Role of the Brand in Hospitality Industry | CMD Chander K Baljee, Regenta & Royal Orchid Hotels

By Author

Published on November 8, 2023

Mr. Chander K.Baljee, who hailed from a hotelier family, began with the modest beginnings of a small restaurant in Shimla, a testament to his unwavering passion for the world of hospitality. From there, he ventured into the hotel industry by leasing 'The Stay Longer Hotel' in Bangalore, which he transformed into the thriving establishment known as Hotel Harsha. However, it was in 1985 that the pivotal moment of his career arrived with the inauguration of Hotel Royal Orchid, his first foray into the world of 5-star luxury, strategically located near the old Bangalore airport. Mr. Baljee's relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation fueled rapid growth. By 2004, four more hotels were added to his expanding portfolio, and the brand began to make its mark in cities like Hyderabad, Jaipur, and Pune.

“We are currently working on segmenting our hotels. With around 100 hotels in our portfolio, we're categorizing certain ones as strictly five-star, offering unique experiences distinct from our mid-market hotels,” he said when mentioning his vision for the brand. “There will be a broad spectrum of mid-market hotels, followed by a selection of budget hotels. By ‘budget,’ I mean smart budget hotels designed to provide guests with a refreshing experience, equipped with modern technology that appeals to the younger generation,” he added.

Regenta & Royal Orchid Hotels have boutique hotels under their belt such as the one in Brenda, One Garden—a century-old establishment with 24 rooms—and the Metropole in Mysore having 30 rooms. “While these hotels offer a five-star experience, they are boutique in nature, emphasizing personalized services. Over time, these four segments will become more defined within our group,” he commented about the mid-range segments the brand is currently focusing on. 

Today, Royal Orchid Hotels operates a network of 12 hotels in major cities, each offering high-quality, yet affordable accommodation. Mr. Baljee's vision remains unwavering as he sets his sights on new horizons, with plans to expand into vibrant markets like Mumbai and Ahmedabad. 

About Regenta & Royal Orchid Hotels:

Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels, one of India's fastest-growing hospitality brands, has established itself as a beacon of excellence in the industry. Under Mr. Chander Baljee’s visionary leadership, Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels continues its upward trajectory in the world of hospitality. 

Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels caters to a wide spectrum of travelers, both business and leisure, who hold comfort, culinary excellence, and the warm embrace of Indian hospitality in high regard. The brand boasts a comprehensive range of accommodations, including modern hotels, luxurious resorts, long-stay suites, and cozy inns. These properties are strategically located in diverse settings, from bustling metropolitan cities to idyllic holiday destinations, serene pilgrimage sites, and enchanting wildlife parks. This diversity ensures that guests return time and time again to experience the unique offerings of Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels. 


Ouzo by Fire" Debuts in Bengaluru, Celebrating Coastal Cuisine

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 24, 2024

Ouzo by Fire has officially launched in Bengaluru's vibrant neighborhood of Indiranagar, marking a significant addition to the city's culinary scene. This restaurant, a brainchild of Rosetta Hospitality, delves deep into the rich culinary traditions of India’s western coast. It features a menu that skillfully marries the Saraswat-style cooking, the Portuguese culinary influences in Goa, and the Catholic food heritage of Mangaluru.

image

At Ouzo by Fire, diners can immerse themselves in an expansive menu that highlights both well-known dishes and hidden gems from these coastal regions. Each dish is presented with a contemporary flair, appealing to the sophisticated tastes of today's food enthusiasts. The dining experience is complemented by a rooftop bar setting with alfresco seating, where guests can enjoy inventive cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages crafted by expert mixologists. These drinks are designed to enhance the flavors of the coastal cuisine served at the restaurant.

Jai Sreedhar, Joint Managing Director and CEO of Rosetta Hospitality, expressed enthusiasm about the new venture, stating, "The launch of Ouzo by Fire in Indiranagar is not just an expansion of our portfolio but a testament to our commitment to culinary excellence. This restaurant reflects our dedication to high-quality service, innovation, and preserving the rich culinary traditions of the western coast."

image

Milan Gupta, Corporate Chef and Executive Vice President of Rosetta Hospitality, also commented on the culinary philosophy behind Ouzo by Fire, "Our aim is to deliver an authentic dining experience that takes our guests on a flavorful journey to the western coast of India. From leisurely thali meals to signature dishes, each visit to Ouzo by Fire promises a new exploration of this region’s vibrant and diverse culinary landscape."

Ouzo by Fire not only celebrates the culinary arts but also offers a cultural voyage through the tastes and aromas of India's coastal belt. This restaurant is poised to become a beloved spot for both locals and tourists seeking a unique dining experience in Bengaluru.


