Trained at the Intercontinental in New Delhi, Hari Chauhan previously owned an Indian restaurant in Bathurst before leaving for Sydney for 10 years where he ran restaurants in Five Dock and Darlinghurst.

“I decided on this area because I know this area very well,” he said.

Now, he’s back in the Central West, in partnership with Jonty Rawat, bringing his brand of authentic Indian cuisine, with some Thai elements.

He said diners had gradually moved away from the British version of Indian food, towards the more traditional.

THE former Zorba’s Cafe at Orange Central Square has been fully refurbished under a different name, Orange Central Grounds.  

Damian and Ellen Harris bought the cafe in May after moving to Orange with their two-year-old daughter in July last year.

“We thought it was a good opportunity for us to get into a small business,” she said.

The refurbishment was in the terms of the sale and Mrs Harris said she wanted something fresh and vibrant, which she said was reflected in the greenhouse feel of the design.

“We just wanted to bring something different to the space,” she said.

The cafe still caters for Zorba’s older demographic, serving fresh rolls, salads and pies.

Mrs Harris said she steered clear of charging extra for different varieties of milk in coffee and she regarded her employees as friends.

“If they enjoy themselves, it comes off in the customer experience,” she said. 

WHEN Email started its own credit union for employees in 1964, the founders could have hardly expected Orange Credit Union to reach $200 million in assets.

The credit union, which started its life catering for Email, Orange base hospital, Ophir electricity and postal service employees, hit the milestone in July and will celebrate with a function next week for its staff. 

Assets are based on the total worth of the mortgages and investments a financial institution has, funded by members’ deposits. 

General manager Paul McNamara said it was an exciting achievement.

“Compared to the big banks, it’s nowhere near, but the way we look at it, we’re owned by our members so it’s a community-owned business, a community-owned asset,” he said. 

“The strength of the Orange economy is reflected in our growth.”