Kensington's Maurya restaurant to be replaced by Tim Hortons

An Indian restaurant has permanently shut its doors after more than two decades in the heart of Calgary's Kensington neighbourhood and not everyone's happy that it'll be replaced with a Tim Hortons.

A notice posted to Maurya's front door and signed by co-owner Kanchan Kumarreads, "My husband, Manu, started Maurya in hopes of serving Indian food of the highest quality to be enjoyed in an elegant ambiance that reflected the grand time period of the Mauryan Dynasty. We hope to be remembered this way."

Ellen Parker, communications director with theKensingtonbusiness revitalization zone, says the coffee chain is expected to open in December or January.

She says opinions about the change have been mixed, and many in the neighbourhood who are committed to supporting local business aren't happy with the switch.

"A lot of reaction saying, 'Oh my gosh! No way. This is terrible news!'from the local residents," Parker said.

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"They feel it's taking away from you know, we have over 10 different coffee shops already in Kensington and places where you can have your morning coffee," she said.

"Just in that capacity, people are feeling for the local businesses who do work tirelessly to stay in business year-round."

Others, however, feel this is an affirmation of Kensington's status as a popular Calgary destination, Parker said.

"People are feeling like this is a reflection of Kensington arriving as a very prominent destination spot for people to come, which includes small businesses, boutiquesand larger conglomerates like Tim Hortons," Parker said.

The BRZ does not have jurisdiction over what types of businesses come into the neighbourhood, but Parker said it is looking forward to working with Tim Hortons.

"We are welcoming the business and we are hoping that they will align with the overall values of the Kensington community and want to participate in all of the free programming that we offer the community at large."

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