BENGALURU: Bengaluru’s F&B industry is in the midst of sequels. Restaurateurs are opening the same or upgraded chapters of their successful brand of eateries across localities. Sequels have readily replaced the idea of restaurateurs introducing new concept restaurants. Industry experts note the year gone by has witnessed only sequels, with just a handful of new brand launches.
It appears the owners find it safe to stick to the winning formula in the city. Asian restaurant Misu of St Marks Road opened its second outlet in Indiranagar recently and plans to open soon in Whitefield or Outer Ring Road.
“Like Mumbai, Bengaluru has grown multifold with each locality becoming self-sufficient. People don’t want to drink-and-drive or battle through heavy traffic. While experimenting with new food concepts is adventurous and important, opening multiple outlets of a tried-and-tested formula is a feasible way to scale business,” says owner Amit Ahuja.
Representative Image Sanchez & Sriracha opened its second outlet in Indiranagar after UB City. “The idea is to expose a winning formula to different markets but with added creativity. About 40% of our menu in Indiranagar is new,” says chef Vikas Seth.
Sometimes, availability of larger real estate prompts restaurateurs to open a replica in another food district. Like pizzeria Brikoven of Church Street, which launched in Indiranagar with bigger infrastructure a week ago. Director Anirudh Nopany says, “If the food is good and in demand, we must replicate the model, expand but ensure that the standards match perfectly.”
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Microbreweries like Byg Brewski Brewing Company and Biergarten have opened sequels.
Representative Image Restobars like Bob’s Bar, Foxtrot and Shizusan will follow suit soon.
Experts say replication, while helping business stay afloat, can damage the food spectrum of the city. “Sticking to a winning formula is profitable and easy,” says food expert Aslam Gafoor. “Replication, however, does make a brand lose its charm, especially when it is chef-driven or has a face.”
Food writer Priya Bala blames both restaurants and diners. “Most customers order familiar nachos, fries and biryani each time. Restaurants and brewpubs, already struggling to exist in this competitive industry with innumerable rules and regulations, open cookie-cutter places in all geographies to play safe.”
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Bala says while customers need to start looking at dining as an art form, chefs must muster courage to take the leap of faith and make way for daily blackboard menus to keep the city’s food spectrum vibrant.
Prepare Yourself For The Biting Cold: Foods To Stay Warm This Winter
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As you feel the chill in the air, you may be tempted to snack on pakodas and warm your belly with pizzas, despite knowing they are junk. Instead, you may do better for yourselves with some humble foods that are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants. Here are some that can keep you warm this winter. (Image: Thinkstock)
As you feel the chill in the air, you may be tempted to snack on pakodas and warm your belly with pizzas, despite knowing they are junk. Instead, you may do better for yourselves with some humble foo..
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Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A. They are also rich in vitamin C, calcium, potassium and iron. If you want to boost your immunity during winter, sweet potatoes are a great pick.
Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A. They are also rich in vitamin C, calcium, potassium and iron. If you want to boost your immunity during winter, sweet potatoes are a great pick.
If you are thinking of reaching for a cup of tea to tackle winter, opt for ginger tea. Ginger has thermogenic properties that can keep you warm and help relieve bodyaches.
If you are thinking of reaching for a cup of tea to tackle winter, opt for ginger tea. Ginger has thermogenic properties that can keep you warm and help relieve bodyaches.
This fruit can help fade your winter blues away. It is rich in vitamins A and C.
This fruit can help fade your winter blues away. It is rich in vitamins A and C.
Eggs are a superior source of all essential amino acids. They help in maintaining a healthy weight by stabilising blood sugar during winters.
Eggs are a superior source of all essential amino acids. They help in maintaining a healthy weight by stabilising blood sugar during winters.
Chickpeas are packed with fi bre, essential to keep your digestive system healthy. Snack on it with meals or salads.
Chickpeas are packed with fi bre, essential to keep your digestive system healthy. Snack on it with meals or salads.
Papayas are super-rich in vitamin A and C. They can help add antioxidants to your system and improve immunity.
Papayas are super-rich in vitamin A and C. They can help add antioxidants to your system and improve immunity.
