Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Indian Entrepreneur Builds 12-Restaurant Life After Dependent Visa
Lavanya Mahate moved from India to the United States 25 years ago.
She arrived on a dependent visa and was not allowed to work at first.
Instead, she volunteered, learned new skills, and kept trying different opportunities.
Over time, she became an entrepreneur and restaurateur.
She founded Saffron Valley Restaurants, Bix Bakery & Café, and RISE Culinary Institute.
Her businesses now include 12 restaurants.
She also created RISE to help provide opportunities for women.
Mahate says people do not need to know their entire plan before taking the next step.
Lavanya Mahate moved to the United States 25 years ago on a dependent visa and initially could not work.
She founded Saffron Valley Restaurants, Bix Bakery & Café, and RISE Culinary Institute.
Mahate now oversees 12 restaurants and describes a journey involving volunteering, learning, setbacks, and new opportunities.
She was named Utah Business Person of the Year in 2024 and was a James Beard Foundation Outstanding Restaurateur semifinalist.
Mahate said she found her purpose by pursuing the life she felt called to build, including creating opportunities for women through RISE.
- Who
- Lavanya Mahate, an Indian-origin entrepreneur and restaurateur.
- What
- She shared how she built a restaurant and entrepreneurship career after arriving in the United States on a dependent visa.
- When
- She arrived 25 years ago; she was named Utah Business Person of the Year in 2024.
- Where
- The United States, including Utah.
- Why
- She pursued opportunities, learned, started businesses, and sought a sense of purpose despite uncertainty and self-doubt.
- Entrepreneur
- Lavanya Mahate
- Businesses founded
- Saffron Valley Restaurants, Bix Bakery & Café, and RISE Culinary Institute
- Restaurants
- 12
- Time in the United States
- 25 years
- 2024 recognition
- Utah Business Person of the Year
- James Beard recognition
- Semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurateur
- Women’s initiative
- RISE was created to provide opportunities for women