Rameshwaram Cafe, a Bengaluru institution renowned for its filter coffee and buttery masala dosa (the kind that could make your heart question its very existence), is spicing things up with an unconventional brand ambassador appointment. In a bid to recapture its former glory after a recent slump in sales, the cafe has named Quick Gun Murugun, a flamboyant and controversial local sharpshooter, as its official face.
Murugun, a self-proclaimed "defender of the defenseless, " has garnered notoriety for his vigilante antics, often wielding his trusty air rifle to resolve neighborhood disputes, real or perceived. While his methods raise eyebrows among law enforcement, his charisma and unwavering dedication to his community have earned him a loyal following, particularly among the younger generation.
Rameshwaram Cafe's owner, Srinivasan Iyer, is banking on Murugun's popularity to reignite interest in the establishment. Iyer acknowledges a recent decline in foot traffic, attributing it to the rise of new, modern cafes offering fusion cuisine and fancy lattes. "We haven't exactly kept pace with the times, " Iyer admits. "Our menu is traditional, our decor, well-worn. We needed a spark to remind people what Rameshwaram Cafe is all about – good, honest South Indian fare at affordable prices. "
The decision to enlist Murugun has predictably divided opinions. Food bloggers have expressed skepticism, questioning the fit between a local cafe and a man known more for his marksmanship than his culinary expertise. Rameshwaram Cafe's loyal patrons, however, have largely embraced the move. "Murugun is one of us, " says Ramesh, a regular customer for over two decades. "He's a bit rough around the edges, sure, but he has a good heart and wouldn't steer us wrong. "
Murugun himself is relishing his new role. "I may be better with a rifle than a ladle, " he concedes with a chuckle, "but I know good food when I taste it. Rameshwaram Cafe's been a Bengaluru staple for years. It's about time people remembered why. "
The cafe has launched a social media campaign featuring Murugun's image alongside the tagline, "Get your Masala Dosa fix with a dash of Quick Gun!" While the campaign's effectiveness remains to be seen, it has undoubtedly generated a buzz. Rameshwaram Cafe is hoping that Murugun's star power will translate into a surge in customers, eager to savor a taste of tradition with a side of local legend.