Inspired Indian Co. Slated to Open in the Former Al’s Deli Space in Evanston

According to an article from Evanston Round Table , Inspired Indian Cooking will soon take over the former Al’s Deli space at 914 Noyes Street.

A representative of Inspired Indian Cooking was not immediately available for commentary upon What Now Chicago’s request.

According to the Evanston Round Table article, the goal is to be able to open Inspired Indian Cooking by the end of June.

“When Al’s Deli closed its doors after 75 years at 914 Noyes St. in January 2024, the Evanston community mourned. But for Kalpana Waikar, founder and owner of the popular spice company Inspired Indian Cooking (812 Dempster St.), it became an opportunity she couldn’t resist.”

“Inspired Indian Cooking first launched online in 2019, and the packets filled with freshly roasted and ground Indian spices proved popular, especially during the pandemic when home cooking ruled.”

“Waikar opened her brick-and-mortar shop in December 2021, expanded the line from six to 12 spice kits in 2022, and redesigned the packaging in 2023. She also expanded service offerings with cooking classes and private events.”

“But life intervened, as it often does, and this year saw Waikar laid up with not one but two separate knee replacements – she’s currently recovering from the second. This has given her time to plan her new endeavor, which she has rebranded as Inspired Indian Co. With her lease coming up at the Dempster location, it was perfect timing.”

“The new store will serve a few functions. Taking her cue from the famous sandwich wallas of Mumbai, Inspired Indian Co. will serve handcrafted Indian sandwiches, all vegetarian, with each ingredient – chutneys, dals, salads, etc. – made from scratch.”

“There will also be a food boutique in the front of the store selling Waikar’s famous spice kits, local products, packaged snacks and spreads, and a special effort to “prioritize emerging food brands from underrepresented founders.”

“A little bit more about those sandwiches, which should resonate well with students and Evanstonians alike: The signature sandwich will be the iconic Bombay Sandwich, a veggie-laden wonder on sourdough bread with sliced steamed potatoes, beets, green pepper, pickled onion, tomato and Muenster cheese, all dusted with sandwich masala, a freshly roasted and ground proprietary blend of Indian spices including cumin, star anise, and pomegranate powder.”

“However, before patrons can enjoy any of this deliciousness, the space requires some significant updating to bring it up to code, including plumbing and electrical work. New fixtures, kitchen equipment, and point-of-sale system will also be installed. To this end, there is a Kickstarter campaign to help Waikar with construction and opening costs.”

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