Safdhar had co-founded SteppinOut, one of India’s largest event management companies that offers experiences to people, in 2014, and saw the successful acquisition of it twice in a span of just two years, first in 2020 by Dineout, a division of Times Internet, and again subsequently in 2022 by Swiggy.
For Safdhar, 30, joining VRO Hospitality is like a homecoming of sorts as he had founded the group in 2018 with his two friends Dawn Thomas and Sharath Rice before moving out with SteppinOut in 2020.
Safdhar’s addition will bolster VRO’s leadership at a time when the group is aggressively chasing expansion and growth in newer markets. The Bengaluru-headquartered group has already expanded in newer markets like Mumbai, Kolkata, Goa, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Ooty in the last 12-18 months as it prepares to become a pan-India brand. Safdhar will be tasked to increase the entertainment quotient across VRO Hospitality’s brands and craft specially curated events to offer a superlative experience to connoisseurs.
“We are delighted to have Safdhar in the fold at a critical juncture for VRO Hospitality,” said Dawn Thomas, CEO & Co-Founder of VRO Hospitality. “We are in the middle of an aggressive expansion plan across key markets of the country aimed at growth and profitability. Being an integral part of VRO Hospitality, Safdhar’s addition in the leadership will provide us with strategic guidance towards that direction.”
Sharath Rice, Director and Co-Founder, VRO Hospitality added, “We are extremely excited to have Safdhar back in VRO. His role as a key strategic thinker will bolster our growth roadmap as we move into newer markets with our aggressive expansion plan.”
In his new role, Safdhar will be responsible for driving VRO’s growth strategy, as well as overseeing the group’s operations and marketing. He will also play a key role in the development of new brands and concepts for VRO.
“I am extremely excited to be back in VRO Hospitality at a time when the group is looking at an exciting phase ahead,” said Safdhar. “Leading the group’s journey on road to growth and profitability will be an exciting task for me as we explore new markets and newer revenue models.”
VRO Hospitality owns some upscale lounges and restaurants across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Ooty. Some of their brands include Badmaash Lounge, Mirage, Plan B, TakiTaki& Cafe Noir. VRO is on an expansion drive nationally and internationally with brands such as Badmaash, Cafe Noir and Taki Taki being the pioneers in pitching the VRO flag in uncharted territories.
With nine brands which include Hangover, Badmaash, Taki Taki, Cafe Noir, Mirage, Nevermind, Plan B, One night in Bangkok, Tycoons & Holy Doh at Bangalore, Ooty, Mumbai, Kochi, Kolkata & Hyderabad summing up to over 40 outlets, VRO has established a diverse range of premium brands. Each brand has been meticulously crafted with a beautiful storyline woven throughout every aspect of the brand, including food, beverages, ambience, events, and other experiences.
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