Founder of Swiggy SteppinOut Joins VRO Hospitality: A New Chapter Begins

Founder of Swiggy SteppinOut Joins VRO Hospitality: A New Chapter Begins

By Author

Published on October 12, 2023

Safdhar Adoor, the founder and director of Swiggy SteppinOut, has embarked on a new journey as he joins VRO Hospitality, a rapidly growing F&B fine dining chain in India, as its Co-Founder and Director.

Safdhar is no stranger to the entrepreneurial world, boasting over a decade of experience in the food and beverage industry. In 2014, he co-founded SteppinOut, one of India's largest event management companies that offers unique experiences to people. His entrepreneurial journey with SteppinOut included two successful acquisitions, first in 2020 by Dineout (a division of Times Internet) and then again in 2022 by Swiggy.

For Safdhar, aged 30, this new role at VRO Hospitality feels like a homecoming of sorts. He originally co-founded the group in 2018 alongside his friends Dawn Thomas and Sharath Rice before venturing into SteppinOut in 2020.

Safdhar's arrival comes at a pivotal moment for VRO Hospitality, as the group aggressively pursues expansion and growth in emerging markets. Headquartered in Bengaluru, VRO has already made significant strides in cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Goa, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Ooty over the past 12-18 months, with aspirations to establish itself as a pan-India brand. Safdhar's role will involve enhancing the entertainment aspect across VRO Hospitality's brands and curating special events to offer exceptional experiences to patrons.

Dawn Thomas, CEO & Co-Founder of VRO Hospitality, expressed her delight at Safdhar's return, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Safdhar into the VRO Hospitality family at this critical juncture. Our ambitious expansion plans across key markets in India are geared towards growth and profitability. Safdhar's strategic insights, as an integral part of VRO Hospitality's leadership, will guide us in the right direction."

Sharath Rice, Director and Co-Founder of VRO Hospitality, added, "We couldn't be more excited to have Safdhar back at VRO. His role as a key strategic thinker will strengthen our growth roadmap as we venture into new markets as part of our aggressive expansion plan."

In his new capacity, Safdhar will lead VRO's growth strategy, oversee group operations and marketing, and play a pivotal role in developing new brands and concepts for VRO.

Safdhar himself expressed his excitement about the new chapter, saying, "I am extremely excited to be back in VRO Hospitality at a time when the group is looking at an exciting phase ahead. Leading the group’s journey on road to growth and profitability will be an exciting task for me as we explore new markets and newer revenue models."

VRO Hospitality currently owns upscale lounges and restaurants across several Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Ooty. Some of their well-known brands include Badmaash Lounge, Mirage, Plan B, Taki Taki, and Cafe Noir. VRO is on a national and international expansion drive, with brands like Badmaash, Cafe Noir, and Taki Taki at the forefront of its entry into uncharted territories.

With a portfolio of nine brands spanning over 40 outlets, VRO has crafted each brand meticulously, ensuring a seamless storyline woven into every aspect, from food and beverages to ambiance and events, to provide patrons with a diverse range of premium experiences.

In summary, Safdhar Adoor's journey from Swiggy SteppinOut to VRO Hospitality marks an exciting new chapter for both him and the rapidly expanding F&B fine dining chain. Together, they aim to redefine the culinary landscape in India and beyond.


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