They are taking over one of the most prominent sites in the city for their fifth restaurant which is in the final stages of preparation and fit out.

Andhra Bhavan will operate across the ground and first floor with seating for 65 people.

The Finn family had operated a sports store at the junction of Grand Parade and Washington St for four generations before it closed in 2020 and was subsequently redeveloped for restaurant/cafe uses on the lower floors and apartments above.

The new operators said the opening in September forms part of their ongoing expansion in Ireland as we continue to introduce authentic South Indian and Andhra cuisine to new communities.

They said recruitment will begin next month for a range of positions for the Cork restaurant, including front-of-house and kitchen roles. They also plan to open an international branch in Gurugram, India, in July.

"We are excited to bring Andhra Bhavan to Cork and become part of the city's vibrant food scene," Praveen Madire and Sainath Reddy said.

"Cork has a strong appreciation for quality food and diverse cultures, and we look forward to welcoming customers to experience authentic Andhra and South Indian cuisine. What started as a dream between two friends from Hyderabad has grown into a brand that celebrates our heritage while creating memorable dining experiences for communities across Ireland."

Singer's Corner, on the other side of Washington St, has undergone similar change. The iconic alterations business closed its doors last year. Convenience store Gala is set to open at the location.

Also nearby is Bishop Lucey Park, recently reopened to the public after a two-year closure to facilitate a €7m makeover. 

In February, it was announced that the adjacent St Augustine's Church would close its doors permanently in July with no decision announced on what will happen to the building.