Durga Puja is just a couple of weeks away, and despite the August slowdown, Kolkata restaurateurs are hopeful about a festive boom. According to the stakeholders, their outlook is based on the good signs of recovery they saw over the past weekend.
A hopeful weekend
The increased traffic in restos and cafes in the past week, especially after a really dull August has upped the hopes of stakeholders. “Business over the last weekend was slightly better than the past few weeks,” said Shiladitya Chaudhury, founder and director, Oudh 1590 and Chapter 2. “Last weekend, business increased by a good 20%. But business usually starts picking up from the beginning of the Pujo shopping season. That’s not happening this year,” added Nikhil Chawla of Marbella’s and Poach Kitchen. However, the fear of low footfall still lingers. While S Ramani of 6 Ballygunge Place expressed how he fears the possibility of muted celebrations this year, Shiladitya is more hopeful. “We hire more hands during festivals, and will do the same this year,” he said.
Most people haven’t eaten out in a while because of the prevailing mood in the city, so we are hoping that they’ll spend on dining out during Pujo
– Sean Pereira, Hard Rock Cafe
People nowadays are inclined towards healthier yet flavourful food options, so our dishes balance indulgence with wellness
– Sumit Agarwal of Taki Taki, Kolkata
Bite-sized dishes, thalis & seafood In the menu
While many restos have updated their seafood menu, some are also offering bite-sized dishes. “The Pujo special menu has a lot of bite-sized dishes to allow patrons to experiment with food,” said Chawla.
Thalis are also popular during Pujo, and restos, including Park Street Social, have festive offerings. “We have many exclusive festive thalis from October 3 to 13 and will be open till 2am on Pujo days,” said Joy Guha, head of operations, east, at Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt Ltd.
Bets high on takeaways & order-ins
Restaurateurs feel that though people may avoid dining in, they’ll order-in. “Some people might still hesitate to step out, so we are expecting more order-ins and takeaways,” said S Ramani. Seconding this, Sumana Sen of Buns and Burgers said, “People don’t like standing in queues and in the present scenario, a lot of people will order in. We have hired 15 personnel to deliver local orders, over and above the app orders,” she added
A hopeful weekend
The increased traffic in restos and cafes in the past week, especially after a really dull August has upped the hopes of stakeholders. “Business over the last weekend was slightly better than the past few weeks,” said Shiladitya Chaudhury, founder and director, Oudh 1590 and Chapter 2. “Last weekend, business increased by a good 20%. But business usually starts picking up from the beginning of the Pujo shopping season. That’s not happening this year,” added Nikhil Chawla of Marbella’s and Poach Kitchen. However, the fear of low footfall still lingers. While S Ramani of 6 Ballygunge Place expressed how he fears the possibility of muted celebrations this year, Shiladitya is more hopeful. “We hire more hands during festivals, and will do the same this year,” he said.
Most people haven’t eaten out in a while because of the prevailing mood in the city, so we are hoping that they’ll spend on dining out during Pujo
– Sean Pereira, Hard Rock Cafe
People nowadays are inclined towards healthier yet flavourful food options, so our dishes balance indulgence with wellness
– Sumit Agarwal of Taki Taki, Kolkata
Bite-sized dishes, thalis & seafood In the menu
While many restos have updated their seafood menu, some are also offering bite-sized dishes. “The Pujo special menu has a lot of bite-sized dishes to allow patrons to experiment with food,” said Chawla.
Thalis are also popular during Pujo, and restos, including Park Street Social, have festive offerings. “We have many exclusive festive thalis from October 3 to 13 and will be open till 2am on Pujo days,” said Joy Guha, head of operations, east, at Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt Ltd.
Bets high on takeaways & order-ins
Restaurateurs feel that though people may avoid dining in, they’ll order-in. “Some people might still hesitate to step out, so we are expecting more order-ins and takeaways,” said S Ramani. Seconding this, Sumana Sen of Buns and Burgers said, “People don’t like standing in queues and in the present scenario, a lot of people will order in. We have hired 15 personnel to deliver local orders, over and above the app orders,” she added
