Red Pepper Indian Restaurant has joined a growing alumni of Melbourne’s small business community in being awarded the prestigious Lord Mayor's Commendation. The program celebrates each individual small business owner, in this case the exceptional talents of Owner/Chef Jagjeet Kaur, an icon of Melbourne.
Established in 2005, the Lord Mayor’s Commendations recognises the resilience, dedication and passion of our city’s small businesses that have stood the test of time. Red Pepper with Jagjeet Kaur at the helm, has been successfully serving its authentic Indian dishes to the people of Melbourne since 2006, making it a restaurant of longetivity as well as quality.
The Lord Mayor's Commendation (LMC) program has bestowed more than 620 long term and multigenerational small business commendations, including another 50 this year.
Located in the landmark Bourke Hill precinct near the Parliament, Jagjeet opened Red Pepper in 2006 to bring her deep passion for cooking to Melbourne after spending time in kitchens right across India.
Red Pepper has transformed since its beginnings – from a 24 hour day ‘pay at the counter’ casual eatery to a relaxed lively restaurant with full table service for anyone looking to delight their taste buds.
Wooden floor, Himalayan prints on wood paneled walls, Nordic design luxury chairs and Finland-made lamps are a perfect backdrop for enjoying a glass of wine with signature authentic Indian dishes.
All 2021 LMC recipients will feature in a photographic exhibition that will be displayed in The Block Arcade and on the projector at the City Library.
Delicious Indian dishes at Red Pepper.
"It's never been more important to honour small businesses and highlight how much they mean to our city," the Lord Mayor Sally Capp said.
"Melbourne's small businesses have endured the toughest trading conditions in decades, and we want to recognise and support them as the city recovers."
"Whether it's a butcher or a book store, small businesses are the lifeblood of our city. These awards recognise and celebrate businesses that have stood the test of time.
"Anyone who has run a small-business knows it's a tough role, so it's important we congratulate and honour the commitment of some of our longest-serving proprietors."
"The commendations program shines a spotlight on small business owners who have serviced the city for 10 or more years."
Famous Saag dish at Red Pepper.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp will present the Commendations to this year's recipients during a ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall in the coming weeks.
Small Business Portfolio Lead, Councillor Jason Chang, said food and retail businesses have continued to deliver exceptional service despite being hit hard by the pandemic. "I want to congratulate all the hard-working business owners right across the City of Melbourne," Councillor Chang said.
"Every business that has had to endure these lockdowns and restrictions deserves our most sincere thanks. Small businesses make up more than 80 per cent of all the businesses operating in our city, employing almost 80,000 people."
