TheCconnects: Welcome, Souvik! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Your journey from corporate life to founding Nine Bees & Company is inspiring. Can you walk our readers through how you transitioned from a corporate strategist to a trailblazing restaurateur?
Souvik Biswas: Thank you for having me! My journey wasn’t a straight line, but it’s been a flavorful one. Growing up in Kolkata, food was always more than sustenance, it was culture, connection, and celebration. I carried that love through my 12 years in the corporate world, where I honed skills in human resources and administration. I managed teams, streamlined operations, and navigated complex challenges at some of India’s top firms. But by 2020, I felt a pull to create something of my own. I’d always been passionate about travel and food, and during my trips across India and Southeast Asia, I saw how dining spaces could bring people together. In 2022, I took the leap, invested my savings, and launched Nine Bees & Company in Lodha Palava City. The name “Nine Bees” reflects my belief in teamwork, like bees in a hive, we thrive through collaboration.
TheCconnects: That’s a bold move! What inspired you to focus on a community-centric dining experience, and how does Nine Bees & Co. stand out in a crowded culinary market?
Souvik Biswas: The inspiration came from observing how suburban areas like Lodha Palava lacked dynamic dining options. I wanted to create a space that wasn’t just about food but about experiences, where people could work, celebrate, or simply unwind. Our “Work from Resto” concept, with high-speed Wi-Fi and power outlets, was born from seeing professionals juggle remote work with no inspiring spaces. We also introduced affordable gourmet dishes, like our signature momos with complimentary soup, to make quality food accessible. What sets us apart is our fusion menu, think Matka Biryani meets Sushi or Boba Juices alongside Fried Ice Cream. We’re not just serving food; we’re crafting memories, whether through candlelight dinners or culinary workshops for kids.
TheCconnects: Your menu is incredibly diverse. Who or what has been the biggest influence on your culinary vision?
Souvik Biswas: My mother was my biggest influence. She passed away in 2024, and her loss was profound, but her passion for cooking shaped me. She’d experiment with flavors at home, blending Bengali traditions with global inspirations. That taught me to respect authenticity while embracing innovation. My travels also played a huge role, tasting street food in Bangkok or sushi in Japan opened my eyes to how food can tell stories. I wanted Nine Bees to reflect that global yet grounded spirit.
TheCconnects: I’m sorry for your loss, Souvik. It’s remarkable how you’ve channeled personal experiences into your work. Speaking of challenges, you faced a significant hurdle with a co-founder dispute in 2024. How did you navigate that, and what did it teach you?
Souvik Biswas: That was a tough period. The dispute led to a temporary closure of Nine Bees, which was heartbreaking after pouring so much into it. My corporate background in crisis management kicked in, I focused on securing legal clarity, ensuring all registrations like FSSAI, GST, and trademarks were in my name, and communicated transparently with our community. By August 2024, we relaunched stronger, with a renewed focus on expansion. The lesson? Resilience is about staying true to your vision while adapting to setbacks. It also taught me the importance of trust in partnerships, now, I prioritize clear agreements and shared values.
TheCconnects: That’s a powerful testament to your leadership. What other key lessons from your career have shaped your approach to running Nine Bees?
Souvik Biswas: One big lesson is that people are at the heart of any business. In my corporate days, I learned that empowering teams leads to better outcomes. At Nine Bees, I invest in my staff, training them, listening to their ideas, and fostering a culture of ownership. Another lesson is to stay agile. The hospitality industry moves fast, and customer preferences evolve. Whether it’s extending delivery hours to 4 AM or introducing new dishes based on feedback, agility keeps us relevant. Lastly, integrity matters. Being transparent during our 2024 restructuring built trust with our customers, and that’s been invaluable.
TheCconnects: Absolutely, trust is everything. Looking at the digital landscape, what do you see as the biggest challenge for brands in the hospitality sector today?
Souvik Biswas: The biggest challenge is standing out in a noisy digital space while staying authentic. Customers are bombarded with options on platforms like Swiggy and Zomato, and algorithms often favor bigger players. Smaller brands like ours need to leverage storytelling, sharing our journey, values, and unique offerings, to connect emotionally. Social media is a double-edged sword; it’s great for visibility but can amplify negative feedback. We tackle this by engaging directly with customers, responding to reviews, and using platforms to showcase our community initiatives, like our kids’ culinary workshops. It’s about creating a digital presence that feels human, not just transactional.
TheCconnects: That’s a great point about human connection. How does Nine Bees address specific pain points for your customers in Lodha Palava?
Souvik Biswas: We listened closely to our community. Professionals needed a space to work and dine, so we created “Work from Resto” zones. Families wanted affordable, high-quality food, so we priced our gourmet dishes competitively, our momos with soup are a hit for a reason! Late-night workers and students craved options past midnight, so we extended delivery till 4 AM. We also saw a demand for unique experiences, so our candlelight dinners and private event spaces cater to those seeking special moments. Every offering is designed to solve a real need while delivering joy.
TheCconnects: You’ve clearly thought this through. On a lighter note, what do you do to unwind when you’re not running Nine Bees or dreaming up new dishes?
Souvik Biswas: I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie! I love adventure sports, trekking, cycling, and the occasional paragliding when I can sneak away. Travel is my biggest passion; exploring new places fuels my creativity. Whether it’s sampling street food in Delhi or hiking in the Himalayas, those experiences recharge me. I also enjoy mentoring young entrepreneurs in my spare time, it’s my way of giving back.
TheCconnects: That’s a vibrant mix! Speaking of mentoring, what advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry?
Souvik Biswas: First, know your ‘why.’ Passion drives resilience, especially in an industry as demanding as hospitality. Second, listen to your customers, they’ll tell you what they need. Third, don’t fear failure; it’s a teacher. My 2024 setback was painful, but it made Nine Bees stronger. Finally, build a team that shares your vision. You can’t do it alone, find people who believe in your mission as much as you do.
TheCconnects: Wise words! One last question: where do you see Nine Bees & Co. five years from now?
Souvik Biswas: I see Nine Bees as a household name, not just in Lodha Palava but across major cities, malls, and airports. We’re aiming for a 50% revenue increase by 2026, but more importantly, I want to scale our community-first model. Imagine Nine Bees as a place where people don’t just eat, they connect, create, and celebrate. We’re also exploring sustainable practices, like zero-waste kitchens, to align with global trends. My dream is to blend Indian hospitality with world-class innovation, making every visit a story worth sharing.
TheCconnects: That’s an exciting vision, Souvik. Thank you for sharing your journey and insights with us. We’re rooting for Nine Bees & Co. to keep buzzing!
Souvik Biswas: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure sharing this with TheCconnects. Here’s to creating more unforgettable dining experiences!
