JOIN USA small lane in JP Nagar, 2nd phase, is seen bustling with people as early as seven in the morning. School kids with their backpacks, joggers and professionals hurrying to work — all gather at a common pit stop to begin their day with a plate of hot and soft ‘idlis’ which are available at a quaint little restaurant — SN Refreshments.
Started in the year 1991, SN Refreshments is a household name that serves one of the most delicious South- Indian breakfasts. Established by Ramachandra Bhat, this place will soon be celebrating its silver jubilee. With an old-world charm, it follows the style of another legendary eatery — Brahmin’s Cafe. “I am in this profession from a long time.
I used to work at Brahmin’s Cafe, which belongs to one of my relatives, before I opened this restaurant. Following the same concept, I started this place,” says Ramachandra. The restaurant did not begin as a competition to other similar places. But it began with the humble concept of spreading happiness with food.
While ‘idli’ and ‘chutney’ are the favourites, the ‘dosas’ available here are not any less in taste. The coffee is outstanding and the ‘rice bath’ one gets here is equally appetising. The ‘khara’ and ‘chow chow bath’ melt in one’s mouth and keep one craving for more.
“We have a limited menu and would like to continue with the same as additions to the menu might affect the quality. Also, the dishes on the menu are the most sought-after during breakfast and even if I extend the menu, they would still want the same things,” he says. Limited menu, limited tables and limited space; this place caters to the ever busy mankind who want to “eat and run”, says Ramachandra.
It is the family of culinary artists that make this place so popular. “ The employees are all related and it is a family that is working at the restaurant. Serving top quality food, they are prepared with love and care without any secret recipes,” he says.
With loyal staff systematically working to give people the best taste, it has remained a favourite among two generations of customers. Unaffected by the new restaurants in the City, he says, “There are new restaurants that are coming up. Similarly, there are new people coming into the City too. While old customers continue visiting the hotel for the extraordinary taste, there are new customers who come in to indulge in what others are talking about,” he explains.
An energetic and always smiling owner, he says, “It is a proud moment when people come up to you and praise the restaurant. There are many who want us to open branches in their areas. But I am happy with just one restaurant here and I want to give my complete personal attention to this place and continue to maintain the quality.”