These new locations in and around Watford are hoping to succeed in their first year, including restaurants, a café, and an escape room.
Recent times have been tough for small businesses, but these five have spoken to the Watford Observer about brand-new ventures this year.
Our Brother's
The Portuguese and Brazilian family that runs Gabriel's by Vitor Galiano in Vicarage Road opened Our Brother's restaurant in Market Street in January.
One of the owners, Térsio Soares, said Gabriel’s regulars immediately enjoyed the extra space as the new location specialises more in food while the smaller Gabriel’s is more of a café and snack bar.
Watford BBQ
Turkish restaurant Watford BBQ started selling its first kebabs in Market Street, Watford, on Friday (March 24).
It boasts a “lavish and delicious menu” including kebabs, chicken, burgers and nuggets.
Owner Namak Haliliov said: “We are very happy to open in Watford, near the town centre, and we are going to try and serve the best food in town.”
Enigma Rooms
Benn Warren and his family are long time escape room enthusiasts who turned their passion into a business with Enigma Rooms Watford in December 2022.
To get input on the tech and puzzles Benn was offered a franchise by Engima Escape Rooms, which is primarily based in Yorkshire, to set up his own puzzles, in Watford High Street.
He recently told the Watford Observer a second room is already in the works.
Café on the Common
![Watford Observer: Café on the Common]( "Watford Observer: Café on the Common")
Café on the Common (Image: Erica Bendall)
Charity Mission EmployAble welcomed customers on Café on the Common’s first day on January 16 and has since enjoyed popularity with visitors.
The café helps teach its interns, who have learning disabilities, catering, front-of-house, and general work skills to prepare them for the workplace.
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Trustee Erica Bendall said the "stylish interior, delicious food, helpful staff, and beautiful setting on Chorleywood Common" led to the pavilion being packed out with customers from the very start.
MiniIndia
This business hasn’t opened yet but after getting the keys to a Queen’s Road unit MiniIndia owner Niraj Shah spoke to the Watford Observer about an ongoing £150,000 refurb.
Mr Shah said: “We are really excited to sell in Watford. My wife used to work in the town and Watford was our preferred location.”
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