Ahmedabad women get own restaurant

Cleopatra, the country's first restaurant catering only to women, was launched at Ahmedabad. The Egyptian theme fast-food restaurant also boasts of a boutique, a cosmetics shop and a beauty parlour in its premises.

Male customers would be allowed only by invitation of a female customer and that too only after 7.30 pm, said the owner of the restaurant, Ajay Thakkar.

The restaurant occupies an area of around 2,300 square feet and can cater to 50 customers at one go. It is planning to utilise its 1,900 square feet terrace area for parties. The proprietor has invested so far invested around 10 lakhs in the project and plans to open franchisee outlets.

The franchisee line would begin with major cities in the state, and move to north India in the next few months. The restaurant plans to go abroad as well with franchisee outlets in the US, the UK, Cameroon, Ghana and other European and African countries in the next two years, said Thakkar.

He has also tied up with automobile dealers to offer restaurant coupons at discounts to women who buy a new car.

"The restaurant aims to be a one-stop entertaiment and relaxing zone for women, giving them their much-needed privacy," said Thakkar.

Plans are afoot to put up a gymnasium, yoga centre and health spa within the restaurant premises within six months. The restaurant will also have a gynecologist who will visit the restaurant once a week to interact with customers and answer their health queries.