Lime & Lemon’s founders are launching Ayra, a 5,000 SF fine-dining Indian restaurant in Chapel Hill, partnering with Michelin-starred chef Sujan Sarkar. The project repurposes an existing restaurant space near another Lime & Lemon, prompting a strategic pivot to a higher-end, differentiated concept.
Why this matters:
• Proven operators scaling concepts, not just footprints
• Location proximity can drive repositioning, not duplication
• Brand maturity often leads to curated, higher-margin formats
• Second-generation restaurant spaces remain highly adaptable
A clear example of how experienced operators use real estate constraints to unlock the next phase of growth.
https://www.newsobserver.com/living/food-drink/article314266592.html
