Secrets of the HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY Revealed with Former President, The Oberoi Hotels | Kapil Chopra

In this episode of The Barbershop, Shantanu sits down with the legendary hotelier and entrepreneur Kapil Chopra. Kapil was Former President of The Oberoi Hotels and founder of EazyDiner and The Postcard Hotels, and in this episode, he breaks down the intricacies of the hospitality industry in India, offering deep insights into running a successful service business. Tune in to learn about the challenges, opportunities, and key strategies in hospitality from one of the industry's leading experts.
Navigate your way through the conversation -
0:00:00 - 0:00:45 Sneak Peek : Coming Up!
0:00:46 - 0:01:43 Introducing our guest : Kapil Chopra(Founder: EazyDiner & The Postcard Hotels; Former President : The Oberoi Hotels)
0:01:44 - 0:17:35 Kapil’s Journey into Hotel Management and Early Career
0:17:36 - 0:26:41 Kapil’s Transformative Journey at Trident Gurgaon and Becoming President of Oberoi Hotels
0:26:42 - 0:30:12 The Big Challenges facing Hotels today
0:30:13 - 0:40:11 Founding Story of EazyDiner & Postcard Hotels
0:40:12 - 0:49:27 Introducing EazyDiner!
0:49:28 - 0:53:05 Qualities of Entrepreneurs and The Funding Story of EazyDiner
0:53:06 - 1:00:59 Kapil Quitting Oberoi Hotels
1:01:00 - 1:06:20 The Struggling Phase for EazyDiner & Postcard Hotels
1:06:21 - 1:27:33 Founding, Investment, Philosophy, and Operations - All About The Postcard Hotel
1:27:34 - 1:33:40 How Hotels are Classified!
1:33:41 - 1:44:01 What Sets The Postcard Hotels and EazyDiner Apart
1:44:02 - 1:49:40 Effects of COVID-19 on The Postcard Hotels and EazyDiner
1:49:41 - 1:58:52 The Ticking Time Bomb in Hotel Management
1:58:53 - 2:06:10 Bombay Shaving Company Product Showcase
2:06:11 - 2:10:05 Kapil’s Advice for Budding Entrepreneurs
2:10:06 - 2:10:18 Thanking our guest!

[@akshatgandhi21]

As an Ex - Hotelier myself having worked with Iconic Brands of India such as Taj Hotels & ITC Hotels, embarking on my entrepreneurial journey has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride, to say the least. Listening to the Industry stalwart Mr. Kapil Chopra who has done what I am about to do is so much inspiring & confidence instilling.

[@krj8290]

Bhai hotel band kyu kiya 😮

[@sohan3443]

This was not a podcast it was a Sales and Marketing Masterclass simply brilliant

[@ssingh8166]

aaj kal aise hi hai...sab bakwaas

[@KrishnaKumarGreenPepper]

What a great storyteller Kapil is. I couldn't resist downloading Easy Diner.

[@abhimanyu1421]

Same

[@sanketkher2259]

I have never commented on any KZbin video but after listening to Mr. Chopra I was compelled to comment. His views and insights are just amazing to listen to and to learn from. The most insightful podcast I have come across. What an amazing conversation between Shantanu and Mr. Chopra. Thank You Shantanu for bringing this to us.

[@nkpfamily171]

Likewise

[@imsupritam]

This man is a machine. I was lucky enough to see and observe him from close quarters. Though I am no longer in the hotel industry, but I went back to my days in Trident, Gurgaon while watching this. Thank you Shantanu for this podcast. Kapil is a showrunner, brings the best out of everything possible.

[@tarunyadav1650]

Had done training at Taj Holiday Village goa, worked 16 hours on average, 28 days a month and was getting paid 1050 rupees only plus all the employees were just scolding me most of the time when ever i ask for a off. Why would anyone like to work in a environment like this .

[@swaroopkorti3080]

This is how hospitality industry is

[@adityavernekar2627]

When did this happened? Year?

[@manasagrawal8322]

I watch all the podcasts and hands down this has to be the most interesting episode. Could not tune away for a second. Thanks a ton, Barbershop!

