Bhubaneswar, Feb. 6: Who cares for cough, cold, flu or the fluctuations in weather conditions if a new ice cream parlour opens in the city?

Not at least those residing here as the new Omfed outlet at Siripur Square near the Orissa University of Agriculture Technology (OUAT) has sold ice cream worth Rs 1.5 lakh on inaugural day.

Trendy bar stools, graphics on the wall and a funky look welcome you at the new ice cream parlour that opened last Wednesday.

Agriculture minister Pradeep Maharathy inaugurated the ice cream parlour in the presence of OUAT vice-chancellor Manoranjan Kar. The parlour will also sell all brands of Omfed milk beverage products and will remain open from9am to 9pm.

The impressive response has inspired Omfed authorities to open more ice cream parlours in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The Siripur parlour was built for Rs 20 lakh.

"Omfed is a household name. But this time, we wanted to brand its ice cream with a touch of quality and well-designed outlets and the response is overwhelming. We also have plans to open such parlours in Puri ahead of Nabakalebar," said fisheries and animal resources department secretary Bishnupada Sethi.

Meira Swain, a homemaker who went to the ice cream parlour today, said: "This place will definitely be a happening place for students of OUAT, nearby colleges and other educational institutions."

However paediatrician Arabinda Mohanty had a word of caution.

"Flu is a viral disease that results from the fluctuations in temperature. So, if someone, is having ice cream while suffering from a soar throat or flu, the sudden change in oral temperature might cause complications."