When Eldy Ampuero and husband Hamid Shokohi moved to Bradford West Gwillimbury three years ago, they discovered an unmet need in their new community: the need for a family-friendly restaurant, where families could enjoy great food in a welcoming environment, without breaking the bank.
It was something that they wanted for their own young children. Which is why Ampuero, who works in insurance, and Shokohi, who worked at Walmart, decided to become entrepreneurs and open their own family restaurant.
It’s Persia Fusion Cuisine, located in what used to be the Queen of Champions Bar at 22 Holland St. W.
Gone are any dark corners, crowds, and the long bar that dominated the dining area. Instead, in a transformation that took only 30 days, the space has opened up.
“We put in a lot of work. We want to be for families to come in,” said Ampuero.
The simplicity and openness of the décor is echoed in the menu.
“We like it to be simple, healthy,” said Shokohi, who brings the Persian element to the cuisine. “Cook on the fire and grill, and meet our customers expectations.”
The menu is largely Persian influenced. Rice, flavoured with saffron, tender melt-in-the-mouth kebabs, grilled chicken, eggplant with walnut dips...
And where else, he asked, “can you find a place where young families can sit? Safe, playful, comfortable – a place to sit in Bradford.”
Persia Fusion Cuisine held its grand opening on Nov. 30. In addition to family members and friends, Ampuero and Shokohi were welcomed by representatives of the Bradford Board of Trade and town council.
“It’s a real pleasure to welcome a new restaurant in the heart of Bradford,” said Mayor Rob Keffer, especially one that brings a “new and unique culinary experience.”
“As you walk in, you just go ‘Wow,’” said Coun. Raj Sandhu, noting the open, bright space would be ideal for business meetings and families.
The restaurant is also wheelchair accessible – with the former stable doors at the northeast end of the building fully restored and functioning, at the press of a button, and a wheelchair ramp providing access to the restaurant.
“Thank you for thinking of that and thank you for doing that,” said Sandhu.
One side of the restaurant is for take-out only – including the specialty, a classic dinner of rice, chicken and salad, “and it’s a large portion!” said Ampuero.
The other side is eat-in, with seating for up to 100 people.
During the week, the chefs focus on Persian cuisine and classics – basmati rice, grilled vegetables, chicken kabobs, koobideh (spiced minced meat), grilled beef tenderloin. Weekends will have a Spanish flavour – reflecting Ampuero’s heritage – “possibly steak nights, Argentinian beef. We’ll have that as well,” she said.
It will all depend on Bradford and the tastes of their customers. It’s the customers who will shape the cuisine, and the success of Persia Fusion.
“We look forward to having Bradford families join us. It’s why we did this,” said Ampuero.
Persia Fusion Cuisine, 22 Holland St. W., is currently open Tuesdays to Sundays, starting at noon. Ampuero and Shokohi are still working on the hours.
For more information, visit persiafusioncuisine.com or contact 416-627-4694.
