Craveworthy Brands ("Craveworthy") concept, Sigri Indian BBQ (“Sigri”), one of the first franchise brands known for delivering authentic North Indian barbecue with open-flame cooking, has signed a new franchise agreement in Gainesville, Florida.
The first Florida location will be locally owned and operated by Ravin and Heali Mehta, a husband-and-wife team originally from the Northeast with a strong background in fast casual franchising. After successfully operating a previous restaurant concept, the duo relocated to Gainesville with a shared focus on building fresh dining destinations in their new community. The new Sigri is expected to open in mid-2027.
Anchored by the University of Florida, Gainesville offers a high-energy, diverse consumer base of students, young professionals and families who gravitate toward bold, globally inspired flavors and convenient, high-quality options. In a market that favors experience-driven fast casual, Sigri offers culturally rooted cuisine in a format built for consistency and everyday demand.
“We have been in this space before, so we know how important it is to build something that truly resonates with the community,” said Ravin Mehta. “Gainesville has welcomed us with open arms, and that made us want to bring something new and meaningful to the table – a concept that tastes different and is rooted in tradition. With Sigri, we see the opportunity to do exactly that.”
Founded in 2015, Sigri redefines fast casual dining with a bold and authentic take on North Indian cuisine, inspired by the region’s roadside restaurants known as 'dhabas.’ The Concept blends time-honored cooking techniques and culinary creativity to craft a menu that is both deeply ingrained in heritage and approachable.
At the heart of Sigri’s experience is the centuries-old art of open-fire cooking, infusing every dish with warmth, depth and smokey flavor. From sizzling kebabs to spiced bowls and kathi rolls, every item pays homage to India’s vibrant street food culture – elevated with fresh ingredients and vibrant presentation.
“We’re intentional about who we partner with, and Ravin and Heali represent the kind of great operators we look for – experience, purpose and a genuine commitment to the communities they serve,” said Samuel Stanovich, SVP of Franchise Leadership at Craveworthy. “They understand that building a successful restaurant goes beyond just the product. It’s about showing up consistently, leading passionate teams and creating an experience guests come back for. That is the kind of partner we’re excited to grow with.”
Sigri presents a strong opportunity within the growing global fast casual space, offering a flexible footprint, approachable investment and a menu that resonates with today’s adventurous consumer. Backed by Craveworthy, franchisees are are building on proven systems, operational discipline and a support model designed to scale with consistency.