Restaurant set to create 21 jobs with funding deal

Some 21 jobs are set to be created after Newark restaurant, Koinonia, bought the premises it had been renting for the last seven years.

The restaurant has made the acquisition with the help of a six-figure HSBC UK Commercial Mortgage.

The restaurant specialises in food from Kerala, a region in Southern India where owner George Chummar was born and raised.

Following the purchase, Chummar plans to expand the restaurant by building an extension to seat 50 more customers and installing a larger the kitchen.

The restaurant has already created a further 14 new jobs with the help of the HSBC UK finance. Koinonia will recruit a further seven members of staff once the expansion is complete.

Chummar said: “Keralan cuisine has a heritage rooted in diversity, due to the Indian region’s rich history as a trading port for spices. At Koinonia, we pride ourselves in bringing this culture to diners in Nottinghamshire. Thanks to the support of HSBC UK and our relationship manager, Tamieka Gray, we will be able to continue serving our unique dishes and introduce more people to the culture of Kerala.”

David Tomlinson, East Midlands business banking area director, HSBC UK said: “Koinonia is the only Keralan restaurant in the area, adding to the vibrant local food scene in Newark – the expansion of the restaurant is a testament to George’s passion for sharing Keralan cuisine with the community. HSBC UK was delighted to support George as Koinonia embarks on a new chapter and we wish them the best for the future.”

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