Local Indian restaurant Indian Flavors Express closed June 30 because of planned development at the site after Landmark Properties acquired the location.
According to Stuart Baker, executive director of the Telegraph Business Improvement District, Landmark Properties also acquired the spaces occupied by nearby locations of Copy Central, Party Heaven, Julie’s Cafe, Avant-Card, Moe’s Flowers, Tivoli Caffe, Tea Press and Francesca’s Collections. Baker said The Standard, a planned eight-story-tall building for student housing, will be built at the site.
“We feel horrible and (the customers) feel horrible,” said Harbir Batth, owner of Indian Flavors Express and The Tandoori Nite. “Nothing we can do, and nothing they can do. We have another business close by, Tandoori Nite, and we are trying to get customers there.”
According to Batth, Indian Flavors Express opened in 2011. He said in an email that his best experiences occurred there, and he most enjoys catering to “awesome” college students.
Batth added that he would like to reopen Indian Flavors Express near the UC Berkeley campus, if possible. He stated that if The Tandoori Nite takes off, however, he might not reopen Indian Flavors Express.
“I’m still trying to find a place, but I can’t find anything,” Batth said. “There are hardly any locations for restaurants.”
Baker also said there are currently not many places available for restaurants. He added that while Copy Central and Party Heaven have found new locations, other businesses, such as Tivoli Caffe, are still searching. Baker also said the building that Indian Flavors Express occupied will be preserved because it was designed by the architect Julia Morgan.
“We’re working with all of the tenants around there to find a place and relocate them,” Baker said. “We worked with Copy Central to get them moved onto Telegraph and now we are working with Moe’s Flowers to find them another place.”
Batth acquired The Tandoori Nite in April 2015. He claimed that the previous owners mismanaged The Tandoori Nite and the menu and food quality were “terrible.” This resulted in what Batth describes as a bad reputation for the restaurant and a lack of customers.
Batth said he is hopeful that he can improve the reputation of The Tandoori Nite.
“I am hopeful that I can turn it around and get some customers and improve it,” Batth said.