Creating jobs for the Roma as a social enterprise, the restaurant is among those chosen by the Economic Development and Technology Ministry to get EU social funds.

The goal of the founders is to establish a model Roma restaurant both nation- and EU-wide. The restaurant's profits will be used to fund similar restaurants creating jobs for the Roma in Slovenia and the EU.

Jure Vahtar of EPeKa told the press today that the restaurant will aim to revive the forgotten traditions, preserve Romany culture, motivate members of the community to get jobs, improve their informal education and boost the community's social inclusion.

Maribor's Roma population of 2,000 is the biggest of any city in Slovenia, an EPeKa representative told public broadcaster TV Slovenija on Friday.

A location for the restaurant is yet to be determined, but the founders hope to find suitable premises in the city centre.