From India to Indio in Pursuit of the American Dream
Once upon a time, a young man travelled from India to Indio in pursuit of the “American Dream”. Nachhattar Chandi (“Chandi” to everybody) immigrated to the United States in 1992; settling in the Coachella Valley with the hopes of fulfilling his dream of a better life for himself and his family. In 1994 he started operating the Black Gold gas station – a one-man operation that also provided tire sales and repair services as well as a small convenience store. He worked every day, covering all operations of the station. Under his leadership, revenues increased more than ten-fold within a few months.
Chandi was approved to become an ARCO am/pm franchisee owner in 1997. He purchased and remodeled the Black Gold gas station in 1998, which became the Harrison Street ARCO am/pm here in Coachella, his “first baby”. Almost ten years later, the Chandi Group of Companies now own nine ARCO am/pm’s all over the state of California, including one of the largest in the world, the Mecca Travel Center on Avenue 66 in Mecca. He also opened his first Del Taco in Mecca in 2005 where, partnering with local high schools, he provides many young people with their first work experience. Chandi was awarded the 80th Assembly District’s 2006 Small Business Person of the Year. With the support of his Latina wife, Susana and his four children, Chandi plans to continue and expand all these services to the local community.
Chandi’s “first baby” in Coachella has now grown to be one of the most state-of-the-art facilities in the Coachella Valley and has won Arco’s Highest Sales award each year since 1999. The Grand Re-Opening of the Harrison Street ARCO am/pm is Chandi’s way of thanking the people and community of Coachella for their hospitality and support over the years.
The event will feature raffle drawings of a Men’s Rolex watch, a 50 inch wide flat-screen TV, and bicycles – all personally provided by Chandi. Entertainment will include the Laker Girls, a live DJ, gift prizes and samples from many sponsors, including a FoozeBall game from Pepsi/Mountain Dew and clowns for the children’s amusement. Discounts are offered on hot food and cold drinks from 11/05/07 through 11/11/07. Also, from 7:am to 12:pm on 11/10/07, our customers can get up to 50 gallons of regular unleaded gas for $1.99 per gallon.
Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia, City Manager Tim Brown and Mayor Eduardo Garcia will also join in the festivities. A ribbon cutting will be held at 12:pm on 11/10/07.
