Community Highlights: Meet Sam Mathivanan of Haldi Indian Cuisine

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Mathivanan.

Sam, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Left my 19 years of software career and set sail to explore the ocean of business in October 2019. Being a rookie and with a mindset to challenge the status quo, it was a rough sail from day 1. By the time I had learned to steer my ship in the right direction, we got hit by the massive COVID weather and that changed everything. Lost all of my crew and took heavy damage to my ship, however, there was one thing that never changed in my head ” I will make it and this shall pass”. The weather was getting only worse and I had zero visibility ahead, All of a sudden, there was a beacon of light (the “Take-Out” allowed) and an unseen force of nature supporting my ship from beneath and pushing me towards that light (the “People of Surprise”). As the impact of COVID was getting stronger so did the support from “My People” or should I say, my friends and families.

It was an act of unconditional support that saved me from disappearing into that ocean and brought me back to sail.

After a year, most of my team came back and the City of Surprise never ceased to surprise me, they voted us the “Best of the Valley” in 2021 and we also launched our second location in Glendale (near Arrowhead 59th and Union Hills) the same year. I am a technology guy and gave a few upgrades to my sail… Digital menu, Order and Pay from table QR code, and most importantly “Bella ” our serving robot in the Glendale location. We just grabbed “Best New Business in Glendale” for 2022 and have set our VOYAGE to explore more avenues and opportunities. We will be eternally thankful for all those good hearts and souls that supported and continue to support us forever. God Bless!

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The full-service restaurant offers Dine-In, Take Out, Delivery, and Curbside pickup. Glendale has a full bar and the Surprise location serves Beer & Wine only. We also do Catering for all occasions. Spice and Spicy are two different things that most people get confused about Indian food is an ocean and no single restaurant can represent the entirety of it. We serve the most favored dishes from North and South India and balance the flavors to meet American tastebuds while retaining the authenticity of the dish as much as we can.

Every meal is cooked to order, hence it’s fully customizable to meet everyone’s choice or preference, or dietary needs.

Our entrees can be made baby mild or Phoenix hot or in between, the way you like it. Our rewards program is a customer delight where VIP members can earn 5% cash back (in points) in every transaction. We also offer eGift Cards that can be used in any of our locations.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
When I hear the sound “Yummmm” coming from the customers while they are taking each bite of their food. It happens when every single happy node in our body is touched at the same time and listening / watching their expression is priceless to me.

Pricing:

• Lunch starting $9
• Avg spend $20-$30/per person

Contact Info:

• Website: www.haldiaz.com
• Instagram: @haldi.az
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samhaldiaz/