In a recent interview, Milind Pote highlighted the profound disruption the COVID-19 pandemic has caused in the hotel and restaurant industry, noting that recovery for many establishments may take until 2023 or beyond. He emphasised that while the sector has faced a widespread crisis, smaller scale restaurants may rebound faster than large hotels — because they require less capital investment, depend less on skilled labour, and can more quickly adapt to new realities.

Pote pointed out that the region of Marathwada will likely face additional challenges, explaining that consumer habits there may take longer to shift — for example, adoption of QR-code menus and temperature screening at dining venues will be slower compared to more urbanised markets. He also warned that many large hotels may never reopen, given the high fixed costs and the difficulty in obtaining new investment or bank loans under the current climate.

Overall, his analysis offers a clear, grounded perspective: the pandemic has hit what was once considered a recession-proof sector; yet the scale, speed and nature of the damage mean that only businesses that adapt rapidly — especially smaller ones — may survive and thrive in the post-COVID world.

Milind Pote, a prominent young entrepreneur in Aurangabad, is advocating for a renewed focus on local business — urging residents and business owners alike to adopt a “local-first” mindset.

Having carved a path in the region’s business community through cafe ventures and other enterprises, Pote emphasises that supporting and empowering local businesses will accelerate growth, create opportunities for startups, and reshape Aurangabad’s economy.

He highlights the importance of local networking, collaborative ventures, and leveraging regional resources. Pote believes that by strengthening the local ecosystem — including smaller entrepreneurs, service providers and newer business models — the city can project a stronger presence in Maharashtra’s business landscape.

His vision includes more leisure-and-entertainment projects (such as water-parks and game zones) and diversified initiatives to broaden business opportunities in Aurangabad, while fostering community spirit and local‐driven growth.

Articles:

https://newsable.asianetnews.com/business/entrepreneur-milind-pote-thinks-local-first-for-aurangabad-business-community-vpn-qj6a54

Aurangabad-based entrepreneur Milind Pote was honoured with the “Suryagaurav National Award 2020” in recognition of his commendable service during the coronavirus crisis.

During the difficult months of the pandemic, Pote stepped up to support those most impacted—providing food, water, shelter, and educational assistance to vulnerable families and helping unemployed labourers find new opportunities.

His journey from operating a small café in Aurangabad to building a successful quick-service restaurant chain is also highlighted, underscoring his entrepreneurial growth alongside his social commitment.

The award ceremony recognised not just business achievement, but the spirit of giving back: Pote’s initiatives during the pandemic were seen as embodiments of social responsibility, particularly in a time of crisis when many were struggling for basic necessities.

Articles:

https://www.loksatta.com/maharashtra/milind-pote-coronavirus-surya-gaurav-national-award-mppg-94-2348718/

In a recent piece published on September 15, 2020, Milind Pote, a prominent entrepreneur from Aurangabad, voiced his concern over the challenges facing the indoor amusement and entertainment industry in the Marathwada region.

According to Pote, operators of indoor game zones, arcades, and entertainment centres are under extraordinary pressure due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact—decreased footfall, increased hygiene/safety costs, and uncertain government regulations are all contributing factors.

He noted that while outdoor and open air experiences can adapt more easily to distancing norms, indoor venues in Marathwada face a tougher road ahead. The region’s lesser density of high-end infrastructure and fewer economies of scale make recovery especially difficult. Pote emphasised that the business model for indoor amusement centres must now fundamentally rethink operations—reducing fixed overheads, adopting stricter sanitisation protocols, and innovating with digital or contact-less experiences.

Milind Pote’s commentary highlights a broader theme: the entertainment-leisure segment in smaller Indian cities is disproportionately vulnerable during crises. With consumer behaviour shifting, he suggests that only those venues which can rapidly adapt will survive. For Marathwada in particular, he calls on policymakers, landlords, and business owners to collaborate—relooking at rental terms, regulatory support and marketing efforts—to ensure that indoor amusement businesses aren’t left behind in the region’s economic revival.

During the peak of the COVID-19 crisis, entrepreneur Milind Pote from Aurangabad exemplified compassion in action by helping more than 5,000 families affected by the pandemic. According to a feature in The Statesman, he distributed essential supplies — including five-kilogram packets of wheat and sorghum along with arsenic albums — to those in need.

Before his humanitarian efforts, Milind Pote had already built a successful business journey: from launching a small café to establishing a chain of quick-service restaurants, demonstrating perseverance and innovation along the way. Beyond business success, he is portrayed as a socially responsible and youth-driven leader, credited with helping his city evolve by introducing fresh ideas and community-focused initiatives.

In his own words and actions, Pote emphasises that earning money means little unless it can also be channelled into supporting people during tough times. His relief work during the pandemic reflects this belief, reinforcing his status not only as a young business leader but also as a humanitarian who stands for service.

This story adds another layer to the profile of Milind Pote — beyond entrepreneurship, he is someone responding to societal need and helping build resilience in his community when it mattered most.

Articles:
https://www.thestatesman.com/inspiration-hub/entrepreneur-milind-pote-puts-foot-forward-help-families-pandemic-1502918854.html

https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-entrepreneur-milind-pote-puts-a-foot-forward-to-help-families-affected-by-covid-19-pandemic-2838362

Milind Pote highlights that the tourism sector in Marathwada — which includes adventure, medical, wellness, sports, rural and religious tourism — has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. He points out that Marathwada is an important travel region (noting that the city of Aurangabad serves as a regional hub and that two of Maharashtra’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites are based there).

Pote emphasises the chain-effect damage: hotels, restaurants, travel agents, tour operations, and transport services are all impacted because of cancelled international travel and domestic hesitance.

He warns that the sector’s recovery will be slow: people may prefer staying with relatives or avoiding travel altogether rather than staying in hotels, which shares the burden largely across smaller businesses.

A specific concern he raises: smaller or budget hotels must now adhere to rigorous hygiene and sanitisation standards, but oversight and auditing of these practices remain weak in Marathwada — making it a major challenge for tourism’s rebound.

He also mentions optimism in state-level policy: the Maharashtra government is working on a new tourism policy which could strengthen the region’s ability to bounce back.

Articles:

https://www.iwmbuzz.com/lifestyle/health-fitness/tourism-marathwada-post-covid-19-entrepreneur-milind-pote-shares-expert-views/2020/09/17

https://www.latestly.com/india/news/entrepreneur-milind-pote-shares-his-views-on-tourism-in-marathwada-after-covid-19-2034320.html