One of Ponsonby’s best-known dining spots, KOL, is entering a fresh chapter with new permanent owners and the backing of two of New Zealand’s most respected restaurateurs.
Hospitality professionals Sapan and Ruchi Parikh – already behind two successful North Shore restaurants, will take over the reins from founders Sid and Chand Sahrawat on 21 May. The pair will continue KOL’s signature style of refined flame-fired Indian fare, while adding their own specialties to the menu. Exciting times for food-loving Aucklanders, especially as the Parikhs are well-frequented by their own community and often the preferred caterers when internationally-renowned Indian celebrities perform in Auckland’s Spark Arena.
Incubator Space Re-revaluated
“We have learned so much over the last 16 years, starting with our first place and ending up running four very successful restaurants,” says Chand (Their award-winning restaurant group includes Cassia, Sid at The French Café and Anise). “We really wanted to give back and help someone else”.
The couple weren’t originally planning to pass KOL on in this way, but when they saw what Sapan and Ruchi could bring to the table, they knew it was the right move. Originally intending to transform KOL into KOL Lab, a new concept restaurant incubator space, the Sahrawats re-evaluated their plans after reviewing applications. “We wanted to mentor new talent, but we also didn’t want to set anyone up to fail, so it had to be someone who could make it work here,” says Chand. When Ruchi and Sapan expressed interest in taking over KOL as-is, with a plan to keep the team, style and menu – but add their own flare, and some extra dishes, it made good sense.
The Parikhs are best known for Red Fort in Greenhithe and Spice Rack in Albany, and Sid and Chand already knew them before they approached them through the KOL lab platform —as loyal fans. “When we don’t feel like cooking, we get Red Fort,” says Sid.
“We’re pretty fussy about Indian food, and theirs is some of the best you can get in New Zealand. Their Mirchiwala chicken and goat curry are as close as we’ve found to what we get back home. Even Chand’s mum gives it her tick of approval!”
KOL Team Retained
The fact the new owners were keen to retain KOL’s existing team also sealed the deal. “That meant everything to us,” says Sid. “Some of our team have been with us since the first day we opened KOL, and to know they would still have jobs and could still bring their skills to our loyal regulars made us feel like it was the right thing to do.” Current Head Chef Minwoo Kim and bar manager Julia Benton will stay on in their positions, ensuring continuity of quality.
KOL’s next chapter begins on the 21 May —with the same beloved team and a new generation of passionate operators at the helm. Auckland diners can expect the familiar warmth and quality KOL is known for, with some delicious surprises to come. “We are so excited to be taking over a restaurant with such a talented team and reputation for incredible food,” says Ruchi. “We know KOL’s regulars are going to love the fact they can still get all their favourites plus some new things they haven’t tasted before”. There are also plans for takeaway and delivery in a few months when they have settled in.
It’s the start of a new era—but one that honours everything KOL has come to mean to its beloved customers.