[@matthewjoseph7671]

My Well Informed Opinion and Firm Belief is That : Kapil Chopra is By FAR, the Finest Hotelier, Hospitality Manager / Leader and Thinker that India has Produced to date ( With the Exception of Rai Bahadur MSO and Mr PRS Oberoi ). His Disposition and Demeanour is NOT an ACT - it is a TRUE Reflection of His HUMILITY , ENERGY, CHARISMA , VISION and EXTREME Passion. Kapil Does NOT Talk for the SAKE of TALKING and thats WHAT Differentiates Him from the REST of the Pack ......I Have ZERO Doubt that his Aspiration and VISION for Postcard Hotels WILL BE Realised Far Sooner than He Anticipates. Wising You Well Kapil. May God Bless You and May God Speed You !!!!

[@sunilvirmani]

I just ckicked on it, had no idea who he is, know nuthin abt hotel industry, niether too interested....but i sat thru the entire podcast, the guy is brilliant maaan...hes just tooo gooood

[@swargrover8253]

The insight of operators turning founders is very beautiful . We need more people like Mr. Kapil to solve for many problems in India . The way he is passionate about building the best in India from ground up when it’s very hard to do that ! And of course I am a loyal customer of EazyDiner as well

[@neerajbhatt940]

Following you since join the hotel industry (5-6 years). You are the inspiration & hope for us. And Please do something for the employees too, very less pay/no work life balance/no holidays/long hour shift. 12-15 hour duty everyday. Indian Hotel industry may collapse soon if employees treated like this.

[@muraliyuvi1067]

I've started this thinking I would sleep by in 15-20mins of the video, but it is so inspiring that watched the complete video and unable to sleep now. Thinking for new ideas to start something of my own! true inspiration!!

[@jyotimehra4352]

same this side

[@sanjaymali6513]

Salute sir! Nobody wants to talk about this dark reality of Indian hotel industry.

[@user-vz3bs9fu6p]

What a man! I'm enamored with how words just roll off his tongue. The clarity and experiences Mr. Kapil has 🙏🏻

[@saptorshimukherjee4304]

Thanks Santanu for creating this interview , never seen Mr. Chopra so candid ever . He is been an inspiration , I actually messaged him once in fb messenger while dinning from kolkata , and he solved the discount problem . Thanks Saptorshi The treehouse Resort

[@ithinkitworks]

This was not a podcast episode, this was a masterclass! Absolute gold! I am blown away by the clarity of thought and execution!

[@pallaviswaroop8210]

Great Show... Conversations with hoteliers are always so good because they have such a deep understanding of people and their behavioral patterns both from a customer and employee perspective and Mr. Kapil Chopra is an inspirational industry leader. What he said about the talent drain is also a very real problem. 2010 onwards amazing talent was lost to the rising needs of the middle east and its airlines also the boom of stand alone restaurants but unfortunately Indian hotel chains didn't wake up to this reality and did nothing. Luxury service delivery is an art that has been diluted on the side of both the supply and demand. Great hoteliers never had a sub servient attitude but the intellect and confidence to engage with the customers with ease.

[@aaki12321]

Being a Hotelier for a short time myself and that too in Oberoi Hotels i really look upto Kapil Sir and now so even more !! Thank you Shantanu for a great great podcast. Finished it in a single day 🎉

[@shauryatuli]

People from Hospitality are always well spoken, and super underrated. So much to learn, would love to see more of hospitality folks on all podcasts, not just The Barber Shop :)

[@anon7641]

What an amazing person Kapil Chopra is!

[@anirrbanbatacharrya4001]

YOU DO NOT KNOW WHOM YOU ARE INSPIRING. It is a delight to watch Kapil and make notes. The interview with Aditya is queued up. Thanks, Shantanu.

[@ToshThakkar]

I'm from hospitality industry and we Indians cater to such tourists mentality that they will do exactly what you said Kapil ji at 2:06:04 🙈 Postcard can charge premium which works well on their excel sheet at the end of the day but small players can't afford business for 2 nights because of this flexible check in check out timings. And if we charge even 500 more? They will go to next hotel on booking / agoda / mmt

[@roymelvinmenzel5459]

He is so passionate that he can't stop telling his story, almost breathless. You know he has enjoyed the ride, every bit of it. Straight from the heart. The best thing about this man is that he has vision and he is willing to take risks to make it happen. I wonder what he could do if he set his mind on setting up budget hotels. May his tribe increase!

