Bhat-Bhateni Koteshwor to Reopen Feb 10: A Major Step in Nepal’s Retail Recovery
4th February 2026, Kathmandu
The Bhat-Bhateni Super Store in Koteshwor is officially set to reopen its doors on February 10, marking a resilient comeback for the Nepalese retail giant following months of closure.
Bhat-Bhateni Koteshwor Reopen Feb 10
This flagship outlet was one of the many stores severely impacted by arson and vandalism during the Gen Z protests in September 2025.
On Monday, Chairman Min Bahadur Gurung performed traditional worship rituals (Rudri Puja) at the Koteshwor premises, signaling that the store is ready to welcome customers again. This reopening is seen as a vital milestone in restoring normalcy to Nepal’s largest supermarket chain.
The Road to Recovery: Phased Reopening
Bhat-Bhateni is executing a strategic, phased plan to bring its damaged network back online. Following Koteshwor, the Maharajgunj outlet is expected to reopen within the next two weeks.
Warehouse Restoration: The central warehouse in Baluwatar, which serves as the backbone of the company’s supply chain, was rebuilt and resumed operations in December 2025.
National Outlook: With 21 of its 28 outlets originally damaged, the company is working “at high speed” to reconstruct the remaining razed sites in cities like Pokhara, Dharan, and Biratnagar.
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Impact of the September Unrest
The Gen Z protests, which erupted over government corruption and social media bans, resulted in unprecedented collateral damage to the private sector. Bhat-Bhateni bore a significant portion of these losses:
| Category of Loss | Estimated Amount (NPR) |
| Total Financial Loss | Rs 10.85 Arba |
| Infrastructure Damage | Rs 4.40 Arba |
| Goods Destroyed by Fire | Rs 5.96 Arba |
| Looting & Vandalism | Rs 49.57 Crore |
Commitment to the Nepalese Workforce
Despite suffering nearly US$ 90 million in damages, Chairman Gurung has maintained a “people-first” approach. The company confirmed that:
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None of the 10,000+ employees were laid off during the reconstruction phase.
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Full Dashain and Tihar bonuses were paid to staff to support them through the crisis.
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The retail chain continues to be one of the highest tax-paying entities in the country.
“Watching the buildings burn was painful, but we will rise again. This is about building the nation and creating jobs for our youth.” Min Bahadur Gurung, Chairman.
Why This Reopening Matters
For the Nepalese economy, the return of Bhat-Bhateni signifies the revival of consumer confidence and the stabilization of supply chains for thousands of local vendors. As the March 2026 elections approach, the recovery of such large-scale enterprises is viewed as a barometer for the country’s economic resilience.
For more: Bhat-Bhateni Koteshwor Reopen Feb 10
