Kwality’s Ballygunge Outlet Temporarily Closes for Redevelopment, Set to Return Soon

Kolkata’s iconic Kwality restaurant in Ballygunge has temporarily closed its doors, sparking a wave of nostalgia and emotion among loyal patrons. A recent Facebook post about the restaurant’s closure prompted an outpouring of memories, with customers recalling decades of hearty meals, drinks, and cherished moments at the nearly 70-year-old establishment.

Opened in 1956—just four years after Kwality’s original Park Street outlet—the Ballygunge branch has been a cornerstone of the neighbourhood’s dining scene. With a 125-seat capacity and a legacy of generations walking through its doors, the restaurant has long enjoyed a fiercely loyal customer base.

However, the closure is not a farewell, but a pause. Owner Rajiv Ghai clarified to My Kolkata that the Ballygunge location is shutting down temporarily due to redevelopment plans. “The land owner wanted to develop the property, so it needs about three years to do that. In the meantime, we hope to come back here. We are also looking for a place in the area and hope to reopen in the next six months,” he explained, dismissing any speculation that the decision stemmed from business challenges.

Ghai noted the deep bond shared by regular visitors. “There are some regular customers who used to come more than three to four times a week. Now they are coming to our Park Street branch, which is open,” he said.

While the future space depends on availability, expansion may be on the horizon. “We have newer plans in mind, but it depends on how big a place we get,” he added.

Ghai also reassured patrons of the brand’s commitment to the Ballygunge community. “Our priority will be to come back in the same location,” he stated.

For now, fans of Kwality can continue to savour their favourites at the Park Street outlet, as the beloved Ballygunge chapter enters a temporary intermission. Far from closing its doors on south Kolkata, Kwality is simply preparing for a new beginning.