An Auckland restaurant operated by prominent restaurateurs Sid and Chand Sahrawat will close in May.
KOL was first opened on Ponsonby Road in 2022 and would host its last dinner service on Mother’s Day, 11 May.
“Although KOL was initially a very busy, viable business, the past few months have been tough, and while we’ve made the decision to close, we’re glad we tried,” Sid Sahrawat said in a statement announcing the closure.
“You never know if an idea will succeed unless you try.”
However he clarified they would not be selling the property, instead treating the restaurant as an “incubator” for future talent.
“KOL/LAB is a hospitality incubator for a new concept – a way to test out market reception without financial risks, with support from us,” Chand Sahrawat said.
Operators renting the property would not be tied to a lease commitment and would receive “mentorship” from the Sahrawats and the Restaurant Association.
“The new operator will keep 100% of their profits, they just pay rent and cover their staffing and production costs,” she said.
Applicants would be assessed by a panel of experts including restaurateur Al Brown, Cuisine magazine editor Kelli Brett and Restaurant Association head Marisa Bidois.
rnz.co.nz
