1. Please tell us something about your early days & career story.
I belong to a traditional Indian Punjabi family. I pursued a Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication from a prestigious institution in India.
After completing my education, I ventured into IT World and worked for a reputed company for a few years. In the early days, I started with a small, modest lassi shop in a busy neighborhood. I always focus on the quality of the product, hygiene, and taste which is loved by the customers and they kept coming back for more. We have added snacks, ice cream, flood, kulfi, and many customized menus as per market demands.
In just a year, we opened multiple outlets across different cities. Each outlet retained the essence of our brand while adapting to the local preferences, ensuring that every customer enjoyed a consistent, delightful experience and now The Lassi Corner has more than 400 stores in pan India.
Building on the success of "The Lassi Corner," I ventured into a new concept – "The Coffee Brewery." With a vision to create a co-working coffee shop where people could blend their passion for coffee with productivity, we launched our first outlet in 2022 at KR Puram Bangalore.
Here also focus on quality, freshness, hygiene, and taste and as well as luxury for common people. It’s a luxury café where someone can sit, work, enjoy the whole day with a single order, and use our high-speed free Wi-Fi, board games, and books.
At the footprint of The Lassi Corner The Coffee Brewery https://thecoffeebrewery.com/ is also growing and very soon we are going to launch our 11th outlet in just 1 year in Bangalore.
2. What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to people management?
In the food and beverages industry, especially when managing multiple cafes and restaurants, one of the biggest challenges in people management is maintaining consistent quality and customer service across all locations. Ensuring that each establishment delivers the same level of excellence in food preparation, presentation, and customer interaction requires a robust system of training, communication, and monitoring.
Managing a diverse team of chefs, cooks, servers, and other staff members can be quite demanding. Balancing the needs and aspirations of individual team members while aligning everyone with the overall vision and goals of the business is a continuous challenge
Staying current with industry trends, regulations, and best practices is crucial. The food and beverages industry is dynamic and subject to changing consumer preferences and health and safety standards. Adapting to these changes while keeping the team informed and ensuring compliance can be an ongoing challenge.
Overall, effective people management in the food and beverages industry involves a combination of clear communication, continuous training, strategic planning, and a commitment to fostering a positive and productive work environment. I face such challenges which I can easily handle now with my knowledge, experience, and support of my wife who is equally active with me in management.
3. What is the best and the worst part of being a CEO?
The best part of being a CEO is witnessing the realization of your vision. Building a business from the ground up, like crafting a perfectly balanced coffee blend, requires creativity, dedication, and a lot of hard work. Seeing our cafes and restaurants flourish, witnessing the smiles on customers' faces as they savor our offerings, and knowing that you've created something meaningful in people's lives is truly rewarding. It's a feeling of accomplishment that can't be matched.
Moreover, as a CEO, I have the privilege of leading a dynamic and diverse team. The opportunity to collaborate with talented individuals, nurture their growth, and witness them flourish both personally and professionally is incredibly fulfilling. Building a positive work culture where innovation is encouraged and everyone feels valued is a source of great pride.
However, the role of managing all also comes with its challenges. The most demanding part is the weight of responsibility. The decisions I make impact not only the success of the business but also the livelihoods of my employees. Striking the right balance between calculated risks and prudent choices can be a constant juggling act, especially when the industry is food and beverages.
Time management is another significant challenge. Being at the helm of multiple cafes and restaurants requires meticulous planning and allocation of resources. There are times when I wish I could be in more than one place at once to ensure that everything is running smoothly.
Sometimes, dealing with unforeseen challenges, whether they are supply chain disruptions, regulatory changes, or economic shifts, demands quick thinking and adaptability. It's during these moments that the pressure can be intense.
The journey of running a big brand like The Coffee Brewery and The Lassi Corner is full of highs and lows and ups and down. The satisfaction of realizing my dreams are coming true is the best part which I feel.
4. Describe a time when two team leaders or executives had a conflict. How did you handle the situation?
I have faced such issues multiple times during running my café and restaurant Certainly.
The conflict arose due to miscommunication, lack of knowledge, differences in their thought and planning personal issues, and ego. It's very common for me and happens at every outlet of The Lassi Corner & The Coffee Brewery.
Recognizing the potential impact of such conflict I handled such a situation very calmly rather than getting panicked or hyper.
