Gemma Mascarenhas, founder of Grubshack, was “shattered” by the closure of her dream restaurant. Her daughter now vows to revive the legacy..
A Dream Built with Heart — And Shattered Overnight
Gemma Mascarenhas, the Indian-origin founder of Grubshack, a beloved Goan restaurant in Dubai, suffered a heart attack after the sudden closure of her eatery due to financial difficulties.
Grubshack wasn’t just a business—it was her legacy, passion, and purpose. Launched in 2012 as a 12-seater in Sharjah, the restaurant grew into a cult favorite in Dubai’s Health Care City neighborhood.
“She Was Shattered,” Says Daughter
According to her daughter Marushka Coelho, Ms Mascarenhas had been silently carrying the emotional and financial burden of the restaurant’s declining health.
“My mum suffered a heart attack and was rushed into emergency surgery. By God’s grace, she’s stable now, but it was a frightening reminder of how much she’s been carrying—especially over the last month,” Ms Coelho told Gulf News.
Closure After a Decade of Culinary Legacy
Despite surviving the pandemic and building a loyal customer base, Grubshack was forced to close its doors on June 30, after nearly a decade of operation. The shutdown was attributed to pandemic-related losses and a bad business deal that left the family under severe financial strain.
Grubshack: More Than Just a Restaurant
Grubshack was famous for serving soulful Goan cuisine—from Bombay-style prawn curry to freshly sourced seafood—and was cherished for its home-like charm.
“This wasn’t a commercial setup. It was our mother’s home extended to the public,” Ms Coelho explained. “Everything—from the mismatched furniture and guitars to the old Bombay-style window frames—reflected her spirit.”
Ms Mascarenhas was known for her hands-on approach: grinding masalas at home, selecting fresh fish herself, and preparing dishes with the utmost love and care.
A Promise to Rebuild Grubshack — Not for Profit, But for Purpose
Now recovering, Ms Mascarenhas’s legacy lives on through her daughter, who has pledged to bring Grubshack back to life.
“As her daughter, I just can’t watch it fade away. We want to bring Grubshack back—not for profit, but for purpose. This is a heart project now,” said Ms Coelho.
The family is now open to collaborations and investments, hoping to partner with those who share their vision and belief in what Grubshack stood for.
