Food, fun and adda: Board Exams Done? Time to binge with buddies
Times of India | 4 April 2025
Pics: Anindya Saha and iStock; location courtesy: 8th Day Cafe & Bakery, Southern Avenue With board exams over, students are making the most of leisure time before the next academic session begins. Kolkata’s eateries are seeing a rise in footfall and business owners hope this trend will continue in the coming weeks. We spoke to students about their fave hangout spots, and F&B stakeholders about the post-exam business boom.
10-15% surge in footfall at F&B outlets post exam season
‘There’s a 15% jump in footfall’
With exams behind them, students are stepping out to relax over snacks and coffee. “There’s a 15% rise in visitors. Friends are coming to unwind, group bookings are increasing, and tuition centres are celebrating students’ hard work over food and summer coolers,” said Nikhil Chawla, owner of Marbella’s and Poach Kitchen. Grant Walsh, owner of 8th Day Café and Bakery, said: “While the footfall boost is great for business, the real joy is watching kids reconnect over milkshakes and French fries.”
Chinese takeout is a popular choice of kids, while pizza is a favourite order for youngsters at cafes, and parents are enjoying coffee while kids are leaning towards milkshakes to beat the heat
"We’re seeing a 10-15% rise in footfall post-board exams. As the heat discourages home cooking, more people are dining out or ordering in. Weekend lunches and sit-down dinners are especially popular, driving business growth," said Sudesh Poddar, president, Hotel and Restaurants Association of Eastern India
‘Family lunches and dinners are on the rise’
Sunday lunches seem to be the busiest time for business, confirms Siddharth Kothari, owner of Mocambo, Peter Hu?, and Peter Cat. “Post-exams, family dinners have picked up, and lunch sees mothers’ groups unwinding with their kids. Sunday lunches are especially popular among families and friends,” he said, adding that since many people travel in May, adda over good food is now the preferred way to relax. He expects business to grow further once competitive exams wrap up. Shiladitya Chaudhury, co-founder and director of Oudh 1590 and Chapter 2, noted a similar trend. “Every year, we see a 10-15% surge in sales after board exams, as students, families, and teachers dine out to celebrate. Currently, delivery sales through food aggregators are slightly higher due to the harsh summer heat.”
"With college entrance exams approaching, life post-boards revolves around food. My friends & I love café hangouts, takeout Chinese food, and movie marathons with Oreo milkshakes," said Rayan Bose, Class XII, ISC. Echoing the same sentiment, Aagasthaya Mohanta, Class X ICSE, said, "With summer heat making daytime outings unbearable, we order-in pizzas, and ice creams during afternoon hangouts. Evenings are for cafe visits and lots of coffee."