Panchali Mahendra is the President of UAE Atelier House Hospitality and is also a recipient of the golden visa. She is known for her Michelin-starred restaurant that she has established locally. With 19 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, Panchali has a proven track record in restaurant consulting and serves as a managing director. Her expertise lies in various areas, including concept development, feasibility analysis, food and beverage operations, business planning, and overall operations management. Panchali is well-regarded as a turnkey professional in her field. She holds a postgraduate degree in guest services management from The Oberoi Center of Learning & Development and has earned a Gold Medal from the University of Huddersfield in the United Kingdom.
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between Fortunes Time and Panchali Mahendra:
Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace.
Both personally and professionally, I’m a very passionate and driven person. I’m extremely committed to everything I do, and I have attracted a team around me that shares that dedication. I’ve always been fascinated by the F&B world, and even when I’m outside the workplace, I’m always looking for unique and intriguing dining concepts to try out all over the world.
Describe your background, and what did you do before you started or joined the company?
My passion for hospitality stems from my educational background at IHM-Aurangabad, one of India’s top hotel schools, along with my post-graduate experience at Oberoi Group of Hotels. My interest and passion eventually led me to delve deep into the food and beverage sector, overseeing the operations of over 70 restaurants.
Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start?
The inception of Atelier House Hospitality was the result of Mr. Ahmass Fakahany’s support and his belief in our ability to set new standards of excellence in the hospitality sector in the Middle East. The principles that started Atelier House Hospitality and have made it what it is today are to prioritize quality, authenticity, and the customer experience.
What has made you successful? What do you value?
Everything I do, whether personally or professionally, is driven by a set of ingrained values I live by. Throughout my career, I have always committed to consistency, adaptability, and persistence. These qualities have allowed me to get to where I am today, as I am strongly guided by these principles. It also helps that I have an intrinsic curiosity about the industry and the ever-evolving trends that come by. The industry is truly fascinating, and staying ahead of the curve by being informed and updated on all the changes and developments is what I believe has helped me in my journey.
Which are the major services of the company and how do they the company to get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide?
Atelier House Hospitality is instrumental in conceptualizing and operating a wide range of successful restaurants both within the UAE, KSA, and India as well. What makes us a cut above the rest is our dedication to consistent quality and a deep understanding of local and global gastronomic landscapes. We aim to create a balance between developing authentic concepts and bracing for changes in what customers desire.
What are the most important aspects of a company’s culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture?
I believe that for a company to succeed, it’s important for your team to be dedicated and passionate about the goals you are working towards. We have a team of people who are driven by the ambition to transform the F&B sector in the Middle East and create unparalleled experiences for patrons. By encouraging creativity and out-of-the-box ideas, I have been able to bring out the unique potential of my team, and I believe that contributes to creating a strong company culture at Atelier House Hospitality.
What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company?
Any big or small innovation stems from an idea, which could sound absurd at first, but often those are the ones that lead to something great. At Atelier House Hospitality, I make sure to create an open space where ideas are welcomed and heard. This enables my team to be more creative and innovative, which is of course beneficial to our projects as well.
Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes?
I believe a team where everyone works together, yet each member’s individuality is highlighted and utilized, is the perfect recipe for success. Teamwork is essential, especially in an industry such as ours where the work is hectic and often unexpected. However, in order for a team to be truly successful, one must identify the unique strengths each member possesses. This works in two ways: firstly, your employee will feel valued and their individuality acknowledged, and secondly, your team will be stronger as each member is focusing on aspects of a project that they are best at.
What are your responsibilities as the President of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine?
My responsibilities as president of Atelier House Hospitality cannot be summarized in a few words. Especially because in this industry, every day looks different. I oversee all our projects across the UAE and in India to ensure everything is on the right track. And of course, I consistently work on upcoming projects and spearhead new ideas to take the company forward.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
Work hard, stay disciplined so you can balance it all, and always be consistent in everything you do.
