Last Updated on: 4th November 2024, 02:54 pm
A charming, family-owned restaurant in central Edinburgh is pioneering a new initiative to strengthen community ties and collaboration among local small businesses this Christmas. As many people feel the financial pressures of the season, this imaginative programme aims to foster a spirit of cooperation rather than competition, encouraging small hospitality businesses to exchange resources and services.
This festive season, instead of spending large sums on lavish staff parties at corporate venues, the owner of Tani Modi has put forward a creative and cost-effective solution. The idea is a restaurant swap. One small restaurant hosts the staff of another for an evening, and in return, the next venue hosts a party for them. This way, each restaurant can treat its team to a special celebration without breaking the bank.
The concept has quickly gained popularity, with the Hanover Street eatery hoping to inspire other establishments across Edinburgh to join in. The aim is to create a continuous chain of hospitality, where one venue hosts the next, and the cycle continues until the original restaurant is celebrated by the last participant. This initiative builds a network of mutual support and shared festive cheer.
“We believe that the festive season is not just about celebration, but about coming together as a community,” explained Babatunde Abifarin, owner of Tani Modi. “By sharing what we have, we can all enjoy the holiday spirit without stretching our budgets. It’s about gratitude, and giving back to those who work tirelessly throughout the year.”
Sarah Norman, the Restaurant Manager, elaborates, “The idea was inspired by our menu. Our new evening dishes are packed with culinary influences from all around the world because every offering is a collaboration between all of the staff. We start with a concept and then share ideas and experiences to make it better; through that mutual growth and support, together we take our dishes so much further than anything we could ever create alone.”
She adds, “In that way, our food is our way of showing care, of nurturing each other’s talents and of celebrating who we are as individuals, as a team, and as a culinary community. Everything we do, we do together and with all of our hearts – we want to share that passion with other hospitality workers and see how far we can take that collaborative energy.”
Not only does this initiative provide a financially sustainable way for small businesses to thank their teams, but it also strengthens the bonds within Edinburgh’s lively hospitality community. It encourages venues to support each other, share their unique offerings, and celebrate the rich and diverse dining culture of the city.
Local businesses keen to participate are encouraged to get in touch with Tani Modi to be a part of this collaborative venture. Together, hospitality workers across Edinburgh can create a season of goodwill and connection, ensuring that no one is left out of the celebrations.
