SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tava Indian Kitchen, the Bay Area's leading fast casual Indian restaurant concept, today announced that it has closed $4.5MM of new equity financing, providing capital to expand the management team and accelerate new unit growth in the Bay Area and other new markets in 2016 and beyond.
Tava, founded in 2011 by 3 college friends with a vision to bring the freshest flavors of Indian cuisine to the mainstream, has three successful locations across the San Francisco Bay Area, serving a modern approach on Indian food, in a fun fast casual environment for $8-$10.
All of Tava’s dishes are made-to-order with all-natural ingredients, offering guests the ability to create-their-own Indian cuisine experience. Tava has multiple options including a Roti Wrap, Rice Bowl, and Salad Bowl that are served with a choice of all-natural chicken, grass-fed lamb, and vegetarian or vegan proteins. These are then topped with Tava’s signature Tikka or Daal sauces, garnished with fresh veggies, and one of five flavorful housemade chutneys.
Tava CEO Jeremy Morgan said, “Tava is off to a great start here in the Bay Area with consumers really enjoying our fresh approach to Indian food. With this new capital fusion and expansion of our board, we have a real opportunity to take a leadership role in growing the fast casual Indian food category.” Morgan added, “We are excited to expand our footprint across the Bay Area this year, and look forward to entering new markets beginning in 2016.”
Tava’s Series A1 round was led by the CircleUp Growth Fund, Kensington Capital, Agilic Capital and former Smashburger CEO David Prokupek, through his investment fund HiGrowth Advisors. Prokupek was named Fast Casual’s #1 Mover and Shaker in 2012 and has joined Tava’s Board of Directors as part of the transaction.
Tava co-founder and Board Chairman Vijay Brihmadesam said, "We are thrilled to have Dave joining our Board of Directors. His experience building one of fast casual’s most respected brands will be immensely valuable as we look towards future growth.”
Prokupek noted that “Tava has all of the elements for great success story—a talented team of founders, amazing food, and the capital needed to grow. I am privileged to be part of this emerging concept and look forward to helping Tava become a leading brand in the fast casual industry.”
About Tava Indian Kitchen
Tava Indian Kitchen serves delicious Indian food in fast casual environment. The company began in 2011 with the vision of Vijay Brihmadesam, Jason Pate and Hasnain Zaidi, with the goal of modernizing the way people think about Indian cuisine. With 3 restaurants across the Bay Area in San Francisco, Palo Alto and San Jose, Tava offers a signature menu of Roti Wraps (known as "Burrotis"), Rice Bowls and Salad Bowls that are prepared quickly and made to order. Tava uses only the highest quality ingredients, including all-natural chicken, grass-fed lamb and five flavorful house-made chutneys. Tava is open for lunch and dinner, providing guests a quick, convenient meal for less than $10. To learn more, visit www.tavaindian.com.
