Food and beverage entrepreneur Sandeep Sekhri was born in New Delhi and came to Hong Kong as a restaurant manager in 1990 at the age of 24. Twelve years later he decided to go it alone, setting up the Dining Concepts group. His first restaurant was Bombay Dreams - and the group now comprises 18 restaurants, including several steakhouses and two food delivery service companies. The group has just opened a new Italian restaurant near the waterfront at Ocean Terminal, called Al Molo.
When did you decide that you wanted to make a career in F&B?
I knew at about 15 that I wanted to be in the hospitality business. I knew I couldn't sit behind a desk and work. The people part of the business always attracted me, and I had a misconception that there was a bit of glamour. When I started, I realised the glamour is on the other side: you're working when everyone else is enjoying themselves. But there are a lot of emotions involved, and a lot of the human touch in what we do. I became passionate about this business. I still do 12-hour days after 20 years, and I look forward to each one. No two are alike.
How does your taste in food influence the style of your restaurants?
It's more to do with what I think the market needs than my personal taste. I'm a vegetarian. It doesn't really matter how I feel after eating in the restaurant. It is the customers who drive the business. If they leave happy then I know my chef is cooking the right food.
You own a lot of steakhouses for a vegetarian
Over the years I've learned a lot about meat. I've studied and I've worked with the chefs. I don't mind holding a piece of meat, but I don't eat it for religious and health reasons. I've been a vegetarian for the past 25 years.