Masala Radio Adds Excitement to Retail Grand Openings
Last updated: Feb 28, 2009

HOUSTON: From the looks of Indian business in Houston , you would never know that the economy is in a downturn!! Masala Radio’s New Year promotions started with the announcement of the grand opening of Bombay to Bejing. Owned by the same owners of Hot Breads Salim Vastani, Bombay to Bejing didn’t want a free for all grand opening, but rather a soft opening.

He wanted to slowly increase business, closely monitoring the quality of his fine North Indian and Indo-Chinese fare. “The campaign on Masala Radio was gradual, but 90% of the customers who walk into our door mention they heard about us through Masala Radio 1480 AM,” said Salim Vastani “We have more of a response than we expected, and we are hopefull about this year.”.

Every week Masala Radio 1480 AM announces a anniversary celebration or grand opening. Recently, Discount Grocers celebrated their one year anniversary .The turnout was incredible as the huge parking lot filled up, and masses poured into the Americansized grocery store. The location was easy to find, patrons simply had to land up next to the huge Masala Hummer decked with balloons, clearly visible from all directions.

The radio show blasted with pumping music throughout the store, as patrons shopped while enjoying refreshments. At about 4pm, Sunil T showed up in person to excite the crowds. “Mostly everyone was checking out with cartful of groceries, and the once brimming shelves were sorely depleted! It was incredible that just 2 weeks of blast promotions brought about this type of turnout!’ Discount slashed their prices to below wholesale, selling Laxmi atta at an unbelievable $9.99, and dals at an ancient $2.99.

Some people came for the first time, and were amazed that all their common American groceries were available, and anything and everything Indian was well stocked, fresh, and deeply discounted.

Masala Radio Sales manager Darshak Thacker, who entertained the crowd with music and live commentary, said people were so happy that a mundane shopping trip turned into a social event with crowds of people, music, and refreshments

. Karat 22 celebrated Valentine’s Day with complimentary refreshments including delicious Rose- Lassi with whipped cream and pistachios, snacks, and mithai. There were long-stemmed red roses for all the ladies, and the store was w a s h e d with heartshaped , elegantly displayed red - pink and clear balloons.

Masala Radio set up an inviting tent entertaining the audience with the latest Bollywood music . The mood created by the Masala Radio 1480 was much appreciated by the customers. In fact many of the men chatted happily with the Masala Radio DJs while their wives made their lengthy decisions about the perfect bauble to celebrate the day and their love.

Karat 22 cleverly displayed a variety of Gold and diamond gifts with a wide range of budgets in mind. No matter what the budget, each customer received the utmost attention by the friendly staff, as well as personal advice from owner Akubhai Patel and his daughter Rachna.

The newest Udipi Restaurent in the North also had a Masala Radio Open House. The restaurent was packed all day with over 700 people stopping by for its “Buy one Chana Batura & Sweet Lassis”. Satish Rao decided on the open house last minute and he ventured with Masala Radio for a Grand Opening promotion for only one weekend, January 18 and 19. After the campaign was over, he was flooded with calls. “No matter what, people still have to eat and party,” said Satish.

Well the crowds were enthusiastic as ever – Mohammedbhai at Udipi reported a sale of 500 Chana baturas and 600 lassis in one day!! That too while Satish was in India tending to an emergency illness with his mother in India, and Mrs. Rao heading the team at the busy Udipi counter at the ICC Republic Festival. Udipi opened its new 6000 square feet Restaurant and Banquet facility at 1960 & Veterans Memorial.