Himalaya Bar & Restaurant hopes to open next month in the former China Inn space at the College Square shopping center, 444 WMC Drive, according to owner Samrat Khadka. Khadka says the restaurant is still waiting on a county inspection and some remaining paperwork before it can open.
Khadka said Himalaya will be his first venture into the restaurant business. "While Himalaya Restaurant will be my first experience in the restaurant business, I bring years of experience owning and managing different types of businesses," he said.
Khadka owns Vinny's Pizza, a fast-food business inside the TownMall of Westminster food court, and operates 7-Eleven locations in Westminster and New Windsor, Maryland, he said.
Finding a location
Khadka said Westminster made sense in part because most of his other businesses are already in Carroll County, and because it's close to home, in a community he already knows well.
Khadka credited an existing relationship with the previous owner of China Inn, whom he described as a regular customer at his 7-Eleven, with helping make the opportunity possible.
"I think it always takes time to find the right location and a good spot for the business," Khadka said.
Featuring one of Nepal's most beloved and iconic foods
Khadka said the inspiration behind Himalaya comes from his passion for Nepali and Indian cuisines and a vision to bring authentic Himalayan flavors to the local community.
"I wanted to create more than just a restaurant," Khadka said. "I wanted to create a place that represents culture, hospitality, and love for food."
One of the restaurant's signature dishes will be momo, a dumpling that Khadka calls one of Nepal's most beloved and iconic foods. "Made with passion and tradition, it's a dish that everyone should try at least once," he said.
Asked in an earlier Facebook comment whether momos would be on the menu, Khadka didn't hesitate: "Absolutely! Yes, momos will definitely be on the menu! We can't have a Nepali restaurant without delicious momos."
"For me, Himalaya Restaurant is more than just a business," Khadka said. "It's a way to share the taste, culture, and spirit of the Himalayas with our community."
What's next for Himalaya
Westminster Mayor Mona Becker welcomed the news in the comments of a Westminster Wire Facebook post, writing, "I cannot wait for your opening!!"
Khadka replied that he was "incredibly excited to finally open our doors," adding, "We can't wait to welcome you, serve you some delicious Nepali and Indian cuisine, and share this special journey with you."
Khadka has not given an exact opening date, saying it depends on the county inspection and other remaining steps.