A shared passion for coffee and conversations brought about the start of Coffee By Di Bella in India when Mr. Rahul Leekha met with Mr. Philip Di Bella, Founder of Coffee by Di Bella, himself.

Having honed his skills in Marketing with a Masters in Business Administration, Mr. Leekha was always inclined to try his hand in the hospitality industry and make available the best cuppa joe for Indians across the country.

Backed by the experience of launching two ventures in the country, the combination of Mr. Di Bella and Mr. Leekha was an explosive one that led to Coffee by Di Bella’s impressive growth since its launch in 2015. After having explored the coffee culture in Australia, Mr. Leekha realized how advanced the coffee market was and knew that the Indian consumer would appreciate, and are on a lookout for affordable luxury. He perceived the potential of the Indian market as the coffee landscape was brewing in India and bridged connection between the promoter’s vision and the ground realities. Confident that he could fill a gap in the Indian coffee scenario, today, Coffee by Di Bella is one of the only profitable coffee brands in the country.

Driven by the goal to be the best coffee destination in the country, Mr. Leekha travels extensively, to source quality coffee from around the world and country. He researches new and innovative ideas that he then implements in India and offers to his patrons. The viral ‘FreakShakes’ were the brainchild of Mr. Leekha’s research and was first introduced in the country at Coffee By Di Bella setting a trend in the beverage space with multiple other brands following suit.  He is also the man to introduce of a range of indulgent waffles in the country, which has managed to establish the Coffee by Di Bella brand as the hallmark that it is.

Today at Coffee by Di Bella, Mr. Leekha primarily looks at quality control, overall management, and is constantly on the lookout for expansion opportunities. Under his management the brand aims to bring the ultimate coffee experience to the Indian market. He is able to execute his tasks efficiently through his style of leadership that shows the compassion and understanding that very few are able to cultivate. Mr. Leekha believes in giving his staff a good work and life balance. Speaking on the same he explains, “If you are not happy at home you will never be happy at work and if you are not happy at work your customers will never be happy at your cafés.”

This people-oriented management style and the dedication to building a legacy with a singular focus to quality and passion for coffee has brought Mr. Leekha the many accolades he deserves. He was title winner for CMO Asia – Young Achievers award in 2017 and under his leadership, Coffee By Di Bella has won the Times Food Award, The Best Café Award, Brand Excellence Award, Finest Specialty award & The Best Coffee Chain award in 2016.

If the track record so far is any indication, coffee lovers can be rest assured that the quality of café’s and their daily caffeine fix in the years to come is going to be the best in taste and service.