- Name: Akshit Sharma
- Instagram: @akshit.sharma17
- Work: @countertopindia, @countertop_labs
- Favorite Alcoholic Drink: Whiskey Highball
- Favorite Cocktail: El Pepino
- Favorite Non-alcoholic: Iced Latte
Akshit Sharma’s journey in the hospitality industry is a story of passion, growth, and adaptability. Now working as the head consultant for Counter Top India, a leading consulting firm in the hospitality sector, Akshit has come a long way from his early days in the kitchen to becoming a key figure in the bartending and consulting world.
From a young age, Akshit had a keen interest in hospitality. His love for the culinary arts began in the kitchen at home, where he often cooked alongside his mother. This early exposure to cooking led him to pursue a formal education in hospitality management at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Bhubaneswar.
Akshit began his journey in the hospitality industry with training at JW Marriott, where he started building his foundational skills. His next step was at District 6, where he continued to develop his expertise and broaden his knowledge. This experience eventually led him to Byg Brewski, Asia’s largest brewpub with a staggering 2,500 seating capacity and a total of 4,000. Working in such a massive operation was pivotal in honing his skills and instilling the confidence necessary to independently manage high-stakes environments.
At Tesouro, Akshit achieved significant milestones, including accolades like Asia’s 4th Best Bar and the Best Bar in India. His tenure there was marked by invaluable training under Pankaj Balachandran, which deepened his understanding of the cocktail world and provided a robust platform for further growth.
Interestingly, Akshit’s transition into consulting was somewhat accidental. Yet, he finds this role incredibly fulfilling, as it offers him the creative freedom to innovate while also allowing him to learn the operational side of the business. Consulting, according to Akshit, requires not only creative skills but also a deep understanding of the bar business, including client management, investment strategies, and return on investment (ROI).
One of the significant changes Akshit has observed in himself since entering the consulting world is his increased interaction with people. In bartending, he was more focused on operations, but consulting has taught him the importance of communication, building relationships, and effectively utilizing social media, which he views as a crucial tool for anyone in the hospitality industry.
Akshit has faced his share of challenges, one of which involved working with experienced staff at a five-star hotel who were older and more seasoned than him. Initially, he found it difficult to delegate tasks to them. However, he overcame this challenge by initiating conversations and building a rapport with them, turning the potential hurdle into a cherished professional relationship.
To stay abreast of industry trends, Akshit has traveled extensively to cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Dubai. These visits allowed him to explore some of Asia’s top bars, including Penrose, Trigona, Native, Jigger & Pony, Origin, and Coya. His trip to BCB Singapore in 2023 was particularly enlightening, offering insights into cutting-edge practices and innovations in the bar industry.
Looking ahead, Akshit aspires to learn how to run a business independently and eventually operate a company, possibly on a partnership basis. He encourages bartenders who are considering a move into consulting to embrace the challenge, especially after gaining a few years of experience in bartending and operations.
One of the key changes Akshit would like to see in the Indian bar industry is better talent retention. He firmly believes that the success of a bar is heavily dependent on its team. “People come for people; drinks are secondary,” he says. To retain talent, Akshit suggests offering bartenders stakes in the bar, ensuring that they are invested in its success.
Akshit’s career path is a rollercoaster ride through the heart of the hospitality industry. Starting from the kitchen, he’s skillfully navigated his way to the world of bartending. Now, armed with a wealth of experience, he’s sharing his expertise as a consultant. His story is a living proof that with a sprinkle of adaptability and a whole lot of passion, you can truly make your mark in any corner of this dynamic industry.