[@sumeetbhosle7627]

Now this is called a podcast..watched the whole thing without blinking.. kapil sir has an amazingly charming personality.

[@mohitsinha7932]

The podcast was gripping. By all standards. Insightfully inspiring. For a 60 year old like me. These are the inputs an aspirational India needs for forging ahead in Amritkal. Awesome. God bless you and everyone on your team and God bless Kapil and his team.

[@ap5218]

Fantastic podcast! I'm a hotel management graduate and worked briefly in the industry-4 months as an intern and 5 months as an associate at Oberoi. I always wanted to fast-track my career through OCLD, as growing within Oberoi takes time. I eventually left the hotel industry due to the long working hours. There's a significant gap in employee retention, and as an Indian, we often settle for a mediocre talent pool. I admire the Postcard Hotel concept with no set check-in/check-out times, despite their remote locations like .Mr. Chopra, your eloquence and polished speaking are truly inspiring. You should consider starting your own KZbin channel. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, you have achieved almost everything, with only fame left, like the judges on Shark Tank. I'd love to see you on more podcasts. Bombay Shaving, your host did a great job with the shaving cream products. I wish I could have stayed in hospitality, but I'm currently struggling with unemployment and feeling low, especially seeing friends and acquaintances growing in their respective fields.

[@rahulmaram1996]

Believe in yourself, things will get better. Give yourself time.

[@manahsrushtianonprofitorg.5762]

There is one statement by Kapil Sir in the podcast which can make your mood better... Guess it...

[@josethomas6062]

Shanthanu, like he said you do not know who you're inspiring. Brilliant story. Thank you so much for this.

[@thetboyfromnepal]

At any given moment,you do not know whom you are inspiring!! What a legend. Top class Hotelier. Top Class Entrepreneur!!

[@April0091]

I have had the good fortune of working with Kapil sir and I love seeing him tell his story to the world

[@VijaySaiKiranSiripurapu]

Such a great episode I thought I would just listen to 15 mins and then watched whole episode great storyteller great sales mam today I want to take my mom and dad to postcard

[@anshulsharma9494]

Hey Shantanu, the man gave some excellent advice. Instead of offering sachets, try providing full-size products. This way, if guests at luxury hotels take your product home, there's a high chance they'll order it again. You could also include pocket bags for the shaving kit items, making it easy for guests to carry them away. This allows your product to travel abroad easily, and if hotel guests like it, they might recommend it. Additionally, for the luxury segment, consider innovating on the razor with a metallic golden premium finish.

[@bhadreshkapopara6578]

I thought..Give control to the consumer .. It is the biggest threat in hotel business but Mr. Kapil solw it in such a beautiful way that he converts the biggest threat into the best experience..!

[@nonsains8017]

The way this guy marketed his product, commendable passion ❤

[@TheKirand17]

This podcast is Entrepreneurship 101 to 501 for founders. Sales is core. Rejections humble you but also brings the best out of you. Kapil talks about Cold Calling. Its further humbling. Building business without VC money and premium offering have a touch of class the way Kapil describes. Kapil's insights into service in the hospitality industry is legendary. As one of most hospital counties in the world and a service powerhouse (IT Service to healthcare to hospitality), India can scale up significantly on the base of its service. Institution building Kapil talks about is absolutely crucial. If you are a founder, re-watch this podcast like you will read and solve problems like preparing for JEE.

[@delightcatering4u]

Shantanu Sir ..khupach Sundar Podcast ahe ha ..It's like a University for Entrepreneurs like us...Ithe je shikayala milatay te jagat dusarikade kuthech milanar nahi ...Very very inspiring one Thank you so much

[@rahulamarnani9175]

Amazing Sales Pitch for Eazy Diner.

[@krishivagrawal2780]

Amazing to see both of them selling their brands so passionately.

