The opening of a new restaurant in Sudbury has offered a sign of the changing tastes in the town’s casual dining sector.
The Chill-in Cafe and Bistro on East Street opened its doors on Monday at the same location where the Wimpy burger bar has operated for many years.
“People have moved on - they don’t just want burger and chips anymore,” said owner Harum Korhan, who said his new eaterie offers “healthy food and a range of different tastes”.
He added: “We do food from all over the world; salads, paninis, Mexican and Cypriot dishes and fresh soups.”
READ MORE: Three restaurants to shut their doors in the Sudbury area
Together with this selection, burgers are still on the menu alongside jacket potatoes, sandwiches, smoothies, and what Mr Korhan claims to be “the largest pizza in Suffolk” - a 24inch diameter special that has been served next door at the Pizza Town restaurant, which Mr Korhan also owns, for several years.
He explained he took the opportunity to expand his business after owner of the Wimpy franchise, Sevki Alciner, decided to move on. Mr Korhan thanked Mr Alciner for all his help with the new venture, which has seen him invest heavily in a refurbishment of the property.
The decor, designed by Mr Korhan’s wife, Laden, is bright and cheerful while outside, a semi-covered area with an automated roof that rolls back in good weather offers the option of al fresco dining.
READ MORE: New pop-up seafood restaurant to open at town’s theatre
This new business shows how quickly casual dining restaurants can come and go. Only a month ago, Sudbury’s business community was lamenting the closure of three restaurants - the Wimpy, the Loft on Gaol Lane and the Fox in the nearby village of Bulmer.
But in their place comes the Chill-in Cafe, as well as the recently-opened A Slice of New York pizza restaurant on Friars Street while Asparagus Bar and Grill, located in the unit vacated by Italian chain Prezzo last year, is due to open soon.
With the Chill-in Cafe, Mr Korhan believes he has found a niche.
He said: “In Sudbury we don’t have anywhere for 25 to 45 year-olds to go to relax and enjoy some food with their families - it’s all breakfasts and burgers. There is potential for new businesses in Sudbury - but you have to be prepared to work hard and do it with love.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here