Ipswich: Dhaka Restaurant owners takes business off market

Foez Haque, a member of the team at The Dhaka in Orwell Place, put the business on the market in 2021 with a view to retire soon after.

However, he and his partners Anchor Ali and Harun Mahmud have faced difficulties in their attempts to find someone that would also be willing to take over the restaurant.

The Dhaka has been open since the 1980s. Credit: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

As a result, the trio has agreed to continue running The Dhaka for "at least for a few more years" in a bid to avoid "disappointing customers".

"We have tried to sell it but haven't found anyone willing to take over," said Mr Haque.

"So we've decided to keep going for another few years. 

"The main reason for this is our love for our loyal customers. 

"We don't want to disappoint them so we'll be keeping it open for at least a few more years."

The Grade II listed restaurant has become a local institution since it opened in 1984. 

Following the announcement that the business had been put on the market two years ago, the owners said they had been "overwhelmed" with messages of support. 

Mr Haque said: "We have been getting so much response, we are overwhelmed. It's been amazing.

The owners have said they plan to keep the restaurant open for at least another few years. Credit: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

"We have all reached the golden age of 60, so we are thinking of handing over to a younger generation who would take it on as a going concern."

The trio of owners are now hoping news of their decision to stay on will receive an even better reception. 

"I want to thank our customers because we would never had made this decision if it were not for them," said Mr Haque. 

"We'll now do our best to keep it open for as long as we can."