Managing a New Cafe in Monsoon Season

Monsoon season can be brutal on businesses in Nepal. It is especially brutal for the tourism industry. This season has been one of the rainiest on record, bringing 30+ inches of rain some weeks. As a result, we had to shorten our hours to protect our staff since much of the heaviest rains come in the evening when they have to drive home.

Despite the rain, we have been steady. It seems that our rainiest days are our busiest. Perhaps there is something is comforting about sitting in a cafe for hours listening to the pouring rain, sipping a warm beverage while watching the rainfall powerfully outside the doors. 

It has certainly seemed that way for our customers. I know it is for me too. There is something incredibly soothing about sitting, thinking, studying, or writing with the sound of pouring rain and a cool breeze. It has become my thinking and work spot during this season.

But the rain brings a lot of other challenges. Despite the tourist season not starting until October, there are still many foreigners who typically come to the city for a variety of reasons. We have had many visitors from around the world but far less than in previous years during this season. Our guest houses have been quiet for several months and we are seeing the slow pace at the cafe too. All hotels and restaurants are saying the same thing too. People cannot get to the city this year because the airports are closed and the roads are treacherous. It also means that supplies take longer to arrive and the costs increase. So, we have taken this slow season to make adjustments before the season starts. We have tested new recipes and have enjoyed serving our faithful customers.

We have also become the weekly meeting place for business groups, local real estate brokers, friends gatherings, politicians, fellowships, and study groups.

Exactly what we have longed to see!