Khurshid Googee opened the Kingfisher in mid-1997, in a solid turn of the century building that once housed the AIB bank on
The Kingfisher is a highly ethnic Indian restaurant situated in the heart of the midlands. Its geographic location ensures a wide variety of customers. The Kingfisher's image as a sophisticated and cosmopolitan restaurant is reflected in the quality of its food and attention to customer care.
To look at and enter into the Kingfisher is not just a unique experience but a life long one and it is the management's aim that each customer takes away a lasting memory. The obvious nature of the business is to provide high quality Indian cuisine, however the essence of the Kingfisher goes far deeper that this, aiming to feed not just the body but the soul.
Management and staff form a combined mix of international cultures and work together to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse customer base.
Management and staff form a combined mix of international cultures and work together to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse customer base.
Original market research showed a lack of choice in the midlands when it came to eating out. This situation could be easily remedied but more seriously it showed there was a great lack of knowledge and fear of the unknown towards ethnic cultures. It became the aim of the management to banish these fears by ensuring all the senses are saturated with eastern pleasure, not just the palate.
The Kingfisher's economic prosperity can be accredited to its dedicated staff and positive lively atmosphere. The Kingfisher it is envisage will continue to grow and progress in the opulent manner it is accosted to. It's diverse customer base and its repeat custom have cultivated the enhancement of the restaurant. The past decade has witnessed rapid development and growth in the midlands and the Kingfisher has attempted to remain open to new ideas and to grow with the surrounding community.
The restaurant is situated in one of the oldest buildings in the midlands, dating back to the 17th century. Saffron colours glow warmly down over the large couches combining a touch of art nouveau with the historic architecture.
The menu can be boasted as one of the most extensive Indian menus in the country and has been carefully laid out to suit all tastes and pockets. This fulfils another goal; to make no distinction between customers and to be affordable to all.
This clearly shows the restaurant's preference for customer satisfaction rather than profit. However the restaurant's has become extremely profitable and this can be attributed to repeat custom. the restaurant's strong links with local and national charities has been extremely successful in heightening the awareness of the socially excluded. Foresight and initiative are the hallmark of the Kingfisher and this can be seen in its growth an development which has taken place in a co-ordinated and orderly manner, while at the same time conserving the Kingfishers intrinsic character and amenities.
