This venerable establishment, a true stalwart in its industry, is a testament to enduring quality and unwavering commitment. Through the years, it has evolved with grace, maintaining its status as a benchmark of excellence and a touchstone for those seeking the epitome of timeless class and service. This timeless venue has stood the test of time, offering a blend of tradition and innovation. With its enduring charm and impeccable service, it continues to be a cornerstone of excellence in its domain.
Vikrant Batra, owner - Cafe Delhi Heights, is a distinguished hospitality entrepreneur, who has carved a niche in the industry through a visionary approach and a passion for delivering unparalleled guest experiences. With a keen understanding of the evolving preferences of modern consumers, he has successfully established and managed ventures that redefine the standards of hospitality. Batra’s ventures are characterized by a seamless blend of culinary expertise and a commitment to excellence. His leadership is evident in his meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every guest encounters a harmonious convergence of comfort and sophistication. Come with me as I discuss the iconic journey, passion, and culinary craftsmanship that define Cafe Delhi Heights with Mr. Vikrant Batra himself.
1: Can you share the inspiration behind entering the hospitality industry and establishing your ventures?
Vikrant Batra: The inspiration behind entering the hospitality industry and establishing my ventures is deeply rooted in my family's history. My parents started banqueting back in 1989, and even though I was quite young at that time, growing up in a family immersed in the food industry was incredibly inspiring. Witnessing their journey and the impact they had on creating memorable experiences for people left a lasting impression on me. Being a foodie since childhood, the joy of savoring diverse flavors and experiencing the communal aspect of sharing meals became a passion. This love for food, coupled with the inspiring environment of my family's involvement in banqueting, motivated me to channel my enthusiasm into the food business.
2: What key principles or values have guided your approach as a hospitality entrepreneur?
Vikrant Batra: In my journey as a hospitality entrepreneur, a customer-centric approach has been paramount. Understanding and prioritizing customer needs form the cornerstone of every decision, ensuring that each interaction results in a memorable experience. Upholding unwavering standards of quality and consistency is non-negotiable. Creating a positive and empowering work environment contributes to both employee satisfaction and overall business success. Ethical business practices, attention to detail, and a commitment to sustainability underscore the principles guiding my entrepreneurial approach. Finally, a genuine passion for the craft and unwavering dedication fuel the drive for success in this ever-evolving industry.
3: How do you stay attuned to evolving consumer preferences and industry trends to ensure your ventures remain innovative and relevant?
Vikrant Batra: Staying attuned to evolving consumer preferences and industry trends is a priority in ensuring our ventures remain innovative and relevant. We regularly engage with our customers, seeking feedback and actively listening to their evolving needs. We also regularly keep doing pop-up menus and study the customer response in detail to understand their preferences. Additionally, we keep a close eye on industry trends, attending conferences, and networking with fellow entrepreneurs to stay informed. Embracing technology plays a crucial role as well, allowing us to analyze data and identify patterns that guide our decisions. By combining customer insights, industry knowledge, and technological advancements, we aim to adapt and innovate, ensuring our ventures stay ahead of the curve and continue to resonate with our audience.
4: What challenges have you encountered in the competitive hospitality landscape, and how have you overcome them?
Vikrant Batra: Running a restaurant isn't always smooth sailing, especially with lots of other places trying to do the same thing. One big challenge is keeping up with what people like to eat and how they like to be treated. We solve this by always talking to our customers, looking at what's popular, and using technology to understand what people want. We constantly innovate by adding new things to our menu, by doing regular pop-ups and also making all special dates well celebrated in all our outlets. Another challenge is making sure we give excellent service without making things too complicated behind the scenes. We train our staff a lot to make sure that things run smoothly, and the customers get s great experience. Overall, we see challenges as chances to learn and get better. By being flexible and always trying to improve, we aim not just to overcome challenges but to grow and be even better at what we do.
5: Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the hospitality sector. How does your entrepreneurship embrace and contribute to sustainable practices?
