Even in Covid times, a story that’s still brewing
CHANDIGARH: In the last two months, Covid-19 has totally changed the way we live, work and think. Social distancing has become a new norm, the mask a new accessory. But one thing the virus could not change is the loyal clientele of Sector 17’s iconic Indian Coffee House (ICH), that has devoted fans for more than five decades.
With further relaxations in the fourth phase of lockdown, allowing eateries to open their kitchens for home deliveries or take-away from Tuesday, more than 100 of the café’s old customers strolled over to Sector 17 market complex to enjoy their hot coffee.
The only difference now is that for the first time since ICH opened in the city (in Sector 22 in 1964, but shifted to Sector 17 in April 1970), the brew was served in disposal glasses only for takeaway.
“I first visited Indian Coffee House in 1974 as a teenager. Since then it is an integral part of my life. My friends and I enjoyed our last coffee here on March 21 and since then, we’ve eagerly awaited the day we would enjoy a cup again,” says Dr Rajesh Dhir, 59, head of ENT at GMSH-16 .
On Tuesday, after almost two months, the group of six came together for their round of coffee, he says.
“For the last two months, I have had a hectic schedule due to Covid, but Indian Coffee House’s coffee has rejuvenated me. Their coffee is my only addiction,” added Dhir, who is also the president of Indian Medical Association’s
Chandigarh chapter.
Ramesh Dutt, manager at ICH, Sector 17, is all smiles. “Today over 100 regular customers came for coffee, but we couldn’t invite them in due to curbs,” says Dutt.
Tuesday sales were about ₹5,000, compared to the previous daily average of ₹65,000.
The Sector 36 ICH branch also opened on Tuesday, as per manager Arjun Singh.
Set up in May 1964, the café has hosted top dignitaries such as former prime minister Chandra Shekhar, deputy prime minister Devi Lal and hordes of Bollywood stars.
The Indian Coffee House is a one-of-a-kind eatery. It is perhaps the only chain in the country where employers themselves are employees.
The first Indian Coffee House came into being in Delhi on October 27, 1957, while the Chandigarh branch in Sector 17 opened in May 1964.