The People Behind the Plate

Malhar is an entrepreneur, brand strategist, and civic leader with a diverse background spanning business, social impact, and public policy. He holds qualifications in CA & CS Inter, DBM, and BAJM.

As Chief of Imagine, a boutique branding and concept activation consultancy established in 2013, he has partnered with leading brands across Nagpur, Pune, and Raipur. As Founder of Seven O’ Eleven, he turned a modest all-day diner into one of Nagpur’s most recognised hospitality brands — staying deeply involved in the culinary experience and the creation of new dishes and beverages.

A committed social leader, Malhar served as Founding CEO of Nagpur@2025 and became the world’s youngest Rotaract District Governor in 2012–13. He is a prolific columnist for The Times of India, The Hitavada, and Sakal. Beyond work, his passions include the tabla, cricket, nature photography, and long-distance motorcycle riding.

Akshay is a passionate portfolio entrepreneur and a finance and legal professional with a deep commitment to creating exceptional customer experiences. He founded and runs Freshmandi, working to resolve the inefficiencies in India’s fresh fruits and vegetables supply chain.

With a keen interest in the global coffee industry, Akshay founded AnR Coffee in Mumbai — sourcing and importing premium Arabica and Robusta beans from Africa, particularly Tanzania, to bring distinctive coffee profiles to the Indian market with a focus on quality, sustainability, and transparency.

Combining business acumen with a hands-on approach, Akshay continuously explores innovative opportunities in café operations, sourcing, and customer engagement — driven by the belief that great businesses are built on trust, consistency, and continuous learning.

Chef Karishma Ambadkar is a professionally qualified chef with a Master’s degree in Hospitality Management and a distinguished culinary journey spanning renowned hospitality brands including Radisson Blu and Yellow Chilli. She joined Seven O’ Eleven as its first Head Chef and has recently been elevated to the position of Executive Chef.

Under her leadership, Seven O’ Eleven proudly stands as the only establishment of its scale to be led by a female Executive Chef. Defying traditional industry stereotypes, Chef Karishma chose to excel in mainstream professional kitchens, demonstrating through her skill, creativity, resilience, and determination that culinary excellence knows no gender.

Beyond her culinary expertise, Chef Karishma is deeply passionate about nurturing talent — mentoring young professionals, transforming cooks into confident chefs, developing future leaders, and crafting innovative recipes. Under her guidance, the kitchen at Seven O’ Eleven has evolved into a learning ground where talent is discovered, refined, and inspired to excel.

A true trailblazer, Chef Karishma has redefined industry conventions, brought significant recognition to both herself and the organisation she leads, and continues to inspire a new generation to imagine greater possibilities in the world of culinary arts.