Their first venture is called Fusilli Reasons, a word play on ‘few silly reasons’, but their aim to start this food kiosk is far from silly. “The idea was to provide good food at low prices,” say young entrepreneurs Preet Murthy and Janak Davey. “We also realised that there is no place really for street food in Chennai. So we came up with this idea but with a twist, that of providing Italian food instead of the usual street food favourites such as chaats,” says Preet. The 23-year-olds had been classmates throughout school and college and have just finished their B. Com. They laugh about how college didn’t really interest them and it seemed like the perfect time for them to start something of their own. “A few brainstorming sessions and many inspiring Gladiator –type movies later we finally got it going.” Their two-month old kiosk in Gopalapuram is strategically located, attracting students from neighbouring schools. “We kept school children in mind while pricing our menu. A full meal including garlic bread, pasta and a beverage costs Rs.100 and the highest priced dish is a pasta that costs Rs. 50,” says Janak. The menu comprises three varieties of garlic bread and pasta, nachos and salsa and ice tea. Surprisingly, garlic bread topped with beetroot mayo is quite the crowd pleaser. Beetroot may be the least favourite vegetable for most but on this menu it’s a favourite. Finely diced beetroot slathered with mayo on crispy garlic bread is quite a delight. “ It’s also a good way of making people eat something healthy,” laughs Preet. The other two garlic bread varieties get a thumbs-up too. As for the piping hot dry pasta drizzled with chilli flakes and oregano, it makes for a tasty and filling meal.
The menu is entirely vegetarian. “We realised it might be difficult to maintain hygiene with non-veg food,” says Janak as he busies himself whipping up yet another pasta. He has been trying out dishes since he was six-years-old. “At sleepovers and camps we would all bank on him to cook. Once he made really great pasta in just a few minutes,” says Preet. The two boys are pretty much manning the fort by themselves now.
Fusilli Reasons is open from 2.30 p.m. to 10 p.m and on weekends it is open from 5 p.m.
They next plan to add a few more dishes to the menu. There are also plans to open a few more outlets. “We are far from breaking even,” laughs Preet and adds, “But this place has been doing really well…it’s better than what we had expected.”
Initially they decided to call it ‘Penne For Your Thought’ but changed their minds because it seemed too long. Painted in black with the name in bright yellow, the kiosk is hard to miss and arouses a fair amount of curiosity.
Janak agrees and adds, “In a day we easily get around 150 to 200 clients. It takes a lot of effort and enough homework but we are really enjoying this.”
Fusilli Reasons is located at Gopalapuram. Ph: 9840002591
