Royal Taj is a white-table cloth place off Snowden River Parkway. It's one of the great Indian restaurants around. Talk is that they want to go more upscale. Anyone know the plan?
The "Restaurant Park" is a development off Rte 108 just north of Rte 175. There's an Applebee's, a McDonalds and some other stuff. I don't know which one might be closing to be replaced by Royal Taj, although Sam wrote a comment that it's the Applebee's.
From Marcia:
The owner told Steve he'd always wanted to take "the next step up" with his restaurant and Royal Taj was doing well enough that he could do it. He is very excited ! I'm happy for him, we are big fans of the food at Royal Taj, but we always get carry out so can't speak to service or atmosphere in the restaurant. (Imagine prices will go up - sigh)
The manager told us last Friday that they were opening another location (presumably keeping the present location). They are taking over the old Applebees location, hopefully opening in 8-9 months.
ReplyDeleteThat's good to hear. The manager is so friendly at Royal Taj, I'm glad they're expanding. Getting into Royal Taj during peak times requires a wait, so it'll be good to have an alternative (although if there is a wait, we usually just go to Mango Grove).
ReplyDeleteI remember when they opened that restaurant park. We were so excited because the area was getting a Friday's which, at the time, meant a decent fun restaurant without a long drive. The huge choice of good restaurants that we now have in Columbia is a fairly recent phenomenon - 20 years ago, such choice did not exist.
I'm going to date myself here - I remember when the restaurant park was the only place to go for chain restaurants. Snowden River Parkway hadn't been developed yet, nor had Columbia Crossing. The only "chains" were the fast food restaurants on Route 40 in Ellicott City and in a few of the village centers.
ReplyDeleteI would understand if Applebees was the one shutting down. Ate there on Saturday since we had someone with a reward "kids eat free" coupon. We finished around 6:00 and the place wasn't even half full. A non-ethnic restaurant in Columbia that isn't full at 6:00 is a restaurant that isn't going to survive.
ReplyDeletejersey mike's subs is coming to gateway overlook
ReplyDeleteAbout two weeks ago the manager mentioned opening at a larger location before the end of this year. That syncs with other comments. Royal Taj is my favorite Indian restaurant in MD. I wish them continued success.
ReplyDeleteWent to Royal Taj last week. The manager confirmed that they are indeed moving to the restaurant park. He said early 2015. Do you think this location will change the restaurant at all?
ReplyDeleteRoyal Taj is moving to Restaurant Park early 2015 just miles away from it's original location. It will be bigger and better than before with exceptional customer service. The prices will remain the same.I am super excited for this. YAY!!!
ReplyDeleteYes!!! Royal Taj is moving to Restaurant Parkway early 2015.This place is bigger with lots of parking space just couple miles away from the original location in Columbia. The prices will remain the same with improved customer service and excellent food and beverages.
ReplyDeleteAlong with the obviously delicious food, they have great margaritas. Much better than many Mexican places. I'm happy for them!
ReplyDeleteLooks like June-July 2015. The old Applebees in Restaurant Park is showing signs of the move (including a huge chandelier just inside the door that you can see from the road), and the Royal Taj staff seems to be expanding and working more with earpieces to communicate over the larger area.
ReplyDeleteI ate there last week and the owner/manager (not sure which) said this is their last month at the current location-- they plan to be in the new location in September.
ReplyDeleteThey are announcing on their FB page to be opening in the new location within the Restaurant Park On October 7th.
ReplyDeleteHere's what's posted:
Dear Customers,
We will be opening our new location on October 7th 2015 located at 8335 Benson Drive, Columbia MD 21045.
We are at the current location only until October 5th 2015.
We hope to see you all at our new location soon. Thank you for all your love & support.
- Royal Taj family!