If you’ve ever dined at Indian Accent, indulged in an all-American breakfast at The All American Diner, or soaked in the nostalgia of Chor Bizarre, you’ve experienced the magic of Rohit Khattar. The Founder Chairman of Old World Hospitality Private Limited (O.W.H.), Khattar has built an empire of beloved restaurants that have shaped India’s dining scene since 1990. But what’s the secret sauce behind his success? He shares insights into the relentless pursuit of excellence, innovation, and adaptability that keep his brands thriving in an ever-evolving industry.

Chasing Excellence: The Money Follows

“There is a saying that ‘if you chase excellence, then money is the by-product,’ and I truly believe in that,” says Khattar. This philosophy has been the guiding principle for O.W.H., a company that has consistently introduced path-breaking restaurant concepts. From pioneering India’s first pan-Asian restaurant to launching an English pub way before the trend caught on, Khattar has always been ahead of the curve. His relentless focus on quality and customer experience ensures that each of his restaurants is a leader in its category.

Excellence, however, isn’t just about creating the perfect menu—it extends to service, ambiance, and the overall dining experience. Every element is meticulously planned and executed, ensuring that customers leave with unforgettable memories. “We don’t just sell food; we create experiences,” he explains.

Innovation: The Heart of Culinary Success

“Innovation is everything,” he emphasizes. Whether it’s the globally acclaimed Indian Accent or the retro charm of The All American Diner, each O.W.H. restaurant has a distinct identity. The key? Staying true to the original concept while constantly evolving. “We keep on improving and innovating all the time,” Khattar states, ensuring that each brand remains fresh and exciting for diners.

For instance, Indian Accent broke the mold by reinterpreting Indian flavors with a modern twist, setting a new benchmark in contemporary Indian cuisine. Similarly, Eatopia, another O.W.H. venture, revolutionized the food court experience, introducing a high-energy, multi-cuisine dining format that appealed to a wide audience.

The Mumbai Experiment

When expanding to new markets, the ability to read and adapt to regional preferences is crucial. “In 2016, we had to adapt the Indian Accent, New Delhi menu to Indian Accent, New York after surveying the tastes and dining habits of that city,” Khattar reveals. And in 2023, the same approach was taken for Indian Accent’s Mumbai launch.

“We realized that diners there lean more towards vegetarian dishes than the New Delhi or even the New York menu.” This kind of hyper-local customization ensures that every restaurant resonates with its audience while maintaining its core identity.

Beyond menu changes, adapting to regional preferences also involves understanding local dining behaviors and expectations. In Mumbai, for instance, the dining culture is more fast-paced compared to Delhi, influencing service styles and menu structuring. By staying attuned to these nuances, O.W.H. ensures a seamless dining experience tailored to each market.

Scaling Challenges: The Homework That Pays Off

Scaling a restaurant brand isn’t just about replicating a winning formula—it’s about understanding a new market inside out. “It is never easy to understand a new city, and a lot of homework needs to be done,” Khattar admits. Months of research go into studying dining habits before a new restaurant is launched. But perhaps the most crucial part of the process? “Recruitment and training. We end up hiring people for that city and implanting them in our busy outlets in the NCR, which gives them a good insight.” This hands-on approach ensures a seamless extension of brand values across locations.

Training isn’t just about learning the ropes—it’s about internalizing the ethos of each restaurant. From front-of-house staff to kitchen teams, every member undergoes rigorous training to ensure that the signature experience of an O.W.H. restaurant is upheld across all locations.

Changing Food Culture

Khattar has always had a pulse on India’s evolving food culture. “In 1998, we opened an American Diner for the first time in India, India’s first pan-Asian restaurant, and also an English pub. These were all before their time but were super successful,” he shares. But perhaps his most iconic venture was Indian Accent in 2009—a brand that took nearly a year for diners to understand before becoming a global phenomenon. “After that, of course, there was no looking back,” he adds.

The rise of digital dining, delivery-first models, and chef-driven menus are some of the recent trends shaping India’s food industry. O.W.H. has adapted by embracing technology—whether it’s through online reservations, digital menu curation, or interactive dining experiences. The goal? To stay relevant while maintaining authenticity.

What’s Cooking Next? A Global Expansion Plan

With a portfolio of six distinct restaurant concepts rolling out across India—and even some international expansions on the horizon—O.W.H. is on an unstoppable growth trajectory. “There is pretty extensive development on the cards,” Khattar teases.

Indian Accent’s international success has paved the way for further global expansion. The brand is exploring new markets in the Middle East and Europe, with plans to introduce curated menus tailored to local palates while retaining its signature touch. Meanwhile, other O.W.H. brands are being developed for major Indian cities, further solidifying its dominance in the country’s dining space.

As India’s dining scene continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: Rohit Khattar’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and adaptability. And if history is any indication, his next move is sure to be another game-changer in the culinary world.