The Hindu Business Line : Fresh from the baker's basket

When Rajendra Kelshikar, Chief Executive Officer of Pune's erstwhile Blue Diamond hotel, decided to buy the five-star's in-house bakery brand, Baker's Basket, in early 2000 (when the Taj Hotels group acquired the hotel from the Kirloskar family, it wanted to exit the bakery business), many in the industry thought he had bitten off more than he could chew.

But not Kelshikar! Armed with a comprehensive knowledge of the food business, thanks to his initial training as a chef at the Taj Mahal, Mumbai, Kelshikar decided to rope in Blue Diamond's executive chef, Ravish Arora, as his business partner.

"The brand had the kind of following in Pune that many in the marketing field could only dream about and we were fairly sure that we could make a huge success out of it," says Kelshikar, Director, Inn-Venue Hospitality Management Pvt Ltd, the company that runs the Baker's Basket chain.

Pune residents will vouch that this is no mere boast. The chain, which has a 22-year history in the city, offers fresh cream pastries and savouries in 18 different categories such as rolls, kathis, burgers, puffs, pizzas, salads, deserts, tarts and pies, chocolates and various varieties of cakes.

The city's rapid growth over the last few years has seen competition mushrooming; but the chain has grown to seven outlets during this period. Kelshikar says that it is finally big enough to be taken to newer markets within Maharashtra and other states as well.

With the chain well established, the duo also decided to leverage the brand's goodwill to enter other areas. Polka Dots, a multi-cuisine restaurant set up a couple of years ago, instantly caught the attention of foodies with its range of international cuisine, especially Thai food. Plans are also afoot to set up two more outlets in upscale localities in Pune.

Inn-Venue also has a thriving off-premises catering business; the company's clients vouch for its attention to fine details such as presentation, the variety of the spread and even the courtesy of the staff.

"We have invested huge amounts towards setting up our centralised kitchen, the factory and equipment that ensure maximum hygiene and food safety. It has paid back rich dividends," Kelshikar says.

The Baker's Basket chain, which enjoys a market share of about 55 per cent, plans to open three more outlets, taking the total number to 10. And all these outlets will be company-owned to maintain uniform product quality and service standards, adds Kelshikar.

With the brand established firmly in the city, the duo is now all set to roll out their successful business model outside Pune. Mumbai will be the first stop, but they are also eyeing the southern market.

"We are looking at a partner who would not only be interested in setting up the infrastructure, but also involved in running the set-up. If you are passionate about food, there is no way you can go wrong," says Kelshikar.

With business growing at about 25 per cent in the last few years, the company expects to end this year with revenues of an estimated Rs 8 crore, says Kelshikar.

"We are gearing up for the next phase of growth, which might include extending our operations to other synergetic spaces in the hospitality industry."