Brian Shalkof, co-owner of Gramadoelas restaurant in Newtown, has died after a brutal attack two weeks ago. Brian and his partner Eduan Naudé were returning home in the early morning last month when four armed men attacked them. Naudé told The Star that he had been pushed out of the way while three of the men kicked Shalkof and another pointed his gun at him. The men then stole the couple’s laptops, cellphones and some cash.

Shalkof was treated for extensive injuries at Milpark Hospital, but was taken off life support on Monday 1 July 2013 after doctors told the family there was no longer any chance of recovery.

Shalkof and Naudé are stalwarts of the restaurant industry and have run Gramadoelas since it opened in 1967. The restaurant started out in Hillbrow, then spent 10 years in Joubert Park before moving to its current location, at the Market Theatre in Newtown.

“It’s an institution,” said Eat Out editor Abigail Donelly, paying tribute to Brian. “Gramadoelas has always been the place for local food, from mopane worms and melkkos to liver and onions and curry. Brian and Eduan are very respected in the industry; they’ve stuck it out through thick and thin.”

Keep an eye on our newsflash for updates on the fate of the Gramadoela restaurant.

Pictured: Gramadoelas has offered a spread of traditional local food since opening in 1967.