Warm ambience, cool music, laughter, smiles, and what not. Yes, all these are found in ci branded coffee shops. Whether you want to have time of your life with your loved ones or need some time of your own, these caf'es are more than perfect spot for every occasion. And need not to worry if you are not a coffee freak, there are lot many to offer like cold coffees, shakes, and graneetas (crushed ice with fruit syrup). And to accompany your drinks are lip smacking snacks like sandwiches, pizza, burgers and you name it. They can be heaven for those you have sweet tooth as there are wide verities of pastries, brownies, muffins etc. "In a tea drinking nation, coffee was restricted to elites and south Indians." Says, manager Caf'e Coffee Day. We opened our first outlet in Bangalore in 1996, now we have 703 cafes in 103 cities around the country, and four of them are in the city of Nawabs. So what's the target age group? "Age is no bar. It doesn't matter if you are sixteen or sixty; aroma of coffee is strong enough to pull you inside. But, majority of the crowd is between 16-25".Says Yogi, store manager of Barista Saharaganj.Barista opened its first outlet in 2001, now it has three to boast of. After being overtaken by an international group Lavaza, Barista started to serve at increased rate. However, it didn't make iota of difference on sales, said Yogi again. "There are 18-20% of customers who come everyday in the morning for breakfast. That's why we open our Hazratganj store at sharp 9 am. Said Fawad, an attendant. "I smell coffee along with the morning newspaper, what else you want". Says Prateek Jain, working with a Telecom Company Shariq, another attendant, Barista said that they are very much acquainted with the tastes of their regular customers. "We know what they are going to order, and how do they like it." For instance there is this foreigner who always sits at fixed table and order espresso with chicken smoked sandwich." One more thing that attracts people is guitar kept there. Playing six strings along with your favorite cup of coffee is quite a fun. "I am quite popular among girls here, they come and sit with me and ask to play their favorite songs". Says Daniel a keen guitarist and a regular coffee freak. Daniel owns a band that often jams in there. "I love coming to these caf'es with my friends and also with my girlfriend, they are the perfect hangout zone." Says Varun, a second year student. While Aishwarya said that, she has been frequenting to these caf'es with her boyfriend for the past six years. Another frequenter Veer Sarkar said that he comes with his eight-year-old granddaughter who is a brownie fan while Anubha finds these outlets ideal place to sit and relax after long drives with her husband and children in the evening. Not only meeting points for family and friends, people find them ideal for official meetings also. "I prefer these caf'es over my office for meetings." Says Abhilasha Singh, who heads an event management company. "I have seen many deals getting finalized" Says Vijay attendant at Costa. Costa is a UK based coffee chain that opened its second outlet at Saharaganj after the success of its first one at East End Mall. And no problem if you don't have any company. Many sit all alone and never get bored. "Reading a book along while having a nice strong cup of coffee is an ultimate Luxury for me. I also like to observe people, especially girls". Says Farhan, 24. "Who knows may be someday I will get my lady luck there." He further said. While Franck an American student studying Urdu from Lucknow said that loads of memories are attached to these cafes. "I have made many friends there. I even got love of my life, an Indian girl and we are getting married soon." Says Franck. Talking about the price range, all eatables, and drinks are under hundred rupees. "I visit there twice or thrice a week and usually order sandwiches or brownie along with my hot and cold coffee, depends on my mood that costs me around Rs 150." Says Preeti a collage going student. "My ten-year-old son likes having their strawberry shake and chocolate pastries, but my budget allows only one or two visits a week". Says Shivani a homemaker. While Kartik, studying in class eleventh says, "Yes these cafes are heavy on pocket but who cares?" People working at these places are very friendly and no matter what they always keep smiling. "We immediately change the drinks or eatables if the guest is not satisfied." Says Shaurya working with Caf'e Coffee Day." Sometimes people sit here for long hours and order just a Cappuccino, cheapest and best selling coffee. But we are OK with them also as at the end of the days they are the people who make the place happening" says Fawad working for Barista. While Vijay who is working with Costa has something interesting to share, "Many people who are not much familiar with the taste of coffee complain about it being bitter. Its hard to convince them that coffee is actually bitter." These cafes are generated employment too. Many young collage going students are working there. "Working at these places is fun; we get good environment plus good money says Shaurya (CCD). "There is a good growth prospectus also," added Fawad (Barista) who will be working at Barista Dubai. There are many stores in the pipeline, which will generate further employments Besides all these big brands, Lucknow has one more coffee shop to talk about "The Indian Coffee House" that has a complete makeover two months ago and turned into a multicuisine restaurant "Fusion". There are nearly 400 coffee houses all over India. The Britishers started this chain in early 1940s. The Lucknow outlet was opened in 1958 and remained popular among professionals, journalists, doctors, bureucrtats, lawyers, and senior officials. "Gone are the days when people had enough time for leisure. Keeping this in mind, we came back with the concept of "Fusion"- a blend of past and present, veterans and youngsters and the east and west".
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