There's some new flavor available on Ellis Boulevard.
The new Curry 'N' Grill recently opened at 512 Ellis Blvd., Unit U, and has already seen a positive community response to the Indian cuisine offered. Opened by Manpreet Kaur and Sandeep Kaur Gill, the women have been living in Jefferson City with their respective families for nearly 10 years. Kaur said they've been waiting for several years to see if an Indian restaurant would open locally, often having to travel to St. Louis to get a taste of home.
After becoming permanent residents and U.S. citizens, they decided it was time to stop waiting and just open their own restaurant, Kaur said.
"That gave us more drive," Kaur said, adding it's simply fulfilling their own American dream.
They have other full-time jobs in addition to running the restaurant, and know the business is, in itself, a large risk. But since a soft opening in late August, Kaur said they've seen community members eager to try the food and received positive feedback, which has given them hope that success is down the road.
"We've been getting a very overwhelmingly good response from the community," Kaur said. "That has been very encouraging."
The vast menu includes a variety of appetizers, entrees and desserts, including a large number of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. That was important to them, as Kaur Gill is a vegetarian.
On top of simply serving quality food, the owners hope to show their commitment to the area by continuing to strengthen the family bonds in Mid-Missouri.
"Our goal is that whatever we earn, we will continue to reinvest in the community," Kaur said.
That goal includes possible expansion, if things go well, but more immediately, it includes looking for ways to help alleviate hunger in the area. Kaur said the business would like to partner with area nonprofits or shelters to provide a certain amount of food on a regular basis, but they are particularly interested in helping feed children.
The Kaurs are followers of the Sikh religion, which emphasizes service and unity, and includes a common practice of a community feast, offered at no charge. Kaur said the idea of finding ways to donate food to those in need aligns closely with their faith.
Any organization looking to take up the offer from the Curry 'N' Grill, can contact the owners through the restaurant at 573-606-3191.
The business plans to hire at least 15 employees and be available for private parties.
The Curry 'N' Grill is open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for lunch and 4-9 p.m. for dinner daily. Online ordering is available at thecurryngrill.menufy.com.
Zesto Drive-In South closes doors
A local institution has closed for the last time.
Zesto Drive-in South, 1730 Jefferson St., had its final day of business Saturday after years of serving the Jefferson City community. In a Facebook post last weekend, owner Chris Wrigley said the decision came after "much discussion and mixed feelings." The Wrigleys want to travel without having to worry about the business, he wrote.
"Simply put we are getting older and there's a lot that we want to see," Wrigley wrote. "We wish to thank our customers, family and friends for their support over the last 10½ years. It has been a great ride and we wish everyone the very best."
The post specified the business is for sale and serious offers would be entertained.
