About us
Why Does Bowl’d Masala Exist?
Beyond Food. Built on Experience.
Bowl’d Masala didn’t start with a business plan.It started with a question:
Why should great food — and business ownership — be limited to only those with millions to spend?
For me, food has never been just about recipes.It has always been about people.
Think about it. The dishes that stay with us aren’t remembered because of perfect measurements. They’re remembered because of who made them—your mom’s comfort food, your spouse’s chicken curry, your dad’s lamb curry on a Sunday afternoon, a friend’s BBQ that somehow tastes better than any restaurant version. The cook brings their soul into the food, and as guests, we feel that connection in every bite.
That human element is what Bowl’d Masala stands for.
Food, like movies, is one of the fastest and most beautiful ways to understand a new culture. Long before we travel to a country, we often meet it through its stories—and its flavors.
America gave the world icons like Tom Cruise and Will Smith, alongside culinary pioneers like James Beard.
India introduced us to legends such as Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, paired with chefs like Sanjeev Kapoor and Garima Arora.It’s a natural extension of what we do at Bowl’d Masala.
Pakistan is remembered through the humor of Umer Sharif and the warmth of home-style cooking represented by Zahra Khan.
Hong Kong and China brought global energy through Jackie Chan, and approachable Asian cooking through Martin Yan.
England shaped pop culture with Ben Kingsley, while its kitchens are defined by Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver.
Israel is known globally through Natalie Portman and flavors brought forward by Yotam Ottolenghi.
Spain’s passion shines through Antonio Banderas and the cuisine of José Andrés.
Malaysia’s global presence comes from Michelle Yeoh and the culinary voice of Chef Wan.
Mexico is celebrated through Salma Hayek and chefs like Enrique Olvera.
Ireland’s strength is seen in Liam Neeson and refined through Clare Smyth.
South Africa’s voice travels with Charlize Theron and the storytelling cuisine of Siba Mtongana.
Chile’s cultural moment is carried by Pedro Pascal and the deep-rooted flavors of Rodolfo Guzmán.
Culture travels through stories and flavors—together.
In the same spirit, Pankaj Kumar and Bowl’d Masala are trying to touch hearts in America and beyond in our own way. We may not be the loudest or the biggest, but our intention is simple and honest:to share the culture of Asia with a positive, flavorful, human touch—one bowl, one wrap, one bite at a time.
Because when food is cooked with soul, it doesn’t just fill you up.It connects you.
From Crew Member to Founder
My journey began where many others start — on the floor, as a crew member.Clocking in. Learning systems. Serving guests. Watching leaders. Making mistakes. Learning fast.
Over the past 27+ years, hospitality took me across the world — airports, hotels, quick-service brands, fast-casual restaurants, and international markets. I worked with global brands and demanding operations. I learned discipline, process, and consistency the hard way.
I also learned something more important:The people doing the work rarely get the opportunity to own the system.
That stayed with me.
The Pandemic Pivot That Changed Everything
Like many entrepreneurs, COVID forced me to rethink everything.
Traditional restaurants were struggling.Cloud kitchens promised freedom but came with hidden fragility.Third-party platforms changed the rules overnight.
What I learned during that time shaped Bowl’d Masala forever:
Small footprints matter
Systems must work in real life, not spreadsheets
Ownership must be accessible, not aspirational
Bowl’d Masala was built as a modern Indian fast-casual brand designed for today’s realities — food halls, malls, compact kitchens, efficient menus, and scalable systems.
Not shortcuts.Smart structure.
More Than a Restaurant
Bowl’d Masala serves bold Indian flavors — protein bowls, wraps (Kati Rolls), wings, lassis — made lighter, faster, and more flexible for modern lifestyles. But the brand stands for something bigger.
It stands for:
Employees becoming owners
First-time entrepreneurs getting a real shot
Immigrants and professionals building something of their own
A system that respects hard work and common sense
This isn’t about chasing trends.It’s about building repeatable success.
Why Franchising Matters to Me
I believe franchising, when done right, is one of the most powerful tools for economic mobility.
Not everyone wants to invent a brand.Many people want a proven playbook, guidance, and support.
Bowl’d Masala is built to be that playbook.
Every recipe, process, layout, and decision is designed with one question in mind:Would this help a first-time owner succeed?
About the Author
Pankaj Kumar
Pankaj Kumar is a franchise consultant, entrepreneur, and author with over 27 years of global experience in hospitality and business operations. His work is rooted in one simple belief: business ownership should be accessible, not intimidating.
Pankaj has authored two books and regularly writes articles focused on helping professionals transition from traditional 9–to–5 careers into business ownership through franchising. His writing is not about selling franchises—it is about education, clarity, and giving back. Having learned many lessons the hard way, Pankaj is deeply committed to helping others avoid common mistakes and make informed decisions on their entrepreneurial journey.
His articles have been featured on leading platforms including FranchiseWire and News India Times, where he writes about modern franchising, immigrant entrepreneurship, and the evolving path to ownership in America. His work reaches aspiring entrepreneurs across the U.S. and internationally, particularly within the Indian-origin and first-time business owner communities.
Pankaj was also a proud participant on The Blox, Season 22, where he represented real-world entrepreneurship on a national stage. In recognition of his leadership, mentorship, and impact, he has been selected as CXO Leader of the Year 2025.
Beyond writing and consulting, giving back to the community is central to Pankaj’s mission. He actively organizes franchise bootcamps for high school students, introducing young minds to franchising as a viable career path and ownership opportunity. Through these programs, students learn how businesses are built, scaled, and sustained—opening their eyes to possibilities beyond conventional career routes.
Whether through his writing, mentorship, or ventures like Bowl’d Masala, Pankaj’s goal remains the same: to extend a helping hand, share real-world knowledge, and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.
