Sunny Street Café Expands Midwest Footprint with Planned Summer Opening in Indiana
Sunny Street Café is continuing its growth across the Midwest with the signing of a new franchise agreement. This partnership will introduce the family-owned, scratch-made breakfast and lunch concept to Indianapolis for the first time. Multi-unit hospitality operator Vijay Patel is set to open the first location in summer 2026. The brand is currently evaluating sites, specifically targeting the North and Northwest sectors of the city to debut its signature neighborhood café experience.
New Partnership Fuels Sunny Street Café Growth in Indiana
Vijay Patel joins the brand with over two decades of experience in the restaurant and hospitality sectors. His career began in the United Kingdom, where he rose from a dishwasher and server to a manager and part-owner of a high-volume establishment. Since arriving in the U.S. in 2021, he has managed a portfolio of hotels throughout Illinois, Indiana, and New York, while also investing in luxury resort development in California.
“Sunny Street Café stood out because of its unmatched food quality and people-first culture,” Patel said. “After visiting several locations and spending time with the leadership team, it was clear this brand was different. I’m excited to bring Sunny Street Café to Indy and create a welcoming space where guests can enjoy fresh, high-quality meals. This is just the first step, and I look forward to growing the brand further in Indiana”.
Operational Expertise and Sunny Street Café Brand Values
The upcoming Indianapolis location marks Patel’s first venture with the brand, though he has expressed aspirations to expand across the entire state. His extensive background in operations and hospitality aligns with the brand’s goals for regional expansion.
“Vijay represents exactly the type of franchise partner we look for – driven and aligned with our values,” said Mike Stasko, president of Sunny Street Café. “He understands hospitality at every level and recognizes the importance of building a strong team culture, which is at the heart of our brand. We’re excited to see him bring Sunny Street Café to Indianapolis and help us expand our presence in Indiana”.
For more information, visit SunnyStreetCafe.com. To learn more about franchising opportunities, visit OwnASunnyStreet.com.


