NEWTOWN, PA — Chef Ashni “Baba” Kumar and Priya Guru have sold their beloved Indian restaurant, Guru’s Indian Cuisine, but the legacy remains in the family. Starting August 1, 2024, Priya’s nephew, Samarth Joshi, will take over the reins at the popular eatery located at 203 North Sycamore Street.
In a notable shift, meat options will return to the menu. “As many of you know, we recently transitioned to a fully vegetarian menu out of our deep concern for animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and ethical sourcing. However, this change has significantly impacted our business, leading to a substantial drop in revenue,” explained Priya. “It was a difficult decision but given the current financial challenges that the business has endured and the time necessary for us to continue our ongoing adoption process, Samarth has decided to reintroduce meat to ensure the survival of the restaurant.”
The past year has been tumultuous for the restaurant. It closed in January for Baba and Priya to travel to India to adopt two sisters, reopening in April as a vegetarian pop-up to support Priya’s animal welfare charity. Joshi assured that both Baba and Priya will remain involved, albeit in limited roles, and part of the profits will continue to support Guru’s Guardian Angels, the couple’s nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and sheltering stray animals.
“We’re really excited about passing the torch to our nephew. He will bring new life and energy to this business,” said Baba and Priya, who have helmed the restaurant since 2015. Joshi, originally from Gujarat, India, moved to the U.S. last year from Ontario, Canada. He has spent the past year learning the ropes of the restaurant business by assisting his aunt and uncle at Guru’s.
Joshi plans to enhance the restaurant experience with a revamped bar program and a Bollywood-themed happy hour. He also announced a complimentary “Meet the New Guy” happy hour on Thursday, August 22, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Established in 2015, Guru’s Indian Cuisine is renowned for its innovative interpretations of traditional dishes from various Indian states, balanced with Indo-Chinese and Mexican culinary influences.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.