DINING
Ankush Punhani FINE INDIAN DINING
BY J A K E D R E S S L E R
B
y the late eighties, when most American kids were spending their childhood perplexed by Rubik’s cubes and obsessed with calculator watches, Ankush Punhani, a New Delhi-born entrepreneur who came to America when he was three years old, was more interested in management and financial modeling for his father’s gas station in New Jersey. He remembers being intimately involved with the family business, helping his father with Excel sheets and other administrative work when he was just a child. After late nights helping at the gas station, Punhani would come home to the welcoming aromas of his
mother’s authentic North Indian cooking; some of his favorite dishes were Chicken Biryani, Paneer Lababdar, Saag Paneer, and Butter Chicken. “We’re definitely a foodie family,” said Punhani. Nine Indian Restaurants The examples of hard work and perseverance set by his parents instilled in Punhani a drive to succeed. After earning a degree in criminal justice at Rutgers and a J.D. from John Marshall Law, he would go on to open his own practice specializing in immigration law and manage and launch nine Indian restaurants. “I always had that entrepreneur drive,” Punhani told PARK. “Being involved with my parents’ various businesses for so long taught me a lot and I always felt as though there was no other path than being an entrepreneur.” A Law Practice In 2013, Punhani opened his own law practice. His familiarity with Indian culture and vernaculars segued into a busy immigration practice. Punhani’s practice specializes in real estate closings, contracts, and business transactions. Additionally, Punhani said, “We also are able to help people with family immigration issues, such as those applying for an immediate relative and filing for citizenship.” Nine Restaurants: NYC & NJ Having established a successful firm just two years out of law school, Punhani roused his father from retirement and invested in Indian restaurants as a silent partner. When Punhani’s not at the firm, he’s managing his restaurant group that oversees eight locations, five of which are in Manhattan. Currently the group is working on opening its 9th location, the fourth in New Jersey. Punhani’s restaurant group, “Fine Indian Dining,” manages a lineup of some of New York and New Jersey’s most acclaimed
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