Image Source: Happycow
Key Highlights
• Founded in 2010 by Shamil and Kavi Thakrar along with the Radia brothers, Dishoom began as a nostalgic tribute to the Irani cafés of 1960s Bombay, blending evocative décor, storytelling, and authentic food.
• Dishoom’s remarkable growth to £97 million in sales and over 9 million guests served across its 13 UK locations happened without traditional advertising or franchising, relying instead on word of mouth, atmosphere, and experience.
• The brand’s strategic partnership with LVMH-backed private equity firm L Catterton in 2025 signals a new dawn, providing funding and expertise for expansion, especially into the lucrative US market.
• Dishoom’s focus on culture, quality food, and a unique dining narrative helped build a fiercely loyal fanbase and a standing rare for hospitality groups of its size.
A Nostalgic Beginning with a Modern Vision
Dishoom began its journey by recreating the beloved Bombay Irani café culture, reflected in each restaurant’s distinctive styling—rich dark wood, checkerboard tiles, vintage Bollywood posters, and a menu inspired by shared family recipes. What started as a single Covent Garden site quickly became a beacon for those craving both genuine Indian flavours and a deep sense of community and history.
The founders initially leaned heavily on hard business principles, focusing on cost control and margins, but soon learned that growing revenue hinged on elevating quality and experience. This led to a philosophy that prioritized outstanding food, warm service, and creating happy teams—pillars that propelled Dishoom’s subsequent success.
Growth Without the Gimmicks
Dishoom’s explosive rise, reaching nearly £117 million in turnover by the end of 2023, is notable because it avoided many standard growth tactics:
• No paid advertising campaigns or franchise models.
• Expansion was deliberate and measured—from central London into key UK cities like Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, and Oxford.
• Building loyal customer relationships through reputation, quality, and an immersive dining experience became the keystone of growth.
• A focus on “creativity, complexity, and culture” has ensured that each new site tells a new story linked to Bombay’s rich social fabric.
The strategic introduction of “Permit Room” cocktail bars, smaller venues with pared-back menus in Brighton, Cambridge, and Oxford, extended brand reach into late-night social scenes while maintaining Dishoom’s ethos.
Numbers That Speak Volumes
Despite its refusal to chase hype, Dishoom’s numbers tell a tale of serious business prowess:
• Staff count grew by almost 300 in 2023 to around 1,800 employees.
• Weekly footfall reached 100,000 diners—enough to fill a stadium like Wembley.
• EBITDA grew almost 42% year on year to £13.3 million by the end of 2023.
• Sales volumes surged across restaurants, delivery services, and an online store selling iconic products like the famed Bacon Naan Roll Kit.
A Deal That Changes the Game: Partnership with LVMH
In 2025, Dishoom signed with L Catterton, a global consumer-focused investment firm with backing from luxury conglomerate LVMH. This partnership values Dishoom near £300 million, providing:
• Strategic capital to fuel international expansion, including plans for US market entry, starting with New York.
• Access to LVMH’s deep retail and consumer insights, bolstering Dishoom’s brand positioning as a luxury-inspired yet accessible dining experience.
• Continued leadership by the founding Thakrar brothers and CEO Brian Trollip, ensuring culture and vision remain intact.
The Road Ahead: Growth Without Losing Heart
Dishoom’s leadership emphasizes slow, meaningful growth rather than rapid scaling. Future venues will open only where the brand can authentically tell a compelling story, maintaining its connection to Bombay’s café culture.
Their commitment to corporate social responsibility continues with community initiatives and environmental awareness, echoing the deep values instilled from the start.
Final Thoughts
Dishoom’s story is a refreshing counterpoint to franchise-fueled, ad-heavy restaurant models. By combining authentic storytelling, exceptional hospitality, and strategic partnerships like that with LVMH, Dishoom has created a cultural and business blueprint that’s inspiring the hospitality world and beyond. It’s a powerful reminder that genuine connection and quality can build a luxury-backed icon, one meal and one guest at a time.
