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.


Hyatt Regency Chennai Appoints Ashok Ram Kumar as Assistant Director of Food & Beverage

Hyatt Regency Chennai Appoints Ashok Ram Kumar as Assistant Director of Food & Beverage

By Shreenidhi Jagannathan

Published on July 20, 2024

Hyatt Regency Chennai proudly announces the appointment of Ashok Ram Kumar as the new Assistant Director of Food & Beverage. With over 16 years of extensive experience in the hotel industry, Ashok is set to bring his vast expertise and innovative approach to elevate the hotel's food and beverage operations.

Educational Background and Career Journey

Ashok Ram Kumar holds a degree in Hotel and Catering Management from Jaya College of Arts and Science. His educational foundation has played a crucial role in shaping his career, enabling him to excel in various facets of the hospitality industry. Known for his exceptional skills in customer service management, complaint handling, retail operations, and guest satisfaction enhancement, Ashok has consistently demonstrated his capability to lead teams, boost sales and margins, and implement effective cost-reduction strategies.

Professional Experience

Before joining Hyatt Regency Chennai, Ashok had a distinguished tenure at Hilton Chennai. There, he served in various capacities, including Banquet Manager and Restaurant Manager. His notable accomplishments at Hilton Chennai include maintaining high hygiene standards, achieving budget goals during the challenging pandemic period, and earning multiple awards for his outstanding performance.

Journey at Hyatt Regency Chennai

Ashok's journey with Hyatt Regency Chennai began in August 2022 as an Outlet Manager. His dedication and exceptional performance in this role quickly earned him recognition and led to his promotion to Assistant Director of Food & Beverage in July 2023. In this new role, Ashok will oversee all food and beverage operations, develop strategies to enhance guest satisfaction, and ensure the smooth running of the department. He will collaborate closely with the F&B management team to coordinate schedules, set goals, and drive operational success.

Vision and Future Plans

With his new appointment, Ashok Ram Kumar aims to further enhance the guest experience at Hyatt Regency Chennai. His focus will be on implementing innovative strategies to improve service quality and operational efficiency. Ashok is committed to maintaining the highest standards of excellence in the hotel's food and beverage offerings and looks forward to contributing to the continued success of Hyatt Regency Chennai.

Hyatt Regency Chennai is a luxurious five-star hotel located in the heart of Chennai. The hotel offers world-class amenities and services, making it a preferred choice for both business and leisure travelers. For more information, visit Hyatt Regency Chennai's website.

Contact Information Hyatt Regency Chennai 365, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018, India Phone: +91 44 6100 1234 Email: chennai.regency@hyatt.com 


Pacific Mall Dehradun Launches Plant Your Bill 3.0 Campaign to Revive City's Green Cover

Pacific Mall Dehradun Launches Plant Your Bill 3.0 Campaign to Revive City's Green Cover

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 12, 2024

Pacific Mall Dehradun is proud to announce the launch of its third annual environmental initiative, Plant Your Bill 3.0, aimed at enriching a greener Dehradun. Scheduled from June 29 to August 11, 2024, this campaign builds on the success of previous years' efforts, during which over 8,000 trees were planted in the region.

Pacific Mall Dehradun is committed to making a significant impact on the city's ecological landscape. For every invoice of Rs 3000 or more generated at the mall during the campaign period, customers will have the opportunity to contribute to this noble cause. They will receive Lychee tree saplings, symbolic of Dehradun's iconic greenery, which they can plant at their homes or in their communities. This year, they intend to plant over 10,000 plants with this initiative.

Abhishek Bansal, Executive Director, Pacific Group, says, "Through initiatives like Plant Your Bill 3.0, we strive to make a positive impact on the local environment and promote eco-conscious consumer behavior. Pacific Mall Dehradun invites everyone to join hands in this endeavor to restore the city's natural heritage. Together, we can sow the seeds of a sustainable future for generations to come."

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The campaign is marked by a series of engaging activities for children, including clay modeling, hanging garden workshops, and pottery making. Additionally, local schools present skits highlighting environmental conservation, and esteemed environmentalists share insights on preserving Dehradun's Lychee orchards. Through Plant Your Bill 3.0, they aim to revive and rejuvenate these green spaces with the active participation of patrons.

About Pacific Group:

Driven by the zeal to make a mark in the commercial sector of the country, Pacific India, a privately owned and operated group of companies, has been conducting endeavors and operations with a remarkable degree of dynamism for the past three decades. The group is steadily emerging as a notable realty and infrastructure developer, providing distinctive and specialized services in the Real Estate, Hospitality, and Education sectors.


Radisson Blu Palace Resort and Spa, Udaipur Elevates Poonam Nair to VP of Commercials

Radisson Blu Palace Resort and Spa, Udaipur Elevates Poonam Nair to VP of Commercials

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 3, 2024

Radisson Blu Palace Resort and Spa in Udaipur has announced the promotion of Poonam Nair to Vice President of Commercials. In this role, she will manage crucial functions like Projects, Purchasing, Accounts, and Sales and Marketing. Additionally, Nair will focus on business development, working closely with high-revenue areas such as Food and Beverage, Banquets, Spa, and Transportation.

Poonam Nair’s journey with Radisson Blu Palace Resort and Spa spans over a decade. She started as the Sales Head for Gujarat and later became the Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Under her leadership, the resort experienced significant growth, establishing itself as a premier destination for weddings and major events. Notable events she has managed include Neil Nitin Mukesh’s wedding, Isha Ambani’s pre-wedding functions, the GST and G20 Summits, several car launches, and numerous award functions and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events. These accomplishments earned the resort accolades, including the Best Destination Wedding and Best MICE Hotel in the region.

With over 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Nair brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role. Her career began as a Management Trainee at Leela Mumbai, followed by becoming the youngest Bar Manager at Westin Mumbai Garden City. She later served as the Assistant Food and Beverage Manager at Orchid Mumbai, where she led a team of 130 professionals in a busy airport hotel environment.

In her new position, Nair aims to lead the resort's high-performing team to drive innovation and cultivate customer loyalty. She is committed to achieving sustainable growth by delivering exceptional value and impactful results in luxury hospitality. "I am indebted to the management for trusting me and recognizing my hard work," Nair said. "I am excited as I embark on my journey in this new role. I look forward to leading a team that not only drives innovation but also consistently delivers exceptional value and results."

Nair’s leadership is characterized by her commitment to customer-centricity, innovation, luxury, and comfort. She has successfully fostered a collaborative culture within her team, emphasizing ethics and integrity. She has played a key role in the resort's strategic initiatives, including renovations, expanding event spaces, introducing an in-house gaming zone, and enhancing service offerings. These efforts have enhanced the resort's appeal and guest experiences, contributing to Udaipur’s growing popularity as a top-tier destination for grand events.

With a deep understanding of market dynamics, consumer behavior, and pricing strategies, Nair anticipates a positive surge in occupancy and revenue for Udaipur’s hospitality sector. She remains optimistic about the city’s enduring appeal as a premier destination for opulent celebrations and cultural events.

About Radisson Blu Palace Resort and Spa, Udaipur

Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Spa, Udaipur is one of the most elegant properties of Radisson Hotels, an international hotel chain known for its luxury and hospitality. Located on eight acres of scenic landscape with 245 rooms, the resort offers top-notch amenities and breathtaking views of Fateh Sagar Lake and the Aravalli range. It is strategically situated near cultural attractions, making it an ideal destination for weddings and events.

For more information, visit www.radissonhotels.com.

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