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RUBAROO WITH FAIZAN QURESHI

FAIZAN QURESHI IN CONVERSATION WITH RAYEES AHMED

Had to look after 50% of my staff that are non locals: Rayees Ahmad

Faizan Qureshi interviews MD of Northern cafe Kralpora, Rayees Ahmad Khan, 27 who left a job at IL&FS as Hospitality &Tourism trainer to start a successful restaurant chain in North Kashmir.

Faizan Qureshi: As a successful restaurateur, how has your business fared in this difficult time?

Rayees Ahmad: From last August we have done business for only 60 days.

In January 2020, we had started , but it only could function for  days. On March 20, we finally had to shut it down again.

Being born and brought up in Kashmir we have gone through many lockdowns.

After the abrogation of Article 370, we were locked down from last August to January2020 and were still struggling to bounce back from our losses when the Covid pandemic happened.Whenever there are incidents like the government enforced post-Article 370 lockdown or the coronavirus lockdown, I have always been in the forefront to help and volunteer.This time, I had to look after 50% of my staff that are non-Kashmiris. I made sure that no employee gets stuck on the national highways on their way home. I kept paying the salaries. I did not let them leave Kashmir and I kept paying the salaries from my savings.

FQ: How has this year been when you look back after the abrogation?

RA: From the business point of view, it has been the worst year.But looking at all the learnings and relationships I have built, I’m grateful to Allah for this learning phase of life.I think what is most important is all the learnings and I’m sure all of us are going to come out stronger.As long as the people you hold close to your heart are fine, you shouldn’t be worried about your business because you can build a business back again.

FQ: How were your interactions with customers when you briefly reopened your restaurant?

RA: It was a good feeling when we opened and people told me how badly they missed dining out.

I opened my primary outlet for around eight or nine days. Home delivery for three days and dining in for five days with 50% occupancyA majority of young people told me how they had taken the privilege of going to a restaurant and hanging out for granted.

They said they realised how important it was to socialise in parks and cafes. That’s what made me respect my work and the connections with people more than ever.

FQ: How has Internet connectivity improved in Kupwara?

RA: It is better than before. Wi Fi and broadband is working.One single social media story of mine which would fetch me 10,000 views in the past, right now is at 4,000 views which means 40% of the people have decent access to the Internet.