Chilli turns up the heat with launch of its own ready meals

Jaz Boparai, owner of Chilli Restaurant on Market Street, Barnsley, decided to look for new ways to increase sales and keep his kitchens busy during the quieter mid-week period.

So Chilli has launched a new range of ready meals which is available in shops across the borough.

Mr Boparai explained: “All our ready meals are made with chicken and come in tikka masala, korma or balti with pilau rice. They are made in the kitchen from the same recipe so people get restaurant quality meals at home.

“Our meals are quite different as Indian food is normally Bangladeshi or Kashmiri but our meals are Punjabi so we use much less oil.”

The meals are on sale in 12 outlets around Barnsley, ranging from Costcutter to farm shops.

Mr Boparai, who opened his restaurant in 2004, added: “Although the restaurant is doing well, we are in challenging economic times so it’s about finding alternative revenue streams.

“It also helps customers who may be feeling the pinch.

“We’re looking to expand the range to include bhajis and samosas and we’re keen to keep it local and boost Barnsley by partnering with local stockists.”

The business, which last year recorded a turnover of £750,000, is receiving support in its new venture from Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre (BBIC) supported by Enterprising Barnsley with the assistance of funding from Barnsley Council. The branding and design work for Chilli’s ready meal packaging was created by local firm Pixelfinity.