An Indian-origin restaurant owner in Texas has sparked debate online after explaining why she does not specifically hire Indians at her Indian restaurant. Rashmi Bhat, who owns 7 Monk’s Cafe in New Braunfels, recently shared a video on Instagram that began with the statement, “I don’t hire Indians at my Indian restaurant.”
The comment immediately caught attention, with many viewers questioning the hiring approach at a restaurant that serves Indian and Mediterranean cuisine. However, Bhat clarified that her policy is not based on excluding Indians but rather on focusing on qualities such as attitude, dedication and a willingness to learn.
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Bhat and her mother launched 7 Monk’s Cafe in 2019, just before the Covid-19 pandemic severely impacted the hospitality industry. Despite the challenges, the restaurant managed to survive and gradually built a loyal customer base in the local community.
Explaining her approach, Bhat said she never intended to create a workforce based on ethnicity. Instead, she aimed to provide opportunities to local residents, including high school students, college students, single mothers and retirees seeking a fresh start.
According to Bhat, many of her employees had little or no knowledge of Indian cuisine before joining the restaurant. Over time, they learned about the dishes, ingredients and flavours, enabling them to confidently guide customers through the menu.
The video has generated significant discussion on social media, attracting more than 100,000 views within hours. While some users praised Bhat for promoting diversity and equal opportunity, others questioned whether authenticity could be maintained without Indian staff members.
Several commenters argued that they prefer Indian food prepared and served by people familiar with the culture and cuisine. Others shared personal experiences at ethnic restaurants where staff struggled to explain menu items.
Despite the mixed reactions, Bhat maintains that building a strong, committed team matters more than hiring employees based on their nationality or background.
