Taking Icy Spicy to New Heights
There were big dreams for Icy Spicy, with aspirations to take the brand to new heights. The goal was to establish a food production unit that would enable the restaurant to scale from a single location to many more. The opportunity for expansion came after crossing paths with two key individuals, who were friends of the founders.
Palash, a serious banker and investor, was known for his operational expertise and the knack for turning small names into big brands. He also had a hospitality background, with culinary skills honed at the Taj Group of Hotels in India. Manoj had built a remarkable career transforming small retail businesses into successful enterprises, with expertise ranging from store management and supply chain logistics to business sustainability. When they dined at Icy Spicy, they were captivated by the culinary talent and the commitment to serving unique Indian cuisine outside of India. They saw the potential to turn the restaurant into something extraordinary. A conversation was struck that would change the course of the brand, and together, with the founders, they established Icy Spicy Foods—a production unit to elevate and expand the business.
Recognizing that many restaurants struggle with maintaining consistency in food quality due to variations in cooking styles, suppliers, and vendor reliability, Icy Spicy Foods was created to offer quality, consistent, sustainable, and innovative production of momos and ice cream. Over the years, the small enterprise expanded, opening multiple locations across Australia. The introduction of a franchise model has allowed the brand to grow further, with five shops in NSW, two in QLD, and one in VIC, with more expected to open in various cities by 2024. This venture also introduced the multicultural aspects of Indian cuisine, highlighting the diversity of flavors from different regions.
The story of the founders is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Their journey to bring Indian-style vegetarian momos and Indian-flavored ice creams to a foreign land not only satisfied personal cravings but also enriched the local food scene with the tantalizing tastes of India. Their collaboration with investors, who shared a passion for the culinary arts, helped the business realize its full potential. With the right partners, Icy Spicy has become a celebrated destination for exceptional dishes, inspiring others to embrace cultural roots and share the joy of diverse flavors with the world.
