In a twist of fate, Bradford Mexican restaurant Hacienda Santa Teresa and Uttara Khand India have merged into one new restaurant.
Owner of Uttara Khand Balwant Rathour opened his restaurant in August 2020 in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. At the time, he was unable to have an official grand opening due to health restrictions.
Word quickly spread of the new East Indian restaurant in town that packed flavours of Northern India into its dishes, allowing the restaurant to stay open from take-out orders alone.
But continued lockdowns and staff losses eventually took its toll on the restaurant and Rathour was forced to close his doors temporarily a few months ago.
Spending time at neighbouring restaurant Hacienda Santa Teresa Mexican restaurant, Rathour was open and honest with owners Juan Velazquez and his family about the state of his business.
Velazquez shares that after much discussions, he and his family decided to help Rathour's business and quickly put into action plans to re-register the restaurant name under merged entities, but keep the authenticity of the Indian restaurant exactly the same.
“On paper, the restaurant will be known as ‘Uttara-Khand India by Hacienda’,” shared Velazquez. “But the menu will still be the same.”
Velazquez explains that he and Rathour now have a 50-50 partnership in the business, and will have the benefits of sharing staff between the two locations.
Rathour will remain in control of his ‘back-of-house’ where his culinary skills excel the most, while the Velazquez family will help support the front-of-house with staffing and inventory.
“I [am] so very happy for this help and this community!” shared Rathour.
The owners talked about offering a few ‘infused’ dishes between the two popular restaurants, but state they do plan to preserve the originalities of both restaurants.
“I don’t know anything about Indian food,” laughs Velazquez. “But I’m willing to learn!”
The Velazquez family celebrated with Rathour during their official grand ‘re-opening’ with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Town of Bradford Mayor Rob Keffer, MP Scot Davidson, and Councillor Peter Dykie.
“I know you had a lot of challenges and I’m happy to see this merger that’s worked in to have this facility re-opened,” shared MP Davidson. “This is a great community that always looks after each other!”
Councillor Dykie adds, “We are all hard-working business owners. We do try our best to provide great customer service and I know both you guys work very hard at your trade – congratulations on your success!”
Bradford Board of Trade Director and business owner Natasha Leskiw also came down to support the new opening, as well as past employee Jennifer Bradbury.
“I’m so glad he’s open again and back in business!” expressed Bradbury.
“We advocate for the business community here in Bradford and we love to come to grand openings and celebrate your achievements – you guys are doing fantastic here and I wish you a lot of successful years ahead!” shared Leskiw on behalf of the Bradford Board of Trade.
Everyone in attendance at the grand re-opening was treated to a wide selection of traditional Indian dishes prepared by Rathour himself.
For restaurant hours and menu, visit Uttara-Khand India by Hacienda on their website here.
