Heritage Old City Indian Restaurant is preparing for a soft opening in December at its location, 14 N. 3rd St., as shared by partner and operations manager, Shafi Gaffar. Gaffar has collaborated with his wife, Mishat Laila, an investor in the venture, and Kamal Hossain, the executive chef behind the restaurant’s concept.

Gaffar, a resident of Philadelphia since the 1990s, has previously been involved with Indian dining establishments like Kurry Shack and Makhani, both situated on the same block where Heritage is set to open. The fast-casual restaurant chain Kurry Shack debuted its first location in Pennsport at 2015 E. Moyamensing Ave. in 2019 and subsequently expanded with branches in Old City, Rittenhouse Square, South Philadelphia, and Francisville. However, the sole surviving Kurry Shack is located in Old City at 6 N. 3rd St., as Gaffar has divested his interest and is no longer engaged in the business.

Makhani, an upscale dining concept, commenced operations in early 2019 at 7 N. 3rd St. in Old City but had to close its doors during the pandemic. In addition to these ventures, Gaffar was also a partner in the local Indian restaurant chain Tandoor.

Heritage will occupy the former premises of Harry’s Cigar Shop, which has since relocated within the neighborhood. The restaurant’s space spans 1,000 square feet and includes a 300-square-foot kitchen. The dining room will feature 12 to 15 two-top tables, accommodating between 24 and 30 diners.

The partners secured the lease for the space roughly a month ago, following nearly a year of searching for a suitable location in the neighborhood. The deal was brokered by Billy Creagh of National Realty Commercial.

Heritage’s menu will present contemporary interpretations of traditional Indian dishes, incorporating both locally sourced ingredients and traditional Indian spices. Examples of menu items include dishes like lobster or whole fish served with tikka masala sauce and korma, a dish typically prepared with chicken but reimagined with lamb or fish.

Furthermore, the restaurant is exploring the possibility of offering a lunch buffet on weekdays to cater to the corporate employees working in the area.