Bir Raut is bringing Indian fare to downtown Steamboat Springs in mid-August with his new restaurant Saffron Indian Cuisine.

“We want to make customers feel like friends and family,” Raut said, “and serve them the best foods possible.”

Raut comes to Steamboat Springs with more than 10 years of experience in the restaurant industry and said he is hoping to replicate the same success he currently enjoys in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where he has owned and operated Durbar Nepalese and Indian Bistro since July 2020. That restaurant, like the one set to open in Steamboat, specializes in authentic, fresh and healthy homemade meals from Nepal and India.

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Raut and his partner will spend the next month-and-a-half making improvements to the building at 425 Lincoln Ave. that used to be home to Seasons on the Pond and before that was the longtime home of the El Rancho.

On Tuesday, the space that will become the home of Saffron Indian Cuisine was in the early stages of a complete remodel.

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“It’s going to be fine dining cuisine, and better than anywhere else,” Raut said. “That’s guaranteed.”

The dining room has been gutted, the walls were being painted and the kitchen and bar updated.

“We are upgrading everything,” Raut said. “Nothing was here. We are upgrading most of the items — the kitchen, the walk-in cooler, new food systems and freezer. Everything we put in is brand new.”

The owners said the new menu will include many of the more traditional Indian dishes, but it’s not all spicy.

“Those that live our lifestyle will obviously come,” Raut said. “But the people who have never tried, the people who think that Indian food is always spicy and think they can’t handle it, just give us a chance. We will make you a sweet food like mango chicken curry or butter chicken korma.”

Raut said the menu is still being finalized but will offer lots of healthy selections and everything will be fresh. He said the restaurant will feature many of the spicy items that appeal to those that love Indian food, along with sweet choices.

The Indian menu extends to the bar, where customers will find a choice of beverages for every taste.

“That will be a cool bar and we will have cool Indian cocktails, Indian liquors and Indian beers like Taj Mahal, Kingfisher and some IPA beers,” Raut said. “It’s going to be one of the best here in town.”

Raut said his restaurant will focus on great food and service.

“Come try us, and if you don’t feel we are good, you don’t have to pay. It’s free.” Raut said. “Come try us, enjoy our service and our food, and give us a chance.”