Help Brooklyn Curry Project Open Our First Storefront

swetha raju is organizing this fundraiser.

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Summary:

As many of you know, we recently had to close down our beloved Fort Greene dosa pop-up, which we’ve been operating since 2021. The growing crowds became too large for the area, and unfortunately, we had to shut it down. From the very beginning, Brooklyn Curry Project has been more than just a food stand—it’s been a space for gathering and building community. Now, we’re reaching out to the incredible community we’ve built over the past three years to ask for your support in helping us open our very own restaurant.

Swetha and Venkat selling dosa and idly at Fort Greene

How It All Started:

My name is Swetha, and cooking has always been my love language. Back in Bangalore, my husband Venkat and I would bond over trips to the local chaat centers, savoring the street food together. When we moved to NYC in 2016, we struggled to find South Indian food and community that felt like home, outside of the Flushing Temple. So, we decided to create that sense of home ourselves—right here in Brooklyn.

In 2021, our daughter Mahati had the idea to have a lemonade stand near the Fort Greene Farmers Market. At the time, there weren’t any hot food vendors in the area, so we thought it would be a great opportunity to share our food with the neighborhood. We started small, selling lunch boxes, and quickly grew a following.

Mahati's lemonade stand

Running the dosa stand has been a dream come true, but I’ve always wanted to share even more unique South Indian dishes that people may not know about. I’ve had the chance to do this once a month at Nimbus in Downtown Brooklyn, where I could host events and experiment with new menu items. While it’s been a great creative outlet, it’s not sustainable long-term.

Traditional South Indian banana leaf meal served at the monthly seated family meal.

Thankfully, our hard work didn’t go unnoticed. Brooklyn Curry Project was featured by Better India, Outside Magazine, Eater, Brooklyn Magazine, CNBC, and even NYT Cooking, which made the following documentary sharing our story.

The Vision:

We’re now working towards opening our own brick-and-mortar cafe or restaurant in Downtown Brooklyn or Fort Greene. This space will be so much more than just a place to eat—it will be a vibrant community hub where we can expand our menu, host events, and continue sharing the warmth of our culture with everyone.

Why We Need Your Support:

Opening a restaurant in New York City is a huge undertaking, and the funds we raise through this campaign will be used for essential expenses:

Rent: Securing a prime location in Downtown Brooklyn or Fort Greene, where rent for a suitable space can easily exceed $240,000 per year.

Construction & Build-Out, or Turn-Key Option: Renovating and designing the space, or finding a location that’s already outfitted with commercial kitchen equipment, which can cost between $250,000-$400,000.

Equipment: Purchasing high-quality kitchen equipment, furniture, and other necessary items.

Licensing & Permits: Navigating NYC’s complex regulatory environment, including health permits, fire inspections, and more.

With your support, we can finally establish a permanent home for Brooklyn Curry Project—a place that not only serves food but also nurtures the sense of community that has been at the heart of our journey from the very beginning. Thank you for being a part of our story!