The Covid-19 pandemic has drastically altered the global landscape, and the hospitality and food industry is no exception. The industry has had to adapt to new regulations, safety measures, and customer expectations in order to remain relevant and profitable. Despite the numerous challenges that arose, the industry has become a playground for individuals from diverse backgrounds who are eager to innovate and create new experiences for customers.
Contrary to popular belief, the pandemic has not deterred investors from the hospitality business. Instead, it has opened up new opportunities for a fresh generation of entrepreneurs to make their mark in the industry. These entrepreneurs are breaking traditional norms and pushing boundaries to create unique and memorable experiences for customers. They are leveraging technology, sustainable practices, and innovative marketing strategies to set trends and stand out in a competitive marketplace.
Abhimanyu Jakhar is one such entrepreneur who has found success in the hospitality industry. Despite being a mechanical engineer with expertise in ship building, Jakhar’s early exposure to the hospitality industry through his family’s construction of a 4-star hotel in Rohtak, India, ignited his passion for the field. When he found himself stranded in Mumbai during the pandemic, Jakhar seized the opportunity to take over a well-known restaurant in the city’s South Mumbai district.
Jakhar said “When others retreated, we thought of advancing,” he shared the strategy which worked well with Diablo. “We completed two years of successful operations last month. We curated it with a lot of love and passion,” and added “We are planning to launch 6 more brands in the next 36 months. We have already mapped out 4 cities for expansion,” Jakhar said.
The cities which the company is eyeing are, besides Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Indore.Out of the six new brands, the company has already finalised three brands to be launched in the next one year. “We are in the process of finalising remaining concepts and brands as well,”
And concluded with “focusing heavily” on hospitality investments in the new financial year 2023-24. “We are planning an investment ranging between INR 22 to 25 crore in the hospitality sector this year.”
In 2020, Jakhar launched his own Mediterranean resto-bar, Diablo, in the Worli area of South Mumbai. Although the initial lockdown posed significant challenges, Jakhar’s perseverance and commitment to quality helped him establish Diablo as a preferred dining spot for locals and tourists alike. The restaurant’s unique menu, stylish decor, and lively ambiance have attracted a loyal customer base, making it one of the most popular restaurants in the area.
Jakhar’s success story is just one example of how the hospitality industry is evolving and providing new opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer experience, the industry is poised for continued growth and success post-pandemic.
