WESTBROUGH, MA– International chef Devanand Chinta has joined the fast-growing Dharani group of restaurants as a partner and as its Chief Executive Chef.
“We are very excited to have Deva join our management team and lead the growth of Dharani restaurants in targeted markets across the country,” said Bhaskar Rednam, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Altamount Restaurant Group, the parent company of Dharani. “We are looking forward to working him and taking our restaurants to the next level of service and authentic Indian cuisine.”
The group already has been operating several Dharani restaurants in Massachusetts: Westborough, Woburn and Franklin. By end of this year, Altamount is opening Dharani Galaxy, an Indian food court in Westborough that will have four Indian restaurants with different flavors and a gathering place with a podium and stage. In addition, Altamount has Dharani restaurants in North and South Carolina, Connecticut, New York and Texas.
“It is one of the best decisions I have made to join the Altamount Restaurant Group. It balanced my work and family life,” Chinta told INDIA New England News. “Professionally, it has helped me get involved in the community and embrace the cuisine with pride. My career in hotels and large organizations taught me discipline and love for the job, which I have received from this company. There is a great leadership from Mr. Bhakar Rednam as our mentor.”
A native of Hyderabad, India, Chinta is no stranger on the international cuisine scene, especially in New England. He started his culinary career more than 18 years ago and has worked in Oberoi Hotel in Hyderabad, Les Quatre Saisons Hôtel in Paris, Waterside Inn in London, Carnival Cruise Line in Miami, InterContinental Boston. Most recent ly, Chinta served as executive chef for Marriott Hotels and worked at Harvard Business School as one of their chefs.
What is his role and responsibilities are going to be at Dharani?
“I am responsible for day-to-day operation of restaurants and product development with procurement of right product,” Chinta said. “I overlook sanitation procedures and well-being of all the staff by doing trainings across the restaurant group.”
He said that Indian restaurant market in New England and across the country has changed dramatically in recent years.
“Indian market has grown and changed exceptionally. I have been in this career for 18 years and I have seen great changes in the marketplace,” said Chinta, adding that despite changes when it comes to food customers still look back to their culture.
“Their expectations have changed and global trends are entering Indian market scene. Indian weddings are doing a more corporate look and feel and are moving slightly from traditional point,” Chinta said. “There is now a high degree of personalization. People are spending more per guest. They are adding more interesting decor, food and themes. Even destination of weddings and social events are changing in a very exotic way, choosing various locations and venues.”
As with everything else, menus have changed as well.
“There are a lot of traditional and modern aspects playing a role in the Indian wedding market. We as Dharani Restaurant group and with so much experience are ready to capture this market and deliver the promise with exceptional cuisine in a traditional way and service through modern way.”
