Archives: Hospatility-posts

The Lavie Jam Ghat for the 1st Quarter of 2081 was held on Bhadra 30 (September 15, 2024). This quarterly event is a chance to celebrate our work and stay inspired. It’s a chance to foster team spirit, celebrate our successes, and align with our core values.

Tenzin Lama, Head of People and Culture at Lavie Hospitality Group, opened the program with a speech emphasizing the importance of cultivating a culture of excellence. He said that having grace, gratitude, and striving for growth are key to bettering performance. And ultimately assisting Lavie in upholding its high standards. He also took the chance to welcome the newest member of the Lavie Family. 

Urmila Pariyar kicked off the event with a lively dance. It set a vibrant tone for the celebration. Following this, the subcategory awards were presented. Anita Yonjan, F&B Associate at Lavie Garden, received the Best Groomed award, while Sujan Karki, F&B Associate at Jigri Sekuwa Central, earned the Top Reviewer award.

The event featured more entertainment. It included a dance by Saraswoti Magar, Uma Tomata, and Sabina Tamang. Along with a musical performance by Bikash Jung Ranpal. Both acts kept the energy high throughout the celebration.

A highlight of the event was recognizing four long-term employees for their years of dedicated service. Madan Shah, Head Chef at Lekali Bhoj, Ishwor Upreti, Head Chef at Lavie Garden, Swostika Tamang, Commis I at Lavie Garden, Sarita Sunuwar, Senior Accountant at Lavie Hospitality, and Amrendra Yadav, Finance Head at Lavie Hospitality were celebrated for their commitment of over three years. A heartfelt presentation showcased their journey. It showed how Lavie’s growth matched their own, both personally and professionally.

The most anticipated moment arrived with the announcement of the 1st Quarter Awards and Recognition. The Heart of the House award went to Prashant Chetri, Commis III at Lavie Garden, and the Front of the House award was presented to Yangzum Dolkar Tamang, Front Office Associate at Lavie Residence. The event continued with a musical performance by Rahul Ghale and Anil Adhikari.

An inspiring keynote speech from CEO Sudarshan Poudel. He shared his career experiences and vision for Lavie’s growth. He encouraged all employees to align with the company’s mission and work together to grow with Lavie.

An impressive duet dance performed by the Corporate Finance Team, Sarita Sunuwar, and Sara Poudel. The celebration ended on a high note with birthday celebration for the quarter. And finally, Jam Ghat concluded with a delicious team lunch.

In recent years, the phrase “Drinks at MRP!” has become the buzz phrase in Nepal’s hospitality industry. This copywriting tactic, especially popular among restaurants and ‘Sekuwa’ hubs, initially served as a unique selling point. However, its rampant use has led to a “me-too” strategy, where competitors imitate each other’s marketing tactics. This has diluted its uniqueness, turning it into a mere trend rather than a distinct strategy. A “me-too” strategy often results in a lack of differentiation in the market, as businesses fail to stand out from their competitors.

Unpacking The Emergence of  ‘Drinks at MRP*’

Customer consumption habits have evolved significantly. Today, consumers are adept at comparing products and prices before making purchasing decisions. Historically, sekuwa corners have been known for offering cheap grilled meat and affordable alcohol. However, to attract a younger crowd, these establishments have had to adapt. The unknown, cheaply brewed alcohol has been replaced with well-known domestic and imported alcoholic beverages. Similarly, the once dark, shoddy, and grimy interiors have given way to clean and open environments.

In this context of evolving consumer preferences and competitive pressures, businesses often engage in price wars to attract more customers. ‘Drinks at MRP’ has emerged as a powerful strategy in this regard. By offering alcoholic beverages at Maximum Retail Price (MRP), establishments can draw in cost-conscious patrons who are looking for quality drinks without the markup typically seen in restaurants and bars. This strategy not only boosts foot traffic but also enhances customer loyalty, as patrons appreciate the transparency and fairness in pricing. 

However, some establishments employ ‘Drinks at MRP*’ merely as a me-too strategy, mimicking their competitors without truly offering the promised benefits. Many customers do not notice the asterisk (*) often placed after the phrase, which indicates that terms and conditions apply. These terms and conditions are rarely disclosed openly, leading to potential dissatisfaction when customers realize the offer is not as straightforward as it seems. Some of the brands that have been employing this marketing strategy are Jigri Sekuwa, Jheer, Timmure and Sekuwa By Kilo. 

The Pioneer Brand

One of the pioneers and prominent adopters of this strategy is Jigri Sekuwa. Since its establishment in 2023, Jigri Sekuwa has grown into a well-known brand with a strong presence. It has already opened seven outlets in Kathmandu Valley, one in Pokhara, and is in the process of spreading its name throughout Nepal. Jigri Sekuwa has used ‘Drinks at MRP’ as one of its key selling points since its inception.

