Categories: News

Persian Bite has reopened in a new location on Union Street and owner Reza Zand was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by many of his regular costumers.

“We opened on Friday, just for a couple of hours,” Zand said Sunday morning at the restaurant’s newly renovated home at 703 Union St. “I didn’t expect all of the old customers to turn up. That was nice. I didn’t work, I just chatted with them.”

Zand and his brother, Rasoul, opened the restaurant for the first time in eight months after being put out of business by the deadly Jay Street fire in March. Persian Bite’s former location at 96 Jay St. was heavily damaged by water.

The move to Union Street has been a long process with a positive outcome, Zand said. The new location provided the opportunity to expand with more tables, a bigger kitchen and a patio.

“There were only three tables at the old place,” he said. “I always had plans to make it bigger. There, it was only that little spot. It was mostly takeout, especially for lunchtime. There wasn’t enough seating.”

The new and improved Persian Bite has six tables — two with three chairs and four with four chairs. The restaurant also has a small bar that can seat four people.

Zand and his family started doing work on the Union Street building over the summer. The property was handed over by Zand’s brother-in-law, who had planned to open an international cafe there.

“When the place burned I was looking around the same spot,” Zand said. “I didn’t find anything, so he offered it to me. I accepted because I knew the area. He sacrificed himself. He has helped a lot in here for us.”

Early March 6, a massive fire broke out at 104 Jay St., spreading to 100-102 Jay St. and claiming the lives of four people. The apartment buildings have since been demolished, leaving a vacant lot.

While the fire started around 2 a.m., Zand said he didn’t find out until he woke up at 6 a.m. and saw it on the news. Although he was given the opportunity later that day to recover property inside, everything was destroyed.

“There was nothing to take,” he said. “Everything was ruined.”

Zand said he remembered Berenices Suarez, 33, and Jermaine Allen, 37, who both died in the fire. The couple were customers, he said.

“We lost two good friends next door,” he said. “They would come in and chat and have food. Very nice couple. They were nice people.”

The neighboring building at 96 Jay St. sustained significant roof and water damage. Persian Bite and Bel Cibo, another restaurant located there, were forced to shut down.

Persian Bite had been open for 10 months. Bel Cibo had been open for only about three days, after moving from another location on the Jay Street Marketplace.

The building has since been repaired. Jeanette Massaro, owner of Bel Cibo, is expanding into Persian Bite’s old space and preparing to reopen in early December.

“I wish them well and the very best,” Zand said of his former neighbor. “They were only open a couple of days before the fire. I always keep thinking about them.”

Persian Bite’s menu will stay the same, but a few additions are planned in the near future, Zand said. He is also looking to introduce outdoor dining and live entertainment to the restaurant.

“So far, so good,” he said. “The best thing is going back to work because I love cooking. On Friday I was a little bit nervous. I don’t know why. I have been in the business for 12 to 13 years. But I guess I was a little bit nervous because it’s a new place.”

The new space has a warm atmosphere with hardwood floors, red- and gold-colored walls and dark tables and chairs. The restaurant has large windows facing Union Street and a unique granite top bar with a sink.

Persian Bite offers kebab plates, wraps and veggie wraps plus appetizers and side dishes. The restaurant serves herb-infused black tea instead of coffee.

Zand moved to Schenectady about two and a half years ago after previously living in England and managing a large restaurant there. He said he relocated to be closer to family, who all live in the Schenectady area.

“All of us are excited,” he said. “I’m loving this job. I love food. If you look at me I’m tiny and skinny, but I eat a lot. Everybody sees me and is shocked by how much I eat. They say, ‘Do you put it in your pocket or do you eat it?’ ”

Zand said he is getting to know some of his new neighbors, particularly the couple who recently opened Chez Nous, a French restaurant at 707 Union St.

Chez Nous is planning a grand opening 5 p.m. Dec. 15. Persian Bite meanwhile is hosting a grand reopening celebration at 6 p.m. Dec. 9. The fundraising dinner will help offset some costs incurred from the restaurant’s prolonged closure.

Due to limited seating, tickets must be purchased at https://goo.gl/h18uJa.

“I studied business management in England,” Zand said. “The first thing they said in class was it’s all about location, location, location. This is a main road and a good spot for the business. I’m excited. I’m not moving anywhere else.”

Persian Bite is open 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 9 p.m. Fridays; and 3 to 9 p.m. Saturdays.