Usha thanks customers after awards honour
A Burnley restaurant preparing to celebrate 25 years in business has thanked its loyal customers after being named a finalist in the England's Business Awards.
Usha Restaurant was shortlisted in the Lancashire category of the awards after receiving more than 2,000 nominations from customers.
The family-run business, which will mark its 25th anniversary in February, said the recognition would not have been possible without the support of customers who have continued to back the restaurant over the years.
In a message to customers, the Usha team said: “With over 2,000 customers voting for Usha Restaurant, we truly cannot thank you enough. Your votes, kind words and continued support have helped us reach this amazing milestone.
"This achievement would not have been possible without each and every one of you. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in us and supporting our journey.
"This success does not belong to us alone; it belongs to all of our loyal customers who have stood by us throughout the years. You made this possible, and we are incredibly grateful."
The awards are based on public nominations, with businesses put forward by customers rather than entering themselves.
The Usha team said they were overwhelmed by the response after learning they had been nominated. "We didn't even know we'd been nominated at first. We received a letter telling us customers had put us forward and then the nominations just kept coming. To hear there were more than 2,000 nominations was incredible."
The owners were keen to highlight the role played by both restaurant diners and takeaway customers in helping secure the finalist spot.
They said: "We want to thank our takeaway customers as much as our restaurant customers because they've been nominating us too.
"People often think of Usha as a restaurant, but we're much more than that. We have a busy takeaway operation as well as the restaurant and fully licensed bar, and all of those customers have helped make this possible.
"On weekends it's incredibly busy and the support we receive, whether people are dining with us, enjoying a drink, or ordering food at home, means the world to us."
The restaurant also paid tribute to its staff, many of whom have built lasting relationships with customers over the years.
"Without our team, we're nothing. A lot of our staff have been with us for many years and they build genuine relationships with customers. People come in and they're greeted by name, they stop for a chat and they're made to feel welcome.
"To still have that kind of support after nearly 25 years is unbelievable. It's down to our customers and our staff together."