In the bustling world of luxury hospitality, where trends shift as fast as tastes, Supreet Roy, the General Manager at Sheraton Grand Pune Bund Garden Hotel, stands out for one simple reason: he treats dining as an experience, not just a meal. With over 24 years of experience spanning Marriott, Accor, Hyatt, and Radisson, Roy has mastered the delicate art of balancing tradition with innovation, creating spaces that are as emotionally engaging as they are gastronomically impressive.
“Dining isn’t just about food anymore,” he says. “It’s about stories — of culture, craft, and connection.” For Roy, inspiration often comes from his travels, conversations with chefs, and a deep curiosity about regional cuisines. Every dish and concept is carefully crafted to evoke nostalgia while feeling fresh and relevant, giving guests something to talk about long after they leave the table.
Innovation with Respect for Tradition
At Sheraton Grand Pune, my culinary philosophy is anchored in the belief that innovation must always honour tradition, and this principle guides every dining experience we curate. At Chingari, we celebrate the evolution of Awadhi cuisine through three generations — the grandfather, the father and the son bringing, each era preserving authenticity while expressing the cuisine in its own distinctive voice. We have also reshaped Pune’s dining landscape with KMCY, the city’s first restaurant dedicated to authentic Sichuan Chinese cuisine, bringing regional techniques and bold flavours to a market ready for deeper culinary exploration. Continuing our commitment to pioneering concepts, we introduced home to India’s first Itameshi experience, blending Italian soul with Japanese precision. Through these initiatives, we reaffirm our dedication to offering culturally rooted yet intelligently innovative dining that reflects the evolving tastes of today’s global Indian diner.
Turning Challenges into Triumphs
Among Roy’s most ambitious projects is KMCY, a Sichuan specialty restaurant that introduces Pune to the depth and discipline of true Sichuan cuisine. Bringing a highly regional Chinese culinary tradition to a market largely shaped by Indo-Chinese comfort flavours was a bold undertaking. Roy and his team worked meticulously to source authentic ingredients, train chefs in elemental wok techniques, and, equally importantly, educate diners on the layered subtleties of Sichuan spice profiles. Today, KMCY has carved an identity of its own — a reflection of Roy’s belief that when authenticity is pursued with conviction, markets evolve in appreciation.
This philosophy echoes in the evolution of Chingari, the hotel’s iconic rooftop restaurant, where Awadhi cuisine is presented through a beautifully interwoven three-generation narrative. Riwayat, symbolised by the grandfather, honours age-old Awadhi techniques and the culinary wisdom that shaped the region’s legacy. Virasat, represented by the father, bridges tradition with continuity, preserving the classics with integrity and grace and Andaz, embodied by the son, brings a contemporary expression — respectful of its roots yet attuned to today’s palate.
Together, Chingari and KMCY showcase Roy’s larger leadership imprint: His ability to champion traditions while introducing bold new concepts reflects a rare combination of vision, courage, and refined culinary intelligence.
Leadership Beyond Titles
My leadership is rooted in trust, empathy, and empowerment. I lead by example—being visible, approachable, and purpose-driven—to build a culture of collaboration, recognition, and accountability. By setting clear goals, mentoring future leaders, and celebrating achievements, I’ve strengthened engagement and reduced turnover. Regular communication and cross-departmental alignment ensure agility and ownership. This culture of care and inclusion has elevated guest satisfaction, improved brand audit scores, and enhanced profitability. I believe true leadership lies in inspiring people to believe in themselves, driving excellence through purpose, passion, and shared success.
Blending Local and Global
A hallmark of Roy’s leadership is his ability to weave local culture seamlessly into global hospitality frameworks. His approach is not merely about representation, but about giving authentic regional voices a platform within an international setting. This philosophy is reflected in the way Sheraton Grand Pune celebrates Pune’s heritage through meaningful, people-led initiatives.
One standout example is the introduction of the Puneri tea experience, where Roy invited a local Pune tea boy to showcase the flair and ritual of traditional Puneri chai within the hotel’s global environment. By elevating a familiar community icon to a luxury hospitality stage, Roy created a bridge between local pride and cosmopolitan appreciation.
Similarly, the addition of a Maharashtrian thela in the all-day dining restaurant, Feast, showcases his commitment to empowering local talent. Four women from Maharashtra were recruited to prepare regional delicacies across breakfast, lunch, and dinner — bringing homestyle flavors, heartfelt stories, and culinary authenticity directly to guests. What began as a local feature has quickly become a guest favorite, celebrated for its warmth, honesty, and cultural depth.
Looking Ahead
Roy sees luxury dining in India moving from grandeur to authenticity. Regional cuisines, wellness-focused menus, sustainability-led sourcing, and immersive dining experiences will define the next decade. His upcoming ventures — including modern Indian tapas, Ayurvedic beverages, and Itameshi (Italian-Japanese fusion) — aim to blend health, design, and storytelling, continuing his signature approach of creating experiences that linger in memory.
A Legacy of Culinary Leadership
Armed with a B.Sc. in Hospitality & Hotel Management (NCHMCT, 2001) and advanced certifications including Cornell University’s Master Certificate in Food Service Management, Roy combines academic rigor with decades of hands-on experience. His tenure across top global brands reflects not just operational excellence, but a rare ability to translate vision into tangible guest experiences.
At Sheraton Grand Pune, Supreet Roy is more than a General Manager — he is a trendsetter, innovator, and storyteller. Under his guidance, luxury dining transcends taste, becoming a journey of culture, craft, and connection — an experience guests are eager to return to, again and again.
