“The key lesson I’ve learned is to always go after what you want, try your best, and surround yourself with the smartest people you can find.”
In a freewheeling chat with Entrepreneurs Today, we talk about Rakshay Dhariwal’s journey as a prominent Delhi-based entrepreneur known for his significant impact on India’s food and beverage industry.
In 2012, he revolutionised the F&B scene by launching India’s first speakeasy-style cocktail bar, PCO, which has garnered accolades such as featuring in the World’s Top 500 Bars, Asia’s 50 Best, Times Food & Nightlife’s award for Best Bar, the NRAI award for Best Bar, and many more.
Over the years, Dhariwal expanded his portfolio with innovative boutique F&B brands including Ping’s Cafe Orient, a casual dining concept offering healthy Asian street food; Jamun, an Indian regional-specialty restaurant; and SAZ, a contemporary American Brasserie. Currently, he owns and manages 20 restaurants and plans to open 30 more globally within the next five years.
In 2019, Dhariwal co-founded India Cocktail Week, a festival celebrating cocktails across major Indian cities. During the pandemic, he ventured into the craft spirits industry with Maya Pistola Agavepura, Asia’s first aged 100% agave spirit, which has quickly become one of India’s most awarded spirit brands in 2024.
Dhariwal’s global education includes studies in India, Australia, South Africa, Hungary, the Philippines, Singapore, and the USA, with a degree in Marketing in Telecommunications from Indiana University – Bloomington.
Interviewer: You’re currently managing three ventures across different domains. How do you effectively balance and oversee all of them?
Rakshay: “I’ve got a very strong team. I believe in investing in people, and I think we have some of the sharpest minds in our team.”
The Journey
Rakshay identified navigating the business landscape in India as his biggest initial challenge. Having lived across the world his entire life, he found the Indian business environment very different. Once he understood the nuances of doing business in India, things became a lot easier. Moreover, he notes,
“There are tons of little things that come up now and then. But you just have to roll with it and move on.”
The journey so far has been rewarding, and some of his accolades include being named in GQ’s 50 Most Influential Young Indians (2018), GQ’s 30 Most Influential Indians (2022), and receiving awards such as Economic Times Restaurateur of the Year – West (2022), Food Connoisseurs Restaurateur of the Year – Male (2023), and ET 40 Under 40 in F&B (2023).
Rakshay Dhariwal has been featured in publications such as Conde Nast Traveller India, Vogue India, The Hindu, The Telegraph India, The Hindu, Moneycontrol, Mint Lounge, Times of India Travel, and Hospibuz for his ventures.
Interviewer: Before we sign off, are there any new ventures or plans you are looking forward to?
Rakshay: “As an entrepreneur, I am always open to evaluating new opportunities as they arise. Currently, I have several new ventures coming up, but those are highly confidential.”
Social Handles:
Reach out to Rakshay over Instagram.
