Melissa Bailey Photo
Hasni "Jeff" Ghazali took a gamble on the Ninth Square 12 years ago, when no one else would. He was honored this week by aldermen for leading a "revival" in the heart of the city.
Ghazali (pictured), who owns Bentara restaurant, choked back tears as he accepted an aldermanic citation from Aldermen Alex Rhodeen and Bitsie Clark at Monday?s full board meeting.
The Malaysian-born restaurateur and his business partner, Bill Christian, moved Bentara from East Haven to the Ninth Square in 1997, when that region of downtown was a ghost town.
The move "signaled the beginning of Ninth Square?s revival and confirmed that a business could thrive there," said Rhodeen.
"His food was so fantastic that people just flocked to eat it even though there was no one else around," said Clark.
On the heels of Bentara?s success, Ghazali and his partner opened a second restaurant downtown, Central Steak House, in 2003.
Melissa Bailey Photo
"We are so proud of what you have done to make this ? a vibrant city," said Clark (at right in photo).
Ghazali "changed the face of downtown," said Rhodeen (at left).
Standing at the podium, Ghazali gave a short, emotional speech. He said he started out as "just a little guy from a small town 8,000 miles away." He thanked New Haven for welcoming him. "I?m very, very honored."
Below is the full text of the citation praising his work.
Hasni "Jeff" Ghazali
On behalf of the City of New Haven we present this citation as a small gesture of thanks for your vital role in reviving our downtown neighborhood. In 1997 you and your partner, Bill Christian, showed true entrepreneurial spirit by deciding to relocate your restaurant Bentara from East Haven to Ninth Square. This move signaled the beginning of Ninth Square?s revival and confirmed that [a] business could thrive there.
Over the last 12 years, Bentara has grown into one of the most popular city restaurants and helped change the face of downtown while also introducing Malaysian food to the greater New Haven area. A consummate and creative entrepreneur, one popular restaurant wasn?t enough. You opened Central Steakhouse in 2003, also in Ninth Square, to cheers from fans and food critics.
As successful as you and your restaurants are, that success is surpassed by a deep commitment to the city of New Haven demonstrated by your support of local non-profit organizations. Hosting countless events, donating food and services plus volunteering your time and energy, you are personally committed to making a difference and to creating a vibrant city for all.
On behalf of your friends, neighbors, patrons and residents of the Elm City, we thank you for your generosity, entrepreneurial spirit and for making New Haven a better place to live, work and play.
