KAPS Cafe
Indian comedian and television superstar, Kapil Sharma has made a sudden announcement of closing down his popular KAP Cafes in Canada on basis of increasing security concerns and challenges in operations. Sharma started the cafe last year as an extension of his overseas expansion venture into the hospitality sector, which featured as a hot spot among Indian tourists and other local fans.
Those who are close to the comedian said that the decision was not a rush decision but rather arrived after months of thinking. Apparently, the management was pressurised by a sequence of security events around the cafe outlet in Toronto to re-evaluate the security of its employees and customers. Kapil, who was cautious and family oriented is very much concerned with the amount of safety risks involved in carrying on with operations in the present environment.
It had turned into a favorite hangout place among the Indians in foreign countries with a blend of Punjab and continental cuisine with a comic touch. It was typical of Kapil who has a warm, funny and relatable personality. The café was thought of by fans as a home away from home, and lots of them were attracted to the place by their decoration based on iconic posters of The Kapil Sharma Show and his early stand-up years.
Nevertheless, since it was also popular, it is said that the growing extortion threats and local gang-related activities led to the closure in the region. The team headed by Kapil had prior discussions with the local law enforcement agencies to end the situation but the threats are said to have continued. The management has given an assurance that it will make sure that all employees are relocated or compensated at a fair rate, so that, no job losses will be made instantly.
Kapil was also sad about the decision and said in a statement posted on social media, that KAP Café was a dream project that was close to him. It was supposed to reach out to fans and spread the Indian culture overseas. Nevertheless, the security of my employees and clients will be prioritized. Hopefully, I will reopen in the future when the conditions are better.
The fans have been devastated by the news and most of them have posted their stories and pictures in the cafe on the internet. One of the fans said, it was not just a cafe it was a part of India in Canada. Some other added, We know he made the correct choice, that safety first and all, but we will have missed this place.
In the meantime, analysts of the entertainment sector predict that Kapil will shift his attention to future OTT productions and international live concerts. His last tour in the U.S was colossal and negotiations are being made to get an European comedy circuit in 2026.
At present, the Café operated by KAP will come to an end at the end of this month. Although his fans will certainly not be used to the humor-based setting of his Canadian cafe, the choice made by Kapil Sharma confirms his adherence to his responsibility and safety as the top priority.
