From Nobody to Somebody: The Story of Thejus Shivarama

From Nobody to Somebody: The Story of Thejus Shivarama

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 20, 2025

Thejus Shivarama, Founder and CEO of Juliet and 2Moons, has carved a unique path in the hospitality industry, turning passion and perseverance into a thriving business. With a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Alliance University, Thejus’s love for food and networking became the driving force behind his entrepreneurial success.

His journey began with Serene Mist Resort, a 9-key boutique property set in a coffee estate in Chikmagalur. This venture laid the foundation for his deep-rooted understanding of hospitality, seamlessly translating into his later successes with Juliet and 2Moons—now among the top three hospitality brands in Bangalore’s Central Business District (CBD).

A Customer-First Philosophy

Thejus believes that many hospitality brands remain rigid in their offerings, often missing out on genuine guest satisfaction. His approach is simple: give customers what they truly want.

"If a guest at an Asian restaurant craves curd rice or rasam rice, I make sure they get it," he shares. This flexibility and personal touch have become key differentiators for his brands, creating a loyal customer base that values his commitment to personalized service.

Overcoming Hardships & Learning the Ropes

Thejus’s journey wasn’t smooth. As a newcomer to the industry, he faced significant challenges, including misleading consultants who took advantage of his inexperience. Financial setbacks followed as he unknowingly overspent on unnecessary expenses—over-ordering cutlery, crockery, and food trials that inflated costs by 200%.

A three-month delay in launching one of his projects only added to the pressure, forcing him to cover staff salaries and rent before the doors even opened. Despite these struggles, he emerged stronger, learning to trust his instincts, build reliable teams, and streamline operations.

Building a Hospitality Powerhouse

Today, Thejus is credited with creating Boho Sunsets, Bangalore’s only true sundowner experience. What many initially thought would last just six months is now a well-established brand. His ability to connect personally with customers and adapt to their evolving needs has made Juliet and 2Moons a go-to destination for Bangalore’s hospitality scene.

His next big venture? Minx—a craft cocktail club set to redefine Bangalore’s nightlife. Unlike the many cocktail bars in the city, Minx aims to be Bangalore’s first true cocktail club, bringing a premium and immersive drinking experience.

A Unique Leadership Style

Rejecting the traditional corporate approach, Thejus fosters a culture of freedom and learning within his team. He encourages his staff—both Front of House (FOH) and Back of House (BOH)—to take ownership of their roles, make mistakes, and grow from them.

"My job is not to micromanage but to mentor," he says. By empowering his team to take the lead, he has built a strong, resilient, and motivated workforce, which he considers his biggest asset.

Racing with Cheetahs, Not Horses

For Thejus, staying ahead of the competition doesn’t mean following trends or copying others—it’s about staying true to his brand’s strengths. His personal mantra, "Race with cheetahs, not with horses," reflects his belief in setting his own pace, breaking conventions, and redefining hospitality on his terms.

From being an underdog in the industry to a recognized hospitality entrepreneur, Thejus Shivarama’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With Juliet, 2Moons, Boho Sunsets, and now Minx, he continues to shape Bangalore’s hospitality landscape, proving that the real secret to success lies in passion, personalization, and persistence.


JW Marriott Kolkata Appoints Pappu Singh as Director of Culinary

JW Marriott Kolkata Appoints Pappu Singh as Director of Culinary

By Hariharan U

Published on October 24, 2026

JW Marriott Kolkata has appointed Pappu Singh as Director of Culinary, strengthening its culinary leadership with a hospitality professional who brings more than 22 years of experience across luxury hotels, fine dining and large-scale banqueting operations.

Singh joins the Kolkata property following his most recent assignment as Executive Chef at The Oberoi Beach Resort, Sahl Hasheesh, Egypt, where he led culinary operations across multiple dining venues and banquet facilities.

His career includes senior culinary roles at several prominent hospitality properties in India, including The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata; Trident Udaipur; Trident Chennai; Oberoi Gurgaon; and Trident Gurgaon. Across these assignments, he gained experience in restaurant and banquet management, menu development, food quality and kitchen team leadership.

