Eatery Darbar India Facing Eviction After 25 Years In Branford

BRANFORD, CT — For more than a quarter century, Darbar India has been serving Branford and nearby communities. Now, the property owner is threatening owners Haresh Nariyani and Manju Gidwani with eviction after being behind on rent.

According to property records, the building is owned by a limited liability corporation based in St. Augustine, Florida.

In a GoFundMe appeal, the owner's son Sunny Nariyani wrote that not unlike restaurants across the nation during the coronavirus pandemic, Darbar India was "hit hard." But that did not stop the longtime eatery from doing its part to help during the unprecedented public health crisis.

During the height of the pandemic this past winter and early spring, Darbar India provided and delivered hundreds of meals to first responders and healthcare heroes.

"The Darbar India family loves Branford and being part of the community," Sunny wrote in the appeal for help. "We were there for our first responders, delivering hundreds and hundreds of meals to them, participate in many events across the town, and serve many regular Branford residents on a weekly basis."

The GoFundMe appeal has raised round $9,000 to date.

"If you celebrated anything at Darbar, whether it was an anniversary, birthday, or even wedding - please consider helping us out," Sunny wrote.

When the family posted their plight on the restaurant's Facebook page, comments like this one were common: "There's nothing more heart breaking to read. Darbar is run by an honest and humble family. If you're reading this, take a second to show some kindness and, If you can, consider donating. You won't find better Indian food in Connecticut!"

Haresh Nariyani told Patch he and his family are very grateful to the community and its show of support.

"We wouldn't ask the community to help unless it was a dire situation, but we love serving our community and don't want to stop providing great Indian food to the community," the GoFundMe reads. "Please consider helping us out so that we can catch up on rent and continue doing what we do best, serve you the best Indian food."

GoFundMe is a Patch Partner.