Footfall dips in afternoon, F&B hub looks forward to IPL relief in evening
Times of India | 23 April 2024
Kolkata: The scorching mid-day heat has led to a sharp footfall drop across restaurants, many of which are wearing a deserted look till evening. Sales have tumbled by an average of 25% across Kolkata’s restaurants and bars, according to Hotel and Restaurants Association of Eastern India. Those with TV screens are banking on IPL matches to pull in patrons. Some have come up with special offers.
“There are hardly any customers for lunch since last Thursday when the scorching spell began.We are getting a few stray outsiders who are walking in. But evenings are better, especially when IPL matches are on,” said Pratap Daryanani, owner of Park Street restobar Oasis.
Even the iconic Peter Cat and Mocambo have had a footfall drop. Neither has a waiting crowd for lunch. “Though we are getting one round of full occupancy for lunch, footfalls are dropping subsequently. In the evenings, however, we have a small waiting crowd,” said a Mocambo official. Next door, Peter Hu? has seen people walking in late for lunch. “Due to the heat, footfalls are picking up after 2.30 pm and it’s getting steadily better towards the evenings. Deliveries have also dropped during the first half,” said owner Siddharth Kothari.
Central Kolkata restaurants, that usually get a sizeable crowd during lunch hours, have seen a few trickling in. “The heatwave has made families defer their outings and most are obviously preferring an evening meal. IPL matches remain an attraction for young crowd. We are offering beer at a low rate during lunch hours and it has managed to raise the footfall to an extent,” said Sudesh Poddar, president of the HRAEI who also owns Songhai, Manthan and MS Bar & Lounge in central Kolkata.
Amber on Waterloo Street has had a relatively sparse occupancy for lunch since the onset of heatwave. “Deliveries have been good, though,” said owner Sanjay Khullar.
Oudh 1590, too, has seen a marginal drop in footfalls during first half of the day. “But it has been compensated by a sharp rise in food app deliveries. We have arranged pitchers of water for delivery executives,” said co-founder and owner Shiladitya Chaudhury.
Restaurants inside malls, however, have fared better. At Chili’s, which has outlets at Quest and South City, footfalls have been ‘reasonably high’ over weekend, said owner Hrishi Bajoria.