Sathish is a former professional racing cyclist who represented Karnataka in the Indian national championships. Subsidized by the Indian government, he rode his way across Europe on a bicycle with just a knapsack of belongings before purchasing a plane ticket to the US. After a brief tour, he returned to India and trained as a chef. The lure of America proved irresistible; he applied for a job at Continental Airlines and the company funded his training in avionics.
A gifted raconteur, his eyes sparkle zestfully as he talks about his adventures. But he’s quick to admit that never in his wildest dreams did he expect to reach this level of success as a restaurateur or that he would rub shoulders with, and serve global luminaries in the ilk of former President of India, Dr. Abdul Kalam, and Oscar and Grammy award-winning music director, A.R. Rahman. Rahman, who notably scored music for the runaway hit movie Slumdog Millionaire, has Sathish’s mobile number and calls to request meals when he is in town. The chain has seen its fair share of celebrity guests, Bollywood actors, and musicians like Hema Malini, Shreya Ghosal, and Richa Sharma.