Family-Run Takeout Joint with International Flavor Opens on Nicollet Avenue

It took less than two months for Ami Dharsee and his family to purchase, overhaul and re-open a new restaurant called American Grill in the Hong's Kitchen space on Nicollet Avenue near West 38th Street.

"I'm a handy guy, but I don't do the cooking," Dharsee told Patch.

While he is great at fixing things up, his sister will run the kitchen, which is hidden behind a partition at the American Grill. The menu is eclectic fast food, with hamburgers, gyros, catfish, wings, samosas and even some of the old Hong's favorites available to pick up.

This is strictly a take-out place, with no tables and almost everything under $10.

It's called American Grill, but it has a definite international vibe, which sets it apart. Dharsee is of Indian descent, and moved here from Tanzania, where he ran several different businesses in and around Dar Es Salaam. He's been in the U.S. for around 20 years and was a machinist, but is now branching out while the economy is tough.

He and his family pooled their talents to get American Grill into shape. His father helped get the permitting in place, his sister worked on the menu offerings and Dharsee repaired appliances and fixtures. The kitchen required many new implements and a lot of elbow grease.

Even his brother-in-law, an army interpreter who heads back to Afghanistan in a few weeks, sat at the counter taking orders. There were some setbacks, like an incorrect menu board and an incredibly dirty floor in back, but nothing insurmountable for this determined group of relatives.

And perhaps their worldly experiences will help them with the eatery. During opening day, a man came in to order some rice. Within a few minutes, Dharsee and the customer, a Kenya native, began speaking in Swahili. Dharsee speaks seven languages and his brother-in-law knows 10, so for them, it was business as usual.

Dharsee chose the location for its ample foot traffic and the fact that the bus stops at the corner. He's hoping that walkers and riders will find their way to their doorstep.

Rami Wadi, who runs the Best Food Market next door, said he welcomes the new place. "I've met them already," he said and he wishes them well.

The neighborhood, and especially the intersection at 38th Street and Nicollet Avenue demands certain staples, like wings and burgers, but American Grill will have a few ethnic specialties as well.

Samosas and chops, which are small fried treats filled with potatoes, onions and meat, are hidden at the bottom of the menu as well as some of the original Hong's entrees. They'll offer lo mein, fried rice and a few other Chinese dishes that come straight from the former restaurant.

"When I bought the place," Dharsee explained, "the old owner told me some of his recipes."

Robert, a big Hong's fan, stopped by and chatted with the family.  He said he ate at the former restaurant several times a week and hopes that he'll be able to do the same with American Grill's food. "Once I ate here three times in one day," he said, clarifying his serious addiction.

With any luck, they'll continue to build a diverse clientele from walk-ins and old Hong's regulars. One thing is for sure — Dharsee and his family will have no trouble welcoming them in their native tongues and putting a fast plate of food in front of them.

AMERICAN GRILL - 3752 Nicollet Ave./612.827.2322
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Parking: Lot on north side of building