Ohri’s was established in 1976 as a small vegetarian eatery and we now have over 30 outlets in Hyderabad. We are known for our eclectic mix of brands and experiences in the city with offerings that include food courts, casual dining outlets, fine-dine outlets, bars, etc.
Hyderabad is one of the fastest growing cities in the country with a rich culinary history. Hyderabad offers some of the best value dinings in the country and is showing an unending appetite to become a truly global cosmopolitan city.
2. How is the restaurant business going on now, after lockdowns?
Post lockdown the bounce back has been incredible. There is a sudden surge in business and in fact, the industry is showing tremendous growth. Both old and new brands have seen a good comeback.
3. Do you think restaurant businesses are back to normal pre-Covid, including group bookings and corporates?
I would say that the business is even better than the pre covid period but mostly driven by non-IT. IT has still not fully returned but the corporate spaces are seeing a healthy growing traffic month on month. Domestic consumption itself has been phenomenal and is showing no signs of slowing down.
4. How do you think Ohri’s created a stable place for itself in the market?
We carry over 40years of brand legacy in the city with a very loyal audience -this has helped us tremendously. Also, we have pivoted into fast-growing casual brands like “Qaffeine” which are showing great promise.
5. What do you believe are the key personality traits for establishing a brand like Ohri’s?
Resilience and dreaming big are two hallmark traits of Ohri. Over the last few decades, we have seen many challenges but staying on course and keeping the vision close to our hearts have been an anchor throughout. Consistency in the core hospitality offerings, Innovation in the menus, and building great teams have gotten us to where we are.
6. How do you govern the wide range of brands and their menus?
We have sub-teams that own different brands and are responsible for their growth. In hospitality a lot of the intangibles do overlap and when it comes to experiences, we have a well-defined story and plan in hand.
7. How do you predict the growth of the hospitality sector?
The next decade for hospitality will be the best yet.
I predict that we will in fact see some global brands being born right in our country.
8. What, according to you, are some of the challenges that the hospitality industry faces at present?
The ever-increasing cost of business is a huge challenge. Prices of raw materials, spaces, manpower, etc are untamed at the moment. The other factor is quality leadership – we need better quality leaders to harness the amazing opportunity of growth ahead.
9. What are your plans for the Ohris Group in the future?
Ohri’s has a dream to become a national and international Food and Beverage brand. We want to grow big, really big!
10. What are the strengths that help you move forward in business?
Our decades of Food and Beverage understanding are a definite plus. Also, the sheer variety of formats that we have executed has prepared us for the growth ahead.
