Indian Entrepreneur Builds 12-Restaurant Empire in U.S. After Arriving on Dependent Visa
· World · LiveMint, Hindustan Times
Indian-origin entrepreneur Lavanya Mahate has shared her 25-year journey of building a successful restaurant business in the United States after initially arriving on a dependent visa. Unable to work legally when she first landed in the U.S., Mahate engaged in volunteering, continuous learning, and exploring new opportunities before founding Saffron Valley Restaurants, Bix Bakery & Café, and the RISE Culinary Institute. She acknowledged facing periods of self-doubt and career setbacks before finding her true professional purpose. Her achievements were recognized when she was named Utah Business Person of the Year in 2024 and became a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation's Outstanding Restaurateur award.
Why it matters
The story highlights the immigrant entrepreneurial experience and the systemic employment challenges faced by dependent visa holders in Western nations.
Read the original report — LiveMint
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.