Mumbai's Iconic Parsi Cafe Jimmy Boy Shuts Doors Months Before 100-Year Milestone

Mumbai: Mumbai’s beloved Parsi eatery, Jimmy Boy, known for serving generations with its signature Dhansak, Keema Pav and Irani tea, shut operations recently just months before it was to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Located in the historic Fort area near Horniman Circle, the restaurant closed on June 20 after the building housing it, the Vikas Premises Co-operative Society, was declared unsafe by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Structural Concerns Led To Iconic Cafe's Closure

The closure comes as a major setback for the cafe and its loyal patrons, who were hoping for a grand centenary celebration in September 2025 at the same iconic location. However, structural concerns raised by authorities have rendered the premises unfit for occupancy.

Trouble began when cracks appeared on the ground floor of the four-storey commercial structure. A junior engineer from the BMC’s building and factory department reported the damage to the disaster management helpline. Acting swiftly, BMC’s A Ward officials issued a notice under Section 354 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act on June 21, directing immediate evacuation and demolition of the building.

Fire brigade officials, BMC personnel and Mumbai Police cordoned off the area. Upon inspection, major vertical cracks were found on the east wall of the building, which shares a boundary with the adjacent Green House building. Barricades and hazard signage were put up, and the building was immedately evacuated.

Structural consultants from M/s. Mahimtura Consultants Pvt. Ltd. confirmed that the building had suffered severe deterioration. Years of corrosion and age-related damage had compromised load-bearing walls, columns, beams and slabs.

Jimmy Boy To Complete 100 Years In Sept 2025

Jimmy Boy’s Director of Operations, Shehzad Irani, told The Times of India that the Fort premises had been the soul of the restaurant. “In September 2025, we complete 100 years. We've been operating from the same premises, with the same family managing it... However, we hadn’t finalised anything yet,” he said.

Jimmy Boy had become synonymous with South Mumbai’s cultural and culinary landscape, drawing in tourists and regulars alike for its authentic Parsi fare and nostalgic ambience. While there is hope the restaurant will reopen at a new or restored location, no official announcement has been made regarding its future.