Hemant Bhagwani facts for kids
Hemant Bhagwani is a well-known Indo-Canadian chef, sommelier (wine expert), and restaurateur (restaurant owner). He also writes cookbooks and is an entrepreneur. He lives in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Hemant Bhagwani has created and run over sixty restaurants across North America.
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His Journey and Education
Hemant Bhagwani studied hotel and cooking management in Switzerland, finishing in 1993. After that, he earned a business degree from the University of Sydney in 1994. In 2002, he became a certified sommelier in Toronto, Canada, meaning he is an expert in wines.
Building a Restaurant Empire
Hemant Bhagwani started his career running food places in Sydney, Australia, from 1994 to 1996. Then, he worked in Dubai, U.A.E., from 1996 to 2000. In 2000, he moved to Toronto. Within two weeks, he began working at the famous CN Tower as a manager for food and drinks.
In 2002, he decided to open his own restaurant. He took over a restaurant in Brampton, Ontario, and made it a success.
Amaya and Beyond
In 2007, Hemant opened 'Amaya the Indian Room' on Bayview Avenue in Toronto. A year later, in 2008, he opened 'Amaya's Bread Bar.' He then expanded the 'Amaya' brand with 'Amaya Express' locations all over Ontario, Canada, offering quick Indian food.
In 2013, Hemant created a special Indian food idea called 'Marathi.' This restaurant is still open at Terminal 1 of the Toronto Pearson International Airport.
New Concepts and Awards
Hemant Bhagwani opened a lively Indian restaurant called 'Indian Street Food Company' in 2015. He was the first restaurant owner in Toronto to try a "no tipping" policy to make the workplace fairer for everyone. In the same year, he opened 'Sindi Street Food' in Mississauga. Because he is always starting new businesses, he was recognized as a finalist for a special entrepreneur award in 2015. Hemant Bhagwani won his first Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand award for 'Indian Street Food Company.' This award means the restaurant offers great food at good prices.
In 2016, he opened 'The Fat Beet,' which mixed Indian, Persian, and Middle Eastern foods in Thornhill, Ontario.
On January 25, 2017, Hemant opened 'Leela Indian Food Bar' in The Junction area of Toronto. Later that year, he sold 'Indian Street Food Co.'
In April 2018, Hemant launched 'The Kolkata Club' in Mississauga, Ontario, which was a new club-themed restaurant.
Supporting Others and New Ventures
Hemant Bhagwani loves to support young business owners in the restaurant world. He also strongly supports skilled workers in Canada. He hires many immigrant staff members in his companies and treats them like family. He has been praised in the media for helping foreign trade workers come to Canada.
In late 2018, Hemant opened 'Goa Indian Farm Kitchen' in Bayview Village Shopping Centre in North York, Toronto. This restaurant specializes in Indian regional cuisine. In January 2020, he opened 'POPA,' which was the first Burmese cuisine restaurant in Toronto, also at the Bayview Village Shopping Centre.
In March 2020, Hemant was planning to open another Indian restaurant when Toronto had to close down due to COVID-19. He was the first Canadian restaurant owner to take legal action against insurance companies that wouldn't pay for losses during the pandemic.
On July 1, 2020, Hemant Bhagwani opened a new brunch restaurant called 'Egg Bird' in Leaside, Toronto.
Expanding to New York and Beyond
In December 2022, Hemant Bhagwani brought his unique Indian cuisine to Tribeca, New York City, opening 'Goa New York' in March 2023.
Hemant Bhagwani is also a pioneer in Canada, having opened the first Indian Omakase-style restaurant in Toronto called 'Bar Goa.' Omakase means the chef chooses the dishes for you. 'Bar Goa' is the third restaurant in a series inspired by Hemant's travels to the Indian coastal state of Goa, following 'Goa Indian Farm Kitchen' and 'Goa New York.' Chef Hemant Bhagwani won his second Michelin Star for the 'Bar Goa' location in Toronto. A Michelin Star is a very high award for restaurants, showing excellent quality.
Hemant Bhagwani plans to open a new restaurant concept in Ottawa, Ontario, in 2025, taking over an existing Indian fine-dining restaurant called 'Katha.'
