Delhi in 2008 was brimming with restaurants and lounges. There were organisations and outlets that provided a silhouette space to party lover and diners. These places were decked out and very nicely presented. I remember going to some of them, well-dressed and informed. Sometimes the menus used to be a dose of heavy vocabulary which would go right above the customers’ heads. Some guests would definitely get intimidated by the sheer presence of heavy interiors and ‘Formality’. As restaurant consultants, we recognized these issues and saw the potential for change. Our hospitality consultants services aimed to create a more accessible and inviting dining experience that would appeal to a broader audience.
But on a parallel road, was a World of Cafes which in those times, was a road less visited.
All that India knew were The Big Chill Cafe in New Delhi or Indigo Deli in Mumbai—and gosh, they were really good. There was certainly potential for a café model offering all comforts, from food to interiors. However, this meant mixing cuisines and managing a mountain of inventory and procurement supply chains. “This would be a disaster to play,” came an internal advice during the brainstorming session. “Let’s pick one cuisine like Big Chill and play it safe.” Another concern was, “What if it ends up like Haldiram’s or Bikanerwala’s, serving so many foods without an authentic outlook?” Brand positioning was already being questioned. Despite these concerns, it was clear to us, as restaurant consultants, that a café model focusing on comfort food and a relaxed ambiance would succeed. Our hospitality consultants services supported this vision, ensuring a balance between diverse offerings and a genuine, inviting atmosphere.
We created a model that said, “From Pizzas to Parathas, Masala Chai to Martini, we will serve it all.” The food menu boasted not only pastas but also Amritsari fried fish and the Big Juicy Lucy Burger, alongside curries served as combos with Mediterranean and Italian grills. Guests could come as they pleased, in slippers, distressed jeans, or shorts. In short, it was their place—a community space for everyone. The first quarter post-opening was slow, as it was a new concept no one had experienced before. However, with the guidance of our restaurant consultants and the support of hospitality consultants services, the concept began to attract more visitors. Eventually, the numbers grew, with families, friends, singles, couples, and kids all finding their favorites and returning regularly.
Café Delhi Heights, not only served food but it changed the dynamics of the Indian restaurant scene. Seeing Cafe Delhi Height’s roaring success, a load of cafe concepts started mushrooming across the country.
What we at Zion Hospitality Consultants delivered?
Post-CDH success, entrepreneurs had a proven case study demonstrating that comfort food can be delivered without intimidation. Our restaurant consultants’ expertise helped set a new standard, showing that with the right approach, comfort food could thrive. This confidence has continued ever since, feeding the world Juicy Lucy Burgers since 2010.