So, what does ‘Drinks at MRP’ mean at Jigri Sekuwa? At Jigri Sekuwa, previously we provided all beers at MRP and offered other alcoholic beverages with a 10% caring charge. Recently, we’ve updated our pricing structure since mid-2024, we now include a 7% caring charge for beers and the same 10% caring charge for other alcoholic beverages.

As a consumer, you might wonder about the carrying charge. This fee covers the care we take with the drinks we serve, including proper storage, providing ice and glassware, and cleaning up after. This minimal charge helps us maintain high service standards while still offering drinks at competitive prices.

By embracing ‘Drinks at MRP,’ establishments like Jigri Sekuwa are redefining customer expectations and setting new standards in Nepal’s hospitality industry. As this trend continues to grow, it is poised to reshape the landscape of dining and drinking experiences across the country.

In the post-pandemic era of inflation and recession fears, businesses that have adapted stand as a testament to resilience. Jigri Sekuwa, the brainchild of our CEO, Sudarshan Poudel, is one such success story. Jigri Sekuwa aimed to be a low-cost, efficient restaurant operated with a small team. It became a sensation due to its top service and low prices. 

In Search of the Perfect Jigri Flavors

Jigri Sekuwa’s story shows that business success comes from experience, a unique vision, and a relentless drive. Sudarshan had vast experience in Nepal and abroad. He made a name in hospitality by opening Lavie Garden in 2020. Yes, at the peak of the pandemic. Against all odds, Lavie Garden thrived. This success led to the expansion into Lavie Residence & Spa and Lekali Bhoj Thakali.

Jigri Sekuwa, however, was a different kind of challenge. Jigri Sekuwa’s success comes from hands-on research. Sudarshan and his team traveled across Nepal. They tasted and learned about regional sekuwa recipes. Though he’d never tried sekuwa, Sudarshan knew he must know its roots to serve it best to true connoisseurs. He and the team spent a month tasting and uncovering the secrets behind the perfect sekuwa.

“The flavors changed with each village we visited, whether it was pork, mutton, or chicken. We took meticulous notes. We absorbed every bit of local wisdom, from the spice mix to the techniques,” said Sudarshan.

“I traveled all over the country, tasting different kinds of sekuwa. Some days I ate sekuwa from morning till night. I came back with those tastes on my tongue,” Sudarshan recalls. This dedication to mastering the craft of sekuwa made our brand authentic.

Once we perfected the recipes, he knew we had something special. He invited his closest friends—his “Jigris”—to try the dishes. Their enthusiasm led to the menu that now forms the backbone of Jigri Sekuwa.

Friendship and Franchising

In his search for the perfect spot, Sudarshan reconnected with two friends: Ramu Sharma, his childhood friend, and Bijay Maharjan, a friend from Qatar. Ramu returned to Nepal from Dubai, hoping to start something in his own country. Bijay also came back from Qatar and was running a restaurant in Budhanilkantha. However, the business wasn’t doing well.

Bijay was about to close his restaurant and return abroad. Then, Sudarshan shared his idea for Jigri Sekuwa. “Both of them loved it,” Sudarshan recalls. They decided to rebrand their restaurant as the first Jigri Sekuwa.

Although Sudarshan planned to run Jigri Sekuwa. But, he couldn’t refuse his friends’ request to run it as a franchise. And so, the Jigri Sekuwa franchise was born.

The first outlet opened in Hattigauda on Baisakh 15, 2080 (April 28, 2023). It quickly became a crowd favorite. Jigri Sekuwa has expanded to eight outlets in just a year and a half. Seven are in Kathmandu, including Hattigauda (formerly Budhanilkantha), Jorpati, Jhamsikhel, Shantinagar, Kapan-Faika (Central), Baluwatar, and Narayanthan. One is in Pokhara, which launched on Ashoj 1, 2081 (September 17, 2024).

Jigri Sekuwa is a beacon of hope for struggling restaurant owners. And for young people eager to build their future in Nepal without leaving the country.

Jigri Franchise: Trust Us Like Your Jigris

Owning a Jigri Sekuwa franchise is a great option for those looking to start a business with less risk. As a franchisee, you pay a fee to use the Jigri Sekuwa name, its business model, and its sekuwa recipes. In return, you get full support from the brand. This includes training and advice on running your restaurant.

Jigri Sekuwa helps franchisees avoid startup mistakes. It offers a simple, proven system. You’ll enjoy group buying power. It means better deals on supplies and services. Plus, Jigri Sekuwa does the market research for you, so you know there is a demand for your restaurant.

Like you trust your closest friends, you can trust us to help you build and run a successful restaurant. With Jigri Sekuwa by your side, you’re not just running a business. You’re joining a family committed to your success.