Restaurateur A D Singh talks about what keeps his business ticking...
Restaurateur A D Singh talks about what keeps his business ticking...
ADVERTISEMENT
Going to restaurants is not just about good food. It's also about a beautiful ambience and paying attention to detail. I spend at least five to six nights at the restaurant. And I am in tune with what the customer wants.
That's because my products are aimed at people like me who strive for a perfect night out.
Always innovate
To be around, you need to constantly innovate. Just because your establishments are doing well, you shouldn't become smug. Eight years ago at Olive, Mumbai, I renovated an empty space into a Moroccan room with sheeshas. With this mid-eastern touch, the room became popular with the patrons and I became the forerunner for sheesha lounge in India. Later, I changed the same space into an ice room. An idea that germinated from my travels abroad.
Buzz is a key factor
Patrons frequent a particular restaurant because they find it relaxing and also buzzy. They need a space where they can lounge around with their friends for three to four hours, drinking, eating, chatting and simply having a good time.
Competition... what's that?
I don't even think of it. The Indian market has a lot of opportunities to accommodate many competitors. I prefer to focus on my strength and develope them to further my goals.
No substitute for hard work
I am lucky to be doing something I enjoy. Sometimes, it doesn't even feel like work. My life revolves around it and yet, I am not a workaholic. As someone said, 'The harder I work, the luckier I get' and I am a believer in that. Trust me, there is no substitute for hard work.
Understand your weaknesses
I am not blind to my weaknesses. I don't think I am clever financially. And to rectify that, I have partners who are really strong at understanding the dynamics of money. So I am saved! And though I am the boss, there are so many things that I have to learn. And I learn newer things constantly about my trade.
Get a good team
An integral part of business is bringing good people onboard, and looking after them well. I spend a disproportionate amount of my time on my teams. I enjoy that. I play badminton with my management team, we go on trips to Singapore and Dubai. Some of them have worked with me for so long that they have become my extended family.
Get your papers right
I have always been a dreamer but I have also made sure that when I start a venture, I get my papers right the deals with landlords, contracts withu00a0 partners and government authorities. It forms the basis of a mature business relationship.
Balance your life
I work very hard but I hate to let that keep me away from the people I love or the things I love to do. Enjoy what you do or else you'll never do it well... So on days when I am working at my restaurant, I drag my family and friends there just so I can catch up with them.
"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels 
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
