Bristol Thali Company Ltd, which has restaurants in Totterdown, Southville, Easton, Montpelier and Clifton, has been saved by some of its staff. The company was placed into administration in May and it is thought that many of the potential buyers were interested in asset stripping. But Jugaard Ltd, whose offer was accepted, is hoping to get the Thali company back on its feet.
Jugaard Ltd was founded by kitchen manager Jose Blanco Rodriguez (aka Pepe) who has worked for the Thali restaurants for several years, Dominka Paulina Sawicka-Harris who has also worked for Thali restaurants for a year, and investor Michael Dillon.
Ms Sawicka-Harris said: “We bought the restaurant because we both really like the ethos. It’s a big part of Bristol and we really like the people we work with and people who come to eat our food. We think we can give it a good go and make it a success. Thali is quite special and we want to get back to basics of serving in festivals and sourcing the food from good places while making the organisation a bit more streamlined.”
Jim Pizer, former Thali director, said: “I think this management takeover is a good thing. The guys have been involved in the company for several years and I feel confident they will ensure Thali carries on. They were running the company anyway – on a floor level – and when the company went into administration their bid was found to be the most favourable one. The restaurant has been around for a long time now, so I think it is time for a change for me and time for new blood to bring some energy back into the business.”