After seven months of being shut, the state has finally given a nod to restaurants to being dining in services. Though restaurants were allowed to start a delivery kitchen, the services were majorly contactless to moderate the spread of the virus.
Globally, dining-in services started sooner but under Mission Begin again, the state of Maharashtra has been careful in resuming services.
According to reports, after re-opening services, restaurants experienced a tepid response but many people were willing to come and experience the dining-in.
Praful Chandawarkar, Director, Malaka Spice said, "We received a modest response on our first day of operations at Malaka Spice. Though the restaurants have begun and people have started venturing out, we do not expect the buat leastto go back to what it used to be pre-covid, atleast not until next year."
"The costs of ensuring the safety of our crew and guests, the investment on the hygiene measures is considerably high and the fear of the disease still exists. All we can hope is that the business picks up gradually, keeping in mind all safety measures so that more job opportunities are created and employment increases," he added.
Restaurants are ensuring that the highest safety measures are taken to curb the spread of the disease.
A spokesperson at Peter cafe said that "the response was positive and people came in to enjoy the experience of eating in a restaurant. We experienced moderate but good response at all three - breakfast, lunch and dinner sessions."
"But since it was a Monday, it could also be a reason for the low footfall," she added.
Restauranters are looking forward to the weekend to see a higher footfall at restaurants.
Adarsh Gupta, a media professional who visited Agent Jack's bar and restaurant in Baner said, "It was refreshing to visit a restaurant after so many months. Obviously, the protocols have changed and precautionary measures are being taken. Both the staff and visitors are being extra cautious about eating in a restaurant, and use sanitisers at all times."
"The Dine-In from 5th October has seen customer confidence coming back on eating out with family. We witnessed a steady flow of customers since morning which was highly motivating. Many outlets have opened up and rest are gearing up to open with much fan fare in the coming days. F&B plays a very important support role in experience shopping, the crowd seen is a mix of families, couples and friends visiting the mall for shopping and outing alike," said Mr. Arun Arora, Centre Director- Phoenix Marketcity, Pune.
"Strict protocols have been put into place with regards to social distancing in the seating, great emphasis placed on minimum human interface while ordering or making the payments, which has been digitalized through QR code technology. Enhanced cleaning and regular sanitizing of the furniture and other high touch surfaces has been incorporated in the daily SOP at the food court, restaurants and cafes," he added.
