The One8 Commune restaurant in Bengaluru, once partly owned by cricketer Virat Kohli, has been shut down following a city court order. The closure stems from the establishment's failure to pay rent, with reported dues exceeding ₹2 crore, in addition to pending maintenance charges and revenue share.
Kohli had already severed his ties with the Bengaluru outlet and withdrawn his brand name prior to its closure. Sources indicate his decision to distance himself was prompted by repeated compliance issues and notices regarding alleged fire safety violations over recent years. The restaurant, operated by Trio Hills Hospitality, reportedly defaulted on rent for nearly six months, leading the building owner to seek court intervention.
Regulatory Non-Compliance and Declining Footfall
Beyond the financial defaults, the One8 Commune Bengaluru outlet had faced multiple notices from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for various regulatory infractions. These included operating without mandatory clearances, such as a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Fire Department.
In June of the previous year, a case was also filed against the establishment under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) for failing to provide a designated smoking zone on its premises. Additionally, the civic body had registered a case against One8 Commune, among other establishments on MG Road, for operating beyond permitted hours.
Impact of Kohli's Exit
Following Virat Kohli's withdrawal of his brand association and the subsequent decline in customer footfall, the business reportedly incurred significant losses. The restaurant, which was inaugurated in December 2023, will remain closed until all outstanding payments are settled, as mandated by the court.
One8 Commune is a premium restaurant and bar chain founded by Virat Kohli, with branches in several Indian cities including Delhi, Gurugram, Pune, Kolkata, Noida, and Hyderabad, in addition to the now-closed Bengaluru location.