\u201cIt\u2019s just like, you\u2019ve given up and everything\u2019s shattered.<\/p>\n
Raviz Indian Eatery in Auckland’s CBD has reopened after a fire burned through the premises in early March. Photo \/ Dean Purcell<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very hard to manage your family when you know that\u2019s your only livelihood, right?\u201d<\/p>\n
Given smoke damage had marred other spaces, including the dining room and bar, the hope for a quick reopening was short-lived.<\/p>\n
Singh said the building was insured by the body corporate, meaning kitchen repairs were covered, but as the business insurance had lapsed, the rest was left to him.<\/p>\n
Repair work also stalled in the first 60 days, further burdening Singh while he worked to find alternative income to maintain his business and support his family.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe took loans, took money from my siblings, parents … they all contributed bit by bit,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201c[My brother] came to know that this thing happened. And he called me and said, \u2018You should be telling us, we are family\u2019.<\/p>\n
Owner Ravraj Singh covered most shopfitting costs himself through savings, selling valuables and help from family. Photo \/ Dean Purcell<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve lived here 30 years. We have good relations, but I don\u2019t have that ability to go and say, \u2018Hey, give me $50,000\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
With his brother undeterred, Singh said receiving the first payment was \u201clike giving oxygen\u201d to the business.<\/p>\n
\u201cI started hiring my own shopfitters … same time, the body corporate insurance assigned builders and they started measuring and all this stuff. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo they started the kitchen work at the same time that we started.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Singh, \u201cthere was no other option\u201d than to reopen the restaurant, which he\u2019d worked in \u2013 and subsequently took ownership of from his uncle \u2013 throughout his time in New Zealand.<\/p>\n
\u201cI never did any jobs … I was always engaged with the business.\u201d<\/p>\n
Singh reopened his revamped restaurant at the start of last week. Photo \/ Dean Purcell<\/p>\n
Singh and his wife tried to cut renovation costs where possible by taking on jobs themselves, like painting the bathroom, ceiling and walls.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever we could do, we did it, me and my wife,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would come here at 10am and go by midnight.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another constant worry was how he\u2019d be able to retain the restaurant\u2019s eight employees through the closure.<\/p>\n
\u201cFour have left, and two, I\u2019ve just kept myself. When I used to come here, they used to come, they\u2019d help me out [with shopfitting].<\/p>\n
\u201cI have to keep paying them, because they have rent to pay.\u201d<\/p>\n
Emergency services were called to the premises on March 6 after a fire broke out in its kitchen. Photo \/ Anna Heath<\/p>\n
Singh said he did little things to bolster his savings, such as selling old shares and prized gifts.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverything we did, that was to survive and to keep afloat. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe didn\u2019t want to go and say to people, \u2018Hey, we\u2019re just broke and we don\u2019t have anything\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also gave his suppliers and Genesis Energy a \u201chats off\u201d for suspending bill payments until the restaurant could reopen, with Singh now able to clear them.<\/p>\n
During last week\u2019s reopening, Singh spoke of a special moment when a local church group came in to dine.<\/p>\n
After learning about the fire, the leader told Singh they wanted to sing him a prayer.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey came to know these things happened. I didn\u2019t say it to them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI said thank you very much. For me, it\u2019s one of those things, it\u2019s nostalgia, how the community comes and helps you … that\u2019s New Zealand. This was a real example.\u201d<\/p>\n
Loyal regulars have begun to catch wind of the reopening too, with a group of office workers\u2019 usual weekly lunch enduring despite the fire when the Herald came to visit.<\/p>\n
\u201cI miss a few customers,\u201d Singh said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not about them spending $30 a night or whatever, you know, it\u2019s about the relationships.\u201d<\/p>\n
Singh said the last 100 days had \u201ctaught me a lot\u201d, adding the time had felt closer to one year.<\/p>\n
\u201cLots of people come and say, \u2018It\u2019s great to see you guys back again\u2019,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone was thinking that because hospitality is struggling so bad, even [some of] the great restaurants … aren\u2019t able to manage this tough time<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWe just want to make people aware that we are back and thank those who have supported us or started supporting us again.<\/p>\n \u201cWe want support as much as possible. Because number one, the city is really tough now.\u201d<\/p>\n