Chapati Man was created by husband and wife team, Chris and Andrea in 2007. The idea came from taking left over curry in a wrap to work; Our love of music festivals and the authentic curry recipes Chris grew up with – still being made by Chris’ mother, Martha!
The Chapati Man journey began in 2007 by selling Spicy Indian Wraps at major events and festivals in the UK – their colourful trailer unit is now a mainstay at festivals, such as Glastonbury, Bestival, Camp Bestival and the Lovebox Weekender. Chapati Man was voted No.1 food caterer at Glastonbury Festival 2007 by Virtual Festivals.com – an outstanding achievement in their first year of trading.
Chris and Andrea used to go to music festivals as punters for years and spotted a niche in the market. They realised times where changing and festival goers wanted something different, authentic and with more quality to it than burgers and chips – festival organisers knew this too so saw Chapati Man as a breath of fresh air. The food was becoming just as important as the music. The Chapati Man mission was to give festival-goers the choice of a unique, tasty and healthy option! Their purpose-built trailer, emblazoned with their striking Indian elephant design has become a festival landmark and focal point to meet, eat and get back to the entertainment refreshed and satisfied!
THE ORIGINAL FESTIVAL CURRY IN A WRAP!
With the booming success of the festival business and the creation of the Chapati Man brand, Chris and Andrea really thought they could see the brand and concept sitting on a retailer’s shelf – not an easy thing to do but in early 2008 they started exploring these opportunities.
The retail part of the business began in March 2009, with Chapati Man Ltd making its retail debut with a national supply deal with Morrisons. They launched with two flavours; Chicken Saag and Keema Aloo in over 300 stores! Chicken Tikka Masala flavour was added in August 2009.
Morrisons believed the Chapati Man brand had the necessary brand authenticity and recipes to plug a gap in the retail snacks market – Chapati Man traded at Morrisons for over two years, which shows the brand built a customer base even in this current climate - something Chris and Andrea are rightly proud of.
Chapati Man has had many reviews in National sources, such, as Women’s Own, The Sunday People – Take it Easy Magazine, The London Paper, The Grocer, Sandwich and Snack News and Food and Drink News.
More recently (August 2010), Chapati Man appeared on national TV when Chris and Andrea made it through numerous auditions to pitch in front of the Dragons on the cult business programme, Dragons Den. Although they did not get the investment, it was a great experience and an achievement in itself getting onto the show. There was also a priceless comment made by one of the Dragons, Peter Jones when he said ‘your product is fantastic’!
Chapati Man has recently struck a deal (September 2010) with the large food manufacturer, The Sandwich Factory Ltd – they will now be producing wraps exclusively for Chapati Man. Exciting times ahead and a partnership which can only take brand Chapati Man onwards and upwards!
Chris and Andrea’s aim is to make Chapati Man a household brand – nationwide.
