A new Indian restaurant focusing on takeout and delivery is
opening this week at 21 Davenport, taking over the space previously occupied by
the Ho Lee Chow Chinese food delivery business.
This is the fourth Amaya Express to open in two years. Owned
by Hemant Bhagwani, the former sommelier for the CN Tower's 360 restaurant, and Derek Valleau. Amaya is looking to take advantage of the
downturn by taking over spaces vacated by failed restaurants.
"You used to have to spend three or four times more money
converting a place," says Bhagwani, "but when it used to be a restaurant, it's
much less expensive."
Bhagwani says the renovation of the old Ho Lee Chow is
costing him about $70,000.
Slightly upscale, with a $30 minimum order and a $3 delivery
charge, Amaya Express seems to have tapped an under-served market. In addition
to rapid expansion (another location is due to open at Queen and Leslie at the
beginning of March, and Bhagwani is negotiating for another space on Queens
Quay), Amaya has developed a line of sauces, which customers can currently
order with their meals, and which Bhagwani hopes will soon be available in GTA
grocery stores.
Writer: Bert Archer
Source: Hemant Bhagwani