MUNCIE, Ind. – After coming from India to America 10 years ago to pursue his dreams, Pradhu Krishnan is finally making them come true. Just under a month ago, Bayleaf Indian Restaurant opened, and it has been bringing in curious Ball State University students.
Krishnan’s passion was when he was the manager of an Indian restaurant for about five years. With this position, he was able to take that passion and make it into a restaurant of his own. So when he came to America, he wanted to continue that dream that he had in India and open up his own business in America.
“So, since childhood, my ambition has been to start a business anywhere, like India or the USA.
So we got an opportunity to come here, and we got a permit, everything was set. So we were inspired to start a business in the USA We got an opportunity to do the business,” Said Krishnan.
Krishnan didn’t come up with this on his own; his friend Vijay Kumar is one of the additional partners in the Bayleaf Indian Restaurant. Kumar had an important role in picking out the restaurant name and giving advice to Krishnan about running a business. Krishnan takes care of all of the responsibilities with the customers, kitchen, and management operational tasks.
“I would say like dreams come true. I’m so happy to start the business in the USA, as well as it’s my first establishment in Muncie. So I’m so happy that we brought my India goal to the USA.” Said Krishnan.
With the support of the Muncie community and small business owners, Bayleaf Indian Restaurant has been able to thrive. To give back to the community that keeps giving him so much love and support, Krishnan started up a raffle where he picks two winners, and their prize is a gift card. It’s his way of saying ‘thank you’ to those who have helped Bayleaf get to where it is today.
Bayleaf Indian Restaurant is also in the perfect location for Ball State University students. Many students come in to get a taste of something new and different. While thinking about the location of Bayleaf, Krishnan made sure to include the Ball State students as a community that would support him.
“When you create a new business as specifically in the University area, the kids from different cultures, different countries, and they try different kinds of foods, and this is their addition food. Indian food has a different culture in that food as well. So that will help the kids, the students, that will motivate them to come here, and they can try new, different things,” Said Krishnan.
Bayleaf Indian Restaurant is the result of hard work and dedication. Krishnan is proof that chasing your dreams is never too late.
If you are interested in going to Bayleaf or just want to check out their menu, visit their website.
Contact Ava Lens with comets at ava.lens@bsu.edu.