[@zohaibjamal]

This is the best podcast. An absolute gem by Barbershop and wonderful President interview.

[@rohitbathija9272]

Amazing episode. Never expected to spend so much time listening to the entire episode. But it was truly worth it. Hats off to Kapil ji. Big inspiration.

[@shreyanmehta6999]

Its always a treat to mind. Always nice to listen this podcast, i consider this both as work and leisure at the same time

[@pankajbhardwaj2463]

Never seen shantanu so quiet in a podcast, great one good sir.

[@rishabhhota8528]

wahi na aaj hero nahi baan paya. isse accha business bana ke gaya vo

[@Sanzarmaan]

Starting my own restaurant in bay area California (SF). These videos give me good insights .

[@azhasham]

Thanks to Kapil & Shantanu. Never had an idea how's a hotel works by watching this podcast came to know alot of insights. Postcard like services we need in every industry.

[@punithhegde5870]

By far the best and very inspiring podcast I’ve ever watched on KZbin. Hats off for the courage to build two legacy profitable hospitality brands that resonates the transformational leadership skills of sir Kapil Chopra 2:06:59 Build what you love, love what you do! ❤

[@adityauphade]

This was the first & the best podcast I have ever watched. Frankly the first podcast ever I have completed!

[@Stealthfounder]

Shantanu really really appreciate to bring back the og background back,btw great insights though

[@hemantwarudkar3002]

2:10:18 the most intellectually stimulating podcast I have heard that kept me awake at night without regrets.

[@kavvayistories]

After experiential stay / tourism it’s transformational stay, 100% true and that’s the future of hospitality across the world ❤

[@VishwasAshray]

This is one of the most inspiring and 'filled heavily with knowledge' podcasts i have ever watched. There were many learnings and great motivation from Mr Kapil's life journey.

[@ameyaranke2932]

Wow ...another one .... What a brilliant educational episode this was.... Brother Shantanu great initiative...you are really inspiring us ... Keep it up brother...❤❤

[@1ofstockmarket]

Absolutely madly inspiring and the man Mr Kapil chopra loves what he's doing!!! Hat's off to all who made this piece of content possible!!

[@PhillipGabriel]

One of the best podcasts. Kapil is such a fabulous story teller & his infectious dynamism comes through.

[@manvirvaghela]

Great show loved listening to Mr Chopra on his journey and his insights into the hospitality sector. Being owner of a stand alone property this was a learning experience of how to change perspective when it comes to guest satisfaction..thank you for the podcast Shantanu

[@Deeksha-pl2ep]

I work as an F&B faculty in a college, have completed my grad from IHM Chandigarh and masters from NCHM Noida- the headquarters. Have seen a great decline in the quality of the students in these 5 years of my teaching career and now colleges are not being able to pay the salaries of their employees due to shortage of admissions. All thanks to the industry that students nowadays have started getting salaries for only 8000 rs. If this is going to continue, there will be a great decline and ......

[@aniketaryan7621]

Truly a great podcast with hospitality insights from kapil sir

[@mirzakhurrambeg]

WOW .. what an orator ..wanted this podcast to continue longer 😅 .master story teller .. I can confidently say I have become a better person after listening to this Pod 😊

[@PoojaSharma-to6eg]

Absolutely the most amazing postcast i have heard in recent times . Mr chopra you are full of life and energy like a 20 year old guy . i m so much clear now on my vision and made notes what you just said . wish to meet you sometime in this life time .great regards

[@MayankSehgal88]

I'm still vibing on those pineapple socks 😃Fun aside, this was truly inspirational!

[@georgej7141]

Beautiful podcast. Reinforced my ethics which I keep sharing with my team in building a small restaurant and a Homestay Project in the sleepy Coastal towns of Sindhudurg

[@DeepakBansal-im7pt]

I love this, it has been a 2 hour masterclass.

[@shalabhkulshreshtha]

wow @shantanu -what a podcast ...damn insipiring to listen to conversations from Kapil and you.

