Kathmandu: Nepal’s iconic Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket chain, the country’s biggest and most loved retail brand, is steadily getting back on its feet just three months after devastating riots destroyed or damaged nearly half its stores.
On 9 September 2025, violent mobs torched, looted and ransacked Bhat-Bhateni outlets across the country during the so-called “Gen Z movement” protests. Twelve stores and the main warehouse were completely gutted, with total losses estimated at Rs 12 billion (around US$ 90 million).
Founder and owner Min Bahadur Gurung announced that the chain’s central warehouse in Baluwatar (located on the former Lalita Niwas premises) will reopen on 4 December 2025 with traditional Rudri puja ceremonies.
“We will also bring the Koteshwor and Maharajgunj flagship stores back into operation by February–March next year,” Gurung told reporters.
Some outlets (in Birtamod, Damak, Biratnagar, Dharan, Hetauda, Pokhara, Bharatpur, Baluwatar warehouse, Tangal – the very first store – Maharajgunj, Koteshwor and Baudha-Chuchchepati) were burned to the ground and will literally have to be rebuilt from zero. Nine other branches suffered partial damage.
Despite the massive blow, Gurung has refused to lay off a single employee. The chain still provides direct jobs to more than 5,000 people, paid full Dashain bonuses on time, and has been repeatedly honoured by the government as one of Nepal’s highest tax-paying companies.
“This is not just about making money,” Gurung said. “I started this business to create jobs, help people prosper, and build the nation. We will have all stores running again – some in a few months, everything within ten months.”
The journey began in 1984 when a young Gurung opened a tiny 10×12-foot grocery shop with just Rs 35,000 next to the Bhat-Bhateni temple. Within a decade he launched Nepal’s first modern supermarket, revolutionizing retail in the country. Today the chain operates 28 branches nationwide with annual turnover exceeding Rs 25 billion.
Right after the arson attacks, Bhat-Bhateni released an emotional public message:
“Dark moments have passed, but hope is still alive. Our stores may be destroyed today, but with your love we feel stronger than ever. Thousands of helping hands are cleaning the rubble, wiping our tears, and giving us strength to stand again. Bhat-Bhateni will rise once more – and together we will make the future even brighter.”
Sixteen damaged branches have already resumed operations. Gurung, widely respected for donating billions of rupees to social causes over the years, says the comeback is a promise not just to customers, but to every Nepali who believes the country can rebuild stronger after tragedy.
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