Charlee: A New Vegetarian Culinary Haven in Mumbai’s Santacruz

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 8, 2024

In the vibrant locality of Santacruz, Mumbai, a new dining gem has emerged. Charlee, a contemporary speakeasy located above Mansionz by Living Liquidz, is the latest venture by renowned restaurateur Suren Joshi in partnership with Mokksh Sani, Managing Director of Living Liquidz. This vegetarian speakeasy promises to redefine vegetarian dining with its innovative and global culinary offerings.

Charlee's design features a captivating mix of raw and refined elements, where unfinished concrete and stone meet sleek brushed brass, creating an atmosphere that’s both chic and inviting. Gold accents elevate the grey and black backdrop, adding a luxurious touch to the setting.

"Our vision for Charlee was to create a secret retreat where culinary artistry meets playful curiosity," explains Suren Joshi. "We’re not just serving food; we're crafting an unforgettable dining experience that will ignite conversations and tantalize the senses."

image

The menu at Charlee is a revolutionary take on vegetarian cuisine, showcasing global flavors and innovative recipes that challenge the traditional perceptions of vegetarian food. Highlights include Truffle Fries with truffle mayo, Bangkok Cocktail Samosas with imli chutney, and a unique Avocado & Miso Ceviche that blends creamy avocado with a hint of miso for an unexpected delight.

The small plates at Charlee, such as Nori Nachos and Baked Brie with spiced honey and sumac, offer creative twists on classic favorites. Main courses like Gobi Ghee Roast and Truffle Eggplant Bharta showcase the depth and versatility of vegetarian cooking. For those looking for an alternative to meat, Charlee offers dishes like Tandoori Chicken and Naga Chili Chicken made with mock meat, providing a flavorful and satisfying experience.

image

To end the meal on a high note, Charlee’s dessert menu includes delights such as Mango & Yuzu and Hangover Chocolate, ensuring a sweet and refreshing finale to the culinary journey.

Charlee is more than a restaurant; it is a destination that invites diners to embark on a gastronomic adventure that promises to be as enriching as it is delightful. Whether you’re a staunch vegetarian or just curious about the possibilities within plant-based cuisine, Charlee offers a dining experience that is sure to impress and satisfy.




Lalit Kalani, Founder of Rock Paper Rum, Rocks Shark Tank India with Wisdom on Negotiation

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on March 30, 2024

In a recent episode of Shark Tank India, Lalit Kalani, the visionary behind Rock Paper Rum, made waves with his profound statement: “Negotiation is your birthright.” This declaration not only captivated the audience but also encapsulated the ethos of his entrepreneurial journey.

Rock Paper Rum, a venture blending innovation with tradition, has emerged as a frontrunner in the world of mixology, captivating consumers and industry insiders alike. Lalit Kalani, a third-generation liquor entrepreneur, has infused his family legacy into crafting an exceptional rum experience with Rock Paper Rum.

The appearance of Rock Paper Rum on Shark Tank India garnered significant attention, with Vineeta Singh stepping in as a strategic partner, making a notable investment of INR 50 lakhs. This partnership, along with substantial investments from Mumbai Angels, GSF, Anay Ventures, Ekcle Ventures, and Faad Network, marks a turning point for Good Barrel Distillery, the parent company of Rock Paper Rum.

image

During his pitch, Lalit Kalani not only showcased his innovative mixology techniques but also imparted invaluable business wisdom, emphasizing the importance of negotiation, follow-up, and maintaining a positive demeanor in business dealings.

Returning to India after nearly two decades abroad, Lalit Kalani identified a burgeoning market for premium, uniquely flavored rums. Inspired by this revelation and driven by a desire to redefine the Indian spirits landscape, he launched Rock Paper Rum in October 2022.

Crafted with the finest ingredients and distilled to perfection, Rock Paper Rum offers a diverse range of flavors, including Indian Spiced, Coastal White, Zesty Lemon, Roast Coffee, and Tropical Coconut. Each bottle embodies the essence of craftsmanship, delivering a bold, lively, and utterly distinctive taste.

Rock Paper Rum has already made its mark in Mumbai, Goa, Pune, and Nagpur, with plans for expansion into Haryana and Karnataka. Following its appearance on Shark Tank India, the brand has garnered attention from international markets and other states as well.

image

Join Lalit Kalani and the Rock Paper Rum team on their extraordinary journey—a celebration of tradition, innovation, and unforgettable experiences.

About Rock Paper Rum:

Rock Paper Rum is a premium rum brand founded by Lalit Kalani, a third-generation entrepreneur. With a commitment to innovation and quality, Rock Paper Rum offers a unique range of handcrafted rums, redefining the standards of rum craftsmanship in India. Each bottle captures the bold, lively spirit of India, delivering an unparalleled drinking experience.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.