Restaurant Owner Explains Why She Has Almost No Indian Staff

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas, June 08, 2026 — A Texas restaurant owner has outlined why her Indian restaurant employs almost no Indian staff, saying her hiring policy emphasises local community employment and team culture over ethnicity. The explanation has sparked discussion online about hiring practices at ethnic eateries.

The owner, Rashmi Bhat, who runs 7 Monk’s Cafe in New Braunfels, shared a video on Instagram stating, “I don’t hire Indians at my Indian restaurant.” That remark, she said, surprised many viewers and drew attention to her restaurant’s employment approach. 

Owner Says Hiring Based On Team Qualities

Bhat, who opened the cafe with her mother in 2019, said the goal from day one was to “build a great team” based on attitude, reliability and willingness to learn rather than people’s backgrounds. The cafe’s staff includes high school and college students, single parents and retirees. 

“When most people walk into an Indian restaurant, they assume everyone working there has to be Indian,” she explained. “But that’s never how we hired.” According to Bhat, the early focus was on serving the local community with a team that reflected its diversity.

Staff Learn Cuisine, Serve Customers

Several workers at the cafe reportedly had never tried Indian food before joining the restaurant. Bhat said they quickly learned menu items, can distinguish popular dishes and confidently recommend food to customers. “Our team doesn’t come from the same culture, but they know what it’s like to be introduced to an entirely new food,” she said. 

Public Reaction And Discussion

The Instagram post sparked a range of reactions. Some social media users commented that they preferred Indian cuisine to be prepared and served by individuals from Indian backgrounds, while others defended the inclusive hiring approach. Critics questioned whether the policy itself could appear exclusionary despite its intention to promote diversity. 

Bhat’s explanation has drawn broader attention to how ethnic restaurants balance cultural authenticity with community integration and employment opportunities. The conversation continues as diners and industry observers weigh in on what hiring practices best serve both restaurant success and customer expectations.

More information about Indian cuisine and its regional diversity can be explored through Indian cuisine history and traditions.

Businesses monitoring hospitality expansion trends can also explore restaurant industry growth trends for 2026 to understand how regional food concepts are shaping dining markets.