Off Menu: Priyanka Chopra Jonas Ends Partnership With New York City Restaurant Sona

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is ending her partnership with Sona, the trendy Indian eatery in New York City. The move comes almost two years after the restaurant opened during the pandemic. The actress, producer and entrepreneur was the creative collaborator, and had partnered with Maneesh Goyal and David Rabin. Hari Nayak is the head chef, who brings his expertise from operating several restaurants in the U.S., the Middle East, and India, as well as being the culinary director of Indian ready-to-eat packaged meals brand Cafe Spice.

A representative of the restaurant confirmed the new to People. “Priyanka has stepped away from her partnership at Sona,” the representative said in a statement. “Bringing Sona to life will invariably be a proud and significant moment in her career. Priyanka has always endeavored to bring Indian culture to the fore through storytelling, whether that’s via engaging content for film and TV, or a beautifully plated dish that embodies the haute cuisine of India.”

However, the representative noted that Chopra Jonas’ involvement in the hospitality and food scene is not necessarily over. “Stepping away from Sona allows her to broaden these ambitions on a more global scale, and she’s excited about the possibilities that await.

The restaurant will remain open and will be helmed by Goyal. He told People that working with Chopra was “a dream come true,” and that he’s grateful for her partnership and support.” ”Although she no longer be involved as a creative partner moving forward, “she remains in the Sona family and we are excited for our respective new chapters ahead,” he said. 

Sona’s menu is a far cry from the typical Indian staples, covering the subcontinent and beyond. How about some Golgappa Shots — spiked — if that’s your thing, or the Spinach, Goat Cheese Samosa? Then dig into an Octopus Ghee Roast, or a Green Pepper Halibut or a Gruyere Cheese Dosa and end the meal with a Sona Chocolate Gateau or a Chenna Cheesecake. 

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The menu as well as the decor is a nod to Chopra Jonas’ elegance, who has successfully straddled her career in both India and the U.S. “Sona is the very embodiment of timeless India and the flavors I grew up with,” Chopra Jonas wrote on her Instagram announcing the project. She also took to the social networking service to announce the restaurant’s opening: “What started as a simple craving for great Indian food has become this labour of love, and I can’t wait to welcome you all in, and for you to experience timeless India in the heart of NYC!

In a March 26, 2021 Instagram post, Chopra Jonas thanks her team – Goyal, Rabin, Nayak and interior designer and stylist Melissa Bowers, and also her husband, singer Nick Jonas, for “landing on the perfect name.” She continues: “Hubby came up with the name at an early tasting with the team, as Sona means ‘gold,’ and he had heard that word in India, well…A LOT, throughout our wedding.”