Yogesh Sharma’s Entrepreneurial Journey: Building Karigari into India’s Premium Dining Destination
Edition, “The Most Inspiring and Impactful Leaders Renowned for Excellence in 2026
India’s food and beverage industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by evolving consumer preferences, premium dining experiences, and homegrown brands that are successfully blending tradition with innovation. At the forefront of this evolution is a new generation of entrepreneurs who are not only building successful businesses but also redefining how Indian cuisine is experienced on a national scale.
Among these visionary leaders is Yogesh Sharma, Founder and Managing Director of Karigari Ventures, one of India’s fastest-growing premium Indian restaurant companies. Under his leadership, Karigari has emerged as a distinguished hospitality brand, earning a valuation of approximately ₹220 crore while preparing for its next phase of growth through a strategic market listing.
An alumnus of SIBM Pune, Yogesh began his professional journey in marketing with Hindustan Times, where he developed a strong understanding of consumer behavior, branding, and business strategy. Driven by an entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for hospitality, he entered the restaurant industry in 2015, successfully launching concepts such as Jungle Jamboree and The Flying Dutchman. These ventures provided invaluable operational expertise and laid the foundation for what would become his most ambitious endeavor.
Recognizing the growing demand for authentic yet contemporary Indian dining experiences, Yogesh founded Karigari, a premium restaurant brand built on the principles of culinary excellence, innovation, elegant interiors, and consistent operational performance. Today, Karigari has become synonymous with refined Indian hospitality, offering guests an elevated dining experience that celebrates India’s rich culinary heritage while embracing modern design and service excellence.
As Founder and Managing Director, Yogesh remains focused on institutionalizing the business through strong corporate governance, scalable operating systems, and sustainable growth strategies. His vision extends beyond expanding the brand’s national footprint—he is committed to creating long-term value for customers, employees, investors, and all stakeholders while positioning Karigari as one of India’s leading premium hospitality brands.
His entrepreneurial achievements have earned widespread recognition across the industry. Yogesh has been honored with the prestigious Young Restaurateur of the Year 2024 title, the ET 40 Under 40 Award, and the Youth Excellence Award, reflecting his outstanding contributions to India’s organized food and beverage sector and his growing influence as one of the country’s most dynamic business leaders.
Beyond business success, Yogesh is deeply committed to social responsibility, believing that sustainable organizations have a responsibility to contribute positively to society. This philosophy continues to shape both his leadership approach and Karigari’s long-term vision for responsible growth.
As Karigari Ventures continues its journey of expansion and innovation, Yogesh Sharma remains dedicated to redefining premium Indian dining while building an organization grounded in excellence, integrity, and purpose. His remarkable entrepreneurial journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring business leaders and demonstrates how vision, resilience, and relentless execution can transform a bold idea into one of India’s most admired hospitality brands.
CEO Scoop Magazine is proud to feature Yogesh Sharma in the special edition, “The Most Inspiring and Impactful Leaders Renowned for Excellence in 2026,” recognizing his exceptional contributions to entrepreneurship, hospitality innovation, and India’s premium restaurant industry.
Please Share the Beginning of Your Career Journey With Us.
My entrepreneurial journey began long before Karigari was born. After completing my management studies at the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune, I started my professional career in 2007 with the marketing division of Hindustan Times in Mumbai. My first salary was ₹6,500 per month, and my responsibilities involved extensive field marketing, often going door to door to build customer relationships and generate business. Those early experiences taught me lessons that no classroom could ever offer—discipline, resilience, effective communication, and, most importantly, the importance of understanding people.
Even while working in a corporate role, I always carried an entrepreneurial dream. In 2010, with an investment of ₹10 lakh from my father, I co-founded a small 20-seater café in Mumbai. My days were spent working at Hindustan Times, while my evenings were dedicated to managing the café. It was during this phase that I discovered my true passion for the hospitality industry. I realized that restaurants are much more than places to eat—they are spaces where people celebrate, create memories, and build meaningful human connections.
After returning to Delhi, I continued expanding my entrepreneurial journey by launching several successful restaurant concepts. While these ventures performed well commercially, I felt a deeper calling. I wanted to build a brand that went beyond serving great food—a brand where families could celebrate life’s special moments, reconnect with loved ones, and experience the richness of India’s culinary heritage in an elevated setting.
