THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major move, Kudumbashree Mission – after the raging success of budget-friendly eateries – is venturing into a chain of premium segment branded hotels titled ‘Premium Kudumbashree Cafe’ in the state. Five premium cafes will be opened in the state this month and the statewide official launch will be held at Angamaly in Ernakulam on January 27 by Local Self-Government Minister M B Rajesh.
The plan is to open premium cafes at tourist destinations, national highways and other busy areas across the state. “The stint of Kudumbashree in the food industry has been very successful since its launch. We have managed to flourish in the catering and budget-friendly eateries segment and now it’s time to take the next big step. The cafes will have ample parking space, landscaped areas, premium furniture and high-quality food,” said an official associated with the project.
Five premium cafes will be launched in Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, Wayanad, Ernakulam and Thrissur. The premium cafe in Thiruvananthapuram will be coming up near Padnamanabha Swamy Temple and according to officials, it will be a pure-vegetarian cafe. It is learned that various locations are being identified across the state through district mission offices. “The project being submitted will be vetted and approved by a technical committee,” an official said.
According to officials, by March, at least one premium cafe will be opened in every district in the state. Kudumbashree Mission is giving up to `20 lakh as financial aid for units starting the cafes. “Existing ones are being upgraded and new ones will also be opened. The financial assistance will be given to the beneficiaries depending on various factors. The cafe should be able to accommodate a minimum of 50 people at a time,” said an official.
Besides the standard menu, the premium cafes will serve local culinary specialities. Kudumbashree has also arranged special training for the beneficiaries by experts to ensure premium quality service at the cafes. “Each cafe is expected to generate a minimum revenue of `50,000 per day,” the official said.