India, Aug. 9 -- For nearly 10 years, those visiting the Mirchi and Mime restaurant in Powai - and later Chandivli and Thane - were enthralled by the speech and hearing impaired (SHI) staff who handled customer relations. The staff relied on a specially designed menu and hand gestures to take orders from and communicate with customers, and managers would step in only if there was a dire situation.

"Generally, customers wouldn't let managers interfere as they felt a sense of pride in communicating seamlessly with our specially-abled staff," said Raja Shekar Reddy, the founder of the restaurant chain.

On August 5, Mirchi and Mime announced the closure of all three outlets citing exorbitant hike in rent and inability to absorb the enhanced...