Food for thought: Women commanding the business for restaurants and bars

Shweta Raina Kaul, an entrepreneur based in Gurgaon, went for a meeting at a lounge-bar recently and was pleasantly surprised when she didn’t get questions like, “Is someone joining you, ma’am?” She was handed a beverage and food menu and no one pointed out where the mocktails were listed.

- Divya Kaushik

Many women who often go out alone for dining and drinks, say that this is not unusual now, but it is a result of a gradual shift in perspective. “No one would think that a single woman would walk in a bar alone to have a drink a few years ago. Even the staff would ask if you would like to have a coffee or mocktails. But things have changed now, as more women are stepping out alone, with friends, colleagues etc., bringing a change in the attitude of people around (including guests and staff) in a restaurant,” shares Shweta.

Restaurateur Vikrant Batra, who has a chain of restaurants in different cities and also at major airports, feels that this change in attitude over the years isn’t just a result of more women stepping out for dining experiences, but also because women are no longer “secondary guests”for restaurants and bars.

‘MORE WOMEN AT A NIGHTCLUB WOULD MEAN IT IS A SAFE SPACE, SO WOMEN GUESTS ARE VERY IMPORTANT FOR US’

In September last year, a Delhi restaurant faced massive criticism and even protests when a woman claimed that she was denied entry because she was wearing a sari. Restaurant owners say that while such cases are exceptions, but as an industry norm,restaurants,especially nightclubs, make special effort to make women feel comfortable.Restaurant and nightclub owner Akshay Anand emphasizes that women are not just some of the highest spenders,but for those in the nightlife industry, the brand value of a restaurant depends on how your female guests rate you. He shares, “More women at a nightclub would mean it is a safe space, so women guests are very important for us.Our staff is trained to take note that every guest, especially women, feel comfortable, and we provide them a safe dining experience.”