Restaurant Plans to Expand: ; Owners of Little India Have Purchased Adjacent Building; Top-Floor Bar to Open in Current Location

Summary

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An Indian restaurant in Charlestons East End is working on expanding its footprint, and adding some spice to its ambience. Little India opened at 1604 Washington St. E. in mid October, and work is nearly done on an expansion into the top floor of the building, owner Harish Anada said. The upstairs room will contain a full-service bar, a conference room and a party room, he said. Anada and his wife, Meena, own the restaurant. The additional space will create an additional 1,300 square feet for patrons, he said. The restaurant currently operates in 2,700 square feet, Anada said. The two also have purchased the building next door and plan on expanding into that area early next year, he said. The building next to Little India, 1606 Washington St., housed the Department of Motor Vehicles Records Division until about six months ago. We could have this building open next spring, Anada said. He is unsure what will go into the new building once it is completed, but said he and his wife are exploring their options, which include making the new building a dining area or adding another bar to the space. We just have to figure out our best option, he said. The new building has about 4,800 square feet that can be used. Anada plans on eventually connecting the two buildings with two covered walkways on the first floor, with one being placed in the front of the building and the other going in the rear. The husband and wife team are not wasting any space in or on the two buildings. The Anadas plan on opening the rooftops of the buildings for outdoor dining, Anada said. We could have the rooftops open sometime next spring, he said. But that depends on getting financing. A wood deck will be placed on the rooftops along with dining tables, Anada said. He estimated that he has about 7,000 square feet of rooftop space for patrons to use once the project is completed. The couple wanted to open the roofs of the buildings to offer a more unique setting to diners and patrons. Rooftop dining is very popular in so many other countries, Meena said. And we want to bring that here. The two are hoping the expansion will help to draw more people to their restaurant, which will contribute to the revitalization of the East End. We just love the East End because everyone here is so friendly, Meena said. Along with the expansion, the Anadas are hoping that passing out a map of parking areas available in the East End will also help draw more business to their establishment. Parking is available on Elizabeth Street. Spots can also be found behind the WVSSPA Building and Brett Kelly State Farm on the weekends and after 5 p.m. on weekdays. We have about 100 parking spots within a block out here, Harish said.

BOB WOJCIESZAK/DAILY MAIL Beau-Tea-Full Moments Tea Room owner Kim Shirkey visits with patrons. Customers of Shirkeys tearoom often compare it to The Greenbrier Resort.

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Restaurant Plans to Expand: ; Owners of Little India Have Purchased Adjacent Building; Top-Floor Bar to Open in Current Location

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