Report

Maharashtra Government allows Restaurants to Open

The government of Maharashtra announces the opening of restaurants starting October 17. Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Udhav Thackerey announced that 4 lakh restaurant, bars and eatery outlets in the state could start their operations from the first week of October, just ahead of Navaratri. The decision came in after a meeting between industry and the CM. The decision is in line with the Centre’s Unlock 5 strategy and will bring life into a sector which is one of the biggest employment generators but has been struggling to recover since phase-wise unlocking began in June. The CM has also agreed to consider a waiver of excise licence fees for the last six months. Thackeray has advised hoteliers to ensure all health and safety measures are followed. Sources said the state will allow 50% capacity initially.

Arjun Raj Kher Nikita Poojari Ruchyeta Bhatia Sagar Neve Prathik Shetty Annie Bafna Aji Nair

According to Arjun Raj Kher, Brand Head of Bayroute & Hitchki, "We welcome this move by the Maharashtra Govt to consider re-opening of the restaurants. This will help revive the restaurant business in Mumbai, that has faced severe financial losses due to the expensive real estate, management of inventories and staff allowances in the past six months. It will kick start the popular Mumbai culture of eating out but of course with all safety measures that would be laid down by the authorities. We can’t wait to host our guests and create the best memories again.”

Nikita Poojari, Director of Shiv Sagar thanked the Chief Minister for allowing them to open in a timely fashion following all safety protocols. She emphasised on the safety of guests and will strive to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for them.

Ruchyeta Bhatia, Co-founder & Director of Poetry by Love & Cheesecake said, "We’re looking forward to inviting our customers back into our restaurants. We will make sure to be responsible citizens and follow all the covid-19 safety protocols to its fullest. We can’t wait to put smiles on our patron’s faces again and begin the journey to normalcy. Sagar Neve, Director, Neve Hospitality further enhanced on the decision of allowing restaurants to open for dine-in service in Maharashtra. He believes it will revive the restaurant industry which supports over 6 million direct employees and over 100 million indirect individuals. It's a chain reaction that influences almost 2 million individuals and households. The allowance of 50% capacity is a transition into the new normal in a slow and efficient way.

Prathik Shetty, Partner of 1522 Bar & Kitchen said, "The move will bring reassurance for Mumbai’s dining out and restaurant industry that have been under frightful financial strain as our businesses remained shuttered since March. This is a huge sigh of relief for employees with a conception of not knowing whether they’re going to get a job in the near future. This move should certainly reduce the percentage of restaurants looking to shut down permanently. Assuring the safety of our guests and employees will be our top priority. We’re looking forward to welcoming our guests with top notch safety measures and requesting patrons to support the hospitality industry."

Annie Bafna- Founder & Director of The Nutcracker is happy to hear the government's decision to open up restaurants, which will require them to put in place many new processes to give the customer comfort on hygiene and safety. However, she think people realise that corona virus is here to stay for the near future and they want to move back to some level of normalcy. While there may be an initial hesitation, eventually people will start going out if they feel comfortable in the space they are visiting. Keeping fingers crossed and excited to finally be able to open up our doors!

Aji Nair, COO, F&B division - Mirah Hospitality said, "We have been waiting since few months to hear this good news. Since all other cities were opened by June and July and Mumbai being the capital city wasn’t operational was a major challenge. As far as the safety and hygiene requirements are concerned, we have adapted world class standards and protocols and once the State SOPs are officially shared will further adapt to the requirements. We are sure even people are waiting for this day and in the coming few months, things should gradually reached a certain level, though not expecting to the previous levels so fast."

OBITUARY

Mohinder Singh Grover, aged 70, passed away on September 08, 2020. Born on February 19, 1950 at Delhi, he was an integral part of the hospitality industry from 1982. He had a strong technical background with comprehensive knowledge about the hospitality industry. He had started Allied Metal Works in 1985 from scratch and with his sound technical knowhow created a premium commercial kitchen equipment entity. He extended the company's pan India presence through offices and showrooms in Bhubaneswar, Mumbai, Delhi and other major cities. He was always ready to contribute towards the enhancement of the industry, through active participation at various industry platforms. He was a generous soul, always available to help those who were in need. He touched the lives of so many with his unconditional generosity and kindness. The industry will miss him for long a time to come. May his soul rest in peace.