Restaurant shut by blaze reopens
REBUILD AFTER FIRE DAMAGE LAST YEAR
A RESTAURANT has reopened after it was damaged in a fire eight months ago.
Golden Spice in Narborough Road, Leicester, went up in flames after a chip fryer caught alight, causing severe damage.
The flat above the restaurant suffered smoke damage and the residents were made homeless as a result. Fortunately, staff at the takeaway and the occupants of the flat were all accounted for when crews arrived on the scene.
For the following eight months, the family who run the popular eatery have been working tirelessly to rebuild their livelihood.
The pandemic further devastated owners as every process was delayed.
Jas Cheema, owner of Golden Spice, says she feels “honoured and privileged” so many have waited for them to reopen. She was finally able to open the doors and welcome back loyal locals last week.
Jas said: “It felt like my first day in the shop even though I’ve had it for seven years.
“The fire devastated us and
Covid had a huge impact last year as we were working to rebuild. Everything just seemed to happen all at once.
“Every process was delayed. We couldn’t contact tradesmen or get people to come out and help us.”
After the blaze, Jas made the discovery that because the building was so old, most of it no longer complied with current regulations.
She said: “I was not prepared to come back knowing that we were out of regulations. I wasn’t even aware of that at the time I took over the lease.
“This, along with Covid, is one of the reasons why it took so long before we could safely reopen again. But I’m thrilled that everything is now up to date.”
The flat above the shop which was damaged in the blaze remains empty. Jas said: “It is all ready for tenants but I haven’t been thinking about that. My main priority was to get the business back on its feet.”
It took Jas and her staff a total of eight-and-a-half months to get everything back in order but they say customers have been waiting for them the whole time.
“We are so thrilled by people’s reactions to us reopening. I’ve been working here for the last couple of weeks and people have been coming and knocking on the door, asking if we’re open yet,” Jas added.
“The phones have been ringing non-stop and we are so grateful as we start the long process of rebuilding after such a difficult year. I am honoured and privileged that so many people are waiting for us.”
The restaurant plans to start serving a breakfast menu from July 19, from 7am until 1pm.