Franchise owners and cousins Kalyan Marella and Anitha P were drawn to Newmarket’s cultural diversity, “people and community”
One of Newmarket’s latest gastronomic offerings serves what it describes as fast casual Mediterranean fusion cuisine.
Kalyan Marella and Anitha P opened the local franchise of Tahini’s May 18 after lots of preparatory work. That included searching for a location, training on everything from food preparation, customer service and finance and setting up the restaurant to build upon the frontline chef experience Marella already had under his belt.
P, a homemaker, is a passionate cook. Her shawarma has become a favourite for family and friends. Through the restaurant, she says, she hopes to share that passion with a wider audience.
For Marella, it’s all about the food.
Coming to Canada from India, Marella decided he’d like to be in business for himself. Paired with P, who is his cousin, he decided upon Tahini’s, which has plans to expand beyond its 60 locations in Canada and into the United States in a couple of years.
Food, says Marella, is an important aspect of the South Asian culture. And Tahini’s’ base of dishes from the Mediterranean, which expands to South Asian food as well, appealed to him.
“I went to the store a couple of times in Toronto and London,” says Marella, adding that he particularly enjoyed the bowl dishes. “This is the right place that I want to be in.”
The menu is vast and varied. There are a dozen types of bowls ranging from classic rice to those with chicken, beef, salad and even fries.
A similar variety of wraps and shawarmas are offered, including Korean barbecue and Arabian twists of the classic Middle Eastern dish.
Orders can be custom-made and Marella says there are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options as well. All the meat, he adds, is 100 per cent Halal.
“The juiciness from the meat, that’s where the taste comes from,” he says, explaining that proper preparation and spices is key to the flavour. “I love to taste the food first before I give it to the customer.
“I feel really happy that my partner is really a food person… so she knows exactly what we are making and how we are making it.”
He has also been working with local school boards and other community groups since opening to develop meal programs for students that are nut free.
In terms of location, Marella had several options. But living near Richmond Hill, he was familiar with the area and liked Newmarket’s cultural diversity. After that, the crew at Tahini’s head office set out in search of the perfect spot.
Tahini’s Newmarket was established at the shopping destination of Yonge-Davis Centre, at 17480 Yonge St, where it offers seating for 10 people with potential for more on a patio with a vast take-out business. Customers can watch their food being prepared onsite.
“When I heard Newmarket (was one of the options) that was my triggering point…. I feel very happy with my heart” about the people and community, he says. “I love the culture and I love the people here.”
Without the people and the community, he reasons, there would be no business. So he intends to be involved in the community and initiatives to help support it.
“We are working on all the factors to help and support our community,” he says.