Kabir Suri, Co-Founder & Director, Azure Hospitality, took over as the new President of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) at its 39th Annual General Meeting held online on Thursday. The appointment was made after Anurag Katriar, Executive Director and CEO of Indigo Hospitality’s two-year term came to an end.
Suri has been associated with NRAI since 2017 and was appointed as the Vice President in 2019. Pivotal in the growth and success of one of the fastest growing hospitality companies with popular brands under its wing such as Mamagato, Dhaba by Claridges, Sly Granny, Foxtrot Speedy Chow, Rollmaal, Mamapaati and Celeste Food Services, Suri has been part of the industry for over a quarter of a century.
Speaking of his appointment, Suri said in a statement, “I will strive to lead the Indian Restaurant Industry into a new era of prosperity, participation and positive perception which advances and safeguards the entrepreneurial spirit. Our collective passion and shared spirit of hospitality will enhance the quality of life that we serve.”
Anurag Katriar completed his scheduled two-year term as the President of NRAI this September. He now joins Hari Bhartia, Riyaaz Amlani and Rahul Singh on the Board of Trustees of NRAI.
Going with the policy of responsibility by rotation, the industry body in its AGM also announced a significant reshuffle to its Managing Committee, with almost 20% of the Managing Committee Members retiring and making way for fresh faces.
Anurag Katriar, Past President and Trustee, NRAI, while announcing the new appointments said, “Restaurant Industry stalwarts have come together to promote and strengthen the Indian Food Services sector. I am extremely thankful to each one of them for agreeing to contribute their valuable time, expertise and efforts for bringing ease of doing business to our industry.”
The virtual AGM was attended by prominent names from the industry including Rahul Singh from The Beer Café, Anurag Katriar from Indigo, AD Singh from Olive Bar & Kitchen, Priyank Sukhija from Lord of The Drinks, Riyaaz Amlani from Social, Nitin Saluja from Chaayos and Sagar Daryani from Wow! Momo, along with many other prominent restaurateurs.
NRAI represents the interests of 500000+ restaurants, an industry valued at Rs 4,23,865 crore.