The Restaurant industry was one of the many industries that were hit rock bottom during the pandemic and the lockdown imposed due to it. Even after the lockdown was lifted, not many people were keen to visit their favorite pubs & restaurants whereas in many countries there were opened with great restraint and strict regulations.
Many brands have been taking measures in terms of both safety and marketing to ensure that more people visit their place and yet feel safe to do so. However, many have been struggling to stay afloat.
One such incidence came to light when a woman of Indian origin in London, Mehnaz, took to Twitter, urging people to visit the oldest Indian restaurant in East London which was struggling to stay in business due to the pandemic.
The Halal Restaurant was established in 1939 by Mehnaz’s grandfather Usman Abubacker and is run by his father now. The restaurant was having no customers since the pandemic had hit. But once Mehnaz posted her appeal online, the response was overwhelming.
Hey twitter! Not one to do this, but my dad owns the oldest Indian restaurant in East London and has been struggling with customers so please show some love! If you're in Aldgate come have a curry, I'm biased but it's the best! Below is my grandad in the 70s vs my dad now❤️ pic.twitter.com/DHFFFMiDBf
— Mehnaz (@mehnazmeh) August 5, 2020
Mehnaz had even posted the address of the restaurant with the pictures of some scrumptious dishes they serve. Her story quickly went viral and people took notice of her plea. As per many reports, the restaurant witnessed a good number of customers coming in regularly.
Later Mehnaz posted that their restaurant even got featured on BBC London News which was nothing short of a dream come true.
To be featured on BBC London News is something we would have never thought would happen, hope you enjoy the video and maybe tear up a little too. You can tell how much this means to him and I want to thank each and everyone of you with the tremendous amount of support! 🔥 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ECpMGhGmqx
— Mehnaz (@mehnazmeh) August 12, 2020
Many people showed their support online and vowed to visit the restaurant soon. While many tweeted how they have already tried the food and simply found it to be amazing.
Just before the end of school term finished one of my colleague who travels from faversham was talking about your fathers resturant and how it's the best indian shes tried ever. She used to frequent it before.
— M (@M_Marmite) August 5, 2020
https://twitter.com/cobainishurt/status/1291136603872727040
https://twitter.com/GingerWarrior13/status/1291204726974042113
Hi Mehnaz,50 years ago your lovely Grandad made the best curries ever,and the family have kept the tradition and his spirit in this little corner of the East End.We will see you tomorrow
— Graham Allen (@GrahamAllenMPX) August 6, 2020
https://twitter.com/Bibbsxx/status/1291140621919555590
Morning, Mehnaz. You’ve just triggered such happy memories. Early 80’s. We young nurses of Royal London, & St Bart’s Hosp’s used to regularly eat at your family’s restaurant. The food was incredible. Swear this was beginning of my lifelong love of Indian food. Must re-visit😃
— JM (@JCelt) August 6, 2020
And the tweets of sheer love and support kept on flooding in. The place has since been doing well and the owners have put in necessary precautions considering social distancing and hygiene.
This shows how powerful social media is. Just one post online and the word spreads like a wildfire. In this case, social media saved the oldest Indian restaurant to go out of business.
Also Read: Madurai Restaurant Goes Viral For Making Face Mask Shaped Parottas
