The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON-The lowest gas prices in the area and the tastiest chicken curry can be found at the Hot Spot gas station and deli, located at 401 W. Main St. in Dayton.

Swarit Gaur and his father, Prasoon Sharma, have been busy planning a road map to success since taking over the business in January. This includes sharing their own special chicken curry with the customers.

Gaur said he and his father use only the freshest ingredients in the curry, which includes onion, garlic, ginger, tomato, cream and an assortment of special Indian spices. The curry is garnished with fresh leaf coriander and ladled over specially prepared rice.

The most critical ingredients are time, patience, and love, said Gaur. He said seven out of ten people who come in for the curry will wait for him to cook a fresh batch.

"The fryer is always on, and fresh is an option," he said.

The curry, which is reasonably priced at $7.99, is served daily.

Gaur has been looking into the history of the business, gaining advice from customers, restocking the shelves with a variety of goods and working to create a more open and inviting space.

He said, "People like sitting and chit chatting."

A variety of deli foods will be added to the menu, including burgers and sandwiches, and patrons will be able to relax with the addition of new tables that are being planned for inside and outside. Gaur also said to look for a surprise project featuring the color orange.

"A lot depends on how it goes," he said. "It's only possible if we get the customers."

Gaur said he was eighteen years old when he came to the U.S. and that he has relatives living on both coasts, including an older sister in California.

Michele Smith

The chicken curry at the Hot Spot on Main Street in Dayton is made from fresh, all-natural ingredients and some special Indian spices.

His mother, Kalapana, is at home in India, where she works in the village of Nandgaon, with an NGO helping educate and care for underprivileged girls.

"She doesn't mind visiting us," said Gaur who is also a world traveler.

Gaur said he has spent time in many countries and he was working as an American Express supervisor in Boston before moving to Dayton. The move is requiring a little cultural adjustment, he said.

"Each has its own charm, unique in their own ways," said Gaur, about regional differences. "People are the same everywhere," he added.

Gaur said he thinks the most important qualities for being successful in business are working hard and establishing good relationships.

"With the grace of God, and the town folk, it's on the right path," he said.

The Hot Spot is open from 4 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily.