Southern California Wildfire Destroys Pacific Palisades Indian Restaurant, Owner Faces Uncertain Future

By Ritu Jha-

A devastating wildfire has destroyed not just luxury homes but also local businesses in the upscale Pacific Palisades community, leaving business owners grappling with uncertainty about their future.

 

One such victim is Sunny Sukhwinder Singh, the owner of Taj Palace Indian Cuisine, a beloved spot in the area for nearly 24 years, told indica in an exclusive interview the loss of his restaurant, which catered to local residents and celebrities alike, is heart-wrenching. The fire, which ignited around 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7, quickly spread through the area, prompting evacuation orders around 12:30 p.m.

“We were working at the restaurant when the fire began, and we had a few customers there,” Singh recalled. “Soon, they left, and we closed down the restaurant. I didn’t realize just how close the fire was until later when I found out the entire Village Complex where my restaurant was located had burned down.”

Sunny Sukhwinder Singh, owner of Taj Palace Indian Cuisine.

Singh said that the destruction left him devastated, particularly as he learned about the extent of the damage while watching news reports. 

“It was a massive destruction, and I was praying for our safety,” he said. “I had no idea that we wouldn’t see our restaurant standing again.”

Taj Palace, the only Indian restaurant in Pacific Palisades, had become a local institution, frequented by stars and residents of the upscale neighborhood. Singh, 48, said he had poured much of his life into building the business, which he opened at just 23 years old. The fire has left him with a deep sense of loss.

“I started this business when I was so young, and now, all of a sudden, it’s gone,” Singh said somberly. “It’s heartbreaking, and the worst part is, we’re still waiting to figure out what comes next.”

With the restaurant gone, Singh is also concerned about his 11 employees, whose jobs are now in jeopardy. He hopes to rebuild but knows that doing so will be a monumental challenge in a tough and competitive market.

“The biggest worry right now is that we don’t know anything,” he said. “I’m waiting for insurance updates and trying to figure out how to restart in such a tough environment. The fire has already affected so many businesses and it might take years for the community to fully recover.”

Singh reflected on the personal toll the fire has taken. “My parents used to work at the restaurant, and my mom passed away three years ago,” he shared. “This was a family business. I’ve dedicated my life to it, and now I have to start over.”

The fire’s impact extends beyond Singh’s business, as many residents of Pacific Palisades have lost their homes, and businesses across the area are reeling. Singh’s community was hit especially hard, with nearly 80% of buildings, including expensive homes and commercial establishments, destroyed by the blaze.

Taj Palace Indian Cuisine before the Jan 7, fire.

 

“It’s going to take a long time for the area to come back to normal, maybe two to four years,” Singh said. “It’s one of the most expensive areas in Los Angeles, and I know a lot of my customers lost their homes too. We’re all in shock.”

Despite the overwhelming challenges ahead, Singh, who has been in the restaurant business for 32 years, remains hopeful he can rebuild his business. 

“I’ve been through a lot, including the pandemic, and I hope to use my experience to start fresh,” he said.

As Pacific Palisades begins the long road to recovery, Singh and other local business owners are bracing for what comes next, knowing it will be a slow and difficult journey.

[Photo courtesy: Sunny Sukhwinder Singh]