The business
Shahi Masala was set up by Mr & Mrs Malik, a couple whose love of good food and dining out with friends gave them the idea for a new kind of restaurant. They wanted to cater for the different tastes of family members or groups of friends in one place. At Shahi Masala they decided to offer a choice of Indian, Chinese and Italian dishes.
The loan
The Malik’s wanted to find premises which stood out and found the ideal place in an abandoned pub located on a corner in a residential area. A substantial investment was needed to both buy and refit the premises. They were able to find a bank that was willing to put up most of the money needed, with ART as a partner in the financial package contributing the final amount.
The outcome
The Malik’s concept seems to have hit the mark, with customer numbers from the outset exceeding expectations. They are delighted to be serving well over 100 people a day and attracting the whole of the local community, as well as diners from outside the area, regardless of their cultural backgrounds.
“Not long after we opened,” says Mr Malik, “we catered for two weddings on a single day – one with 520 guests, who ate in a marquee in the garden, and one with 40 guests, who ate in a specially designated and decorated area inside the restaurant. It was a challenge, but the whole staff team rose to it and everyone had a great time.”