Bearwood Indian Restaurant Owner 'Considering Future' Months After Opening
A West Midlands restaurant owner is contemplating the future of his establishment just months after its grand opening, citing an 'unbelievable' decline in customer numbers.
Located on Bearwood High Street, Madras Eatery is an Indian restaurant that first opened its doors in August of last year. Known for its unique emphasis on cutlery-free dining, the business has quickly faced significant challenges.
'Unbelievable' Lack of Footfall
Owner Arun Rajan, a Bearwood resident, expressed deep concern over the recent lack of footfall, describing it as 'unbelievable'. He noted that he hardly sees people dining in the restaurant at present, attributing this trend to changing consumer habits.
"I don't know what's going on and feel like people are spending less," Rajan told local media. "It's unbelievable. I hardly see people dining in the restaurant at the moment."
He speculated that customers might be opting for cheaper, fast-food options like pizzas and burgers instead of traditional restaurant meals.
Rising Costs and Potential Closure
With rising costs set to impact the hospitality sector in April, Rajan is seriously considering the closure of Madras Eatery. Although he views this as a last resort, the financial pressures are mounting.
"We have to see how we will cope after April," Rajan explained. "There will be a lot of price increases and we need to see how this will affect the business."
The restaurant prides itself on using fresh ingredients delivered daily, distinguishing it from fast-food competitors that often rely on frozen products. However, this commitment to quality comes at a higher cost.
Exploring Alternative Options
In response to these challenges, Rajan is exploring alternative business models. He mentioned the possibility of transforming the establishment into a takeaway or a stand-and-eat venue in Bearwood.
"I might have to think slightly different," he said. "It might not be a restaurant but perhaps somewhere people can stand and eat in Bearwood, like a takeaway."
Despite this potential shift, Rajan remains passionate about hospitality and serving individuals, expressing reluctance to compromise on quality. "I don't really want to do that because I'm passionate about hospitality and serving individuals," he added. "But at the same time, everything comes to a cost."
Madras Eatery is situated at 607A Bearwood Rd, Bearwood, B66 4B, and its future hangs in the balance as the owner navigates these difficult economic times.
