Dampened spirits among restaurateurs

16 June,2009 08:09 AM IST |   |  Team MiD DAY

Bar owners across the country are not only upset because India crashed out of the tournament, but also because it means lack of business for them.


Bar owners across the country are not only upset because India crashed out of the tournament, but also because it means lack of business for them.

"It would be foolish to say India's exit from the T20 World Cup won't affect our business.

However, we hope people take defeat in their stride and continue to visit our bar," said Nikhil Mirak-hur, assistant unit manager of the Sports Bar in Gurgaon.

UPSET: Some hoteliers have lost hopes of drawing in crowds with India's exit from the T20 World Cup.

The mood in Bangalore was despondent as well. Hoteliers say they will continue to screen the remaining matches, but have lost hopes of drawing in crowds.


"We will screen the matches, but there's no interest among people after India's exit. We can't do anything about it," rued Ramiah Daniels, general manager, Lalit Ashok Hotel in Bangalore.

India's ignominious defeat has upset its loyal fans as well.

Gaurav Gupta, a 25-year-old, Mumbai-based operations head, who was looking forward to cheering India on their way to the finals in the company of friends at a restaurant has changed his plans.
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"I don't want to see a single match. Success has gone to the heads of our players. Why should I waste my money on watching the matches at a restaurant now?" fumed Gaurav.

Won't affect us

Owners of some joints, however, feel India's loss won't affect their business.

Farhang Jehani, proprietor, Leopold Cafu00e9 in Colaba, said although he's disappointed at India's loss, it would in fact boost sales. "Business at a bar is affected at times if people are glued to the TV screens.

They don't order as much as they would otherwise. Some people even prefer to watch the match from home.
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No cricket from India will help boost sales at Leopold. But I'm sad that India is out of the tournament," said Jehani.

"The T20 World Cup was just an added attraction for our patrons. Our business doesn't depend on it," said Kashif Farooq, owner, Urban Pind in Delhi. Similar sentiments were echoed in Pune.
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"Movies and cricket didn't affect us earlier and I don't think they'll affect us now either," said Khodu Irani, owner of the Restobar High Spirits in Pune.
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Bar owners India tournament business T20 World Cup Nikhil Mirak hur Sports Bar