Family restaurant finds new home

A NEW chapter in the life of a popular Indian restaurant begins today when a flagship venue is opened in South Townsville.

Aalishan Indian Restaurant will trade from a large modern restaurant site it has acquired in 61 Palmer St, which has been vacant for some time but previously operated as Crown on Palmer and Lighthouse Bar and Grill.

The restaurant will trade daily from 5pm, except Tuesdays, and, after a short break, the business will continue to operate a takeaway from its current site in Gregory St.

Aalishan is the archetypal family business. Inderdeep Singh Tamber started the restaurant with his wife, Harpreet, in 2011 and they have been joined by their parents who each have various roles.

Mr Tamber said he and Harpreet studied at universities in Australia before they married and settled in Townsville. He studied automation technology as a mechanic and later returned to India where he learned the trade as a chef.

“I went to India in 2013 where I learned cookery from a very good chef,” he said. “Now I spend as much time as I can in the kitchen.”

Their new waterfront restaurant can seat more than 120 people.

It has views over Ross Creek, the city and Castle Hill.

The property also has development potential. The zoning will permit buildings to 12 storeys, while the property can take another level for an apartment or rooftop platform.

Its sale was negotiated by Ray White Commercial Townsville this year.