Tikka Drive, a fast-casual Indian restaurant focused on drive-thru service and made-from-scratch dishes, is preparing to open in Chandler at 80 W Warner Rd.
The company’s debut location will move into the former home of Sodalicious, near the northwest corner of Arizona Avenue and Warner Road, according to the company’s website. While an exact opening date has not yet been announced, the restaurant is expected to open this fall. Customers can expect a streamlined menu of six Indian entrees served with naan, a drive-thru lane with a glass viewing wall, and dine-in seating for approximately 50 guests.
Founded by Rahul Sahota, Tikka Drive is designed to address a growing demand for fast and convenient Indian food without compromising on quality. Sahota previously launched Namaste Indian Restaurant in Scottsdale in 2021, which helped lay the foundation for the new concept. According to the company’s website, a majority of customers at Namaste preferred takeout, which inspired the idea for a fully drive-thru-focused model.
Tikka Drive eliminates freezers and microwaves from its kitchen operations and instead relies on open kitchens and traditional clay ovens to prepare food fresh to order. Five tandoor ovens, imported from India, will be used to cook the naan. The company emphasizes its focus on speed, aiming to serve customers in under five minutes.
The menu includes chicken tikka masala, chicken curry, butter chicken, chicken korma, paneer tikka masala, and a vegan mixed vegetable dish. Each entree is served with basmati rice and is available with a spice level ranging from 1 to 5. Additional items include garlic naan, raita, mango lassi, and house-made iced tea and lemonade.
