Panchali Mahendra: Leading the Culinary Revolution with Michelin Star Excellence
In the world of gastronomy and hospitality, few names shine as brightly as Panchali Mahendra’s. As the President of Atelier House Hospitality, she has not only earned the coveted Michelin Star status but has also secured her place in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants MENA. Her journey is marked by remarkable achievements, and her influence is felt across continents.
One of the most remarkable feathers in her cap is her membership in the F&B Advisory Board, where her insights and expertise are highly regarded. Mahendra’s contributions extend beyond the culinary realm; she has been recognized in the prestigious Power 50 list, a testament to her significant impact on the industry. Adding to her impressive list of accolades is her status as a UAE Golden Visa awardee, a recognition of her exceptional contributions to the culinary world. Her Michelin-starred restaurant, a homegrown gem, exemplifies her dedication to culinary excellence.
With an illustrious career spanning 19 years, Mahendra has left an indelible mark on the food and beverage industry. Her expertise spans various domains, including conceptualization, feasibility, food and beverage, business planning, operations management, and turnkey solutions. Her consulting prowess has been a driving force behind her success as a Managing Director in the restaurant consulting arena.
Education has been a cornerstone of Mahendra’s journey. She holds a post-graduation focused on Guest Services Management from The Oberoi Center of Learning & Development, and she proudly holds a Gold Medal from the University of Huddersfield, UK, with a specialization in Hospitality.
Under her visionary leadership, Atelier House Hospitality has flourished, boasting an impressive portfolio of brands that includes Marea, 11 Woodfire, Mohalla, Morini, Tides Bar, RSVP, The Host, INJA, Mantra, and Gerbou. This diverse array of brands spans multiple countries, including the UAE, USA, KSA, and India.
The impact of Mahendra’s culinary empire extends far beyond its reach. Her restaurants have earned acclaim for their exceptional quality and innovative concepts. Notable among them is Mohalla in D3, with plans for 10 more openings in KSA, and the internationally acclaimed Marea in DIFC. Her ventures also include The Host in D3 and Morini in Riyadh, each a testament to her versatility and creativity.
Her influence isn’t limited to fine dining establishments; it extends to casual dining venues, resorts, master developments, and international franchises such as Le Pain Quotidien, Vapiano, Berris, and Mighty Quinn.
Recognized in the Power 50 and Power Women lists, Mahendra’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring culinary entrepreneurs and industry professionals. Her unwavering dedication to culinary excellence, coupled with her vast experience and impressive accolades, solidify Panchali Mahendra’s place at the forefront of the culinary world.
Check out her Instagram profile.
