The Patel Brothers is one of the most well known and popular Indian grocery stores in the United States. But a closer look at this store will reveal a history that goes far beyond the products that they sell. In this article, you will learn about the story of Mafat Bhai Patel, the founder of the store. Also, you will get a look at the history of the Patel brothers and the company that owns their subsidiary, Raja Foods.
Mafat Bhai Patel’s story
Mafat Bhai Patel is an engineer and entrepreneur from the Indian state of Gujarat. He has been living in the United States since the early 70s.
He has opened two businesses for the Indian community in Chicago. One of them is a travel agency, the other a small grocery store. The two stores are owned by Patel’s family.
After arriving in the United States, Mafat found his life was not as easy as it seems. It was difficult to find ingredients for Indian food in the local grocery stores. In addition, the work was isolating.
Upon settling in the city of Chicago, he decided to open a small grocery store. He recruited his brother Tulsi to help him with the venture. A store called “Patel Brothers” was opened in the mid-70s.
Today, the business is run by his father Rakesh. It has grown into a chain of Indian groceries across the country.
Raja Foods subsidiary
Patel Brothers is one of the largest Indian grocery chains in the United States. It’s also the biggest ethnic supermarket chain. While the company may be new to the area, its ancestors have been around for quite some time.
The first store was opened in Chicago’s Devon Avenue in 1974. In the early days, the store was a mere 900 square feet. However, the store has since been refurbished and expanded. Today, there are 51 locations across America.
The company has also been known to make microwavable meals, which are convenient for those on the go. Aside from their food items, the company owns a clothing boutique and Patel Air Tours. They also offer an outdoor pani puri bar.
Raja Foods is a subsidiary of the Patel Brothers. This brand provides pre-packaged Indian foods for the grocer’s shelves. Interestingly, the name is a nod to Rakesh Patel’s childhood nickname, Raja.
Oldest store in the U.S.
Patel Brothers is one of the oldest Indian grocery stores in the United States. It has been operating in Chicago since 1974.
Patel Bros has an extensive product line. They sell products such as Indian microwave dinners and healthy and beauty products.
A large part of the goods in Patel Bros are sourced directly from India. This helps them to keep prices competitive. The company also offers a variety of promotions.
In addition to their retail store, they also have a jewelry store and a travel agency. All of these stores are located in the US.
Patel Bros began in the Midwest and has grown into a chain of over 50 locations. Most are found in the US Eastern states, though the company has stores in Texas and New Jersey.
The Patel Brothers website has a lot of information about the company and the products they carry. You can even order online and get discounts on some of the most popular items.
Most popular store in New York
Patel Brothers is one of the largest ethnic grocery chains in the United States. It opened its first store in Chicago in 1974. There are now 50 stores in the U.S., plus two warehouses in the Midwest.
The chain mainly carries Indian ingredients, and is stocked with international groceries, such as Thai sauces, Chinese noodles, and Middle Eastern foods. A wide variety of foods is available, including organic and natural choices.
Most Patel Brothers stores are located in retail parks or in the vicinity of restaurants. Each location is supervised by a member of the family. For example, Harshad Patel runs the store in Jackson Heights, Queens.
Patel Brothers is also popular among young, urban Indian Americans. Compared to Indian supermarkets, it offers an upscale experience, with long aisles, clean floors, and bright fluorescent lights. In addition to the traditional grocery, Patel Brothers sells frozen samosas that taste freshly fried. They also stock an array of snacks, including murukku, a spiral-shaped cracker.
