That a number of hotels in the city are cutting prices on their menu,
even in times of inflation, indicates that an important section of
their clientele — the middle class — have taken to Amma Unavagams in a
big way, especially due to the hygiene practised there, apart from good
food at subsidised prices.
For Rajesh S, a bachelor and native of
Madurai who lives in a hostel at Mambalam, getting good food at low
cost proved a constant headache until an Amma canteen opened near
Duraiswamy Subway a couple of months ago. Now, he does not fret about
his food, as his needs have been met with. “My only problem is the
serpentine queue at the canteens,” says Rajesh.
Sriram, an
employee in an IT firm, says the hygienic food at low cost has made him a
regular patron at the Amma Unavagam near his home in Mylapore. Industry
sources say a shift in the mindset of the middle-class is having a
direct impact on the market.
The manager of a popular restaurant
in Triplicane, on condition of anonymity, told Express that Amma
canteens have exposed the exorbitant rates charged by some restaurants.
“For some items, hotels make a 100 per cent profit for each plate. With
Amma canteens offering such low prices, the hotels would have to
sacrifice on profits, if they are to compete,” he says, adding that
smaller restaurants will feel the strongest pinch.
Almost all
those from the restaurants who spoke to Express, say that more Amma
canteens opening in the city would lead to more number of private
eateries slashing prices.
“Once the penetration of these canteens grows, you are bound to see a big difference in prices,” said a restaurant manager.
