significant chunk of Delhi’s restaurants, pubs and bars that are located in commercial centres, focused on experiential dining, or depend heavily on alcohol revenues, have downed shutters temporarily, saying delivery business may not be enough to sustain operational costs.
“Deliveries are not sustainable for existing operational costs,” said Priyank Sukhija, CEO of First Fiddle that runs brands such as Lord of the Drinks, Cafe JLWA, Diablo, and The Flying Saucer.
He has shut all his outlets in the national capital except for the Lazeez Affaire restaurant on Malcha Marg. “Even on Malcha Marg, we are hardly getting any business,” he said.
“Most restaurants are looking at shutting down completely and won’t open for deliveries,” said Sukhija who is also the head of the Delhi chapter of National Restaurant Association of India.
Atul Bhargava, president of New Delhi Traders Association, expects a majority of restaurants in Connaught Place to shut down. “Connaught Place is a commercial centre. Had it been a residential area, people would have still hoped for takeaways,” he said. “It is difficult to sustain expenses such as rentals and there are other fixed costs. Last year, a few did open after curbs eased, but some of the costs per day were around Rs 8,000-10,000 while the sales were around ₹4,000-5,000. It is difficult to sustain expenses such as rentals and there are other fixed costs. Last year, a few did open after curbs eased, but some of the costs per day were around Rs 8,000-10,000 while the sales were around ₹4,000-5,000. It is difficult for people to survive.”
Delhi lieutenant general Anil Baijal had on Monday said bars and restaurants in the state will be shut for dine-in facilities in view of increasing Covid-19 infections.
Even the famed restaurants in Delhi’s luxury hotels have been asked to close and hotels have been told to serve food to guests in their respective rooms.
Ophelia at The Ashok has closed temporarily. “It is like a fine dining place and people come to enjoy the experience,” said its owner Akshay Anand.
Vijay Wanchoo, general manager at The Imperial hotel in Delhi, said with so many restrictions imposed on Delhi hotels, associates will start looking for opportunities in other cities in the NCR region where scenario is much better and jobs are safer.
On Zomato, places such as Mr Choy and Public Affair from Khan Market had temporarily suspended delivery services.
