Eating joints cash in on protest frenzy

Anna Hazare’s protest at the Ramlila Ground proved to be a boon for nearby restaurants, with business booming, thanks to supporters and mediapersons taking a break from the rigour of the protest.

Anna Hazare’s protest at the Ramlila Ground proved to be a boon for nearby restaurants, with business booming, thanks to supporters and mediapersons taking a break from the rigour of the protest.

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Eating joints near the Ramlila Ground and along Delhi Gate witnessed a jump in sales during lunch. Sales are also expected to rise after 8pm.

“As against sales on a normal day, we witnessed a 10% boost during peak hours. The crowd was a mix of protesters from Anna Hazare’s march and some mediapersons. It is likely to be the same at dinner time,” said Abdul Shafiq, manager, Bhaja Govindam Restaurant.

At other restaurants, crowds kept pouring in throughout the day, taking a breather from the rally. “We have seen an approximately 40% boost in sales because people have been pouring in throughout the day. Business has been very healthy thanks to Anna,” said Syed Raza, manager, Zaika Restaurant.

However, other restaurants along the same stretch, such as Hotel Broadway, which also houses the famous pub Thugs, and Moti Mahal, were not so lucky, owing to their distance from the Ramlila Ground and also considering their price tags.