Archit Singhal’s journey is a remarkable transformation—an evolution from the structured world of finance to the dynamic realm of hospitality. With an impressive academic background, including a B.Com (Hons), an MBA in Finance and Business Management from IIM Lucknow, and a CFA charter, Archit seemed destined for a flourishing career in investment banking. However, his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for hospitality led him to redefine India’s F&B industry, crafting an empire that now boasts over ten successful brands.
From Finance to Hospitality: A Bold Transition
Before making his mark in hospitality, Archit spent over six years excelling in investment banking, working with leading firms such as Ernst & Young (E&Y), BDO, Escort Mutual Fund, and Prabhudas Lilladher. His expertise in market research, valuation, and investment management provided him with a solid foundation for future business endeavors.
Despite his success in finance, Archit’s passion for hospitality fueled a bold career shift. While many professionals in the financial sector remain confined to numbers, Archit saw the potential to merge analytical precision with creativity. Recognizing gaps in India’s beverage and hospitality market, he took the plunge into entrepreneurship, determined to bring fresh perspectives and innovative business models to the industry.
Building a Legacy: The Rise of an F&B Empire
Archit is the visionary behind several celebrated hospitality brands, including:
Cocktail Week & Beer Week – Premier beverage festivals that bring together mixologists, brands, and enthusiasts, creating unique experiences for consumers and elevating the craft of mixology in India.
Elixir Coterie – A leading bar management agency offering premium beverage and bar solutions for premium destination weddings and festivals across India and the Middle East along with bar consultancy helping bars optimize their bar operations and elevate customer experiences.
To the Teaz & Chai Lelo – Innovative F&B cafe brands redefining India’s tea culture with a modern twist, offering a curated selection of premium teas and snacks to cater to the middle class. They catered to 20,000+ meals during COVID waves to patients delivering to their doorsteps.
India Bartender’s Guild – A platform dedicated to fostering bartending talent and professional growth, ensuring Indian mixologists receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve on the global stage.
Each of these ventures represents more than just business success—they are driven by a mission to redefine and uplift India’s beverage and hospitality industry, setting new benchmarks in quality, innovation, and service.
Industry Recognition & Impact
Archit’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2021, he received the prestigious Economic Times Inspiring Leaders Award for North India, a testament to his impact and innovation in the hospitality sector. His leadership extends beyond business—he serves as the President of India’s Bartender’s Guild, where he played a pivotal role in securing India’s membership in the esteemed International Bartender Association and represented India at global trade shows, an achievement that paves the way for Indian talent to gain international exposure.
Taking his vision further, he established the IBG Bar Academy, an institution committed to providing quality training and mentorship for aspiring bartenders, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. His mission is to elevate bartending into a respected profession with standardized certification programs, equitable pay structures, and a structured career path that encourages long-term industry growth.
A Visionary Transforming the Hospitality Landscape
Archit Singhal’s journey embodies the perfect fusion of financial expertise and hospitality innovation. His ability to blend business acumen with creativity has laid the foundation for a thriving F&B empire, setting new standards in the industry. As he continues to expand his ventures and mentor the next generation of hospitality leaders, his story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs daring to chart their own unconventional paths.
With a keen eye for emerging trends and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Archit is shaping the future of India’s F&B industry. His next ventures comprise of The Cocktail Shop to become a leading F&B supply to disrupt the unorganized and scattered distribution of raw materials and pave a solution for the scarcity of premium and high-quality ingredients which is one of the biggest reason for struggling F&B establishments to match the quality standards globally. The 10,000 square feet state of the art showroom and experience center in Delhi will be a one-stop solution for all premium F&B supplies in the next 2 years. Archit is very bullish on non-alcohol space with locking deals to bring over a dozen global brands to India. Once successful, Archit plans to expand it to other cities like Mumbai & Bangalore.
In the event space, Archit plans to recreate an international Bar and Beverage trade show with his new IP – India Bar Show, and host a Cocktail Competition in India to select young Talent to represent India in Asia Pacific and World Cocktail Competition (first time in 70 years since inception). The World Cocktail Competition will be held in Columbia in November 2025. He has recently launched the first time in India – Bar Queen Challenge – a platform dedicated to female bartenders to showcase their talent and passion. The winner will go for the Elite Bartender Course in Singapore (the first Indian to attend it).
Conclusion
Archit Singhal’s journey is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and innovation. From his beginnings in finance to revolutionizing India’s F&B industry, he has consistently challenged norms and raised the bar for quality, creativity, and professionalism. With ambitious plans for expansion, skill development, and industry transformation, Archit is not just building businesses—he is shaping the future of hospitality in India. His story is an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that with passion, expertise, and bold decision-making, one can truly redefine an industry and leave a lasting legacy.
