Dhaval Udeshi on revolutionising India’s hospitality industry and inspiring the next generation to dream bigger

The hospitality industry is an ever-shifting landscape of evolving tastes and ceaseless reinvention. Nowhere is this more evident than in India, a market so diverse and unpredictable that even seasoned entrepreneurs struggle to decipher its pulse. With each region possessing its own gastronomic identity and cultural inclinations, success demands an almost prophetic ability to anticipate trends and create experiences that resonate. Amidst this intricate dance of flavours and expectations, Dhaval Udeshi has emerged as a maestro, orchestrating dining concepts that not only cater to India’s eclectic palate but also aspire to make a global impact. “I never planned to get into hospitality. I didn’t study hotel management or business—I just had a deep passion for food and travel,” he confesses. 

Udeshi’s journey into hospitality was shaped by an insatiable curiosity and relentless hands-on learning. From wedding catering to pioneering a Lebanese food chain in 2008, every venture imparted invaluable lessons. His defining moment arrived in 2018 when a filmmaker friend invited him to manage a newly opened bar—a venture that served as his launchpad into an industry where he would go on to craft over 20 distinct restaurant formats. His philosophy hinges on consistency as the cornerstone of loyalty. “Every time a guest walks into one of our spaces, they should get the same exceptional experience. That’s what builds loyalty.” 

At the helm of Dhaval Udeshi Hospitality, he envisions a future unshackled by geographical constraints. His approach marries market insight with audacity, launching concepts ranging from invitation-only supper clubs to women-centric cocktail bars. His commitment to originality drives him to empower female chefs and mixologists, carving a more inclusive space within the industry. “I want to create concepts that not only work in India but can also make a global impact.” 

His ventures, from dual-cuisine formats to experiential all-day venues, embody his vision of crafting dining spaces that are both innovative and timeless. The expansion of Scarlett House, Mumbai, with its wine and cheese room, water bar, and retail counter, exemplifies his mission to create multifaceted experiences that evolve with the discerning consumer. As Dhaval Udeshi Hospitality accelerates its ambitious rollout, one thing is certain: His journey is not just about creating restaurants but about shaping a movement, inspiring the next generation of restaurateurs to dare, disrupt, and dream on a grander scale.

This piece appeared in the March 2025 print issue of Harper's Bazaar India