This month, we’re excited to share a progress update on Little Tibet Market & Café, led by entrepreneur Namgyal Ponsar and her family.
A Vision Realized: Little Tibet Market & Café
The Ponsar family’s story is rooted in resilience and cultural preservation. Two decades ago, Namgyal’s parents fled Tibet due to political oppression – first to India, then to the United States – carrying with them a deep culinary heritage and a desire to share their culture through food. Today, that legacy lives on through Tendrel Foods LLC, the family-owned business behind Madison’s beloved Little Tibet restaurant and now the newly opened Little Tibet Market & Café.
Building on that success, the family set out to create something new – a space designed to be both a community gathering place and a hub for cultural and culinary connection. Located at 1113 North Sherman Avenue, Little Tibet Market & Café brings together:
A specialty ethnic grocery featuring Indian and Southeast Asian products at affordable prices
A production hub for wholesale frozen Momo dumplings
A café serving freshly prepared traditional dishes, plus a juice bar
It’s a unique model that reflects the family’s leadership, creativity, and commitment to creating a welcoming space for neighbors.
Celebrating the Opening
Earlier this month, FCI Senior Community Lender Fausto E. Rivera visited Little Tibet Market & Café to see the completed space firsthand and connect with the owner. The visit was an opportunity to celebrate how far the project has come – from concept to completion – and to hear directly about what it means to open the doors to the community.
Community Investment in Action
Little Tibet Market & Café was made possible with an FCI small business loan and support from key partners, including the City of Madison and Madison Development Corporation. The project reflects the power of flexible financing and strategic collaboration to help local entrepreneurs bring bold ideas to life – strengthening neighborhood vitality, supporting wealth-building opportunities for families, seeding local job growth, and preserving cultural heritage through business.
Looking Ahead
Through FCI’s flexible financing and personalized technical assistance available via our Borrower Support Program, we’re proud to stand alongside borrowers like Tendrel Foods as they build long-term stability and grow their community impact.
If you’re in the area, stop in, support a local business, and experience the vibrant flavors and warm hospitality of Little Tibet Market & Café – now open and welcoming the community.