With experience spanning both domestic and international hospitality markets, Singh brings a broad understanding of culinary operations and the requirements of luxury dining. His background in managing diverse food and beverage outlets and large-scale banqueting is expected to support JW Marriott Kolkata's culinary offerings and guest dining experiences.

As Director of Culinary, Singh will bring his expertise to the hotel's food and beverage operations, with a focus on culinary execution, consistency and team development.

His appointment marks a new chapter in his career and adds to the hotel's culinary leadership as it continues to serve guests across its dining and event offerings.


Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar Appoints Ombeer Singh as Head Chef

Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar Appoints Ombeer Singh as Head Chef

By Hariharan U

Published on October 24, 2026

Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar has appointed Ombeer Singh as Head Chef, strengthening its culinary leadership team with an experienced hospitality professional who brings over 18 years of industry experience.

In his new role, Singh will oversee the hotel's culinary operations, including menu planning and development, food quality, kitchen management, hygiene and safety compliance, and team leadership. He will also work closely with the hotel's leadership team to enhance dining experiences for business and leisure travellers.

Before joining Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar, Singh served as Executive Chef at Novotel Jodhpur, where he led culinary operations, menu innovation and kitchen management while maintaining food quality and guest satisfaction standards.

His professional journey also includes key culinary assignments with TAJ SATS Air Catering, Marriott Jaipur, Waldorf Astoria Dubai and InterContinental Hotel Doha in Qatar. During his tenure as Chef de Partie at Waldorf Astoria Dubai, he gained international experience in premium dining and luxury hospitality operations.

Commenting on the appointment, Srivatsa Allampalli, General Manager, Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar, said, “We are delighted to welcome Ombeer to Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar. His extensive culinary expertise, international exposure, and passion for excellence will be instrumental in elevating our food and beverage offerings. We are confident that his leadership will further enhance our guests’ dining experiences and contribute significantly to the hotel’s continued growth and success.”

Singh's career reflects experience across luxury hotels, international hospitality brands and large-scale culinary operations. His appointment is expected to support the hotel's focus on culinary innovation, consistent food quality and memorable guest experiences.

Outside the kitchen, Singh enjoys outdoor camping, cooking and exploring historical destinations, interests that complement his appreciation for different cultures, flavours and experiences.

The appointment reinforces Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar's focus on strengthening its leadership team and developing its food and beverage offerings for modern travellers.


Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad Appoints Chef Ajay Anand as Executive Chef

Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad Appoints Chef Ajay Anand as Executive Chef

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 24, 2026

Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad has appointed Chef Ajay Anand as Executive Chef, bringing an extensive international culinary background and experience across luxury hotels, cruise lines and restaurants. The appointment is expected to bring fresh ideas and new culinary experiences to the hotel's restaurants.

Chef Ajay is a graduate of the Indian Hotels Diploma Program at Taj Palace. His career has taken him through several recognised kitchens, including Orient Express and Café Fontana. He also spent nearly 20 years with Carnival Cruise Lines, where he rose to the position of Executive Chef and helped shape onboard dining experiences across the company's flagship concepts.

Following his tenure with Carnival Cruise Lines, Chef Ajay brought his expertise to Accor Group's Pullman & Novotel Aerocity and Aroqa Hospitality in New York, which is listed in the Michelin Guide. Most recently, he was associated with 1932 Trevi, part of the One Window Hospitality and Iris Restaurants group.

Chef Ajay's culinary philosophy focuses on fresh ingredients, technical expertise and creativity. His approach combines European elegance, Asian restraint and American creativity, with an emphasis on ingredients such as free-range meats and tree-ripened produce.

“In every dish, we seek to create surprise, memory, and meaning,” says Chef Ajay.

His experience across different culinary traditions and international dining environments is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad's food and beverage offerings.

Commenting on the appointment, Sonale Zagade, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad, said, “Ajay's appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad. His extensive global experience, innovative approach, and passion for culinary excellence will further elevate our dining experiences and strengthen our position as a leading hospitality destination in the city”.

With his background in international kitchens, cruise line operations and restaurant management, Chef Ajay will lead the hotel's culinary operations, focusing on developing its dining experiences and bringing new ideas to its restaurants.

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