Brewing Coffee & Business The Profitable Way

• Tell us a bit about your professional journey.

With over two decades in the coffee industry, my journey has been fueled by a passion for coffee and the craft behind it. From sourcing to roasting and brewing, I’ve honed my expertise across each stage, culminating in my current role at Barista, where I focus on enhancing our coffee experiences and expanding our brand.

• When did you join Barista? How has the experience been so far?

I joined Barista over a decade now, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey. Working with a brand that values quality and innovation has allowed me to apply my expertise in coffee while connecting with passionate teams and guests. It’s inspiring to see our shared love for coffee drive growth and deliver memorable experiences to guests across all our locations.

• What according to you are the three skills needed to be a successful Leader?

In my view, the three key skills for successful leadership are clear communication, adaptability, and empathy. Communication ensures alignment within the team; adaptability allows a leader to navigate industry changes effectively, and empathy builds trust and motivation, creating a strong, cohesive team environment.

• What are Barista’s expansion plans for FY25?

For FY25, Barista aims to strengthen its presence by expanding into new cities and enhancing our cafe formats to cater to evolving guests’ preferences. We’re also focused on diversifying our product range, including take-home options like coffee pods and machines, to bring the Barista experience to our guests' homes.

• Top 5 reasons for the rise of coffee culture in the country.

1. Growing urbanization – People are increasingly seeking out lifestyle-driven experiences.
2. Youth influence – Coffee is popular among younger generations who enjoy socializing at cafes.
3. Global exposure – International coffee trends have inspired new tastes and preferences.
4. Rise of specialty coffee – There's a growing appreciation for quality beans and artisanal brewing.
5. Work-from-cafe culture – Cafes have become popular workspaces, blending productivity with relaxation. 

• How have you integrated technology for your brand’s growth and expansion?

We’ve integrated technology at multiple levels to enhance both operational efficiency and guest experience. This includes implementing advanced POS systems, mobile app ordering, and loyalty programs to better engage our guests. Additionally, our online presence and e-commerce platforms for merchandise and coffee products, have allowed us to expand our reach beyond cafes, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience for our guests.

• How do you plan to cater to the growing markets of tier II and tier III cities?

To cater to the growing markets in tier II and tier III cities, we plan to focus on affordable yet high-quality coffee experiences that resonate with local preferences.

• 3 key trends according to you in the café segment right now?

Sustainability – Consumers are increasingly conscious about where their coffee comes from, with a focus on eco-friendly practices and ethically sourced beans.

Premiumization – There’s a growing demand for high-quality, specialty coffees and unique offerings, such as cold brews and craft beverages.

Experience-driven spaces – Cafes are evolving into lifestyle hubs, offering not just great coffee but also a memorable atmosphere, with curated designs, workspaces, and social settings.

• How important has been the business model of franchising in F&B industry? How do you envisage it in the future?

Franchising has been a crucial business model in the F&B industry, enabling brands to expand quickly and efficiently while leveraging local entrepreneurship. It allows for scalability, reduces operational risks, and ensures brand consistency across locations. At Barista, we view our franchise partners as essential collaborators. We provide strong support in business growth, brand expansion, and delivering an exceptional guest experience. In the future, franchising will continue to be integral part of our ecosystem, with our values and ensuring a seamless and innovative guest journey across all locations. We are looking for passionate partners for all business formats and also can evaluate for Multi-Unit and Master Franchise havingcity / state/ country rights in new developing markets.

• How does Barista support its franchisees?

Barista Coffee Company offers comprehensive support to its franchisees, ensuring a seamless and successful partnership. Key areas of assistance includecafe design and layout, equipment sourcing, menu development, staff training, operational guidance and marketing support.

• Fun facts:
  1. Your favorite coffee flavour: Strong, classic espresso.
  2. Your favorite snack to go with coffee:A warm, buttery croissant or an almond raisin muffin.
  3. A unique coffee flavour you’d like to introduce:Coffee and coconut cream blend or caramelized banana coffee!