Both Greeshma and Sujeesh are pleased with the news that Lyten intends to take over the battery factory in Skellefteå. “Some of our customers are people who have moved here from Asia, and that would shrink if nothing came of the factory,” says Greeshma.
Both Greeshma Kozhissery Kannan and Sujeesh Kuryappillil Suresh, who previously worked at Northvolt, lost their jobs when the company went bankrupt this spring. A tough and uncertain time followed the bankruptcy, but they both agreed they wanted to stay in Sweden and Skellefteå.
– We really like Skellefteå; it feels like home, Greeshma said when Norran visited the square this Friday afternoon.
She and Sujeesh are from India and lived in Gothenburg for almost two years before moving to Skellefteå to work at the battery factory.
– Gothenburg is a big city where more is happening, but I think Skellefteå is better for families. It’s more welcoming and calm here, Greeshma said.
The idea of starting a food truck was born out of the void that followed Northvolt's bankruptcy. The couple agreed there was a market gap in Skellefteå for Indian food, especially from the southern regions of the country.
– The food from northern and southern India is quite different. The ingredients, spices, and flavours are distinct, Sujeesh said.
– This will be something new for Skellefteå. We are confident that it fills a gap, said Greeshma, who worked in a restaurant in India before moving to Sweden.
Franklin Johansson was one of the customers at Aadhis Spice Route last week.
Outside the food truck stands 18-year-old Franklin Johansson, who has just ordered a “rose sarbath.”
– It’s made with a type of syrup as a base. A bit like a milkshake, but without the milk, explains Franklin.
He himself has roots in southern India and appreciates the menu. He explains that the food from those regions often has more flavour.
– I live in Stockholm, and even there it’s hard to find this type of Indian food, he says.
Franklin appreciates that there is food from different countries to choose from in Skellefteå
Franklin appreciates that there is food from different countries to choose from in Skellefteå
Greeshma and Sujeesh launched their business at the end of July and now operate up to three days a week at the square in Skellefteå. They also offer delivery for orders placed through their website. Their long-term plan is to open a permanent restaurant, preferably in the city center.
– We will first introduce our food to the people of Skellefteå with the food truck to test the market, but then we definitely want to move into a restaurant, Greeshma said, who is also happy about Lyten’s plans to take over the battery factory.
– Some of our customers are people who have moved here from Asia, and that would decrease if nothing came of the factory.
Could you imagine working there again yourselves?
– Absolutely, but then we would do this on the side. It’s possible to do both, Sujeesh said with a smile.
Aadhis Spice Route is at the square up to three days a week. The exact days vary from week to week. “But we'll announce it on our social media,” says Greeshma
Aadhis Spice Route is in the square up to three days a week. "The exact days vary, but we announce them on our social media", says Greeshma