As a seasoned restaurateur, Lavanya Mahate is passionate about combining authentic flavors with local ingredients. She has been credited by many with bringing diverse Indian foods and culture to Utah. Lavanya is an ambitious entrepreneur who founded Saffron Valley restaurants, which feature dishes from all different regions of India. Later, she launched Biscotts, which pays homage to the corner tea shops and bakeries of India. Both have grown to multiple locations. Saffron Valley has been awarded as the best Indian restaurant multiple times by various publications. Lavanya’s charitable spirit has inspired many philanthropic endeavors, including her newest nonprofit organization, the RISE Culinary Institute, with a mission to transform the lives of Utah’s refugees by equipping them with free culinary skills and employment opportunities to help them achieve their full potential. She also recently launched Soul Spice Project, a culinary wellness company that promotes cultural diversity, education and events.