10 Days of Restaurants Re-opening: Restaurants witnesses' 10-20 per cent dine-in biz

The past few months have been difficult on everyone. But as the world slowly crawls back to normalcy or rather adapts to the new-normal; there are lots of things to cheer us on this difficult new path. As per the government’s directive many restaurants across the country opened their door for the businesses on 8^th June.

From masks, gloves, PPE kits to disinfectants and scans, restaurants are doing all possible measures to bring business on track. As the foremost supplier of high-end of bakery and confectionary products, L’Opéra, immediately moved to a home-delivery model as early as April 5th, once the required authorisations were obtained and the necessary safeguards were put in place with the security of the customers and the staff, highest standards of hygiene and the associated food safety measures taking front seat in all considerations and procedures. The bakery chain which has over 18 cafes spread across NCR and Dehradun opened only 6 outlets including Khan Market, Civil Lines, Vasan Lok, Green Park, GK2 in Delhi and one in Dehradun to ensure its staff and customers safety. “We believe the future of our activity will be a combination of the so-called click and mortar businesses or in other words online shopping and in-store sales with the first becoming more sophisticated over time and the latter more experiential,” said Kazem Samandari, Executive Chairman, Lopera who has not opened outlets at locations that has high rentals and malls.

Bringing Innovation in menu

Restaurants and food players are playing with menu to attract customers to their outlet. Many have introduced healthy options in the menu whereas others have gone local and have introduced menu as per the Indian taste. McDonald’s India – North and East has introduced two new ‘Chili’ burgers and Orange Fizz to its menu as part of an all-day menu which is available through delivery and take-away counters from select restaurants in North and East of India.

“We are excited to bring the new Chili burgers and Orange Fizz to our customers in North and East of India. Our goal is to provide value with the highest quality experience to our customers by offering hot, fresh, great-tasting food,” said Robert Hunghanfoo, Head, CPRL that operates McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India.

Normalcy will take time

For the patrons there will be the anxiety and the fear associated with the risk of contamination whilst eating out and the changed habits during the lockdown which will not disappear at once. “I believe it will take between 18 to 24 months before a semblance of normalcy returns to the industry,” added Samandari who is in no hurry to open his remaining outlets.

Similarly, Bengaluru-based Byg Brewski has reopened its door for customers from 8^th with top-notch hygiene practices and an even more spacious seating arrangement than before, the brewery has ensured that nothing hinders customers from having a great time.

“We also started takeaways for craft beer earlier this month with our full roster of everyone’s favourite beverages ready for takeaway at attractive prices. We have also put extra emphasis on home delivery options for those who want to enjoy the dishes straight from their kitchen to their living room,” added Pravesh Pandey, Director- Partner, Byg Brewski that is also planning to setup a kitchen in Bengaluru's Indiranagar.

Riding on the same boat, Hyderabad-based Paradise Foodcourt which is famous for its hyderabadi style biryani and haleem has also re-opened doors for its customers with only 15-20% of customers coming to dine-in.