New Sunderland takeaway opens its doors with free meals for NHS, care home and emergency workers

Around £30,000 has been invested in the former Indian Style takeaway on Barnes roundabout to turn it into Delhi Emperor.

It will open for business to the general public on Wednesday, May 13 for collection and delivery. However, the night before, on Tuesday May 12, it will be giving away free meals to any NHS, care home or frontline emergency service workers.

The offer will run from 5pm and all the workers have to do is turn up for collection, with social distancing measures in place, with their ID. The offer will run all night while stocks last.

The takeaway is owned by Sunderland restaurateur Khaled Miah who also owns Mumbai Silk in the basement of Wearside Masonic Temple in Ashbrooke and Mumbai Emperor in South Shields.

Khaled, who runs the family business with his sons, said: “I’ve lived in Sunderland for 50 years and have had businesses here for 45 years. Through my role as chairman at the Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre, we do a lot with the community and I can see all the good work being done by our key workers. This is our way of giving something back.”

Refurbishment on the site began before lockdown and, although it may seem a difficult time to open a new business, there’s been a surge in demand for delivery services which can operate within government guidelines.

Khaled says there’s been plenty of orders for deliveries at his Sunderland and South Shields restaurants.

“People are really missing being able to go to restaurants, so they seem really grateful they can still order in food,” he explains. “We’re really grateful for the business too and we’re glad we can still offer a service.”

The opening comes as the Sunderland Echo is running our #SupportLocal campaign aimed at promoting the amazing things our local businesses are doing at this difficult time.

Other independents, such as Fulwell Butchers, have also reported an increase in trade during lockdown.

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