According to recent reporting, The Twist Indian Grill is expanding throughout Ohio and beyond. What Now Columbus spoke with Maulin Patel, co-founder and CEO of The Twist Indian Grill, who shared his plans for expanding to a second location in Cincinnati later this year and opening a third location in Columbus in 2024. Patel hasn’t secured a location for Columbus just yet, but hopes to do so by late 2023.
The eatery started in Dayton last year and has received a warm welcome from the community and now, Patel is looking to expand not only throughout Ohio, but he’s also started to franchise the concept in other areas, including Chicago, Delaware and New Jersey.
“I’m vegetarian, but when I’m out, I don’t find a lot places where I can eat. I wanted to create more vegan and vegetarian options, but the main thought behind it was that it could become something you could find in every major city,” Patel said of the reason for moving toward franchising.
Patel attributes his success to offering vegetarian and vegan options through Indian cuisine that challenges people’s beliefs that Indian food is spicy.
“People have misconceptions about Indian food being spicy. Our concept is like Chipotle’s build your own, so people can pick their spice level,” Patel said.
That build your own concept plays into the ‘twist’ in the restaurant’s name, which refers to serving Indian food in an American-Mexican style, by pairing the flavors of traditional Indian cuisine with quesadillas, burritos and bowls.
The menu features healthy food selections such as vegan curries made creamy with the inclusion of a cashew puree instead of dairy. There are also a variety of protein options, from plant-based proteins such as lentils, to meats like chicken and lamb, as well as Indian street food, fries and desserts.
