Across the street from the South Asian community’s unofficial town square in Suwanee, Georgia — Patel Plaza, home to names like Rajni, Honest, Sri Rangam and Atithi — opens a fast-casual Indian food spot, Chai Garam.
In a space that has already cycled through two restaurant concepts in two years, there is no hesitation for owner Manisha Churiwal over whether this one will work. Nor does the competition lining the road across seem to daunt her. Chai Garam’s soft opening has already seen people coming in throughout the day for fresh-brewed Indian chai, Delhi-inspired street food, lassis made from fresh fruits, and parathas that don’t fit your Corelle plates.
“I’m not scared, because my purpose is very different,” she said. “When you’re doing something in that competitive mode, then you feel competition. I am not in that mode. I am doing something for my passion, for fun. I am not doing charity. I definitely want to make money and walk out good, but my purpose is a little different.”…