A Close Up Look Into Two Restaurants How two local restaurants have become the popular places they are today By Emily Laux
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our stomach growls so you check the time only to realize it’s time for dinner and you forgot to go grocery shopping. The fridge is empty and you have nothing to eat. The only solution is to go to a restaurant, but where will you go? Two local restaurants, both of which have created a community of delicious cuisine and friendly faces are located just down the road. District Kitchen and Chi’lantro are both located in Austin, Texas. District Kitchen, opening in 2013 and Chi’lantro, opening in 2010 have both grown substantially in the last few years. Amidst the financial struggles and the problems that have arised due to the pandemic, these popular places have continued to thrive through their appetizing food and
A view of the outside patio at District Kitchen, a local restaurant in Austin, Texas. Courtesy of Total Happy Hour.
loyal customers. Amir Hajimaleki and his brother, Ali Hajimaleki, are the co-owners of District Kitchen. As well as
being one of the co-owners of the restaurant, Hajimaleki is the executive chef. He knew he wanted to be a restaurateur since high school, as it combined his two favorite things: cooking and running a business. Hajimaleki said that opening a restaurant “can be overwhelming, but also humbling as well.” Opening a restaurant for the first time can be scary, but once you do it, it feels very rewarding as you have accomplished your goal.
The co-owner and head chef of District Kitchen, Amir Hajimaleki, cooks a delicious meal. Courtesy of Forbes.
Courtesy of Cuisine | 20
Hajimaleki had to face a lot of challenges when he first opened his restaurant, which only led him to learn new things on the way.
