News: We've seen 20% more business since extension of deadline to 1am: Gurgaon restaurateurs-16-08-2021
While Delhi and Noida still await for an extension in the 10pm deadline, Gurgaon restaurants and bars had a packed weekend – it was the first weekend after the time restrictions were lifted by the Haryana government and now restaurants and bars in Gurgaon are allowed to remain open till 1am. Though most outlets decided to shut down for the day at midnight on August 14, keeping in mind it was the Independence Day weekend, the footfall at the majority of Gurgaon outlets was far better than what it has been since the time they reopened after lockdown this year (in June). “Though we have been doing decent business on weekends in Gurgaon, this weekend there was around 20% increase in footfall. The two reasons were that it was the Independence Day weekend when most families plan an outing. Second, most outlets could remain open after 11pm and were able to accommodate more number of guests,” informs Kabir Suri, owner of Mamagoto, Foxtrot and Dhaba in Gurgaon.
‘Extended timings help us in following social distancing norms better’
The major nightlife locations in Gurgaon – Cyber Hub, Sector 29 and 32nd Milestone, saw an increased number of people queueing outside restaurants. Restaurant owners say that since last week was the first week when they were running operations without any time restrictions, not many guests are still aware of the change in timing. “Many guests still did not know about the timing, but even that was okay. We were able to accommodate more guests, maintain social distancing norms better and adhere to all COVID safety norms despite operating at 50% seating capacity. This is because we can move tables twice during the dinner hours- which means we can accommodate one set of guests in around 8.30-10.30pm timeline and second from roughly 10pm till midnight,” says Vishal Anand, owner SAGA at Golf Course Road, Café StayWoke at Golf Course Road Extension and Pa Pa Ya at Sector 56 in Gurgaon.
‘Getting an overwhelming response from diners, a good number of guests coming from Delhi too’
Restaurateurs say that though the number of guests at their outlets is going up, it is good to see guests cooperating with them to ensure that all COVID safety norms are followed. “The response in Gurgaon from patrons has been overwhelming and it is good to see that most of them now make prior reservations before coming to avoid crowding and queues at the entrance of the restaurant. Since Delhi outlets are still permitted to remain open till only 10pm, the weekend saw several guests from the capital, who wanted to stay out till late, head to Gurgaon bars and pubs,” says Joy Singh, owner, Yeti-The Himalayan Kitchen at Cross Point Mall and Raasta at Cyber Hub in Gurgaon. Arjun Sagar Gupta, owner, The Piano Man Jazz Club at 32nd Milestone, adds, “Since this was the Independence Day weekend, we could remain open till midnight on Saturday, but the extended timing is a very positive step and we have been getting a very encouraging response from guests.”
For diners, safety measures being followed at any outlet are a priority now when they step out for weekend outing. “After the lockdown this year, this was the first weekend when my friends and I decided to got out for drinks at a bar. Before reserving a place, we wanted to make sure that we get an outlet with alfresco seating. As we are starting to go out now, I think we still need to be responsible when it comes to following social distancing norms and I feel that outdoor spaces are safer,” says Subhash Arora, a resident of Gurgaon, who went out with his friends last weekend to Cyber Hub. Sonam Chopra, who went out with her family for her birthday celebration, adds, “Earlier we would try new places, but this time we are only choosing to go to two-three places which we earlier visited after lockdown this year. This is just to ensure that safety norms are being followed at the place that we choose for dining and also we prefer the places where we are told that the staff is fully vaccinated.”
