Eats
‘This is difficult to say’ – Beloved Levenshulme cafe Aunty Ji’s to close blaming ‘rising costs’
"I hope that the memories and experiences you had in Aunty Jis will forever hold a special place in your hearts, as they will in mine."
Georgina Pellant -
15th June 2023 
A much-loved community cafe in Levenshulme has announced it will close its doors for good later this month.
Aunty Ji’s on Stockport Road, legendary for its cups of chai and South Asian food, broke the news on Wednesday evening with owners blaming rising costs for the decision in a statement posted on its website and social media pages.
The popular South Asian cafe has become a treasured part of the local community since opening in 2020, but now owners say it ‘just isn’t feasible’ to continue operating in its current form any longer.
Revealing that, over the past few months, the team had ‘tried a number of different things to turn things around,’ owners went on to say ‘sadly, they haven’t been enough to save Aunty Ji’s.’
However, it’s not all doom and gloom as the Asian fusion kitchen has also revealed plans to launch a new condiments brand, Raju.
Owners also hinted that Aunty Ji’s could ‘be back in some form’ further down the line ‘as Raju’s comes to fruition’, although they ‘can’t be sure for the moment’.
The full statement reads: “Hello, This is difficult to say, Aunty Ji’s is closing.
“Rising costs have led to a situation where it just isn’t feasible to be operating in our current form anymore.
“One of the things I’ve loved most since opening is talking to you, our customers. Since opening, we’ve shared so many great conversations, laughs, forged connections, developed friendships and more.
“The team and and I have tried a number of different things to turn things around over the past few months, sadly, they haven’t been enough to save Aunty Jis.
“I hope that the memories and experiences you had in Aunty Jis will forever hold a special place in your hearts, as they will in mine.
“While this chapter is coming to a close, I believe that every ending brings the promise of a new beginning. For me this will be Raju, a new home condiments brand that I’ve been working on over the past few months. Raju will posses many of the same passions and ideals of Aunty Ji’s and I’m really looking forward to getting started with it.
“There’s a chance that as Raju’s comes to fruition that we may be back in some form. But I can’t be sure for the moment.
“Aunty Ji’s is open till Tuesday 20th June. I’d love to see you before we say bye.”
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Since breaking the news, fans have been taking to the comments to share their heartbreak at losing such a special community space.
One person said: “So sad to hear, probably the most creative Asian fusion kitchen in Manchester.”
Another wrote: “I’m so sorry to hear this!! I’m left wondering where I’ll get my paneer naanwich fix from now. Best of luck xxx”
A third added: “So so sad to hear this. Such fond memories in AJ’s and really sorry to hear things have been so tough. But excited for the future and Raju too. Keep us posted xx”
A fourth commented: “so sorry to hear this, wish you all the success in the world for Raju. I will miss your masala chai, which is the best I’ve had since laying on the beaches of India and a lovely old lady supplying me with endless chai and calling me a chicken lollipop.”
A fifth said: “I hope you do return in another form. I loved dining with you when I lived in Levenshulme. Best of luck! Thanks for the amazing Chai.”
Featured image – Aunty Ji’s
