Changing the scape of the restaurant industry, Shaan Gidwani, one the youngest restaurateurs around, is here to turn heads with his array of brands spread across Mumbai, with Acapella Hospitality. His company houses restaurants like Cafe Panama located in Lower Parel known for its Latin American cuisine and its chic interiors; Loci and Toot in the heart of Bandra – a healthy and organic all-day cafe during the day and an upscale casual bar during the evening. And delivery kitchens like Lil Gamby serving artisanal handcrafted Sourdough Pizza, Italian Panuozzo Sandwiches, Pasta & Fries, Hungry Buddha serves Pan Asian Cuisine with an emphasis on Chinese, Thai, and Japanese preparations and Kokum – A Regional Indian Coastal Cuisine Restaurant in Vasai. Shaan’s inspiration and guiding light has been his father. Witnessing his three-decade-long journey in the world of business, setting up a vast financial services empire along with various fruitful investments in the F&B space that includes one in the Olive Group of Restaurants over 15 years ago, has allowed Shaan to explore the F & B industry and led him down his entrepreneurial path. This background along with his affinity for stellar cocktail bars, clubs, fine dining and casual dining has ignited his passion for starting his own venture in the hospitality industry. In an exclusive chat with him, he says…
What was the most significant challenge you faced during your entrepreneurial journey, and how did you overcome it?
Throughout my entrepreneurial journey in hospitality, I’ve grappled with various challenges. Initially, the lack of structure, systems, and processes among industry professionals required dedicated effort. Documenting tasks, maintaining organized follow-ups, delegating responsibilities, and holding employees and third parties accountable demanded consistent attention. Establishing discipline among team members regarding staff training, progress reports, and execution discussions allowed me to enhance staff productivity. Another major hurdle was the high attrition rate in the hospitality industry. Developing incentive plans and implementing robust HR policies that prioritize staff welfare helped create trust and loyalty among employees.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
My journey into the world of entrepreneurship was not meticulously planned. Instead, it unfolded spontaneously, particularly in the hospitality industry. Over time, I realized that an innate desire to prove myself and set significant benchmarks fueled my entrepreneurial spirit. Food, something I understand and have a knack for, became a medium for me to create tangible and meaningful outcomes.
Can you guide us through your journey after becoming an entrepreneur?
Being an entrepreneur has provided me with invaluable learning experiences and opportunities I might not have encountered otherwise. The process of repetition has honed my ability to tackle challenging tasks effortlessly. Making mistakes and learning from them has significantly boosted my confidence and conviction in decision-making. I’ve had the privilege of meeting remarkable people and building a team that feels like family.
What are the various lessons you’ve learned as an entrepreneur?
In the business realm, I’ve learned several crucial lessons that have played a pivotal role in my growth. Tactfulness in various situations, effective communication strategies, and finding the right balance between firmness, dominance, and compassion have been key skills I’ve developed. Maintaining this balance allows me to keep my team motivated while holding them accountable for their work and actions.
List some of your achievements as an entrepreneur?
I believe in a broad definition of achievement, encompassing daily wins, internal victories, and tangible external validations. Some conventional milestones include:
– Times Hospitality Icons Awards – Young Restaurateur of the Year 2022 (Shaan Gidwani)
– Times Food & Nightlife Awards – Cafe Panama (Best Latin American Restaurant) 2023
– Mid Day – Restaurateur of the Year 2022 (Shaan Gidwani)
– Entrepreneurs Today 30 Under 30 (Shaan Gidwani)
– Mid Day – Restaurant of the Year Cafe Panama 2022
– Food Connoisseurs – Best Pizzeria of the Year 2022 (Lil Gamby)
What is your perspective on your industry?
I am extremely optimistic about the future of the food services industry in India. I believe its growth is closely linked to India’s economic development. Favorable consumption patterns, high expenditure proportions, and a younger demographic create a promising market for food service brands.
What are your future plans as an entrepreneur?
Currently, my future plans involve stabilizing and enhancing the performance of existing units. Additionally, I aim to expand casual dining and fast casual brands within our portfolio at Acapella.
What’s one message you’d like to share with everyone?
Try various things until you discover your passion and what you enjoy. Ignite that passion and find a reason to wake up every morning!