Indian fine dining establishment rescued by local restaurateur
An award-winning city centre restaurant that was forced to close due to “sky-rocketing” costs has been rescued by the owner of one of the East Midlands’ most popular fine dining venues.
Masala Junction closed its doors on 15 October after a series of “unrelenting challenges” exacerbated by the pandemic hit its bottom line.
The restaurant had been in business for seven years and was named Best Neighbourhood Restaurant at the Nottingham Restaurant & Bar Awards in 2019.
Now, in a remarkable turnaround, Amita Sawhney of MemSaab on Maid Marian Way has stepped in to save the day and plans to reopen Masala Junction on 31 October.
Founder Naj Aziz said he “couldn’t be happier passing the reins” to Sawhney.
In a statement, Aziz said: “We’ve got some really great news!
“Since our last message, we closed Masala Junction on the 15th October for what (we thought) would be the last time.
“In a very unexpected turn of events, our very good friend and fellow restaurateur, Amita Sawhney, whom you may recognise from MemSaab on Maid Marian Way, reached out to us with a message that we’re really excited to share with you.
“Moved by the sad circumstances of our closure, Amita felt strongly that this was not how the journey of our beautiful restaurant should end. Much to my surprise and delight, and I hope yours too, Amita offered her energy and resources to ensure Masala Junction will continue to stay open and thrive!
“Hearing Amita’s appreciation for the dedication and love we poured into creating our restaurant, I couldn’t be happier passing the reins into her very capable hands. Her work ethic is admired and respected by all who know her and having worked together in the past, I’m confident her care and commitment to the team and restaurant matches my own.
“Life has a funny old way of working out sometimes and though this is Adios from me, I’m truly delighted the legacy of Masala Junction will continue and that the MJ team, including members of the Aziz family and the Kitchen team, will stay together. It’s their hard work that makes the restaurant the wonderful experience that it is.
“Amita reopens on the 31st October and hopes to welcome you back soon as do the friendly faces of Israr and the team whom many of you have come to know.”
Aziz thanked well-wishers for “their support and kind words, especially over these past weeks.”
