Keep your cool with chilled golas

VADODARA, May 27: No sweltering day in the city goes by without hordes of people seeking solace in an ice-cream or a cold drink. While those...

VADODARA, May 27: No sweltering day in the city goes by without hordes of people seeking solace in an ice-cream or a cold drink. While those with loaded purses make a beeline at popular ice-cream parlours, the

not-so-affluent find comfort in the humble kulfi or ice-gola sold at the omnipresent larri-stalls. The exception, however, are the Naya Daur ice-gola larris in Mangal Bazaar and Karelibaug. For here, the wares not only match every customer8217;s taste but also his wallet.

Started over 21 years ago in Mangal Bazaar, Naya Daur boasts of 80 items on its menu comprising a wide range of refreshing golas, sherbets and doodh cold drinks. Owner Mukeshbhai recollects, 8220;Working in a boiler machine unit at a biscuit factory, I felt inspired to open this business8221;. The muse proved to be a blessing as the 28-year-old entrepreneur today makes as much as Rs 1 lakh a month!

Stacked on the racks are rows of colourful bottles. For the conventional slurpers, the usual rose, lemon, kalakhatta and orange flavours are available. And for those looking for a little summer adventure, at a cost of course, can go for the chocolate, butterscotch and American ice-cream8217; golas. The prices range from Rs 3 to Rs 25 depending upon the accompaniments like dryfruits and malai. Icy sherbets are priced from Rs 5 to 10 while the popular doodh can cost upto Rs 25 per glass.

Hygiene is a priority for Mukeshbhai who claims that he has never been troubled by any civic authority. In fact, many councillors, assembly members and former ministers figure on his list of clientele, he says. With the demand for his wares growing with successive years, expansion plans are definitely on the cards. 8220;Next year, I will set up a larri in Alkapuri, the capital investment for which will be about Rs 35,000,8221; Mukeshbhai says.

While the initiative came from Mukeshbhai, the support of his 11 family members and relatives has contributed a great deal to the success of Naya Daur. The entire clan is up at 5 am to prepare the day8217;s quota of sugar syrup. Once the concoctions are ready and the ice has been purchased from the Panigate Ice Factory, business at the Mangal Bazaar larri starts at 10 am and ends by midnight. At the Karelibaug branch work is a 12 to 12 affair.

Each larri is manned by five kins, who cater to over 150 customers each on a daily basis. Intermittently, Mukeshbhai also caters to wedding receptions and other parties. 8220;It is quite a task but as it is a seasonal business, we work hard for four months and enjoy the benefits for the rest of the year,8221; says the proud owner.