Today we’d like to introduce you to Kumar Iyer.
Hi Kumar, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Rangoli, is an Indian restaurant in Manassas in business for over 20 years. Opened in 2005 in South Riding, they moved to Manassas City in 2016 when the ten year lease ran out at the former location. Rangoli has won several accolades over the years including the best Indian restaurant in Northern Virginia and Best Retail business award from Loudoun Chamber of Commerce. Recently Rangoli has switched focus towards off-site catering and South Asian Wedding meals are their specialty. Over years Rangoli has established as a leading full service catering company in the DC metro area and won the Couple’s Choice Award from The Wedding Pro Company every year since 2009.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Rangoli started making waves as soon as they opened in 2005, but soon the economic recession of 2008 hit and staying opened became difficult, But Rangoli pulled through by minimizing expenses and stretching the existing resources. Just they were recovering, the landlord increased rents that were not sustainable. So they decided to call it quits and move to a cheaper rent space. That was also the time Rangoli discovered their love for catering weddings and parties soon started improving their footprints in the South Asian wedding industry. So the newere space had to be bigger to accommodate the large kitchen space needed to cater large and multiple weddings. Once Manassas location opened in 2016, and they were just settling to business as usual, COVID pandemic happened. They had to reinvent the sales strategy. Hence they got a food truck and started taking food to corporate companies, and NIH which were operating with minimal staff. By the time the COVID wave faded, Rangoli got back on their feet and got busy into catering business. Now with the restaurant doing modest business, the diner is more the face of a catering company that enjoy making people happy at their special occasions.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Kumar Iyer, the founder and owner and is a veteran in the food industry. He graduated from a culinary school in 1995 and been wearing different hats in several restaurant and hotel companies. Besides working in hotels, Kumar was an assistant food and beverage manager onboard luxury cruise liners and a general manager with T.G.I.Fridays.
Any big plans?
The future is unsure due to the constantly changing policies of the current administration, drop in immigrant population with many leaving the country, the high costs of gas and raw materials, and the challenges on competing with more diners who are also struggling to stay afloat by whatever means. The plan is to continue doing the good work, and hoping better times are not too far. Plans are definitely not to get too adventurous and let the economics decide our path.
Pricing:
- Rangolis’ Lunch buffet at only $14.95 is probably the best value for money meal in the current market of exorbitant prices everytwhere.
- Rangoli also offers a family meal pack of only $49.95 for a full meal for four – call the restaurant for details or order online
- Rangoli’s bar prices are still way cheaper than most diners in the area and the best place to savor a drink and a fresh meal.
- Rangoli’s online ordering website beats third party prices by few dollars on most items.
- Rangoli offers Lunch bento boxes that’s a great deal for work time meals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rangolirestaurant.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rangoliva/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RangoliVA
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iyerkumar/
- Twitter: https://x.com/RangoliVA
