He also lamented the loss of Kebabish, a more recent opening he said was doing "very well" before lockdown. "They loved the chefs making fresh naan bread in the tandoor." "Our communities loved the buffet, we were upwards of 400 to 500 people in a day," he said. Mohammed says the buffet was particularly popular in the community, and would often have long lines down the street half an hour before opening. The chefs need to apply for visas and it takes a long time - we need more support." "We've been struggling to hire the good chefs from India because the borders aren't open, and the students who work for us aren't here. "We don't have the staff, that's the main reason for closing the buffet," he said. Mohammed told Concrete Playground the closure was due to staffing issues, citing an inability to get experienced chefs and waitstaff during Auckland's lengthy lockdowns and border closures. The buffet grew a cult customer base over the years thanks to a simple format: pay $20 to eat as much curry as you can, from a huge ever-changing selection - accompanied by as many naans as you could stomach. The loss of the buffet, in particular, will be felt widely - it's one of three iconic Paradise outlets all located along the same strip of Sandringham Road, alongside a takeaway outlet and dine-in restaurant. Sandringham Road stalwart Paradise Buffet has quietly shut its doors for good during lockdown, along with two other eateries belonging to owner Mohammed and his family: relative newcomer Kebabish and the CBD's 4 Season. In terrible news for this Monday morning, the end is nigh for one of Auckland's most iconic all-you-can-eat establishments.
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