Patels Vegetarian Refreshment Room traces its stablishment to 1911. In 1932, Ranchodrama Patel, initially worked at the refreshment room, and later became its owner.
The exact origin of bunny chow is debated, but Patels is frequently cited as one of the earliest places associated with the dish — and family accounts specifically connect the restaurant to its creation. The story tells of curry being served in hollowed bread as a practical takeaway meal during an era of racial segregation.