Source names: The Caterer, Propel Info News, Big Hospitality, City AM
Key Highlights
• Founded in 2010 by Shamil and Kavi Thakrar along with the Radia brothers, Dishoom began as a nostalgic tribute to the Irani cafés of 1960s Bombay, blending evocative décor, storytelling, and authentic food.
• Dishoom’s remarkable growth to £97 million in sales and over 9 million guests served across its 13 UK locations happened without traditional advertising or franchising, relying instead on word of mouth, atmosphere, and experience.
• The brand’s strategic partnership with LVMH-backed private equity firm L Catterton in 2025 signals a new dawn, providing funding and expertise for expansion, especially into the lucrative US market.
• Dishoom’s focus on culture, quality food, and a unique dining narrative helped build a fiercely loyal fanbase and a standing rare for hospitality groups of its size.
A Nostalgic Beginning with a Modern Vision
Dishoom began its journey by recreating the beloved Bombay Irani café culture, reflected in each restaurant’s distinctive styling—rich dark wood, checkerboard tiles, vintage Bollywood posters, and a menu inspired by shared family recipes. What started as a single Covent Garden site quickly became a beacon for those craving both genuine Indian flavours and a deep sense of community and history.
The founders initially leaned heavily on hard business principles, focusing on cost control and margins, but soon learned that growing revenue hinged on elevating quality and experience. This led to a philosophy that prioritized outstanding food, warm service, and creating happy teams—pillars that propelled Dishoom’s subsequent success.
Growth Without the Gimmicks
Dishoom’s explosive rise, reaching nearly £117 million in turnover by the end of 2023, is notable because it avoided many standard growth tactics:
• No paid advertising campaigns or franchise models.
• Expansion was deliberate and measured—from central London into key UK cities like Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, and Oxford.
• Building loyal customer relationships through reputation, quality, and an immersive dining experience became the keystone of growth.
• A focus on “creativity, complexity, and culture” has ensured that each new site tells a new story linked to Bombay’s rich social fabric.
The strategic introduction of “Permit Room” cocktail bars, smaller venues with pared-back menus in Brighton, Cambridge, and Oxford, extended brand reach into late-night social scenes while maintaining Dishoom’s ethos.
Numbers That Speak Volumes
Despite its refusal to chase hype, Dishoom’s numbers tell a tale of serious business prowess:
• Staff count grew by almost 300 in 2023 to around 1,800 employees.
• Weekly footfall reached 100,000 diners—enough to fill a stadium like Wembley.
• EBITDA grew almost 42% year on year to £13.3 million by the end of 2023.
• Sales volumes surged across restaurants, delivery services, and an online store selling iconic products like the famed Bacon Naan Roll Kit.
A Deal That Changes the Game: Partnership with LVMH
In 2025, Dishoom signed with L Catterton, a global consumer-focused investment firm with backing from luxury conglomerate LVMH. This partnership values Dishoom near £300 million, providing:
• Strategic capital to fuel international expansion, including plans for US market entry, starting with New York.
• Access to LVMH’s deep retail and consumer insights, bolstering Dishoom’s brand positioning as a luxury-inspired yet accessible dining experience.
• Continued leadership by the founding Thakrar brothers and CEO Brian Trollip, ensuring culture and vision remain intact.
The Road Ahead: Growth Without Losing Heart
Dishoom’s leadership emphasizes slow, meaningful growth rather than rapid scaling. Future venues will open only where the brand can authentically tell a compelling story, maintaining its connection to Bombay’s café culture.
Their commitment to corporate social responsibility continues with community initiatives and environmental awareness, echoing the deep values instilled from the start.
Final Thoughts
Dishoom’s story is a refreshing counterpoint to franchise-fueled, ad-heavy restaurant models. By combining authentic storytelling, exceptional hospitality, and strategic partnerships like that with LVMH, Dishoom has created a cultural and business blueprint that’s inspiring the hospitality world and beyond. It’s a powerful reminder that genuine connection and quality can build a luxury-backed icon, one meal and one guest at a time.
Source names: The Caterer, Propel Info News, Big Hospitality, City AM
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