Kolkata Soiree

Aditya Mehta of White Castle Hospitality is changing the nightlife scene in the City of Joy, adding one restaurant at a time to spice it up.

- Debarati Chakraborty

Launching four restaurant brands in four years can sound like a dream to most. However, to 34-year-old Aditya Mehta, it is a reality. Co-founder and director of White Castle Hospitality, Mehta likes a good challenge, a reason why he chose to deviate from Jaypee® India Limited, his family’s established business.

Foray into the hospitality sector

It was in 2013 that Mehta and his long-time friend Varun Mimani, both from Kolkata, began toying with the idea of opening a bar in the city. The nightlife scene in Kolkata back then was pretty dormant and mostly restricted to a few five-star properties. Realising the need of more nightlife and entertainment options, the two friends decided to open a bar in Kolkata.

White Castle Hospitality, with Mehta and Mimani as partners, was formed in October 2013. The first brand of the company, M Bar Kitchen, was launched the following year in November. Talking about the shift from working in the family business to opening his own company, Mehta says, “Initially, I followed the predictable path of joining the family business. But I was left craving for something more. Foraying into the restaurant business was a big leap for me as I was new in the industry. However, five years down the line, with four successful brands, the journey so far has been both exciting and fulfilling.”

The brands and expansion plans