Eateries remain empty as people say prevention better than cure

Ludhiana: The unlock stage has already begun, but restaurants, cafes and dhabas of Ludhiana are still receiving a lukewarm response from the locals, who continue to remain cautious as the number of Covid-19 positive cases surge. The restaurant and cafe owners in the city, however, claim that the prime reason for a cold response is the restrictions in the timings, which does not suit customers.
Sanchit Bhasin, owner of Dessert Cafe, Model Town, said, “We sell sweet items that are consumed after dinner and I don't think majority of the people would like to have their dinner by 8pm. But by the time prospective customers finish their dinner, there is no time for them to have desserts. He claims his business has dropped to one fourth in the recent times.
Several other eatery joint owners claimed that since customer safety was their priority, they have still not taken the decision to open their outlet. "We are not even doing home delivery as we still don’t feel safe about it. We are facing losses but unfortunately, we have to bear it as it’s for the safety of everyone. From paying the salaries to the workers and chefs to paying electricity bills, we are doing everything. Let’s hope everything gets fine soon,” said Vaibhav Malhotra, a restaurant owner, Dugri Phase II.
Mandeep, owner of Parantha Joint, Model Town, said, “I and my mother make paranthas at home only and we only do delivery. But even in home delivery, the earning is not that high. Now, the customers are not ordering in that much quantity and most of the them are making everything now on their own as the lockdown has made everyone a chef. To attract customers we are providing discounts too on food apps, hoping it will help adding our customers for future. Hope everything gets fine quickly.”
Local residents though agreed that they have been missing the fun of eating out, but it was for the safety of everyone. They also suggest that the restaurants and eating joints should open with safety and social distancing being their top priority.
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“There are some ways by which restaurants and other food places can be safe as home. There should be the minimum prescribed distance between tables, which can be further separated by having a plastic cover between tables. Besides, food should be served hot”
Deepak Jain, student, Noorwala road
“This is the time when reality is hitting hard. Restaurants have been hit hard but these should reopen with proper safety and with proper sanitisation of everyone. This will help so many people in getting their jobs back”
Nalini Nayyar, student, Dugri
“Safety is important, even if people are unable to live without eating at their favourite joints. More attention should be paid to the safety of customers to win their trust. Only the sale of restaurants has come down, but the process of home delivery is going on”
Himanshu Khurana, businessman, Kidwai Nagar