Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Experience Years
Professional Highlights
Timeline
Generic

Ketan Thakkar

Mumbai

Summary

Dynamic beverage operations leader with a proven track record at Olive Bar & Kitchen, driving an 18% increase in sales through innovative menu development and strategic vendor negotiations. Expert in team leadership and cost control, fostering high-performance cultures while enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Corporate Beverage Head

Woodside Inn
Colaba, Andheri & Bandra
06.2023 - 09.2024
  • Increased beverage sales by 18% through strategic Bar & Wine menu redesign & upselling initiatives.
  • Negotiated liquor & wine contracts, reducing procurement costs by 15%.
  • Developed trend-driven cocktail & wine lists, boosting premium sales by 12%.
  • Organized & facilitated professional training workshops & curated tasting sessions of premium spirits and wines with industry-leading MNCs.

Project Overview & AVP

Acapella Foods & Restaurants Pvt. Ltd.
Lower Parel Mumbai
01.2019 - 06.2022
  • Directed the project setup phase, overseeing civil works, bar & kitchen installation, vendor procurement within timelines & budget.
  • Ensured compliance with all health, safety & COVID-19 government regulations.
  • Spearheaded F&B operations, including staff recruitment, training & service standard upgrades.
  • Controlled staffing budgets & successfully shifted focus to delivery business during lockdown.
  • Negotiated favourable contracts & credit terms with liquor, wine & general vendors, ensuring cost efficiency.
  • Curated & regularly updated bar & wine menus, aligning with market trends & supplier support.
  • Built strong partnerships with distributors & brand ambassadors securing sponsorships & exclusive events.
  • Oversaw multi-department daily operations, cost control & profitability analysis with Chef & F&B teams.
  • Maintained MIS, P&L & inventory reports for accurate financial tracking.
  • Elevated guest experience by acting on daily feedback & ensuring continuous service improvements.

Project Overview & A.V.P

Soda Bottle Opener Wala (SBOW)
BKC, Thane, Powai
07.2015 - 04.2018
  • Successfully spearheaded the launch of SBOW outlets in Mumbai (BKC, Thane, Powai) from project initiation to operations, completing fit-outs within stipulated timelines & pre-opening budgets.
  • Directed end-to-end Food & Beverage operations, overseeing staffing, scheduling, hygiene compliance & smooth functioning across bar, dining & support departments.
  • Recruited, trained, evaluated staff, motivated managers to adhere to SOPs, elevated service standards & achieve sales targets.
  • Designed & implemented incentive programs to drive FOH & BOH performance.
  • Monitored stock levels, streamlined vendor selection & managed departmental budgets to achieve cost efficiency.
  • Escalated guest concerns, analysed customer feedback & introduced service improvements that elevated satisfaction scores & repeat business.
  • Fostered strong relationships with landlords, mall management & external stakeholders to ensure operational alignment & long-term business growth.
  • Partnered with management to conceptualise & execute marketing campaigns, promotions & special events, driving revenue growth & customer acquisition.
  • Ensured timely renewals of statutory licenses, prepared & analysed operational reports (CCG, bar inventory & sales data) to support strategic decisions & maximise profitability.

DGM Bar Operations

Olive Bar & Kitchen
Bandra, Mahalaxmi & Pune
05.2001 - 07.2015
  • Directed end-to-end Food & Beverage operations across bar & dining ensuring high standards of service, hygiene & legal compliance.
  • Recruited, trained & motivated multi-cultural teams, resolved grievances, conducted regular staff meetings & performance appraisals, implemented incentive programs to boost morale & productivity.
  • Monitored daily sales, bar costs & inventory, streamlined vendor selection, implemented effective cost-control measures to maximise profitability without compromising quality.
  • Delivered exceptional service to corporate and elite clientele, developed customized offerings, maintained strong client relationships, resulting in increased loyalty and positive reviews.
  • Oversaw product quality, beverage innovations.
  • Maintained contracts & strong relationships with liquor importers, distributors & suppliers to ensure product availability & brand alignment.
  • Prepared & reviewed key reports (CCG, sales, inventory) to identify trends, optimise resources & drive profitability.
  • Designed & introduced contemporary wine & beverage offerings based on market insights & demand, boosting customer engagement & repeat orders.
  • Organized themed dinners & promotional events such as TGIT (Thank God It’s Thursday), Spanish Nights, & Sunday Brunch bar menus with attractive deals to drive footfalls.

Education

Hotel Management -

Rizvi College HMCT

Skills

  • Restaurant & Outlet Launch Management
  • Contract negotiation
  • Beverage innovation
  • Menu development
  • Vendor relations
  • Team leadership
  • Problem solving
  • Training facilitation
  • Food & Beverage Operations
  • Beverage Program Development
  • Vendor & Contract Negotiation
  • Cost Control & Budget Management
  • Team Leadership & Training
  • Compliance & Quality Assurance
  • P&L Management & Reporting

Experience Years

23 +

Professional Highlights

  • Successfully Operated 13 outlets across multiple premium brands.
  • Delivered 10–15% annual cost savings via vendor & contract optimisation.
  • Improved guest satisfaction ratings by up to 15% through staff training & service improvements.
  • Achieved consistent double-digit growth in beverage sales through menu innovation.

Timeline

Corporate Beverage Head

Woodside Inn
06.2023 - 09.2024

Project Overview & AVP

Acapella Foods & Restaurants Pvt. Ltd.
01.2019 - 06.2022

Project Overview & A.V.P

Soda Bottle Opener Wala (SBOW)
07.2015 - 04.2018

DGM Bar Operations

Olive Bar & Kitchen
05.2001 - 07.2015

Hotel Management -

Rizvi College HMCT

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Ketan Thakkar