Culinary Maestro Jayanandan Bhaskar Appointed Executive Chef at Chandi Group USA, Leading New Global Ventures

Culinary Maestro Jayanandan Bhaskar Appointed Executive Chef at Chandi Group USA, Leading New Global Ventures

By Nishang Narayan

Published on September 26, 2024

Jayanandan Bhaskar, an accomplished chef with over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, has been appointed as Executive Chef at Chandi Group USA, marking a significant milestone in his distinguished career. Known for his innovative culinary creations and leadership in kitchen operations, Bhaskar has previously worked with prestigious brands such as The Leela, The Hyatt, and DS Group, contributing to the shaping of fine dining experiences across India.

Bhaskar first gained national recognition as First Runner-Up on the inaugural season of MasterChef India, captivating audiences with his fresh take on traditional Indian cuisine. His success on the show led to several television appearances, including his hosting of the popular cookery show Tadka Marke for Star Plus UAE in 2012. Additionally, Bhaskar, along with his fellow contestants, earned a place in the Limca Book of World Records for creating the world’s largest chocolate éclair cake.

As part of his new role with Chandi Group USA, Bhaskar will launch Marigold Indian Cuisine in Bloomington, California. The 24-hour casual dining restaurant aims to offer authentic Indian flavors with a focus on high-quality ingredients and modern presentation to a global audience. Bhaskar has also expanded the Marigold brand into the luxury catering space with Marigold Catering Service, offering a variety of global cuisines for weddings, corporate events, and upscale gatherings.

Bhaskar's vast experience in menu design, kitchen management, and culinary training has positioned him as a sought-after consultant in the culinary world. His hands-on leadership style ensures that he meticulously oversees menu concepts, staff training, and implements rigorous food safety and sanitation practices.

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Speaking about his latest venture, Bhaskar expressed his excitement: "Partnering with Chandi Group USA to bring authentic Indian cuisine to California has been an incredible journey. At Marigold, we're blending the rich, traditional flavors of India with modern dining trends to offer a truly unique experience. The goal is to elevate casual dining while maintaining the authenticity of Indian cuisine. I'm looking forward to growing this venture and continuing to share my passion for food with a broader audience."

While Bhaskar takes on this global venture, he continues to contribute to the culinary scene in India. He is currently serving as a Chef Consultant for the DS Group's Catch Spice Division. His unwavering dedication to creating exceptional dining experiences, both in India and internationally, highlights his commitment to excellence in every project he undertakes.


Conrad Pune Appoints Subhadeep Saha as Rooms Division Manager

Conrad Pune Appoints Subhadeep Saha as Rooms Division Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on April 27, 2026

Conrad Pune has announced the appointment of Subhadeep Saha as Rooms Division Manager, reinforcing its leadership team in operations and guest experience.

With over 12 years of experience across multiple properties within Hilton, Subhadeep brings deep expertise in guest services, team leadership, and operational excellence. In his most recent role, he managed front office and health club operations in a high-volume MICE environment, where he drove improvements in loyalty engagement, guest satisfaction scores, and online reputation rankings.

His career includes key roles at leading Hilton properties such as DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru, Hilton Garden Inn Trivandrum, and Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks, building a strong foundation in operational standards and cross-functional leadership.

In his new role at Conrad Pune, Subhadeep will oversee Rooms Division along with Wellness and Leisure operations, focusing on strengthening day-to-day efficiencies and enhancing guest satisfaction. His responsibilities will span the hotel’s 351 rooms, dining outlets, meeting spaces, and lifestyle facilities, ensuring seamless and consistent service delivery.

Sharing his thoughts, Subhadeep expressed enthusiasm about joining the property, highlighting his focus on collaboration, empathy, and team-driven leadership to create meaningful guest and colleague experiences.

Commenting on the appointment, Abhishek Sahai, General Manager, Conrad Pune, noted that Subhadeep’s operational expertise and people-first approach will play a key role in further elevating the hotel’s service standards.

This appointment reflects Conrad Pune’s continued focus on strengthening leadership capabilities while delivering refined and consistent luxury hospitality experiences.


Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Appoints Vikas Thakre as Assistant Manager – Reservations

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Appoints Vikas Thakre as Assistant Manager – Reservations

By Hariharan U

Published on April 27, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar has announced the appointment of Vikas Ravi Thakre as Assistant Manager – Reservations, further strengthening its operational leadership.

With over six years of experience in the hospitality industry, Vikas brings a strong mix of reservations expertise, operational efficiency, and guest-focused service. In his new role, he will oversee the hotel’s reservations function, focusing on optimising booking channels, improving forecasting accuracy, and enhancing overall reservation performance.

Commenting on the appointment, Rahul Janve, General Manager, highlighted that Vikas’s understanding of reservation systems and ability to drive efficiency make him a valuable addition to the team.

Prior to joining the Mahabaleshwar property, Vikas was associated with Fairfield by Marriott Calangute, where he served as Assistant Manager – Reservations. During his tenure, he managed individual and group bookings, monitored room inventory, and collaborated closely with sales and front office teams. He also contributed to reservation reporting, booking trend analysis, and revenue optimisation strategies.

He began his journey at the same property as a Reservation Executive, where he played a key role in streamlining processes and improving operational efficiency. His earlier experience includes roles at The Fern Residency and Le Méridien Nagpur, where he developed a strong foundation in front office operations and guest relations.

Speaking on his new role, Vikas expressed enthusiasm about joining the team and contributing to seamless reservation experiences while maintaining high service standards.

Recognised for his consistent performance, he has received multiple accolades, including Employee of the Month and Associate of the Month awards. With proficiency in systems such as Opera, Marsha, and HPP, along with a strong analytical approach, he is well-positioned to further enhance the hotel’s reservations operations.


Foodlink Global Appoints Jayved Kumar as Head Chef in Dubai

Foodlink Global Appoints Jayved Kumar as Head Chef in Dubai

By Hariharan U

Published on April 27, 2026

Foodlink Global has announced the appointment of Jayved Kumar as Head Chef, reinforcing its culinary leadership in the Middle East region.

With over 15 years of experience, Chef Jayved brings a strong foundation in modern Indian cuisine, kitchen operations, and team leadership. Known for his ability to blend traditional flavours with contemporary techniques, he has built a reputation for delivering consistent quality across large-scale operations.

Prior to this role, he served as Unit Chef at PINCODE Restaurant by Chef Kunal Kapur, where he played a key role in menu innovation and guest satisfaction. His professional journey also includes tenures with Azure Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. and Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels, where he gained extensive experience in menu development, vendor management, and operational efficiency.

In his new role at Foodlink Global, Chef Jayved will oversee kitchen operations across Dubai, focusing on menu innovation, maintaining global hygiene and safety standards, and enhancing overall dining experiences. His expertise spans curry and tandoor specialities, fusion cuisine, and large-scale kitchen administration, supported by strong knowledge of HACCP compliance and quality audits.

Speaking on his appointment, Chef Jayved expressed enthusiasm about joining the brand, highlighting his intent to create innovative dining experiences that combine traditional Indian flavours with modern presentation and techniques.

This strategic appointment underscores Foodlink Global’s commitment to strengthening its culinary excellence and expanding its presence in the competitive Middle East hospitality landscape.

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