This December, dining establishments along Park Street and throughout shopping malls in Kolkata have experienced a notable increase in visitor numbers, reaching its peak on Christmas Eve. As a considerable number of prominent restaurants have chosen to extend their operating hours on various nights this month, proprietors are expressing that this has proven to be their most successful December to date in both sales and footfall.
As per Sudesh Poddar, the National President of the Hotel and Restaurants Association of India (HRAI), there has been a rise of 8 to 10 percent in the sales of both food and liquor. In terms of value, the increase has been 15 percent, attributed to the escalation in prices of food and beverages over the past year.
“We have taken late closure since December 23. Liquor is being served till 1am while the restaurants remain open till 2am,” said Nitin Kothari, owner of Mocambo, Peter Cat and Peter Hu?, adding this was surely one of the best Decembers in recent years.
His dining establishments along Park Street have consistently been at full capacity for almost every day over the past three weeks. Kothari anticipates that this pattern is likely to persist.
“Interestingly, this time there is no slump period. We are witnessing packed house even at 4-4.30pm which used to be a bit dull,” he added.
Anjan Chatterjee, the chairman of Speciality Restaurants, which includes brands such as Mainland China, Asia Kitchen, Café Mezzuna, Haka, Hopi Pola, and Barishh, expresses satisfaction with the sales and footfall for this month.
“We had late closing time at all our restaurants. This was up to 2am for more liquor centric brands while for family brands it was 1am. I should say Kolkata is the top food destination now,” he added.
Charles Mantosh, proprietor of prominent restaurants such as Waldorf, Magnolia, and Floriana, is of the opinion that life on Park Street is exceptionally positive this year.
“Thanks to the state for a good Park Street festival, this year’s crowd is even more. Even at midnight, you could see 5,000 people here. All our restaurants had late closing. Not only for the post-Covid period, I feel this is one of the best Decembers ever,” he added.
Debaditya Chaudhury, managing director of Chowman, Oudh 1590 & Chapter 2, said, “We witnessed rising sales since December 20 and have also seen a rise in deliveries.”
Pradip Rozario, proprietor of KK’s Fusion, concurred. Moloy Dutta, a partner at Opium Bar & Restaurant, remarked that Sector V experienced a significant increase in footfall this year.
“Christmas Eve was really good. Thanks to the newly opened walking street,” he added.