In recent years, the food and beverage industry has seen a rise in specialized startups meeting the demand for consulting services, providing essential expertise in culinary and beverage innovation, marketing, and operational efficiency. From beverage innovation to marketing strategies, these startups offer indispensable expertise for businesses navigating the rapidly evolving market. Among these, Bar Bundle, based in Mumbai and led by renowned Mixologist Varun Sudhakar, stands out as a premium beverage enterprise offering exclusive, customized services. Whether collaborating with the hospitality industry or private individuals, Bar Bundle tailors consultation services to meet diverse needs, focusing on bar setup, menu innovation, and event experiences. With a commitment to storytelling and brand vision, Bar Bundle ensures memorable experiences for patrons.
“As a mixologist with nearly 15 years of experience, I embarked on the journey of creating Bar Bundle during the challenges of the COVID era. Drawing from my extensive background in tending bars and participating in various competitions, I identified four key aspects that could be delivered back to the industry as a service. At the core of our offerings is bar consultancy, catering to a diverse clientele ranging from commercial bars to conceptual spaces and hotel bars.
We prioritize building bars that align with current trends while ensuring quality, profitability, and meeting the unique requirements of our clients”, speaks Varun Sudhakar. The firm’s approach involves providing a comprehensive outlook, offering both positive and negative insights based on industry benchmarks and client needs.
In essence, Bar Bundle’s approach distinguishes it in an industry where few companies prioritize customer experience or ongoing support post-consultancy. The firm understands that the true test of success comes not just during the project but in the months that follow. The company’s consultancy period is strategically divided into two phases – an initial period, including a soft launch and subsequent adjustments based on client and customer feedback, followed by an additional month of support.
Bar Bundle goes beyond the standard service model by offering retainers, enabling periodic check-ins to ensure sustained quality. The firm’s commitment to customer service extends beyond the creation of a bar or restaurant, it focuses on longevity, addressing challenges such as staff turnover to uphold the quality of its product.
“As a consultant, despite not actively tending bars for the past five years, I stay connected with the current generation of bars and mixologists. This involves ongoing dialogue, researching innovations, and seeking insights from those actively involved. I often experiment with new concepts and techniques, combining personal exploration with knowledge gained from the industry.
Another avenue is client feedback and requests, which act as valuable indicators of emerging trends. For instance, if a client mentions a popular concept from London seen in Delhi and Bombay but not in Bangalore or Chennai, I understand the idea, innovate, and create something unique for that space”, says Varun Sudhakar.
Delving deeper, the firm aims to make education accessible to all, not just aspiring bartenders but also individuals keen on honing mixology skills at home. The plan involves detailing functional learning modules, specifying the required hours, and ensuring inclusivity. “Simultaneously, I'm redeveloping the Bar Bundle website to serve as a platform where key talents in the industry receive recognition. The goal is to create credible resources, celebrating the work of bartenders who often remain unnoticed.
This initiative is not solely financially motivated but aims to contribute to the community”, adds Varun Sudhakar. Lastly, the plan includes expanding the business, potentially into other cities. While the current model involves contracting individuals for specific projects, future growth involves incorporating more team members into the company, fostering a collaborative and expansive approach.
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