A year ago, Ritesh “Ricky” Patel had intentions of opening a Coldstone Creamery in Madera.
But when the banks were slow to give Patel a loan, he stepped back, got out of the deal and used his savings to open Swirl Smoothie and Nutrition Shop at 1663 N. Schnoor Ave., Ste. 103.
“I wanted to open a Coldstone and got all my stuff done,” he said. “The bank was slow to react so I used my savings to open Swirl without a loan. It’s my concept and personal niche.”
Patel, 25, has enjoyed his time in the past year at Swirl, which opened Aug. 15, 2011 and has three employees...