Vikrant Batra: Sustainability is a big deal for us in the hospitality world. We've made it a point to do things that are good for the environment and the community. One way is by being picky about where we get our ingredients. We choose sources that care about the environment as much as we do. Reducing waste is another focus. We're always looking for smart ways to use less and recycle more. From the kitchen to the dining area, we try to be as eco-friendly as possible. Energy efficiency is on our radar too. We've invested in technologies that help us use less energy, like LED lights and energy-efficient appliances. It not only helps the planet but also keeps our costs down. Being sustainable isn't just a trend for us; it's a part of who we are. We believe that every little effort adds up, and by doing our part, we contribute to a healthier and more responsible hospitality industry.
6: Can you highlight any specific technologies or innovations that you’ve implemented to enhance the guest experience in your establishments?
Vikrant Batra: We have implemented technologies like updated billing software, digital menus, QR-based payment options, updated kitchen equipment, and so forth to enhance the guest experience. We are also in the process of integrating a hyper-personalized CRM platform that will help us to manage customer interactions through physical and digital touchpoints to deliver personalized experiences that drive brand loyalty and enable us to build impactful and measurable customer interactions, scalable through online and offline touch points. This will also help us to understand our customers better and automatically reach out to the right customer at the right time on the right platform.
7: Personalization is a growing trend in hospitality. How do you tailor guest experiences to create memorable and unique stays?
Vikrant Batra: Personalization is what makes the customers feel special, enhances their experience, and creates a long-lasting relationship. Our crew always goes out of their way to make the customers feel special whenever they come to us to celebrate any personal occasion. We create customized packages for corporates, kitty parties, birthday parties, or any personal get-togethers of our customers keeping in mind their budget and preferences. We also have dishes on our menu that have been customized keeping in mind the dietary restrictions of customers such as gluten-free or vegan options. Also, we rely a lot on customer feedback, we keep innovating and personalizing based on the feedback to provide better experiences to our customers.
8: As a leader, how do you foster a culture of excellence and ensure your team is aligned with the vision of your hospitality ventures?
Vikrant Batra: Creating a culture of excellence is a priority for me as a leader in the hospitality business. It starts with clear communication of our vision and values to the team. Regular team meetings and open channels for feedback help ensure everyone understands our goals and feels part of the journey. Regularly seeking input from the team encourages a sense of ownership and involvement. Whether it's menu ideas, service improvements, or new initiatives, involving the team in decision-making fosters a collaborative spirit aligned with our overall vision.
9: How do you see the future of the hospitality industry evolving, and what role do you envision your ventures playing in that evolution?
Vikrant Batra: I believe the future of dining out is getting more tech-savvy and eco-friendly. We'll focus on making things easier for customers with online reservations and digital menus. We'll also be big on using local ingredients, cutting down waste, and being environmentally friendly. Our café will be all about giving you an unforgettable experience, not just delicious food. We will constantly incorporate cool events, local art, and maybe even some interactive stuff to make it special for the customers. After the pandemic, we're serious about keeping our place super clean and safe. We are already using the latest health measures to make sure the customers feel comfortable. Plus, we might explore fun tech things like augmented reality menus or using data to know what you like and give you awesome deals. The goal is to stay ahead of the game and keep Café Delhi Heights at a top spot for not just great meals but a whole dining adventure that fits what you want.
10: Can you share any upcoming projects or expansions that you are excited about within your entrepreneurial journey in hospitality?
Vikrant Batra: We are on a continuous expansion spree with around 40 outlets of Café Delhi Heights in 12 cities. We have also launched Café Delhi Heights 2.0 in which our latest endeavor is called “IKIGAI”. Nestled in the heart of the city, Ikigai is more than just a restaurant; it's a sanctuary where passion, purpose, and culinary excellence converge to create an unparalleled dining experience. This culinary haven is designed to be a space where individuals can authentically be themselves, exploring their deepest desires amidst an ambiance of tranquillity and contemplation savoring exceptional coffee and delectable cuisine. Ikigai proudly embraces simplicity, intertwining it with an array of diverse, delicious, and flavourful dishes. Rooted in the principles of holistic living, the menu focuses on five pillars: holistic living, best-quality ingredients, sustainability, traditional techniques, and a harmonious blend of taste and health. Each visually appealing dish is a conscious choice for both taste and well-being, using only top-quality, unprocessed ingredients. Our pan Indian restaurant Dhansoo Café in Ambience Mall is getting a lot of love and we plan to open more outlets soon. Comfort is our online bakery and patisserie brand bringing the best of breads and bakery to our customers.
