"We extended operations into bakery"
An Indian couple have turned their family-run restaurant into a high-end bakery.
Delhi-based couple Mandira Bhalla and Dhruv Lamba have been married for 16 years.
Dhruv’s family owns the Kwality Restaurant, which was started by his grandfather Peshori Lal Lamba at Connaught Place in 1940.
Dhruv, who is the Executive Director of Kwality Group, said:
“The Kwality group had the rare privilege of laying the foundation stone of India’s post-Independence food landscape.
“It introduced the country to the delights of ice-creams, hotels, and fine dining.
“I wanted to take the business to the next level when I returned from Les Roche, Switzerland after completing graduation in business administration, 20 years ago.
“We extended operations into bakery and confectionery products, and changed the name to Bread & More.”
The transformation began in 2003 with renaming their existing outlet at Greater Kailash 1 to Bread & More.
A second bakery opened at Vasant Vihar.
Currently, the Kwality group runs 15 other outlets across India, including the Pali Hill Restaurant in London.
The brand has over 40 international bread, truffles, macarons, croissants, confections, sandwiches and coffee.
Mandira said: “Bread & More is a patisserie and boulangerie concept that revisits traditional French classics and gives them a contemporary twist to craft delicious modern creations.”
Mandira finds her husband to be well-organised and a perfectionist.
Meanwhile, Dhruv is appreciative of Mandira’s people skills and marketing ideas.
However, Mandira is critical of Dhruv’s impatience and Dhruv believes his wife needs to be more punctual and disciplined.
But Dhruv says:
“We have matured, and 16+ years of marriage has taught us to handle such situations better.”
“Most of the time, Mandira is ‘politically correct’ and manages to turn disagreements into healthy discussions.
“Eventually, we find a middle ground.”
In order to make time for each other, the couple decided to discuss business strategies only on weekdays and use the weekends to unwind.
The couple return home from work by 6:00 pm and afterwards, it is family time.
Dhruv said: “It is difficult to completely switch off as the food business needs your attention 24×7, but we try our best to spend as much time as we can with our 11-year-old son, Aryaveer.
“On weekends, we play golf, watch our favourite TV shows, binge on desserts.
“This is our weekend mantra!”
The husband and wife added that they enjoy going on short trips and trying out new restaurants.
Due to the pandemic, the couple has been taking advantage of each other’s strengths.
Mandira said: “It is only when we are together that solutions come our way.”
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