[@nischalmiglani]

Loved it ,thanks both ,truly inspiring

[@anikethdeshpande8336]

Last 10-15 mins are just another level!🎉

[@joethaliath1264]

Terrific! Kapil sir just bossed it! Loved the charisma and the story teller he is - Salute to an Industry stalwart! Thank you Shantanu for bringing him.

[@jaydeepsinhjadeja4027]

I have experienced post card gir i have to tell they are really good very nice staff one of a kind experience

[@siddhantgala7461]

Amazing conversation, but my biggest takeaway is I’m booking a stay at PostCard immediately!

[@hemanthcreddy]

one of the best episode in the channel, watched every second of it

[@Sanzarmaan]

One of the most informative videos I have seen. Thank you 🙏

[@bijunair1502]

Priceless life lessons - I had an amazing time listening. Many thanks!!

[@nduhoonc10]

Such a fabulous podcast, what a treat!

[@deep31shah]

Amazing, Very inspiring! Watched this podcast without taking any break, it was so engaging :)

[@KVSimon-fl5ni]

From transformation to transcendence is the way forward .

[@sarthakkamra3917]

Best podcast ever. We need more people like Kapil on the podcast :D

[@sprittube7237]

So much to know about Hotel Industry and entrepreneurship 👍

[@mehtaraj]

Really great episode. Learnt a lot even at my 40s

[@Shiju-nair]

This was my best 120 minutes spent online ever

[@varaprasad55]

After this podcast, I just downloaded EasyDiner and ordered a Bombay Shaving kit

[@HumanBeing11011]

Shantanu is good guy! First time saw him i felt he was super smart intelectual but now i feel like ye toh bhai hai apna, sath me sutta phokte hai 😅

[@sunderraman3437]

One of the best podcasts. Superb

[@mandarrane]

Build one at sambhajinagar, maharashtra, where ajantha caves, kailasa mandir, daulatabad fort are all nearby and it doesn't have any proper luxery hotel. With samruddhi highway it will soon be a good international travellers destinations

[@nishantawale6198]

Can't agree more with Mr.Kapil Chopra Sir - You don't know Shantanu whom are you inspiring ...... See if you all can rope in Kunal Shah - It will be icing on cake Waiting...

[@nizaansari]

Mr. Chopra is always the brightest in the room. He is a vibe. Loved. Never skipped anything where he speaks.

[@SameerGupta87]

I would've loved to know how the economics work at the hotel's end when they tie up with eazydiner for such heavy discounts

[@karan2839]

Amazing and super engaging episode!

[@vishaljoshi58]

So fcuking inspiring. Big fan of your podcasts for the kind of insights it brings from the world of entrepreneurship... Or should I say Razorpreneurship❤

[@rajeshbuch7275]

downloaded the app, great knowledge and information

[@sunik240]

What a Fantastic episode.

[@user-xg2ce2wc4q]

Superb podcast

[@battasingh]

This was a very awesome podcast.

[@Singhrohit.1]

This guy is a national treasure

[@splendidemendax2776]

what a man, what podcast!

[@amanverma2018]

Key Learning’s 1) Outwork your Competition 2) Learn Sales Entrepreneurship Specific 1) Services should not go out of focus; threshold 30 days 2) Build reputation and let them come to you. “Wait Wait… Let me figure it out “

[@10021SA]

proud to be from the same college

[@MikaSinghLookalike]

Awesome ‼️

[@rocky5411]

Amazing interview, Mr. Chopra, you are always an inspiration for hoteliers .

[@kidseducation4910]

Sir i appreciate your knowledge...kindly make some video if a 28 year old is watching you ehat he can do today 2024 in ai era ..i beleive if you are running a kirana shop blink it and zepto will eat it ..please guide some ideas which a 28-30 year old can work on and earn giod money in india..i thought initially to run a kirana shop but now feels like it would be dofficult to get profit

[@prathamagarwal437]

Loved it!

[@kihtaws]

I hate check in time and check out time. Good to know post card hotel chain solved it.

[@modified-fv3ib]

Thanks for this 😊

[@vivekkabra6488]

Lot of learnings. The most important learning for me is to develop selling skills in order to succeed in career.

[@rishiltrivedi3080]

Absolutely loved this Man 💪🔥