I focus on private discussions with both of them and do one-on-one discussions with them. This allowed me to gather all the relevant information and gain insights into their viewpoints. I make them understand each point of value and focus on team management and the benefits of working together in a team. Most of the time it's work and they understand each other’s point of view.
I also prefer to handle such situations with Collaborative Solutions where all my team members understand the situation and work with adjustment and work with more potential.
I always appreciate my team members for clear communication rather than hiding their personal and professional issues. As a follow-up, I emphasized the importance of clear and timely communication between teams. I encouraged all of them to collaborate more closely on future initiatives to avoid similar misunderstandings.
Ultimately, through open communication, mediation, and a willingness to find common ground, we were able to address the conflict and turn it into an opportunity for improved collaboration between teams. The experience highlighted the significance of effective communication, empathy, and a commitment to the overall success of our business.
5. What would you do in your first 30 days as CEO of our organization?
If I will be CEO of EatMyNews, my first 30 days will be dedicated to setting a strong foundation, understanding the organization's dynamics, and crafting a roadmap for future growth. Here's an outline of my strategic approach:
- In-Depth Understanding: During my initial days, I will dive deep into understanding the core values, mission, and objectives of Eat My News. This involves studying the existing content, editorial processes, and the unique voice that defines our news website.
- Engage with the Team: I believe that a united team is the backbone of any successful endeavor. In the first month, I will hold one-on-one meetings with key team members to gain insights into their roles, challenges, and aspirations. This will foster a sense of unity and mutual understanding.
- Audience Analysis: Understanding our audience is pivotal. I will analyze user demographics, engagement metrics, and reader feedback to gain a comprehensive view of our readers' preferences and expectations. This will guide our content strategy to resonate effectively with our target audience.
- Content Strategy Refinement: Based on the audience analysis, I will work closely with the editorial team to refine our content strategy. We will focus on delivering impactful, credible, and engaging news stories that not only inform but also inspire and drive meaningful conversations.
- Technological Enhancement: The digital landscape is ever-evolving. I will collaborate with our tech and design teams to explore opportunities for enhancing the user experience, optimizing website performance, and incorporating modern design elements that align with our brand identity.
- Partnerships and Collaborations: Collaborations amplify our reach and impact. I will explore potential partnerships with other media outlets, journalists, influencers, and thought leaders to expand our network and bring diverse perspectives to our platform.
- Innovation and Multimedia Integration: Incorporating multimedia elements such as videos, podcasts, and interactive features can enrich our storytelling. I'll work on integrating these formats into our content mix to provide a well-rounded and engaging news experience.
- Personal Connection: I believe in leading by example. Throughout my first 30 days, I will actively engage with our readers, contributors, and stakeholders through social media, interviews, and interactive events. This personal touch will reflect my commitment to the Eat My News community.
6. Tell Me About a Past Project That You’re Proud Of?
I feel proud of my all project and decision, but I am proud of the inception of The Coffee Brewery, a luxury co-working cafe that has seamlessly blended the worlds of work and leisure and it fills me with immense pride.
The idea behind The Coffee Brewery - https://thecoffeebrewery.com/ was to create a space that went beyond the ordinary. We wanted to build a haven for professionals and creatives alike, a place where they could find pleasure, inspiration, and productivity, all while enjoying the finest offerings in coffee and culinary delights.
Our journey began with a vision of crafting an environment that harmoniously merged the aroma of freshly brewed coffee with the hum of focused productivity. I tried to make feel the luxury for everyone.
We focus on organic and healthy freshly prepared food with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The positive feedback from our first visitors validated our efforts and affirmed that we had created something truly exceptional.
It's not just a café it’s a heaven for book lovers with a mini library of best-selling books, and plenty of board games focusing on all age groups. The Coffee Brewery became more than just a co-working space; it became a community where professionals and enthusiasts congregated to collaborate, innovate, and unwind.
The challenges we encountered along the way only added to the depth of our achievement. From selecting the perfect location to crafting an inviting ambiance, each hurdle was an opportunity to demonstrate our dedication and resourcefulness. Overcoming these challenges together as a team, and witnessing the culmination of our hard work, filled me with an unparalleled sense of accomplishment.