11: Outside of your business endeavors, what are some of your passions or hobbies?
Vikrant Batra: When I'm not busy running the restaurant, you'll often find me lost in a good book. I'm also quite passionate about exploring new places and experiencing different cultures through travel. There's so much to see and experience in the world, and it's always exciting to discover something new. And, of course, I enjoy hitting the golf course whenever I can – there's something incredibly relaxing about it. So, those are my go-to hobbies outside of the restaurant world.
12: How do you maintain a work-life balance, especially in a demanding industry like hospitality?
Vikrant Batra: Maintaining a work-life balance in the hospitality industry is a constant juggle. I've learned that it's essential to strike a balance between dedicating time to work and spending quality time with family. I believe that success at work is not solely about the hours you put in but also about being present in your personal life. If you immerse yourself entirely in either work or family, you're likely to face challenges. Luckily, technology has been a game-changer for me. Phones and apps have become invaluable tools, helping me stay connected with the business even when I'm not physically present. It's about finding that right balance to ensure both professional and personal aspects of life thrive.
13: What books, podcasts, or influencers have had a significant impact on your personal and professional development?
Vikrant Batra: In my journey of personal and professional development, I've found great inspiration from a variety of books covering business, work, life, and management. These readings have provided valuable insights and shaped my perspective. On a more personal note, my biggest influence has been my mother. She's been a dynamic businesswoman for the past 48 years, and her journey has been a constant source of inspiration. There's something special about learning from someone with real-world experience, and my mother has been an invaluable mentor in my life.
14: Are there any mentors or role models who have played a crucial role in shaping your approach to life and business?
Vikrant Batra: Absolutely, my mother has been the cornerstone of my approach to life and business. She's not just a mentor but also a role model whose influence has played a crucial role in shaping my values and perspectives. Her dynamic presence in the business world for the past 48 years has been a guiding light, teaching me resilience, dedication, and the importance of a strong work ethic. I consider myself fortunate to have such a formidable figure as my mentor and role model.
15: What values or principles do you hold dear in both your personal and professional life?
Vikrant Batra: In both my personal and professional life, I hold dear a set of values that I believe are fundamental. Good ethics form the foundation of everything I do. I strongly believe in conducting business and living life with integrity, honesty, and a sense of fairness. Vikrant Batra: Hard work is another principle I cherish. Success, in my view, comes from dedicated effort and a willingness to put in the work required. It's the key to achieving goals and making a lasting impact. Discipline is the third thing I prioritize. Whether in business or personal endeavors, maintaining discipline is essential.
16: If you could offer one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Vikrant Batra: If I could offer one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be to stay true to your passion. Hard work and discipline are undoubtedly crucial, and they will indeed take you far in life. However, aligning your efforts with something you are genuinely passionate about will not only make the journey more fulfilling but also increase the likelihood of achieving exceptional success.
In the competitive landscape of hospitality, Vikrant Batra stands as a beacon of entrepreneurial success, inspiring others in the industry to embrace creativity, embrace change, and consistently elevate the standards of service. As the hospitality landscape evolves, his ventures continue to be at the forefront, setting benchmarks for others to follow.
A hotelier and restauranteur with more than two decades of experience in the F&B and Hospitality industries, Sachin Pabreja is Co-founder of EazyDiner, India’s only instant table reservation platform. He is passionate about changing the landscape of the Indian F&B industry. Prior to EazyDiner, Sachin worked at The Imperial, Grand Hyatt as well as Claridges Hotel in New Delhi and remains focussed and committed to creating innovative and exceptional products in the F&B and Hospitality industries.
