For Head Mixologist Prrateek Chaudhary, success is found in the detail. The talented professional has forged his way as a prominent figure in the food and beverage industry through paying attention to the small things: like the smile he offers guests to restaurants he manages, or the creative twists he gives to his innovative cocktails.
He learned the importance of paying attention to details from the various role models he has in the industry, including prominent chef Gordon Ramsay, who captivated him from a young age, when he would watch Hell’s Kitchen on television.
He fell in love with the industry from the show, realising that the food and beverage industry is as much about people as it is about the services and products offered.
Prrateek’s focus on details when creating cocktails has been one of the ways he has sought to meet individual guests’ needs and preferences. It has also been the way he has given his own signature flair to his cocktails and management style. He wants to become a household name in the industry, and believes paying attention to the small things is what has given him his edge.
A recipe for success
One of the key factors behind Prrateek’s success is his ability to think beyond the ordinary, infusing his work with creativity, passion, and innovation. His cocktails are not only flavorful and visually appealing but also crafted to tell a unique story.
His deep passion for mixology and the continuous pursuit of innovation are evident in every drink he creates. “I delve into the smallest details when designing a cocktail,” he shared. For instance, he incorporated Indian ingredients into cocktails he developed for IHG, adding a distinctive touch to his creations.
As a thought leader in his field, Prrateek blends tradition with modern techniques, introducing fresh and exciting flavors that push the boundaries of mixology.
He also believes that a warm, engaging approach and creating memorable experiences for guests help set a mixologist apart in this competitive industry. This philosophy has contributed significantly to his success and the strong impact he has made in the United States.
Taking risks to yield big results
Prrateek’s career has been fraught with calculated risks, and his decision to challenge personal limitations. While he started as a bartender for Fairmont in Jaipur, India; he quickly climbed the career ladder, to Bar Executive, and eventually to Bar Manager, Head Mixologist, and Assistant Director Food and Beverage. One of his greatest and most celebrated risks was travelling from India to the United States. This he did because he wanted to leave an impact on the American hospitality industry, which he has done.
As a sought-after industry professional, he has worked for big brands, among them, Shangri-La, Marriott, Fairmont, IHG, Hyatt, Leela, and Taj.
He has also been instrumental in opening restaurants in India and in Texas, in the United States.
He has designed bars to optimize workflow and orchestrated cocktail menus, which include his own cocktail innovations. He has trained up bartenders, believing ‘paying it forward’ is essential for ensuring the future success of the hospitality industry.
Another way that the talented industry professional has sought to pay it forward, has been through sharing his industry expertise and experience with others. He is committed to his team of colleagues and to up and coming bartenders and hospitality industry students.
During the Covid-19 lockdown, his industry knowledge and his flair for engaging with clients and colleagues made him a sought-after guest speaker. When the world shut down for lockdown, Prrateek’s schedule remained full. He gave over 100 webinars to over 5,000 students from different colleges.
Having something special to impart to the hospitality industry, he has also been the guest speaker for 13 colleges.
A dream for the future
“My passion and my dream is to become a household name in the industry,” says Prrateek. “I have been inspired by many, including my managers, as well as celebrity chefs, like Chef Irvine and Gordon Ramsay, and I hope to be the same inspiration to others.”
He remains detail-focused and by paying attention to the small details, is taking giant strides towards his big dream. He is working his way towards leaving a lasting footprint in the American hospitality industry, one focused step at a time.