The Restaurant

Circa 1975

The glittering lights were witness to the initiative and the magic of the entrepreneurial spirit. They were resplendent of the confidence and the charisma of the new startup, yes the first air-conditioned restaurant in. the sleepy town of Bhubaneswar.

Bhubaneswar was growing and economically developing and being the capital city had a metro oriented cosmopolitical populace. Yes, the town was turning the leaves to rediscover itself. But an air-conditioned restaurant offering Indian, Chinese, Mughlai, and Continental...And you can order on the telephone, with the option of pick up or delivery........ had never been heard off. Also, the town did not believe in the concept of eating out. Was this man crazy to start a venture, and, when a simple meal is served at the local dhabas, why should somebody pay for an ambience and that too air-conditioned? The whole proposition itself was somewhat out of the box, to make people go out with the family to have a dinner or lunch outside, and also who has breakfast in a restaurant. The local dhabas catered very well for the travelers to the town.

Would I go out to dine and pay extra, and why should I? This was the biggest dilemma.

"Can we go out to dinner at the new restaurant?

"What! Dinner at the restaurant..... are you guys out of your mind? Your mom makes great food. Besides that, who knows what these guys will be serving. At least in the dhaba, we are able to see what is being prepared."

Yes, the restaurant was mounting huge losses and there was no respite from the stubborn mindset and attitude. What to do. Should it shut down? No way, can the losses be allowed to be such a liability that everything goes along with it. The lights were fading, and so was the shine. There were no footfalls. No orders on telephone as well.

Circa 2019 and cusping 2020.

Don't even have to dial. Just a few clicks here and there, voila your menu is ordered. Payment is also is done. Thirty minutes and beyond, it's free too.

Yes, time changes all.