusal in the event we were to grant new franchisees. Also, the current franchisee is protected with a territory. Currently we will not be selling any franchises in the Houston Area.
What are your words of wisdom to excited, enthusiastic entrepreneurs out there who would like to conquer the American dream?
It is a lot of hard work all the time. At the end of day you have to work hard anyways, may as well work hard for yourself. At the end of it perseverance is the key. Do not give up on what you believe in.
Your views on having achieved the American dream?
We have just started with this franchise. Our target of 50 restaurants in 4 years is achievable. It is team work at the end of the day. If you have a good team of people working with you with similar work ethics, you will go the distance.
Mr. Kaushik, thank you for your time and insight into the Inchin’s franchise business.
Thank you, Jacob. It’s been my pleasure.
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