Dubai: The sudden death of the owner of Al Ijaza Cafe, a popular Jumeirah eatery, has left its loyal customers in a state of shock.
A.K. Assainar, 65, died of a heart attack on Thursday and his body has been repatriated to his home state Kerala in India.
Popular for its sandwiches and a variety of juices, Al Ijaza Cafe is one of Jumeirah’s oldest and favourite eating joints, where food lovers make a beeline for a quick bite.
Set up by Assainar around 25 years ago, the little eatery has grown in popularity over the years, more so after it was featured in a Dubai-made film City of Lights.
Speaking to Gulf News, Jamnaz, an employee at the cafe, expressed his grief on the sudden demise of the owner.
“We are all really shocked and grief-stricken. It has been four days now and I still can’t believe he is no more. I don’t know what to say. He was a good man and looked after everyone around him,” said Jamanas.
Assainar’s death came as a shock to some of the cafe’s loyal customers.
“Al Ijaza Cafe is like a part of our life. It is part of our daily routine. There is hardly any day when I don’t eat or drink at the café. It is really sad that now we won’t get to see the old man’s smiling face any more,” said Ahmad Mattar, a resident of Jumeirah, who has been eating at Al Ijaza for more than 12 years.
Assainar is survived by his wife and four children
