July 4, 2012

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When Payal Saha first moved to the United States from India, she quickly realized that something was missing. She had grown to love the street foods of her hometown in Kolkata. So much so, that she thought, “if I missed it so much, other people must too,” said Saha.

Determined to bring a taste of her hometown to the states, the young entrepreneur raised enough startup capital from her own savings, family and friends to start a business. In 2002, Payal took a chance and started The Katy Roll Company, a high-quality, authentic fast Indian food chainlet.

Today the company serves close to half a million rolls per year in both New York City and London.

Learn how Payal Saha, without formal business training, became an entrepreneur and why she believes human respect and compassion are the cornerstones to a successful business.

How I Got Started:

When I first moved to the U.S. from India, I missed the street foods of my hometown Kolkata. I thought that if I missed it so much, other people must too. With cash raised through my own savings and borrowed from family, my friend and I were the first employees of the business, making and serving a simple 11-roll menu.

I opened my first store in 2002 and I knew I was onto something when word spread about the fresh and authentic fare and soon we were faced with long lines of customers waiting to eat our food. We even needed security to keep the peace during the busy late-night hours!

Today, my unrelenting strive for authentic Indian street food served in a hip and friendly environment has garnered a loyal following with both American and Indian patrons, many of whom consider my kati rolls as a nostalgic “taste of home.”

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