Kohima: There are never enough restaurants in a city, right? Kohima has its fair share of restaurants too, but there is always space for one more. Especially when a local quits a plum job somewhere else in the country to return home. Not even a global pandemic could stop him.
Meet the new Naga restaurateur—Vemele Dawhuo, a 24-year old from Thenyizu village under Phek district, whose restaurant ‘Le Bistro’ opened on Thursday. The restaurant, located opposite to the state library in Kohima, offers a partial view of the city from its rooftop. As far as settings go, Dawhuo has got it right on the money.
A former food and beverage (F&B) associate in Pune, Dawhuo quit his job to return back to the state and start-up a new restaurant of his own. “As a child, I always wanted to be an entrepreneur when I grew up,” he tells EastMojo during a conversation ahead of the formal opening of the restaurant.
With almost four years of experience working at top hotels in Pune and Mumbai, he revealed that he discovered his passion in the hospitality industry when he ventured out to the metropolitan cities.
“The notion to have my own set up here in Nagaland was then conceived with the experience I gained. That fire, thankfully, never stopped and continues even now,” he shared. But it was not easy for the young restaurateur to start a new initiative in the state’s capital.
As his parents initially wanted him to secure a job in the government sector, Dawhuo also had to convince them, who later became his “pillar”. And even as he began to plan and execute, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the work progress of the restaurant. He emotionally added that amid the hurdles, he also had to bear the loss of his sister, who he most relied on.
“The journey I took was kind of a road not taken which at times I had sleepless nights dreaming for this day and it does not stop here… But I am thankful to god for his marvelous and constant love in keeping me to sail this far” he said.
Determined to achieve his dreams, the 24-year old is content that he will be independent and will also be able to employ some local youths in the restaurant. He also hopes to support local people and their produces through his venture.
He revealed that an investment of around Rs 11 lakh was made for the restaurant. Styled in dark red and black aesthetic, the dine-in restaurant, Le Bistro offers continental cuisine–specialising in French cuisine, and fancy cocktails to customers. During weekends, the restaurant will also offer buffets. Wall arts and an art gallery at the restaurant is another attraction. The place looks elegant, cozy and extremely inviting.
The grand Inauguration:
Le bistro was formally inaugurated by Isak Kronu, a city contractor along with several friends and family. Speaking at the inauguration, Kronu lauded the young entrepreneur for the new initiative at a time when unemployment continues to be unresolved in the state.
Kronu encouraged the young restaurateur not to give up on what he has begun and to face the challenges optimistically. Further encouraging him to work even harder, he urged Dawhuo to ensure quality service in the restaurant–from maintaining a hygienic dine-in space to the customer services.
Dawhuo’s paternal uncle Chisazo Dawhuo also acknowledged the young restaurateur for following his interest and passion in earning a livelihood. Chisazo also urged the family to be united and continue to support him even in the days to come.
While businesses fluctuate bringing both loss and profit, he urged Dawhuo to be consistent and not lose hope. As he blessed the young entrepreneur, Chisazo encouraged him to work hard.