PUNE: Eateries across the city are all set to open their doors for dine-in service at 50% capacity as per relaxations announced by the state government.
“We are thoroughly sanitizing the entire premises.
QR codes have been placed on each table to enable contactless ordering and avoid cluttering.
Wearing a mask and conducting temperature checks is mandatory for all staff, as well as maintaining safe distance while interacting with customers.
We will prefer keeping the dine-in experience limited to independent visitors or groups of two-three people.
Larger groups will not be allowed,” said Vaibhav Paliwal, owner of Nukkad Cafe at Vimannagar.
Raaj Paree, CEO of Cult House/Terra in Magarpatta, said, “This time we will take extra precautions.
We are highly equipped and aware about the situation.
There will be regular temperature checks for customers and in-house staff.
A strict ‘No Mask, No Entry’ protocol will be followed.” Amjad Khan, owner of Deccan Darbar in Kondhwa, predicts that footfall across restaurants will comprise largely of regular customers.
“We have personally communicated to our regular patrons to book a table or give us a call before coming over.
We have made it a point to inform our customers about the mandatory safety protocols, and those who refuse to follow it will not be given entry.” Many eateries are encouraging customers to make reservations instead of walking in to avoid crowding.
“Walk-in customers will be accommodated only if there are fewer than 50% patrons at the restaurant.
A waiting area will be set up if the customer inflow exceeds allowed capacity.
Since we have to shut by 4 pm, we expect footfall would be negligible,” said Pankaj Joshi, manager of The Spices Restobar and Grill at Undri.
Praful Chandawarkar, founder of Chiranjeev Restaurant and Foods Pvt Ltd, said, “Though we recommend prior reservations to ensure seamless hospitality, we understand that it is not always possible to do so.
We will have a board outside the restaurant displaying our total capacity, current occupancy, and seats available.
Making the most of the time restrictions, we will launch an amazing breakfast menu very soon.” Ganesh Shetty, president of Pune Restaurants and Hoteliers Association, said, “It’s a good start, but not economically viable for A-grade restaurants to open with such time restrictions as dinner time is the peak business hours for them.
Only about 30% of the restaurants will decide to open for dine-in with the implementation of the current curfew regulations.”