As I reflect on the journey of opening The Coffee Brewery, the memories of that proud moment continue to inspire me. It serves as a reminder that with a clear vision, unwavering dedication, and a team that shares the same passion, we can turn dreams into reality. The Coffee Brewery stands not just as a luxury co-working cafe, but as a testament to the power of innovation and the fulfillment of a dream that has enriched the lives of countless individuals.
7. Which is your favorite book and why?
As the founder of The Coffee Brewery and The Lassi Corner, my days are often filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the delightful flavors of lassi, just kidding my day and night is full of work, meeting, and planning so I hardly get time to read any book.
However, when I do find moments to escape into the world of literature, there's a particular book that holds a special place in my heart: "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho.
"The Alchemist" resonates deeply with me because, much like my journey in the culinary and hospitality industry, it is a story of following one's dreams, embracing the unknown, and discovering the hidden treasures that lie within. The book's protagonist, Santiago, embarks on a journey in pursuit of his personal legend, driven by an unwavering belief in his aspirations.
Similarly, my journey in creating The Coffee Brewery and The Lassi Corner was fuelled by a passion to create unique and exceptional experiences for people. Just as Santiago encountered challenges and obstacles on his quest, I too faced my fair share of challenges in establishing and growing my businesses. Yet, much like Santiago's determination and perseverance, I was driven by a sense of purpose and the desire to turn my dreams into reality.
"The Alchemist" also emphasizes the importance of listening to one's heart, recognizing the signs along the way, and embracing the journey itself rather than just the destination. This resonates with my approach to business, where I place great value on creating a positive and enriching experience for both our customers and our team members. The book's timeless wisdom reminds me that success is not solely defined by financial gains, but also by the joy of the journey and the impact we make on others.
Bio:
Sumit Singla
Founder & CEO of The Lassi Corner, The Coffee Brewery, Day Night Dhaba, My Chai Stories, and Momo Streat.
Sumit Singla: Entrepreneur, Food Enthusiast, and Visionary
Sumit Singla is a renowned Indian entrepreneur and food enthusiast, best known as the founder and owner of the successful food and beverage brands, Lassi Corner, DayNight Dhaba, and The Coffee Brewery. With a passion for creating unique culinary experiences and a keen eye for opportunities in the Indian food market, Sumit has transformed these brands into popular destinations for food lovers across the country.
Career and Achievements:
After completing his education, Mr Sumit ventured into IT World but his passion for food and beverage industry helped him with the inception of Lassi Corner in the 2017. Combining his love for Indian traditional beverages and a modern approach to customer service, digital marketing Sumit successfully turned Lassi Corner into a thriving chain of outlets throughout India. The brand became synonymous with refreshing, high-quality lassi served in a clean and welcoming environment with 400+ cafes across pan india.
Encouraged by the success of Lassi Corner, Sumit expanded his business portfolio by launching DayNight Dhaba, a modern restaurant with reasonable pricing serving home style food inspired by the traditional Indian roadside eatery. DayNight Dhaba quickly gained popularity for its delicious, authentic Indian food, served in a contemporary setting that catered to the tastes and preferences of a diverse clientele and now has presence in 3 states.
Sumit's latest venture, The Coffee Brewery, is a testament to his ability to spot and capitalize on emerging trends in the Indian Coffee industry. The Coffee Brewery offers a curated selection of specialty coffee blends and light bites & healthy meals, catering to the growing community of coffee aficionados in the country.
Newly Launched Momo Street is also growing at the footprint of other venture with its variety in momos and authentic taste.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement:
Sumit Singla is a firm believer in giving back to society and actively contributes to various charitable causes. He has established programs to support old age homes and provide food to needy people. Additionally, Sumit is involved in initiatives aimed at uplifting underprivileged communities through education and skill development.
Personal Life:
Sumit is a dedicated family man and has passion for long drives. In his free time, he enjoys exploring new cuisines and traveling to various parts of the India to gather inspiration for his businesses.
In Summary:
Sumit Singla is a distinguished entrepreneur and visionary in the Indian food and beverage industry. Through his dedication, creativity, and business acumen, he has successfully created a niche for himself in the competitive Indian market with brands like Lassi Corner, DayNight Dhaba, and The Coffee Brewery. He is working hard for his upcoming milestone into food industry My Chai Stories and Java Beans.
Interviewed By - Palak
Edited By - Aarya Gode
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