Manish Choudhry

Manish Choudhry – Entrepreneur | Restaurateur | Business Owner

I’m an immigrant entrepreneur who came to Canada in 2015 with a vision to build something meaningful and lasting. My journey in the hospitality industry began in 2017, when I partnered with Mr. Grover to open our first restaurant, The Imperial Tandoor, an upscale Indian dining experience in Peterborough, Ontario. From the beginning, our goal was simple: to offer high-quality cuisine, memorable service, and a warm atmosphere that reflects the richness of Indian culture.

Over the years, The Imperial Tandoor has grown into one of the city’s most respected and highly rated restaurants. It’s a place where we take pride in every detail — from food and service to presentation and consistency. The success of Tandoor gave us the confidence to pursue a second concept together, and in November 2022, we opened Agave by Imperial, a vibrant Mexican restaurant and tequila bar, also located in the heart of downtown Peterborough.

Agave was inspired by my wife’s Latin American roots, and it has quickly become a trendy and energetic destination, known for its bold flavors, tequila-focused bar, and lively atmosphere. Just like Tandoor, Agave reflects our shared belief in delivering exceptional guest experiences, backed by strong teams and clear vision.

Both businesses are co-owned and operated in partnership with Mr. Grover, and together we continue to grow as entrepreneurs with a focus on consistency, team culture, and innovation. We now employ over 25 team members and serve a diverse and loyal customer base across both brands.

While our focus is on running exceptional restaurants, we also take pride in being part of Peterborough’s small business community. We actively promote the downtown core, regularly participate in local events and festivals, sponsor initiatives at Trent University and Fleming College, and enjoy engaging with the broader hospitality scene through collaboration and creativity.

Looking ahead, we’re continuing to build on what we’ve started — with a new mobile food trailer concept (Imperial on the Go) launching soon, and more plans in the pipeline. For us, it’s about staying inspired, delivering value, and creating spaces that people love to visit again and again.