Celebrities: From Adversity to Success in Cardiff’s Restaurant Scene
The pandemic may be fading from public consciousness, but for many businesses, its impact lingers on. One such business that still vividly remembers the challenges brought by the pandemic is Celebrities, a popular Indian restaurant located in Cardiff’s Heath area.
Established in late 2019, Celebrities is a family-run venture led by Athoul Chowdhury, Razia Chowdhury, and their sons Siamul and Ikramul Chowdhury. Transitioning from a previous restaurant in Cowbridge, the Chowdhury family saw an opportunity to move closer to Cardiff’s city centre by opening Celebrities on Caerphilly Road.
However, the timing of their opening could not have been more unfortunate, as the pandemic hit shortly after. Being a new business, the family had to quickly adapt to survive. Siamul Chowdhury shared, “As soon as the pandemic hit we were stuck, we were just a new business, we spent all of this money refurbishing the place.” Their solution was to start offering takeaways, a service they had not initially planned for but ultimately kept them afloat.
Despite the challenges, Celebrities persevered and continued to offer delivery services, which proved crucial for their survival. Their resilience paid off when they were recognised as one of the best curry restaurants in Wales at the 2024 Curry Life Awards. Winning the award not only boosted their business but also instilled a sense of pride in the family.
Reflecting on their journey, Siamul expressed, “To actually win a prestigious award was really heartwarming, we felt like all the hard work paid off, it was a great feeling.” The recognition led to an increase in new customers, further fuelling their success.
Beyond their culinary achievements, Celebrities also prioritises community engagement, providing meals to the nearby University Hospital of Wales during the pandemic and fostering relationships with regular customers. Siamul emphasised the importance of giving back to the community and building strong connections within it.
The name “Celebrities” reflects the restaurant’s ethos of treating every customer like a VIP. The vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, punctuated by eye-catching decor, aims to make diners feel special and valued. Their signature dish, the chicken tikka masala curry, has garnered praise for its rich flavours and generous portions, captivating the palates of loyal patrons.
Excitingly, as Celebrities thrives, they are embarking on a new venture by opening a second restaurant on Albany Road, set to welcome customers by Christmas 2024. Through their resilience, dedication to quality, and commitment to community, Celebrities has not only weathered the storm but emerged as a shining star in Cardiff’s bustling restaurant scene.
In a world where challenges abound, Celebrities’ story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that with perseverance and a passion for excellence, success is attainable even in the face of adversity.