March marks the month of celebrating influential and trailblazing American Women. Forward Community Investments (FCI) proudly celebrates the inspiring entrepreneurial journey of Namgyal Ponsar and her family, whose recent loan closing marks a significant milestone. Their story is one of resilience, cultural preservation, and culinary passion.
A Journey Rooted in Resilience
Two decades ago, Namgyal’s parents left Tibet due to political oppression. They fled first to India, then continued to the United States, living in both countries as refugees. With them, they carried their rich culinary heritage and a powerful desire to share their culture through food. Today, they are driving force behind Tendrel Foods LLC, the family-owned enterprise that brings Madison the beloved Little Tibet restaurant. This year, they embark on their most ambitious venture yet: Little Tibet Market & Café, a project two years in the making.
Namgyal and her sister initially worked full-time as nurses in Madison. Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit and natural leadership, Namgyal, the eldest sister, spearheaded the family’s entry into the restaurant business.
Culinary Ventures in Madison
In 2016, the siblings introduced Madison to its first Tibetan food cart, bringing the unique flavors of the Himalayas to the city’s streets. For years, Namgyal served as the sole chef, balancing her nursing career with the demands of building their business, often working from 8:00 am to midnight and dedicating every weekend to preparing traditional family recipes. Their hard work and the community’s enthusiastic response led to the opening of the Little Tibet restaurant in the Tenney-Lapham neighborhood in 2019. Its cozy atmosphere combined with the delicious, authentic cuisine helped the restaurant to quickly establish its position as a local favorite.
Introducing: Little Tibet Market & Café
Building on their success, the Ponsar family is preparing to launch Little Tibet Market & Café at 1113 North Sherman Avenue. This innovative space will combine a specialty ethnic grocery store featuring Indian and Southeast Asian products at affordable prices, a production hub for wholesale frozen Momo dumplings, and a café serving freshly prepared traditional dishes and a juice bar, all designed to foster a welcoming neighborhood gathering place.
Leadership and Vision
Each member of the family leadership team brings unique perspective, experience, and expertise.
- Namgyal Ponsar (Founder): Oversees personnel, policies, marketing, and financial progress. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Delhi University, an Associate Degree in Nursing from Madison College, and has completed business training programs with WWBIC and WARF’s UpStart Entrepreneurship Program.
- Thinley Tenzing (Co-Owner & Chef): Leads the kitchen, drawing on traditional recipes and his extensive culinary experience as a cook in India, farmer, and artist.
- Tharten Ponsar (Manager): Manages daily operations, including payroll, inventory, and Momo production. A graduate of the Food & Craft Institute in Chandigarh, India, he has worked in various roles in the U.S. restaurant industry, from dishwasher to head chef.
Community Support and Investment
The development of Little Tibet Market & Cafe is a testament to the power of community investment and collaboration. Made possible with a small business loan from FCI and support of other key partners such as the City of Madison and Madison Development Corporation, this project reflects a shared commitment to fostering local entrepreneurship and economic growth. By leveraging flexible financing and strategic partnerships, FCI is helping the Ponsar family turn their vision into reality, creating a welcoming neighborhood space that not only preserves cultural heritage but also strengthens Madison’s small business ecosystem.
A Bright Future Ahead
The Ponsar family’s journey, from refugees to successful entrepreneurs, is a powerful example of resilience and the welcoming spirit of the Madison community. With FCI’s flexible financing and personalized technical assistance as part of our Borrower Support Program, Little Tibet Market & Café is poised to become a thriving hub, enriching Madison’s culinary landscape and creating economic opportunities.
FCI is proud to support small businesses like Tendrel Foods, helping them mitigate financial risks, drive long-term wealth generation for their family, and ultimately support Madison’s overall community development and economic prosperity. Stay tuned for updates on the grand opening and prepare to experience the vibrant flavors and warm hospitality of Little Tibet Market & Café!
