A festive archway of green and yellow balloons decorated the entrance of the Patel Brothers grocery store as the Indian marketplace unveiled its new location on Thursday, Sept. 12. While the original west side Patel Brothers grocery had been in operation since 2006, the renovated building, located at 4959 W. 38th St., boasts an additional 12,000 square feet, nearly 25 more employees and newly added bakery.
Brothers Mafat and Talashi Patel began Patel Brothers with the opening of the original location in Illinois in 1974. Today, 57 stores operate in 19 states, including two Indianapolis locations—in addition to the west side store, a second grocery operates in Castleton.
Owner Hiram Patel looked on as one of the founders of Patel Brothers, Mafat Patel, prepared to cut the ceremonial ribbon to the new location. A crowd of friends and family—many of whom were at the store hours prior to help clean windows, stock shelves and other necessary tasks—applauded and snapped photos of the event.
Patel Brothers’ most popular commodities are beans and spices—staples of Indian cuisine. The store also offers baked goods, dairy, produce, religious items and more. Much of the grocery’s merchandise and produce are supplied by Swad Food Products, which is owned by Patel Brothers and is currently the largest selling Indian food brand in North America.
The new Patel Brothers location was the second business opening of the week for the International Marketplace. While the store primarily serves Indianapolis’ South Asian community, everyone is invited to enjoy Patel Brothers’ affordable and high-quality products.