Plan for new Indian restaurant cause for celebration
A new Indian restaurant planned for Springfield’s south side is aiming for a celebratory air by mixing Biryani, Bollywood dance music and alcoholic beverages.
JAALSA – Hindi for “Let’s Celebrate” – is on track to open at 3114 S. Sixth St. this spring.
SECOVE INVESTMENTS – which also owns/operates FLAVOR OF INDIA and TOASTY-SUBS – is behind this new venture.
“The food will be different from Flavor of India, though the flavors will be similar,” said CEO Navee Singh, who described the menu as Indian fusion. “We’re trying to focus more on the bar aspect, having fun. We’re going to have different DJs, theme nights like a Bollywood night with music and dancing”
Jaalsa will be a full-service restaurant.
The spot was previously home to the short-lived INDIAN CUISINE, which opened last fall but only served up its Indian buffet a few months before closing. The previous establishment was not among the Secove Investment holdings.
Jaalsa is the latest in a trend of new ethnic dining options to join the Springfield culinary scene.
Other recently opened businesses include the Mediterranean-themed UGLY RESTAURANT & BAR, 2312 Wabash Ave.; the Vietnamese restaurant SAUCY RICE, 1374 Toronto Road; and HOT POT BBQ at 3050 Lindbergh Blvd. with the origin story for its customizable soups tracing back to the Mongolian Empire.
And even more ethnic inspired establishments are still to come. Soon-to-open businesses include the customizable Mongolian grill concept YUMMY BOWL, 3434 Freedom Dr.; BOWL PLUS at 1754 Wabash Ave., a Japanese-influenced, fresh-made Ramen eatery; and MEII TEA 3106 W. Iles Ave., which will feature the Taiwanese treat, boba tea.
LITTLE CAESARS’ footprint in the Capitol City appears to be expanding.
Recent building permits have named the Detroit, Mich.-based pizza chain as the soon-to-be tenant to occupy a spot in the strip mall at 2427 Adlai Stevenson Drive.
No word on how soon fans will be able to get their Pizza! Pizza! from the south side business.
It was only two years ago when the takeout brand disappeared completely from the Springfield market for three months. Little Caesars’ franchise operator Jignesh “Jay” Patel revived the brand with an opening at 1614 S. MacArthur Blvd. in the spring of 2021. Patel said at the time he envisioned operating multiple locations throughout Springfield. However, Patel is not involved with the Stevenson Drive project.
The A La Carte column highlights restaurant openings, closing, renovations and relocations, as well as personnel changes and business news. Natalie Morris can be reached at 737-7254 or by email at natalie.sjr@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Plan for new Indian restaurant cause for celebration
