GREENFIELD — Chicken Tikka Masala, fresh naan bread and chutney dipping sauces are once again a fixture on Greenfield’s Main Street.
Indian By Nature opened its doors Monday in the storefront formerly occupied by The Clay Oven after a major renovation project.
Co-owners Madan Rathore and Chander Parkesh Kanojia said the issues that resulted in the former restaurant’s closure this fall — including pest problems and food safety violations — have all been fixed, and the partnership that runs the establishment is down from three members to two. Former partner Shashi Sharma is no longer involved, he said.
Rathore, who also owns The Spice Chambers restaurant in Keene, N.H., said he has taken over the new restaurant’s day-to-day management, commuting between the two each day. The co-owners have also hired a professional food service ServeSafe consultant to provide training and oversight of the staff.
Rathore said he had originally been involved when the establishment first opened in 2014, but had left to open the Keene restaurant and put the other two partners in charge.
Rathore said the renovations included installing new carpet, painting the walls in brighter colors, completely redoing the restrooms and installing new equipment.
“We’re happy to be back in business serving the locals like we always wanted,” Rathore said. “We’re making sure that (patrons) all have healthy, clean and neat plates, and want to thank everyone who has always supported us.”
Rathore said the restaurant will serve only dinner during its first week, opening at 4 p.m., to allow staff to get used to the operation, but will soon begin serving lunch again, too.
You can reach Tom Relihan at:
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On Twitter: @RecorderTom