DeGustibus

About DeGustibus

DeGustibus Hospitality Private Limited is a multi-brand restaurant operator based in Mumbai, India, that has been instrumental in shaping the city's dining landscape. The company was founded in 1996 by chef Rahul Akerkar, along with Malini Vachani Akerkar, Rajagopalan Santhanam, Prayag Krishna Akerkar, and Jeanne Akerkar. Rahul Akerkar, with a background in biochemical engineering and culinary experience in the US, was a pioneer in introducing independent, European-style fine dining to India outside of the five-star hotel system.

The company's journey began with Rahul Akerkar's first ventures, 'Just Desserts' and 'Under The Over', which experimented with global cuisine using local ingredients. The launch of the flagship restaurant 'Indigo' in Mumbai's Colaba district in 1999 is widely credited with introducing European fine dining to the city. Indigo gained international recognition, entering the World's Top 100 restaurants list. Following this success, DeGustibus expanded its portfolio to include the successful Indigo Delicatessen chain, the Indian restaurant Neel, Tote on the Turf, and a catering service called Moveable Feast.

Over the years, the company has adapted to shifting consumer preferences by expanding from fine dining into the casual dining and Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) segments. This strategic shift included the launch of concepts like the all-day diner D:OH!, Indigo Burger Project, and the vegetarian South Indian QSR Dakshin Rasoi. DeGustibus operates on a business model that now spans multiple food and beverage market segments, from fine dining to food courts, generating revenue through its diverse restaurant operations. The company has received significant funding, raising a total of $45.6M over several rounds from investors including True North.