Sanchita Dhir: Celebrating the Joy of Shared Meals

In a world where culinary expectations soar and the pursuit of quality and nutrition reigns supreme, the food service industry stands at a vibrant crossroads. As palates evolve and preferences diversify, these firms are on a quest to blend creativity with meticulousness, transforming every plate into a work of art that delights and nourishes.

In this arena, Sanchita Dhir is a name worth discussing. As the CEO of a forward-thinking catering company, she embodies the fusion of tradition and innovation that defines the industry today. Drawing inspiration from her parents’ remarkable journey in the food service sector, Sanchita has dedicated herself to building a brand that prioritizes quality, nutrition, and exceptional service.

In an insightful conversation with her, Sanchita shared her personal journey, the guiding principles that drive the company’s success, and the innovative strategies that have helped Gourmer Services maintain its stellar reputation in the catering industry.

Below are the highlights from the interview

What inspired you to take on the role of CEO at Gourmer Services Pvt. Ltd., and what has been your guiding vision for the company?

I was inspired to take on the role of CEO at Gourmer Services Pvt. Ltd. by the incredible journey of my parents, who started the business from scratch with resilience, dedication, and a deep commitment to providing quality meals. Watching their perseverance in building this company from scratch taught me the value of hard work and instilled in me a sense of responsibility to carry forward their legacy. My vision for the company has always been to maintain the highest standards of quality and nutrition while expanding our reach. I believe that food should not just satisfy hunger; it should nourish the body and soul. I am committed to ensuring that every meal we provide reflects this belief and enhances the dining experience of our clients.

Gourmer Services Pvt. Ltd. serves over 25,000 meals daily. What are the key factors that have contributed to your company's success and reputation in the catering industry?

The success of Gourmer Services is deeply rooted in our commitment to quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction. We have built a reputation for understanding the unique needs of our clients and delivering meals that go beyond just food on a plate. Our focus on fresh ingredients, customised menus, and an uncompromising stance on safety and hygiene has allowed us to build strong, lasting relationships with our clients.

Additionally, our ability to adapt to changing tastes and trends, while still maintaining our core values, has helped us remain a leader in the industry.

How do you ensure that Gourmer Services maintains high standards of quality, safety, and freshness in the meals you provide?

Quality, safety, and freshness are at the heart of everything we do at Gourmer Services. We have stringent quality control processes in place that begin with sourcing the finest ingredients. We work closely with trusted suppliers who share our values for sustainability and quality. Our kitchens follow rigorous food safety protocols, and every meal undergoes checks to ensure it meets our high standards. Moreover, our automated cooking processes help us maintain consistency across the facility, and our team of chefs constantly innovates to ensure freshness in every bite.

What are some of the unique challenges of managing a large-scale food service operation, and how have you addressed them?

Managing a large-scale operation like ours comes with its own set of challenges—logistics, maintaining quality across thousands of meals, and addressing individual client needs. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that the high standards we set are consistently met, especially when dealing with such a large volume of meals daily. To overcome this, we’ve implemented automated systems, established clear processes, and built a strong team of experts who are empowered to take ownership of their roles. Regular training sessions and feedback loops allow us to stay agile and address any issues that arise quickly.

Can you describe the process of creating customised menus for your clients? How do you cater to the unique needs of each customer?

Customisation is one of our core strengths. We start by having an in- depth conversation with each client to understand their preferences, dietary needs, and the specific requirements of their audience, whether it’s schools, corporates, or industries. Our chefs then create tailored menu options that align with those needs, ensuring variety, nutrition, and taste are all balanced. We also keep an eye on trends in the food industry, incorporating them into our offerings when appropriate, while maintaining the authenticity and nutrition clients expect from us.

How does Gourmer Services balance the need for high-quality ingredients with the goal of providing value to your clients?

Balancing quality and value is a delicate art, but we achieve it through strategic partnerships with suppliers, efficient operations, and economies of scale. By working closely with local farmers and suppliers who understand our commitment to fresh, wholesome ingredients, we ensure that we get the best produce at competitive prices. Additionally, our well- optimised supply chain and automated processes allow us to reduce waste and manage costs effectively, which in turn allows us to provide high-quality meals at an affordable rate for our clients.

What role does your team of chefs and experts play in shaping the dining experiences offered by Gourmer Services?

Our team of chefs and experts is the backbone of Gourmer Services. Their creativity, expertise, and attention to detail are what make each meal memorable. They are constantly innovating,finding new ways to elevate the dining experience while adhering to our commitment to nutrition and quality. We encourage a collaborative environment where chefs can experiment with new flavours, techniques, and presentations, always with the goal of delighting our clients. Their passion for food translates into every meal we serve.

In what ways has Gourmer Services adapted its operations to meet the evolving needs and expectations of your customers?

The food industry is constantly evolving, and so are the expectations of our customers. We have embraced technology to streamline operations, ensuring efficiency without compromising quality. During COVID-19, for instance, we adapted quickly by implementing contactless deliveries, enhanced hygiene protocols, and adjusted menus to suit the changing needs of our clients. Our flexibility and willingness to listen to customer feedback have allowed us to stay ahead of the curve and continuously improve our offerings.

How does your company handle the logistics of serving such a large volume of meals daily while maintaining high standards of service?

Logistics are a key part of our operations, and we’ve developed a robust system to manage it effectively. From the moment an order is placed to when it’s delivered, every step is meticulously planned and monitored. We track orders, monitor kitchen processes, and ensure that everything is running smoothly. This allows us to maintain high standards even at scale.

What are some key initiatives or innovations you have introduced at Gourmer Services to enhance customer satisfaction?

One of the key initiatives we’ve introduced is real-time feedback integration, where clients can share their thoughts on meals immediately after they’re served. This helps us stay connected with our customers and allows us to make improvements quickly. Another innovation has been the use of automated roti machines and state-of-the-art kitchen equipment that ensures consistency and quality in every meal. We also focus on health-conscious menus, offering options that cater to various dietary needs, such as gluten-free and vegan meals, which have been well- received by our clients.

Can you discuss the impact of in-house food and bakery production on the quality of your offerings? What benefits does this bring to your clients?

In-house food and bakery production have been a game-changer for us. It allows us to control every aspect of the production process, ensuring that the ingredients are fresh, clean, and free from preservatives. Our bread

brand, Barken’s, is a great example of this. By producing our own bread in-house, we can guarantee that our clients receive wholesome, preservative-free products that are both healthy and delicious. This control over production also allows us to customise our offerings and maintain a high standard of quality.

Looking ahead, what are your future goals for Gourmer Services? Are there any new projects or expansions on the horizon that you’re particularly excited about?

Looking to the future, we plan to expand our footprint across more regions and explore new segments within the food service industry. We are excited about the potential of integrating more sustainable practices into our operations, such as zero-waste kitchens and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Additionally, we aim to scale Barken’s into more retail outlets, making preservative-free bread accessible to a wider audience. Ultimately, our goal is to continue growing while staying true to our core values of quality, nutrition, and exceptional service.