A car date
Maple pods are the new craze in D elhiNCR as youths find the cu stomised cars a happening goto zone for food, music, games and also quietude
Businessman Ayush Singh has witnessed the rapid urbanisation of his city, Delhi, and was also worried about the automobile junk generated and dumped. Two years ago, he came up with the idea of creating unique car models out of car scraps as dineouts.
The concept of Maple Pods was thus born and became an instant hit. The airconditioned dining space created inside customised ‘car’ comfortably fits six people who while munching on food can enjoy board games or watch content on the screens installed inside.
The Maple Pods provide privacy in public space, says Ayush. At present, two pods are stationed in Noida and Gurugram. Another one in Saket, Delhi, is temporarily not operational. The Maple Pod slots can be booked on the website maplepods.com or the application can be downloaded from the Playstore on phone.
Guests can book packages ranging from two hours to six hours and depending on the number of people and occasion and the kind of food ordered, the cost varies from ₹1699 to ₹7500. To create an experience, the packages are tailored to the customer’s requirements. Mostly young couples book the slots for birthday and anniversary packages or solo date packages. The games and streaming content packages are also designed as per the customer’s demand.
The company has a tieup with the cafe or restaurant where the pod is parked, and the food is ordered from there. People can even book the slot for the pod under just chill package and get their food ordered through various delivery apps.
Ayush says the concept of Maple Pods is common in several European countries and in the West where they are parked near airports, hospitals, libraries and universities for the convenience of visitors. Ayush who has come on Shark Tank, is contemplating on partnering with Airbnb in Delhi, Gurugram and Noida.
He says when he was studying in UK, a maple tree outside his room window inspired him with its changing colours through different seasons. When he conceived the pod cafes, the maple tree’s transformation drove him towards his venture. “The pods were created from car scraps in different colours,” he says.
Social media enthusiast and a corporate manager, Tarini Shah, says, “The idea is so cool; my friends and I love car dates. We can adjust the music, lighting and the food to our liking.” College student Mihit Arora, walks in to check the Maple Pod in Noida but finds it expensive. “I would rather watch a movie and eat popcorn at a much lesser price!” he says.
“The Pod’s services are still new and unique in India. Consumers may find the prices a little steep. Our idea is to blend technology and art with hospitality and entertainment and create an ambience to provide a new experience,” says Ayush.
At House of Migo, Sector 143 Noida Throttle Shottle, Gwal Pahari, Faridabad-Gurgaon Road