Most weekends Jeff Abalos, a 20-year-old political science senior would live off of two boxes of rice from Steamers.
But, the restaurant, located on 1618 NW First Ave., closed its doors before May 1, 2011 and remained vacant until two weeks ago.
Owner of Gator Spirit Food Store & Coin Laundry, 58-year-old, Nailesh Patel, believes he has what it takes to make this spin on fast food last in the same location.
Steamers was founded in 1982 and bought by the previous owner around eight years ago, who also owned Tasty Buddha.
Now the one-room restaurant holds the name Gator Spirit Food Store & Coin Laundry and still shares the building with the convenience store and Laundromat, tucked away behind the Midtown bar district, giving it the appeal of a favorite local dive.
The chef, Cedrik Austin, uses his 12 years of cooking experience to whip up meals in large, blackened woks only feet away from the bench where customers sit and inhale the rich smell of Indian spices in anticipation.
Austin adds his made-from-scratch hot sauce upon request amongst the basmati rice, choice of meat and variety of fresh vegetables.
Patel said summer business is slow in Gainesville, but the restaurant has had positive feedback in its first two weeks and he has already developed repeat customers.
Abalos has already been back twice.
Although the restaurant is somewhat hidden, Patel doesn’t worry about advertising because he believes his customer’s opinions are more valid than writing on a piece of paper.
Gator Spirit Food Store & Coin Laundry has developed a solid customer base for nearly 25 years and Patel trusts word-of-mouth will continue to bring business to the restaurant.
The menu is similar to Steamers with some additional items like samosas and deserts and with slightly higher prices but the same large portions.
Patel said he keeps his prices as low as possible because he knows that college students are his main customers and that they barely have any money.
“We want to provide a fresh and healthy option,” he said, “that is still cheap and fast.”
