Business at German Bakery affected after blast

New Delhi: For the past 19 years, the German Bakery in the capital has been a hot spot for foreign tourists but the recent blast at its namesake in Pune seems to have an affect on its coffers.

A week after the terror strike in Pune, the German Bakery in busy Paharganj area here has recorded a dip of 15-20% in business.

Interestingly, the Germany Bakery in both the cities are located near Chabad House, a Jewish prayer hall, and LeT suspect in US custody David Coleman Headley had stayed in hotels near these bakeries.

"The terror strike has not happened here. But there is a decrease of 15 to 20 per cent in business for us. It may be because there is a dip in the number of tourists here," says Ajay Aggarwal, owner of Ajay Cafe German Bakery here.

But Aggarwal says he or his staff are not afraid of the threat perception in the city or the locality where they have the shop.

Security agencies have also stepped up vigil in the locality where Chabad House and German Bakery is located.

"We are not cowed down by such threats. Life has to go on," he says, adding the security presence in the locality is not a deterrent to his business.

Aggarwal had also installed CCTVs in his shop to monitor the movements of his customers. He has also instructed his staff to be more alert and ensure that no one leaves their bag or other belongings in the shop.

"Even before such incidents, I have instructed my staff to be vigilant," Aggarwal said.

Asked why he named his cafe German Bakery, he said it was his business logic.

"If you want to name sweet shop, you name it Bengali sweet shop because it is the best. Same way, if you want to name a coffee shop, you name it Italian coffee shop as it is the best. Same way, Germans are known for bakery products.

"I am the best in this industry and so I named by shop this way," he claimed.

Aggrawal also said one can find German bakeries near almost all tourist spots.

There are nine well-known 'German Bakeries' in popular tourist destinations in India, including Bangalore, Manali, Goa and Rishikesh.

What is more ironical is the fact that five of them are located near Chabad Houses or Jewish community centres run by the Chabad-Lubavitch Movement.