Downtown restaurant owner asks Aiken City Council for five-year lease or purchase option amid redevelopment uncertainty

The owner of Tajikhan Indian Cuisine asked the Aiken City Council on April 14 for a five‑year lease or a chance to buy his downtown building after several rounds of redevelopment planning have left the restaurant's future uncertain.

Alokumar ("Kumar") Aksay said Tajikhan, at 213 Richland Avenue, employs 12 people and has operated since February 2017. He told council that the city acquired the property in late 2021 for a project that was later canceled ("Project Pascallis"), and that subsequent redevelopment proposals (including a Savannah River Laboratory project) created uncertainty about the restaurant's location. Aksay said other downtown businesses were given five‑year leases in February 2024 and asked that Tajikhan receive similar treatment or the opportunity to purchase the corner parcel so he could continue operations and provide stability for his staff.

Jacob Ellis and other speakers urged the council to support the owner, describing the restaurant as an "Aiken institution" and noting its history and community contributions. Councilmembers responded that staff would follow up and that they understood the proprietor's need for certainty; staff asked for time to confirm options and told Aksay, "as soon as we know, you will know." No formal lease or sale decision was made during the meeting.

Why it matters: the business owner says his restaurant provides jobs and civic support; the property sits within areas the city has been planning as part of downtown redevelopment, so any long-term tenancy or sale has implications for workers, customers and that city block.

Speakers (attribution whitelist)

- Alokumar Aksay, owner, Tajikhan Indian Cuisine (business owner). First reference: "I'm the owner at Tajikhan Indian Cuisine at 213 Richland Avenue" (transcript s=2386.0798–2395.7449). - Jacob Ellis, resident/supporter (community advocate). First reference: "Good evening, madam mayor, council Jacob Ellis, Aiken, South Carolina." (transcript s=2695.2249–2725.875).

Clarifying details from the record

- Business details: Tajikhan has operated since February 2017 and employs 12 workers (owner statement). - Timeline of city acquisition and projects: owner said the city bought the property in November 2021; Project Pascallis was later canceled; the Savannah River Laboratory project was then proposed and involved portions of nearby parcels. The owner said other nearby tenants (Vampir Penguin and Ginger Bee) received five‑year leases in Feb. 2024. - Requested relief: a five‑year lease or opportunity to purchase the corner parcel so the restaurant can remain downtown and provide stable employment.

Council response and next steps

Councilmembers and city staff did not make a decision at the meeting; a councilmember said staff would follow up and provide information about relocation or lease options. Supporters in the public record urged council to expedite a long‑term solution.

No formal action recorded: the transcript shows public comment and council acknowledgement; no motion or vote on a lease or sale occurred during the April 14 meeting.

Proper names and local context

Tajikhan Indian Cuisine (213 Richland Avenue) — owner request for lease or purchase; supporters described the restaurant's civic role and historic placement on the block.

Searchable tags: ["downtown-business","commercial-lease","redevelopment","tajikhan"]