Member Article

£50k investment helps Barnsley restaurant entrepreneur launch Indian tapas concept

Restaurateur and food entrepreneur Jaz Boparai has introduced a new culinary concept at his successful Barnsley restaurant with a £50k investment.

Jaz, who runs the successful Chilli restaurant in the town, had visited tapas-style Indian restaurants in London and Glasgow and thought the concept would work equally well in Yorkshire.

The businessman, who last year launched his own line of supermarket ready meals Chilli at Home, has refurbished the restaurant as part of the changes.

Jaz said: “A tapas menu allows you to choose smaller taster dishes to share with friends. Whether it’s a quick lunch or an evening out, this is a stylish alternative for adventurous diners.

“The idea has proven successful in Scotland and London so why not in Yorkshire, where we love a good curry?”

“Most Indian restaurants are normally Bangladeshi or Kashmiri. But our meals are Punjabi so we use much less oil which makes us different on a few levels.”

“The restaurant has survived the recession and difficult economic times although we’ve sought to develop other revenue streams like Chilli at Home which is now selling plenty units a year and stocked in Budgens, Costcutter and a number of farm shops.

“Now we’re focusing heavily on the Chilli restaurant because we’re seeing strong signs of recovery and want to ensure we’re serving our customers the very best food and freshest ideas. The introduction of our tapas menu, which is available alongside our existing menu, is the first of our exciting plans for Chilli.”

Jaz also runs neighbouring restaurant Grille Steakhouse and champagne bar Chill all on Barnsley’s Market Street.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .