Frink Stories – This week ki Stories in F&B!

Issue 2 | July 15, 2020

Why are Land-Lords, not Understanding?

In a Restaurant Trade, one of the Biggest Fixed Expenses is Rental. And in times like these when the Income is nil or low, there are some Landlords who are still insisting that Restaurants pay full rent. 

I understand there is a certain contract, but then Dhandha chalega hi nahi to paisa kahaan se ayega. 

I know of many organized & unorganized landlords who have co-operated and reduced the rent or waived off for Lockdown period and that is appreciated. Par then few who have stayed adamant & refused to reduce it. 

Now I understand there is an opportunity cost and Now one wants to let it go. Par in today’s scenario even if your current tenant with whom you already have a contract, who has already spent lots amount of money in fixtures leaves then you don’t have other Prospective Tenants waiting with Bags full of cash unlike 4 months back.

Aaj aapki jagah khaali hoti hai to shayad khaali hi parri rahegi for long and in that scenario co-operating with your current tenant and reaching a Mutual Understanding, say a 50% cut for next 6th Months is a wise decision for everyone involved.

Nexus malls across the country had Reliance Retail and Reliance Brands Ltd as tenants. However, as per ET report dated 29th May, Reliance has served a termination Notice ending leases of Dozens of outlets. Reliance Retail said this was necessary as their repeated requests for waivers or rebates on rents went unanswered. 

At least 50% of Rent covers the Operational Costs and some Revenue for the Mall. But this step will prove to be Zero revenue and additional Expenses Scenario. 

I hope these issues resolve and Our Markets and Malls do not become Ghosts Towns.

Now get your Caffeine Fix at Starbucks Drive-Thru too

We all have relished our Mc Donalds, KFC, Burger King Favorites through Drive-Thru, Be it on Highways or in cities.

However, Now Starbucks too has launched its Drive-Thru on the Chandigarh-Ambala Highway in Zirakpur. 

So whether you are heading to Chandigarh, Kasauli or Simla you can Drive in to get your fix and then be fresh for a great mountain drive ahead 🙂

Now Johnnie Walker in 100% Plastic Free Paper-Based Bottle

In the past 4 years, awareness about using least amount of Single-use Plastic has increased and many Individuals, Corporates, Brands, Hotels stepped in to reduce their plastic usage. Significant has been steps from ITC Hotels and Hyatt hotels to set up their in-house Water Bottling Plants and serving them in Glass Bottles.

Now Diageo, one of the world’s largest producers of spirits and beers has announced that they have created World’s first-ever 100% Plastic-free paper-based Spirits Bottle. The bottle has been made entirely from Sustainably sourced wood.

The Bottle will be Launch with Johnnie Walker Whisky in early 2021. Good to see these initiatives being taken and we all heading towards a phase of “Responsible Consumption & Production”

Malls/Hubs Opening Slowly in a phased Manner

In the past few days, it was good to hear many restaurants opening in Hubs & Malls with full Precautions.

This step will not only help the restaurants to serve Dine-In Customers but also help them to use the same Kitchens for Delivery & Take-Away orders.

Some of the restaurants I am aware that have opened are Cafe Delhi heights Outlets in Janakpuri, Rajouri garden, Sangam Courtyard & Khan Market. Farzi Cafe & Plum By Bent Chair in Aerocity. Chilli’s in Vegas Mall, Tenali – The Andhra Kitchen in Green Park.

Time for Heat & Eat?

Venky’s is one brand that I love, Itna Love that 18 years back when I worked with Appu Ghar, I got them to have a small corner at Oysters Water Park. 

Slowly as time progressed Brands like ITC Master Chef, Yummiez, Carnivore, Sumeru, Mc. Cain etc have stepped in and have expanded the market. 

And now with CoVid19 striking, We see not only has the consumption of such products gone up but are also noticing the advent of many new brands in the market.

La Gourmet & Lolly Wala are two of them I know.  Also, restaurants like “Lanterns Kitchen & Bar” is coming up with their new Brand Oh Deli & “Cafe StayWoke” has already launched its Burger Patties. 


We shall keep an eye on these developments and keep sharing them with you 🙂

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Gurpreet Singh Tikku

Meet Mister Tikku – a food influencer, hardcore entertainer, and smile spreader extraordinaire! With a passion for all things delicious, Mister Tikku has spent years exploring the world of food and sharing his experiences with his followers. With his infectious personality and knack for finding the best bites around, Mister Tikku has gained a loyal following on social media and has established himself as one of the most trusted voices in the food & beverage industry. @MisterTikku

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