6 days ago
End of an era: Dannhauser's beloved Horizon Restaurant sold after 40 years
A landmark of hospitality, warmth and unforgettable meals has officially entered a new chapter, as Dannhauser's iconic Horizon Restaurant has been sold after nearly four decades of service to the community.
The building, opened in 1986 by the much-loved Kanthi Sirikisoon (nee Jagath) and her late husband Prakash, has been a cornerstone of the town's social and culinary life. With a mix of nostalgia, relief and a touch of sadness, Kanthi confirmed this week that, after being on the market for 10 years, she has found the right buyer and is finally ready, at 75 years old—to hang up her apron. Almost.
'I'm delighted that Peter Ramgoolam and his family have bought the building and will continue operating the downstairs liquor outlet,' said Kanthi. 'It's been a long journey, but one filled with joy, community and incredible memories.'
While the restaurant will no longer operate, Kanthi's signature snacks, including her famous samoosas, will still be available at her son Dhanveer's Newcastle-based shop, Spice n All.
The Horizon opened its doors when Dannhauser was still buzzing with life, fuelled by the then-active Durnacol mine.
With her roots in Dundee and marriage to Prakash in 1972, Kanthi became part of the pioneering Bhawani family, among the first Indian settlers in Dannhauser, arriving in 1893. Prakash's father, Sirikisoon Bhawani, notably operated the town's first bus service for over 40 years.
The couple spent four formative years in the United States, where Kanthi studied nursing at the prestigious Tarleton State University in Texas, and Prakash managed a gourmet restaurant. Their time abroad inspired the vision for the Horizon—a world-class restaurant for their hometown.
'We wanted to give Dannhauser something new, something the people deserved,' Kanthi said.
And they did. From spicy curries and vegetarian delights to her cinnamon-infused masala tea and the beloved fried chicken, the Horizon became synonymous with quality and care. Its opening, described by the Courier in 1986 as a 'prestigious event,' drew over 100 prominent guests with then-young local businessman Steve Bear, the guest of honour. Steve and his family now live in Canada but took the time to send a tribute to Kanthi.
Despite the blow dealt to the community by the closure of the Durnacol mine in 2000, the Horizon pressed on. Following Prakash's passing in 2011, Kanthi continued to run the restaurant, with her unwavering spirit and culinary expertise earning her generations of loyal patrons.
A world traveller—Kanthi has visited India around 20 times—she fondly recalls a 1981 flight aboard the Concorde from New York to London, a framed photo of which hangs in her home.
Reflecting on her journey, she expressed deep gratitude:
'I just want to pay a heartfelt tribute to all my patrons who became friends over the years. Your support and love have kept me going through the laughter and the tears. May God bless you all.'
While the Horizon Restaurant has served its final meal, Auntie Kanthi's legacy will live on—in every flavourful bite, every shared memory, and every heart she touched.
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