South Shields businessman aims to cook up more jobs after taking over popular takeaway

A chance opportunity to take over a successful South Shields takeaway has helped re-ignite a restaurant worker's appetite for business.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Aug 2018, 12:10 BST
Updated 23rd Aug 2018, 12:15 BST
Manager Ali Hayder at the Chennai Central Takeaway in Boldon Lane, South Shields.Manager Ali Hayder at the Chennai Central Takeaway in Boldon Lane, South Shields.
Manager Ali Hayder at the Chennai Central Takeaway in Boldon Lane, South Shields.

Ali Hayder has re-launched himself back into the world of business ownership after 16 years of being an employee.

The 52-year-old, from South Shields, has taken over Chennai Central, in Boldon Lane, South Shields, after its previous owners decided to retire.

New owners have taken over the Chennai Central Takeway Station, in Boldon Lane, South Shields, to save it from closure after the previous owners retired . Pictured, from left, are assistant chef Rebak Miah, chef Shahin, Tandoori chef Kaptan Miah and manager Ali Hayder.New owners have taken over the Chennai Central Takeway Station, in Boldon Lane, South Shields, to save it from closure after the previous owners retired . Pictured, from left, are assistant chef Rebak Miah, chef Shahin, Tandoori chef Kaptan Miah and manager Ali Hayder.
New owners have taken over the Chennai Central Takeway Station, in Boldon Lane, South Shields, to save it from closure after the previous owners retired . Pictured, from left, are assistant chef Rebak Miah, chef Shahin, Tandoori chef Kaptan Miah and manager Ali Hayder.
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Mr Hayder, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the restaurant and takeaway industry, said: “I have a lot of experience in the trade and I thought the time was right to become my own boss again.

“When the takeaway become available it was already a successful business with a lot of customers.

“I hope I will be able to continue the good custom and high standards Chennai Central customers are used to.”

Mr Hayder took over the running of the takeaway, which was previously known as Spice Central, three weeks ago, and says he is pleased with how things are going.

In time, he hopes to be able to take on more staff.

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He employs seven people and is aiming to raise that number to 10 in the future.

Mr Hayder added: “Since I took over three weeks ago, it has been very good.

“I have also re-designed the waiting and collection area so people are able to see into the kitchen and see their food being cooked. I am really pleased with how things are going.

“The business has been an established one for a very long time, and it would have been a shame for it to have to close due to its previous owners’ retirement.

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“It has been a long time since I have run my own business, but I am looking forward to the challenge.”

Mr Hayder says she is keen to support the community where he can, and will be looking at ways he can take part in fundraising for good causes.

Chennai Central is open every day. except Tuesday, between 5.30pm and 11pm, and serves a range of Indian dishes, from well-known favourites like madras to its signature dish the Railway Curry and Indo-Chinese Noodles.

People can either collect or have their order delivered.

For information, visit Chennai Central on Facebook or to place an order call 454 9595.

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