SINGAPORE - The Shashlik restaurant is back, and will reopen at its old location in Far East Shopping Centre on Orchard Road in early March.

Popular in the 1980s and 90s and famous for its borsch, steak and meat on skewers, its closure in December last year left many people feeling empty - in their stomachs and hearts.

But after a brief break, it is now back in business under the leadership of second-generation owners Mr Derrick Tan and his brother Alan.

They are the sons of the late Mr Tan Niap Hin, a shareholder and captain of Shashlik until his death in 2013.

"My brother and I were really humbled by the support from customers and felt validated that Shashlik is something worth fighting for. Not just a family business but a Singapore legacy," Mr Alan Tan, 45, told The Straits Times.

He said the duo had grown up on Shashlik's food, know exactly what it tastes like, and is determined to recreate some of the old magic.

"We take all feedback seriously and we will fine-tune. We hope customers will journey with us for the next 30 years and beyond," he said.

The brothers have teamed up with a partner, Mr Lee Say Yeow, 45, who said customers can expect to feel right at home at the newly renovated restaurant.

It will have the same look and feel, complete with dishes wheeled out on rickety trolleys by waiters.

The menu will also be largely the same, with old favourites like desserts cherries jubilee and baked Alaska. Less popular items such as chicken liver will, however, be scrapped, said Mr Lee.

The new owners have also retained the services of eight old staff members.

Mr Lee said he lent his support to the Tan brothers because the restaurant had a special place in his heart.

"My parents used to take me to Shashlik, so I practically grew up there. And as a parent, I often took my three children there for the dessert," he said.

"I did not want to see such an iconic place close down."