Service Ready: A Story of Love, Restaurants, and the Power of Hospitality

Molly Irani, the visionary cofounder of the James Beard Award–winning restaurant Chai Pani, shares the story—“part memoir, part love story, part leadership guide, from the queen of hospitality herself” (Garden & Gun)—of building a thriving business that puts people first.

Growing up in the restaurant business, Molly understood the power of service but also had a keen understanding of the industry’s challenges. When her husband Meherwan wanted to open an Indian restaurant in their small mountain town, Molly thought he was crazy. And yet, the couple turned this unlikely dream into a vibrant reality. Chai Pani would eventually win the James Beard Award for Most Outstanding Restaurant in America, and be named one of 50 Favorite Restaurants in America by The New York Times.

In Service Ready, Molly takes readers on their “inspirational” (Wall Street Journal) journey to the heights of culinary and professional success. While she and her husband learned their way into running a business, Molly shaped their work culture. They have fostered a loyal team and legions of fans, and have since launched multiple Chai Pani locations, the fast-growing spin-off, Botiwalla, and the popular spice business, Spicewalla.

Molly shares the ten core principles that have shaped their path, offering essential lessons for any industry. She opens up about the challenges and rewards of being business partners with your life partner and shares how she and Meherwan learned to merge their strengths. Her story celebrates the power of female leadership in a traditionally male-dominated field. “A must-read for all future restaurateurs—and current ones, too” (Kerry Diamond, Cherry Bombe) Molly offers lessons in resilience and innovation that can apply to any business.

Molly Irani is the cofounder and Chief Culture Officer of the James Beard Award–winning Chai Pani Restaurant Group in Asheville, North Carolina. She is responsible for the business’s groundbreaking culture, management style, community engagement, and “mindblasting” hospitality. She lives in Asheville with her husband and business partner, Meherwan Irani, where they raised their daughter, Aria, and her siblings (a.k.a. two goldendoodles).