Hospitality Entrepreneur · Leander, Texas
Abhishek
Kumar Ray
From the luxury corridors of Ritz-Carlton, Taj & ITC Hotels to founding an award-winning restaurant in Texas — crafting extraordinary hospitality across continents.
Hospitality Entrepreneur · Leander, Texas
From the luxury corridors of Ritz-Carlton, Taj & ITC Hotels to founding an award-winning restaurant in Texas — crafting extraordinary hospitality across continents.
Who I Am
My journey began at the Ritz-Carlton Bangalore and was shaped by years at iconic Taj and ITC properties across India. From leading pre-opening teams for cocktail bars and brewpubs to managing all-day dining at five-star hotels, I have always been drawn to the intersection of craft, culture, and guest experience.
In 2024, I brought that vision to the United States — first at 21 Spices by Chef Asif where I learnt the art of leadership and marketing from Chef Asif himself, then at Carneros Resorts & Spa in Napa Valley, and then joining as Manager at Veranda Bar & Restaurant in Leander, Texas, which opened in September 2025.
I believe Central Texas deserves world-class, thoughtfully curated hospitality — and Veranda is my commitment to that belief.
Personally served India's President Ramnath Kovind on two occasions back in India
Pre-opening team lead for House of Nomad — India's 2nd cocktail-forward bar, winner of Times Best Lounge Bar, Goa
Pre-opening team lead for 7 Rivers Brewpub — India's 2nd, featuring 10 house-crafted beers
Driving beverage revenue at Taj Hotels in India, then at 21 Spices by Chef Asif
Recognition & Milestones
Professional Journey
Sep 2025 – Present
Manager
Veranda Bar & Restaurant — Leander, Texas, USA
Managing a full-service bar and restaurant in Central Texas. Responsible for all operations, staffing, financial performance, brand strategy, and guest experience design.
May 2025 – Sep 2025
Assistant Food & Beverage Manager
Carneros Resorts & Spa (BoonFly Cafe) — Napa Valley, California, USA
Managing F&B operations at a premier Napa Valley resort, overseeing American & Californian cuisine dining service, team performance, and quality standards.
Feb 2024 – Feb 2025
Management Training
21 Spices by Chef Asif — Florida, USA
Gained deep expertise in American fine dining service culture and learnt the art of leadership and marketing directly from Chef Asif at this acclaimed 250-cover Indian cuisine restaurant.
Sep 2023 – Feb 2024
Restaurant Manager
ITC Maratha — Mumbai, India
Managed Peshwa Pavilion (144 covers) at one of India's most prestigious five-star hotels, overseeing breakfast operations for a 380-room property.
Sep 2022 – Sep 2023
Assistant Bar Manager & Brewery Manager
Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa — Goa, India
Pre-opening leadership for House of Nomad (cocktail bar, 86 covers) and 7 Rivers Brewpub (142 covers, 10 house beers). Standardized cocktail menus. Won Times Best Lounge Bar award.
Mar 2022 – Aug 2022
Assistant F&B Manager
Taj Holiday Village — Caravela & Drift Bar, Goa, India
Managed all-day dining and bar outlet with 205 covers, overseeing service quality, team development, and beverage portfolio management.
2018
Industrial Training
The Ritz-Carlton — Bangalore, India
Foundational training at one of the world's most esteemed luxury hotel brands, establishing an enduring commitment to excellence in hospitality service.
Current Venture
Signature Cocktails
Areas of Expertise
Let's Connect
Whether you're a fellow hospitality professional, a potential collaborator, a journalist, or someone who believes in the power of exceptional experiences — I'd love to hear from you.
O-1 Extraordinary Ability
With a body of work spanning luxury hotels across India and the United States, nationally recognized bar openings, and the successful management of an independent restaurant in Texas, Abhishek brings a rare combination of global expertise and entrepreneurial achievement to every endeavor.