Under new ownership, Guru's Indian Cuisine in Newtown is bringing meat back onto its menu

The survival of Guru’s Indian Cuisine in Newtown has certainly been tested this year.

First, the Guru’s closed for three months while its owners Priya Guru and Chef Ashni “Baba” Kumar traveled to India to focus their time and energy on an ongoing and arduous adoption of two sisters. Then the restaurant reopened for takeout in April with a new all-vegetarian menu, a choice the couple made out of concern for animal welfare, environmental sustainability and ethical sourcing.

But the two decisions nearly put the restaurant out of business, which is why the couple announced yet another change this week —Priya’s 28-year-old nephew, Samarth Joshi, will become Guru’s new owner.

“It was a difficult decision but given the current financial challenges that the business has endured and the time necessary for us to continue our ongoing adoption process, Samarth has decided to reintroduce meat to ensure the survival of the restaurant,” Priya said.

Joshi officially takes over Guru’s on Thursday.

The restaurant will be hosting a complimentary ‘Meet the New Guy’ happy hour Aug. 22 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Crepeberry now open in Yardley:New café opens in downtown Yardley July 19, serving up smoothies, bowls, crepes and more

Who is the new owner of Guru’s in Newtown?

Joshi, originally from the Gujarat province of India, moved to the U.S. last year from Ontario, Canada. Since then, he has been working under his aunt and uncle to learn the ins and outs of the restaurant.

“We’re really excited about passing the torch to our nephew. He will bring new life and energy to this business,” said Priya, noting she and Baba will continue to work at Guru’s under a limited role.

Reintroducing meat options back onto the menu is just one of the many ideas Joshi looks forward to rolling out as he takes over the Guru’s.

“I plan on developing the bar program and introducing a Bollywood themed happy hour,” he said.

A portion of restaurant sales will still support Guru’s Guardian Angels

Support of Baba and Priya’s mission to rescue and shelter stray animals around the world, Joshi said a portion of the restaurant’s sales will continue to go towards Guru’s Guardian Angels, a nonprofit his aunt and uncle launched last year.

Go: 203 N. Sycamore St., Newtown; 215-968-5700; gurusnewtown.com

Latest Newtown news:Newtown Artesian asking for rate increase in Middletown, Newtown. How much could it cost?

Reporter Michele Haddon covers local news, small business, food and drink, economic revitalization, art and culture for The Intelligencer and Bucks County Courier Times at PhillyBurbs.com. Please considering supporting local journalism with a subscription.