That vision inspired me to develop larger hospitality concepts such as Jungle Jamboree and The Flying Dutchman, both of which strengthened my operational expertise and understanding of the restaurant business. However, the defining turning point in my career came just before the pandemic when I met Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi. We shared a common vision that Indian cuisine deserved a premium dining destination built on authenticity, storytelling, craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, instead of slowing down, we dedicated ourselves to extensive research, menu innovation, guest experience design, and building the strategic foundation for a completely new hospitality brand. Our focus was not simply to open another restaurant, but to create an experience that celebrated India’s culinary artistry and the talented craftsmen behind it.
In 2021, we launched the very first Karigari restaurant in Noida Sector 51 with a simple yet meaningful purpose—to honor India’s Karigars, the skilled artisans whose craftsmanship has preserved the country’s rich culinary traditions for generations.
Today, Karigari has grown into one of India’s fastest-growing premium dining brands, with multiple outlets serving millions of guests across the country. As we continue to expand, our philosophy remains unchanged: every dish should tell a story, every guest should feel a connection, and every dining experience should create an emotion that lasts long after the meal is over.
Could You Highlight the Key Offerings?
Karigari is a premium chef-led dining brand dedicated to celebrating India’s rich culinary craftsmanship through authentic flavors, immersive storytelling, and heartfelt hospitality. Built on the belief that every meal should be an experience, the brand combines timeless culinary traditions with contemporary creativity to offer guests an elevated interpretation of Indian cuisine.
At the heart of Karigari’s offerings is a carefully curated menu that pays tribute to the artisans whose craftsmanship has preserved India’s culinary heritage for generations. The brand showcases authentic North Indian and Mughlai cuisine, complemented by signature kebabs, aromatic biryanis, regional specialties, handcrafted beverages, and thoughtfully designed seasonal menus. Every dish is created to preserve traditional flavors while presenting them with modern refinement and innovation.
Beyond its culinary excellence, Karigari offers an immersive dining experience inspired by India’s artistic heritage. Every restaurant has been meticulously designed to reflect the spirit of Indian craftsmanship, where architecture, interiors, music, service, presentation, and even menu storytelling come together to create an atmosphere that celebrates the country’s rich cultural legacy. Every detail reinforces the brand’s commitment to honoring the artisans who continue to keep India’s traditions alive.
Innovation remains a defining element of Karigari’s growth strategy. The brand continually introduces seasonal culinary experiences, chef-curated tasting menus, experiential dining events, and technology-enabled guest engagement initiatives while preserving the warmth, authenticity, and personalized service that define traditional Indian hospitality.
With a rapidly expanding presence across multiple cities, Karigari has established itself as more than a restaurant—it has become a destination where families, professionals, and food enthusiasts gather to celebrate exceptional cuisine, meaningful conversations, and memorable moments. Through its unwavering commitment to quality, authenticity, and innovation, Karigari continues to redefine the premium Indian dining experience while showcasing the timeless artistry of India’s culinary heritage.
What Are Your Long-Term Goals, and Where Do You Envision Yourself in the Coming Years?
Yogesh Sharma envisions building Karigari into one of India’s most admired hospitality brands while taking the richness of Indian culinary craftsmanship to a global audience. While expansion remains a strategic priority, he firmly believes that growth should never come at the expense of quality, authenticity, or the emotional connection that defines the Karigari experience. Every new outlet is expected to uphold the same standards of excellence, consistency, and heartfelt hospitality that guests have come to associate with the brand.
Beyond expanding the company’s footprint, Yogesh is committed to strengthening Karigari’s leadership team, investing in talent development, embracing technology that enhances guest experiences, and building sustainable systems that support long-term, scalable growth. His vision is to create an organization that is not only operationally strong but also resilient, innovative, and people-centric.
On a personal level, Yogesh aspires to play a meaningful role in transforming India’s hospitality landscape by creating brands that seamlessly combine operational excellence with emotional storytelling. He is equally passionate about mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs and encouraging young professionals to pursue innovation with patience, integrity, and purpose, believing that enduring success is built on strong values and a long-term perspective.
For Yogesh, success is measured by far more than financial performance or the number of restaurants under the Karigari banner. He believes true achievement lies in the legacy a business creates, the people it empowers, and the lasting memories it leaves with every guest. Through Karigari, his ambition is to build a brand that celebrates India’s culinary heritage while creating meaningful experiences that inspire generations to come.
Who Has Been the Most Significant Source of Inspiration in Your Life?
I have never believed that inspiration comes from just one individual. I believe every person I meet and every experience I go through has something valuable to teach me. The key is to remain observant, humble, and always willing to learn.
