Samir Kuckreja Re-elected

Mr. Samir Kuckreja former CEO and MD of Nirula’s who now runs his own consultancy company, Tasanaya Hospitality, was re-elected president of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) at its 31st annual general meeting (AGM) in New Delhi recently.

Mr. Manpreet Gulri, Development Agent and Country Head, Subway Systems India, and Mr. Riyaaz Amlani, MD, Impresario Entertainment and Hospitality, were elected as vice-presidents. Established local restaurateurs Mr. Kabir Advani (Berco’s) and Mr. Manpreet Singh (Zen and Tao) were voted treasurer and secretary respectively of the national body, which is now in its 31st year and has 1,200-plus members across 20 cities.

Looking ahead, Mr. Samir Kuckreja said “The association will address the “big challenge” of training the frontline staff. The NRAI has tied up with the IL&FS Skills Development Corporation to drive this effort, which is on top of the association’s agenda, apart from growing its membership and opening new chapters (at present, it has active chapters only in Mumbai and Bangalore). This is important because the issues confronting the industry are largely local.”

The new managing committee comprises: Mr. Ajay Kaul, CEO, Jubilant FoodWorks (Domino’s); Mr. Amit Jatia, Vice Chairman, Hardcastle Restaurants (McDonald’s India-West and South); Mr. Gaurav Jain, MD, RTC Restaurants India (Ruby Bar and Grill); Mr. Jay Singh, Co-Founder and Executive Director, JSM Corporation (Hard Rock Café and Shiro); Mr. Monish Gujral, MD, Moti Mahal Deluxe Tandoori Trail; Mr. Niren Chaudhary, MD, Yum Restaurants India (Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell); Mr.  Rahul Singh, Coach and Founder, Beer Café; Mr. Rohan Jetley, VP, Bistro Hospitality (TGIF); Mr. Sandeep Anand Goyle, CEO, Essex Farms; Mr. Sanjay Coutinho, CEO, Baskin Robbins; Mr. Santosh Jindal, Director, Jade Garden Restaurant; Mr. Sunil Lamba, MD, Kwality Group; Mr. Tarsillo Nataloni, Director, Flavors; Mr. Vipin Luthra, Chairman & MD, The Palms Town and Country Club, and; Mr. Vyoum Ghai, Director, Suribachi and Buzz.