Episode 64: Cyrus Todiwala on Resilience, Reinvention & the Future of Hospitality

When crisis strikes, some crumble and others reinvent. In Episode 64 of The Ceres Podcast, host Stelios Theocharous welcomes back chef and restaurateur Cyrus Todiwala for an unfiltered conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the hard lessons learned during lockdown.

With decades in the hospitality industry, Cyrus is no stranger to adversity. But when COVID-19 forced Cafe Spice Namaste to close its doors, he found himself at a crossroads. How do you sustain a fine-dining restaurant when your primary offering—exceptional service and experience—is suddenly off the table?

What followed was a period of adaptation, frustration, and unexpected innovation.

The Fight to Stay Afloat

In this gripping discussion, Cyrus details the challenge of pivoting to takeaway and delivery—an entirely different game for a restaurant built on quality dining. Competing with cheaper alternatives, dealing with sky-high commission fees from delivery platforms, and adapting to a new way of working posed significant hurdles. "The quality of food demands a higher price value, and that's where we struggle," Cyrus admits, acknowledging that maintaining their reputation while making takeaway viable was an uphill battle.

But the real struggle wasn't just business—it was the unknown. As government restrictions changed, landlords applied pressure, and staff faced uncertainty; survival required grit, strategy, and sheer determination.

Hospitality's Biggest Hurdles

Cyrus and Stelios dive deep into the broader industry impact. With five million people employed in hospitality, government decisions on VAT, furlough, and social distancing rules had massive consequences.

Could restaurants even afford to reopen with a two-meter distancing rule in place? Cyrus calculated the numbers and realised it wouldn't be viable for many. While VAT reductions could help takeaways, restaurants would continue to suffer unless more flexible policies were introduced.

His concerns extended to landlords. "Many landlords had their arrogance," he points out. However, as the reality of long-term vacancies set in, some began renegotiating, even considering revenue-based rent models.

Lessons from Lockdown: A New Future for Hospitality?

Despite the struggles, the lockdown also brought unexpected opportunities. Cyrus used the downtime to refine recipes for his new book and even embraced social media, something he had previously ignored. What started as a few Instagram videos quickly became a new engagement avenue. "We didn't know what videos were, didn't know we could post things on Instagram. But now there's a demand," he laughs. What began as a reluctant experiment became an essential part of his brand.

Beyond business, he threw himself into charity work, raising significant funds for Hospitality Action, Action Against Hunger, and Only A Pavement Away, helping those hardest hit in the industry.

What's Next?

Cyrus doesn't see takeaways going away anytime soon. For many restaurants, it's become a necessary revenue stream—some even making more from delivery than dine-in. The industry is evolving, and those who adapt will survive. He also makes a strong case for a dedicated Minister for Hospitality, arguing that the industry's contribution to the economy demands proper representation in government.