A new business in Berea is offering more than just good food, inviting visitors into a space where conversation, creativity and community come together.
JHOOM Food & Gift Studio, founded by publisher and author Mamta Ranchod, recently opened its doors and is already making an impression with its unique blend of freshly prepared Indian-inspired food, locally sourced gifts, books and flowers.
The studio marked its first week of trading with an intimate launch event on Friday, where guests gathered over chai, wine and the studio’s signature samoosa chaat, reflecting the warm and welcoming atmosphere Ranchod hopes to cultivate.
For Ranchod, JHOOM is a deeply personal venture inspired by her lifelong belief that food creates meaningful connections.
“Not in grand ways, but in everyday moments,” Ranchod said.
“Whether it’s a quiet browse for a gift or books, or even a connection with a stranger, JHOOM grew from wanting to create a space where all those moments could exist under one roof.”
The studio is also a tribute to her late parents.
Having grown up in their retail business, Ranchod said JHOOM honours their legacy by combining memory, creativity and community in one thoughtfully curated space.
Her passion for storytelling extends beyond the business.
Ranchod recently published her debut recipe book, Indish: A Love Letter to Food, featuring 76 recipes across eight chapters. The book blends Indian-inspired cooking with poems, letters and personal reflections exploring the relationship between food, family and memory.
Rather than operating as a conventional café or deli, JHOOM describes itself as a “food and gift studio”, serving fresh Indian-inspired meals alongside locally produced deli items, books, flowers and carefully selected gifts.
“Everything has been chosen slowly and intentionally,” Ranchod said.
“We wanted to create a space that feels creative, welcoming and a little unexpected.”
Drawing on her publishing background, she believes meaningful stories are at the heart of every successful experience.
“Publishing taught me that people connect with stories, not products,” she said. “Instead of publishing stories on paper, we’re creating a place where stories happen naturally around food, conversation and shared experiences.”
The response from the community has exceeded expectations.
Ranchod recalled strangers becoming friends, returning customers bringing flowers and gifts, and even receiving homemade treats decorated with the JHOOM logo.
“Many words of encouragement bounced off the walls of JHOOM in our first week,” she said.
Although launching a new business has presented its challenges, Ranchod believes the experience has strengthened both the concept and the team behind it. I can see that people are looking for connection just as much as they’re looking for food.
“Some of our most memorable moments haven’t been about food at all, but conversations about life.”
Looking ahead, she hopes JHOOM will become part of people’s everyday lives — a place to enjoy a memorable meal, discover a thoughtful gift or simply pause during a busy day.
Her future plans include cooking classes, silent book clubs, artisan markets and curated social gatherings. For Ranchod, the studio represents the culmination of her passions.
“It brings together my love of food, the memory of my parents, writing, books, design and creating spaces where people feel welcome.
“I’d love people to feel that they can exhale when they walk in.
“ If they leave feeling a little lighter than when they arrived, then I think we’re doing something right.”
