Vani Mahobia and Amit Kumar
Dishefs – MICRO Spring 2024
Published November 13, 2024
As part of our ‘Meet Our Founders’ series today, we introduce Vani Mahobia (Co-Founder) and Amit Kumar (Founder) of Dishefs based in Waxhaw, NC. Dishefs provide a two-way marketplace (similar to an AirBnB) for chefs to find commercial kitchens for rent, and local restaurants/commercial kitchens to list their kitchen.
Q: What problem are you trying to solve and what influenced you to start your company?
A: Our journey started with a dream of contributing to America’s food scene. But as we explored, we found a lot of roadblocks. Laws were confusing, starting costs were high, and there was no easy way to connect aspiring chefs with available kitchens. At the same time, kitchen owners were struggling with fewer customers and rising costs.
We felt stuck. We wanted to start our own food businesses, but our friends who owned kitchens were shutting down. As tech enthusiasts, we knew we had to do something.
That’s why we created Dishefs. It’s a platform that brings together chefs and kitchen owners, making it easier for everyone to succeed. Our goal is simple: to help food entrepreneurs thrive while supporting the backbone of our food industry.
Q: What are you most excited about right now? What keeps you up at night?
A: The opportunity to connect with local food entrepreneurs for Ex: juicers and personal chefs who are seeking affordable options. It’s incredibly fulfilling when we can help ease their worries about investing their life savings in one go (Opening Retain Restaurants) or signing long-term contracts (Cloud Kitchens). By connecting them with nearby kitchens that support each other, we’re making our dream a reality.
The satisfaction we feel when we see the happiness in their faces is priceless. It’s what keeps us going, from one day to the next.
Q: How will your NC IDEA grant funds advance your company?
A: The NC IDEA grant funds are like a booster shot for us. They’ll help us expand our reach and impact in a big way. With this support, we can invest in technology upgrades to make our platform even more user-friendly. Plus, we’ll be able to ramp up our efforts to connect with more local businesses and kitchen owners, spreading the word about Dishefs far and wide. It’s an exciting step forward for us, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us!
While visiting the Charlotte area, Vani and Amit recommend:
- Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at Amelie’s French Bakery & Café, where the pastries are simply divine. Then, explore the eclectic vibes of Optimist Hall for lunch, with must-try spots like Botiwala and The Dumpling Lady. As the sun sets, head to NoDa for a taste of Southern charm at Haberdish, or get cozy with wood-fired pizzas at Benny Pennello’s. And don’t leave without treating yourself to something sweet at Suarez Bakery. Trust me, Charlotte’s food scene will leave you wanting more!
Support Dishefs and Vani and Amit by:
- Firstly, spreading the word about Dishefs is invaluable. With your help, we can reach more people and create awareness about our mission to ensure that no food entrepreneurs struggle to earn and maximize their potential with existing resources.Additionally, if you know of any underutilized kitchen spaces, connecting us with these resources can greatly benefit both sides of the food entrepreneurship equation. By offering qualified renters access to these spaces, we can foster collaboration and innovation in the industry.
Your support plays a crucial role in our journey to empower food entrepreneurs and create a more sustainable and inclusive food ecosystem. Together, we can make a meaningful impact!
