Hospitality Entrepreneur & Mixologist · 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 as Manager at Veranda Bar & Restaurant in Leander, Texas, which opened in September 2025.
I recently completed my MBA in Hospitality Management at Alliant International University, Los Angeles — combining academic rigor with real-world entrepreneurial experience.
Personally served India's President Ramnath Kovind on two occasions at ITC Maratha, Mumbai
Times Food & Nightlife Award 2023 — Best Lounge Bar, House of Nomads, Goa (Times of India)
Pre-opening lead for 7 Rivers Brewpub — India's 2nd, featuring 10 house-crafted beers
MBA in Hospitality Management, Alliant International University, Los Angeles (Class of 2026)
Recognition & Milestones
In the Press
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
Grew beverage revenue by 28% through an Indian-inspired cocktail program. Learnt leadership and marketing directly from Celebrity Chef Asif Syed at this acclaimed 250-cover 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 Nomads (cocktail bar, 86 covers) and 7 Rivers Brewpub (142 covers, 10 house beers). Won Times Food & Nightlife Award 2023 — Best Lounge Bar.
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
Cocktail Portfolio
A collection of original cocktails that draw on Indian spice traditions, regional ingredients, and modern technique — each one a piece of authorship, not borrowed from a canon.
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.
Media & Collaborations
With a body of work spanning luxury hotels across India and the United States, a Times of India award, national press features, and management of an independent restaurant in Texas, Abhishek brings a rare combination of global expertise and entrepreneurial achievement.