A Culinary Genesis
AD Singh's foray into the restaurant business wasn't planned but rather a serendipitous discovery rooted in a personal craving for exceptional desserts.
His initial venture, 'Just Desserts,' launched in 1990, was a departure from conventional eateries, focusing on creating a unique ambiance with live jazz music and artisanal sweet treats, a concept novel for Bombay at the time. This early experience, a collaborative effort that involved sourcing desserts from local Parsi women and crafting original recipes, proved to be an invaluable learning ground, akin to an intensive business education. It laid the foundation for his future endeavors by highlighting the critical role of atmosphere and a distinct concept in attracting a diverse clientele, even without offering a full dining menu or alcohol.
The Olive Inspiration
The genesis of Olive Bar & Kitchen was sparked during a holiday in Phuket, where AD Singh was captivated by the relaxed yet fulfilling experience of a consistent beachside restaurant. This memory fueled his desire to replicate that specific vibe in Mumbai. He identified Bandra, then considered an outlier for 'cool' Bombay, as the ideal location. Despite initial renovation hurdles, reportedly attributed to a pre-existing spiritual presence at the site, Olive eventually opened in November 2000. Its Mediterranean-inspired theme, coupled with meticulous design and atmosphere, quickly resonated, transforming it into a celebrity hotspot and, crucially, catalyzing Bandra's evolution into a sought-after culinary neighborhood.
Navigating Adversity
AD Singh's entrepreneurial journey has been marked by resilience, navigating significant economic downturns and unexpected regulatory challenges. The 2008 financial crisis, for instance, impacted his upscale ventures like Japanese restaurant Ai and nightclub Lap in Delhi, leading to a noticeable dip in luxury dining. Furthermore, stringent Supreme Court orders and changes in local laws, such as the one following the Kamala Mills fire which affected establishments in Bangalore, led to sudden closures. Singh credits his mother's pragmatic advice – 'When the wheels are punctured and the steering is crooked, keep driving' – for sustaining him through these tumultuous periods, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the face of unforeseen business obstacles.
People as Pillars
Central to AD Singh's sustained success is his profound belief in valuing his team. Over his three-decade career, fostering strong relationships with employees has been a cornerstone of his business philosophy, leading to many individuals staying with the Olive Group for over 25 years. Singh views his establishments as akin to training academies, a testament to the numerous professionals who began their careers under his mentorship and later established their own successful ventures. He unequivocally denounces the 'abusive genius' chef culture, asserting that treating staff with respect and care is not merely a gesture of goodwill but a fundamental strategy for business prosperity, recognizing employees as the true asset of any hospitality enterprise.
Future Flavors
Looking ahead, AD Singh is actively contemplating his legacy and expanding the Olive Group's reach and offerings. Through its NGO, Kitchens Against Hunger, the group contributes to providing midday meals for children by adding a nominal amount to customer bills, which the restaurant then matches. The brand is also evolving, introducing new cafe and bar formats with several outlets already opened and more planned across various cities. With approximately 20 restaurants under seven to eight brands, Singh remains deeply involved in menu development, grappling with the perennial challenge of balancing innovative cuisine with the preferences of the Indian diner. Recent launches like The Love Hotel, Call Me Sofia, and The Hood by Olive reflect a continued drive to explore diverse concepts and dining experiences.
