Priyanka Chopra’s restaurant ‘SONA’ in New York to shut down nearly a year after the actress’ exit

Two years after its opening, Priyanka Chopra concluded her association with SONA amid rumors of differences with her business partner, Maneesh.

Priyanka Chopra, celebrated for her multifaceted career spanning acting, producing, and entrepreneurship, made a notable entry into the restaurant industry with the opening of SONA in New York City in 2021, alongside Maneesh Goyal. However, she exited the venture several months ago.

The restaurant, acclaimed for its modern take on Indian cuisine, has now announced its impending closure after a successful run. This news was shared through their social media platforms, with the final brunch service set for June 30.

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A post shared by SONA (@sonanewyork)

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Bidding their final goodbye, the restaurant’s Instagram post read, "After more than three remarkable years, SONA will be closing. We are immensely grateful to everyone who walked through our doors. It has been our greatest honour to serve you. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated team who offered delicious food, smiles, and warmth every day. SONA's final service will be brunch on Sunday, June 30th. We hope to see you one last time for a meal or a drink. Our doors and hearts are open."

Chopra Jonas and her friend, former business partner Maneesh K. Goyal, inaugurated SONA in 2021. The name "SONA," which means "gold" in Hindi, was suggested by Chopra's husband, singer Nick Jonas. Despite launching during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, SONA quickly became a popular destination in New York's dining scene.

Signature dishes like Goan fish curry, lamb chops, kulfi falooda, and saffron jalebi became instant hits. Even after Priyanka stepped down from the partnership in August 2023, the restaurant continued to thrive under Goyal's management.

Several diners and loyal patrons were saddened at the restaurant shutting down. One wrote, “Will miss this beautiful dining place.” While another commented, “Restaurant Business is brutal! I am sad to see this even though you were one of a kind and really tried making a niche!” Designer Bibhu Mohapatra also dismayed wrote, “[SONA] was way more, way many things than just being one of the most incredible restaurants in NYC’s culinary landscape. SONA was a cultural hub that brought communities together, a place for creatives to meet, ideate and collaborate and above all, a place that celebrated all of us, our culture and ideas. @maneeshkgoyal your vision and voice made this happen and the world is waiting with excitement for the next chapter you write. Love SONA and its golden chapter. (Heart emoji) XxBibhu.”

Two years after its opening, Priyanka Chopra concluded her association with SONA amid rumors of differences with her business partner, Maneesh. Despite her departure, Goyal emphasized that Chopra's influence remained strong within the restaurant. Though no longer a creative partner, she is still considered an integral part of the SONA family.

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A post shared by Maneesh K. Goyal (@maneeshkgoyal)

Cofounder Maneesh K Goyal also expressed his gratitude for the support he received for SONA in his Instagram post. The restaurateur wrote, "From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who helped bring this dream to life.”