New Delhi Restaurant Faces Closure Threat Amid Downtown Struggles

The New Delhi Restaurant, San Francisco's oldest Indian dining establishment and the only Indian business on the city's Legacy Business Registry, is facing potential closure due to a severe decline in customer traffic post-pandemic. Owner Ranjan Dey reported that the restaurant has experienced its slowest January and February in 36 years, attributing the downturn to persistent safety concerns and the remote work trend that continues to keep foot traffic low in downtown San Francisco. This decline in patronage has forced Dey to dip into personal savings and take loans to keep the business afloat. The situation reflects broader challenges in the area, as other major retailers are closing, contributing to a lack of vibrancy in the neighborhood. To attract customers, New Delhi is experimenting with new strategies, including hosting 'Curry-Oke' karaoke nights. Dey urges the community to support local businesses before it’s too late, emphasizing the restaurant's significance to the local dining landscape.