Expansion on the menu for Newark's Koinonia
Restaurant Koinonia has bought the Newark premises it had been renting for the last seven years with a six-figure commercial mortgage from HSBC UK — and is planning to expand.
The restaurant specialises in food from Kerala, a region in Southern India where owner George Chummar was born and raised.
The premises, in St Marks Lane, went up for sale earlier this year, providing George with the opportunity to secure the future of Koinonia.
Following the purchase, George is expanding the restaurant by extending into the neighbouring shop unit, on the corner of Lombard Street, the former providing seating for seat 50 more customers and installing a larger the kitchen.
The restaurant has already created 14 new jobs, including front-of-house and kitchen staff, on the back of the HSBC UK finance.
Koinonia will recruit a further seven members of staff once the expansion is complete.
George said: “Keralan cuisine has a heritage rooted in diversity, due to the Indian region’s rich history as a trading port for spices. We pride ourselves in bringing this culture to diners in Nottinghamshire.
“Thanks to the support of HSBC UK and our relationship manager, Tamieka Gray, we will be able to continue serving our unique dishes and introduce more people to the culture of Kerala.”
The expansion comes at a time when many restaurant chains nationally are facing tough trading conditions, but Koinonia’s reputation as a fine restaurant offering distinctively different regional Indian food continues to attract customers not only from Newark but from neighbouring towns and cities.
David Tomlinson, East Midlands business banking area director, HSBC UK said: “Koinonia is the only Keralan restaurant in the area, adding to the vibrant local food scene in Newark — the expansion of the restaurant is a testament to George’s passion for sharing Keralan cuisine with the community.
The deal is part of HSBC UK’s £500m lending fund to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the East Midlands.