Whether it is an artisan who has spent decades perfecting a craft, a young team member bringing a fresh perspective, a seasoned entrepreneur sharing lessons learned through failure, or even someone I meet for only a brief moment, I believe every individual has lived a unique story and mastered something in their own way. If I remain open-minded, there is always a lesson I can take away from every interaction.
For me, age, designation, or seniority have never determined who I learn from. Some of the greatest lessons in life come from people you least expect. I have always tried to absorb the qualities I admire in others—whether it is resilience, discipline, humility, creativity, patience, or the ability to lead with empathy—and apply those lessons to my own personal and professional journey.
At the same time, my family has been the strongest foundation of my life. They instilled in me the values of integrity, perseverance, humility, and respect, and those principles continue to guide every decision I make, both as an entrepreneur and as a leader.
I truly believe that growth is a lifelong journey of continuous learning. Every person has a story, every story carries a lesson, and every lesson has the potential to make us better leaders and better human beings. My endeavor has always been to keep learning, keep evolving, and use those learnings to build not only successful businesses but also meaningful relationships and memorable experiences that leave a lasting impact.
Please List Some of the Notable Recognitions and Accreditations That You and Your Organization Have Received.
Over the past two decades, Yogesh Sharma has earned numerous recognitions that reflect not only his entrepreneurial vision but also the collective dedication and excellence of the entire Karigari team. His achievements underscore his contributions to India’s organized food and beverage industry and his commitment to building a premium hospitality brand rooted in authenticity, innovation, and operational excellence.
Among his notable recognitions are the prestigious Youth Excellence Award, recognition as an ET Edge 40 Under 40 Honoree, and the coveted Young Restaurateur of the Year award. These honors acknowledge his leadership, entrepreneurial success, and growing influence in shaping India’s modern hospitality landscape.
Academically, Yogesh holds an MBA in Business, Management and Marketing from the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune, and has also earned a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Kennedy University, further strengthening his strategic and business leadership foundation.
Under Yogesh’s leadership, Karigari has achieved several remarkable milestones. One of the brand’s proudest accomplishments was being selected to serve at the prestigious State Banquet hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan in honor of H.E. To Lam, President of Vietnam, in the distinguished presence of the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, and the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. This prestigious opportunity stands as a defining moment in Karigari’s journey and reflects the brand’s growing reputation for showcasing the finest traditions of Indian hospitality and culinary excellence on a global stage.
Beyond Karigari, Yogesh has successfully developed and led several hospitality ventures, including Jungle Jamboree, The Flying Dutchman, and Dutchman Portz. Each venture has contributed significantly to his expertise in restaurant operations, concept development, customer engagement, and scalable business growth.
While these awards and milestones are significant achievements, Yogesh views them as sources of motivation rather than final destinations. They continue to inspire him and the Karigari team to raise industry standards, pursue continuous innovation, preserve India’s culinary heritage, and create memorable dining experiences that leave a lasting impression on every guest.
What Were the Most Challenging Obstacles You’ve Encountered in Your Career?
Entrepreneurship has never been a straight path for me. It is a journey filled with uncertainty, and every stage of my career has presented a different challenge that has shaped both my personal growth and my approach to leadership.
In the early years, one of my biggest challenges was establishing credibility with limited resources and experience. Building a successful restaurant business requires significant investment, operational precision, and the ability to constantly adapt to changing customer expectations. Earning the trust of guests, partners, and stakeholders while building a brand from the ground up demanded patience, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
As the business grew, a new challenge emerged—maintaining consistency while expanding across multiple locations. Growth is exciting, but scaling a hospitality brand without compromising its identity requires disciplined systems, strong leadership, and a team that shares the same vision and values. For me, preserving the Karigari experience has always been just as important as opening new outlets.
The COVID-19 pandemic was another defining chapter in my journey. Like the entire hospitality industry, we faced unprecedented uncertainty. However, rather than allowing those circumstances to slow us down, we chose to use that time productively. We invested in research, menu innovation, guest experience design, and long-term strategic planning. The work we completed during that period became the foundation for the successful launch of Karigari and its continued expansion in the years that followed.
Every obstacle I have encountered has reinforced my belief that challenges are often opportunities disguised as adversity. They push us to think differently, become more resilient, innovate continuously, and emerge stronger than before.
If there is one message I would share with aspiring entrepreneurs, it is this: pursue something you are genuinely passionate about, remain patient and disciplined, make thoughtful and informed decisions, and never look for shortcuts. Sustainable success is built through consistency, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence over time.
