GUWAHATI, AUG 9: You may have heard about apartments or furniture up for sale at OlX but the covid pandemic and the dipping sales have pushed owners to put up their restaurants for sale. With the unlock phase kicking in step by step, the hotel and restaurant owners were hoping for better times but the crisis is far from over since people continue to stay away. This has forced the restaurants to down their shutters.
Unable to pay high rents, Heritage Khorika in Guwahati has closed one of its outlets at Lamb road.
“We have closed down our Lamb road restaurant since we have suffered losses in the past months. I request the government to provide us with a stimulus package to revive the hotel sector,” Chef Atul Lahkar told News Live.
Chick and Chilly has closed down four of its five restaurants in Guwahati.
“The loss is immense. We will be able to sustain for a few months but considering the high rent we will be forced to close down soon,” the owner said.
The peak time of business for these restaurants is post dusk but the night curfew has paralyzed businesses. More than 500 families associated with the restaurants have been badly hit and are staring at a bleak future.
“We have to lay off employees since we closed down 5 outlets. We appeal to the government for help,” the owner said.
All Assam Restaurants Association, apex body of restaurant owners recently met chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal seeking help for the sector. Taking up the issue with govt and commerce bodies they have sougt a moratorium free loan or a financial package to restaurant owners, Deba Kumar Barma, AARA President said.
