#WomenOfTnl: we get in touch with Dildeep Kalra, director of Massive Restaurants—which runs brands like Farzi Café, Made in Punjab, Younion, and more—to gaze at the current F&B industry situation through the eyes of a female entrepreneur. By Team T+L
1. Tell us about the challenges you’ve faced as a female entrepreneur.
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Initially, it was a challenge to break glass ceilings in the male-dominated hospitality, and food and beverage industries. However, I am grateful for all the opportunities that helped me build a strong foundation in my early years, and along the way.
2. How did you deal with the pandemic as an entrepreneur?
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As an entrepreneur, dealing with the pandemic was a whole new learning experience. Nothing prepares you for something this colossal. We ensured that our associates felt safe and taken care of. Massive Restaurants is grateful to have been able to contribute food to migrant workers and underprivileged families.
We utilised the lockdown to plan and strategise for the road ahead. We worked on new technologies to ensure seamless operations and guest services for the near future. We improvised our menus, processes and formats. We are grateful that our loyal patrons have given us the opportunity to serve them again.
3. What made you come up with new ventures during a pandemic?
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We realised that people’s love for trying out different international cuisines and dining out in a beautiful ambient setting will never fade. We knew that if our restaurants provide a safe, hygienic space, and fresh, well-curated menus, our patrons would be ready to venture out again. This motivated us to push the envelope and deep dive into new concepts and food philosophies.
We are delighted to share that, post lockdown, we have opened Bo-Tai Switch and Swan in Delhi; and +94 Bombay in Mumbai. We have also introduced Butter Delivery that offers traditional, hearty Indian food that can be enjoyed in the comfort of your homes. We have more outposts in the pipeline, too.
4. Your take on women’s representation in the current F&B space in India, and why they make better leaders (if you believe so)?
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I believe leadership skills are not gender-defined. Each individual has his/her own unique skills. Having said that, women are naturally better at balancing different aspects of lives, and they must use this to their advantage and conquer their dreams. Women have the innate ability to assess a situation with a humane rationale, and then offer support and solutions.
Women representation in the food and beverage space in India over the past couple of years has been significantly higher than what it was earlier. It’s heartening to see women running the show.
Related: Bespoke Tailormade Experiences’ Chhavi Chadha On Women In Travel & Hospitality
