The haute cuisine world, with its delicate blend of creative expression and passionate pursuits, is experiencing a surge in popularity among professionals across diverse demographics. This growing fascination with gastronomy is increasingly becoming a significant interest for many individuals. In recent years, the art and science of food preparation, presentation, and demand have surged beyond a mere hobby, evolving into a true second career for many.

In recent years, we’ve witnessed a remarkable influx of individuals from various walks of life—from high-profile celebs to cricketers and corporate professionals seeking entrepreneurial ventures—making significant inroads into the food and beverage industry. This trend is reshaping the gourmet landscape, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to the culinary scene.

A prime example of this phenomenon is Dr. Kiran Kumar, Director of KG Hospitality, a renowned orthopaedic surgeon who has successfully ventured into the restaurant business. Dr. Kiran exemplifies the growing breed of multifaceted professionals who skillfully balance their primary careers with their passion for food and hospitality.

Based in the vibrant city of Bangalore, known for its thriving culinary culture, Dr. Kiran has managed to establish not one but two high-end dining establishments. These venues—IZA, a sophisticated Pan-Asian restaurant, and GAWKY GOOSE, an upscale restobar—have quickly gained recognition for their excellence, standing out in Bangalore’s competitive culinary space.

Gawky Goose Kitchen & Bar, nestled on the iconic Wind Tunnel Road in Bangalore, is an Irish pub-inspired restobar offering an exciting fusion of haute cocktails and world cuisine.

What sets Dr. Kiran Kumar apart is his ability to maintain a thriving physiotherapy practice while simultaneously dedicating substantial time and energy to his restaurant ventures. This dual focus demonstrates the increasing trend of professionals leveraging their management skills, attention to detail, and customer service experience from their primary careers to succeed in the hospitality sector.

The success of these establishments isn’t just a testament to Dr. Kiran’s culinary vision but also to his business acumen and ability to translate his professional skills into a new industry. His story is indicative of a broader movement where individuals are finding fulfilment and success by pursuing their gastronomic passions alongside their established careers.

IZA Pan-Asian Kitchen elevates the dining experience with its sophisticated fusion of Pan-Asian cuisines, from Japanese to Thai and Chinese to Korean, complemented by an expertly curated selection of wine, sake, beer and bespoke cocktails.

TheGlitz delves into an engaging conversation with Dr. Kiran Kumar, exploring his dual roles as a respected orthopaedic surgeon and a restauranteur. Discover the motivation, inspiration, and challenges he faces in balancing these two distinct careers. Join us for this fascinating read.

Dr. Kiran Kumar: Healing Hands to Haute Cuisine

TheGlitz: From treating clinical patients to serving restaurant patrons, what motivated your interest in becoming a hospitality entrepreneur?

Dr. Kiran Kumar: In clinical practice, I found fulfilment in helping individuals improve their health and well-being. However, I also recognised the importance of holistic care, which extends beyond medical treatment to encompass emotional support, social interaction, and overall quality of life. This realisation sparked my interest in the hospitality industry, where I saw an opportunity to continue making a difference by providing exceptional service and fostering memorable experiences for guests.

Running a restaurant requires a variety of skills. How do you balance the demands of operating a restaurant with your career as a surgeon?

Balancing the demands of operating a restaurant with a career as a surgeon requires effective time management, delegation, and a strong support system. By employing these strategies, I strive to achieve a harmonious balance between my career as a surgeon and my role as a restaurant entrepreneur, ensuring success and fulfilment in both endeavours.

How do you go about providing your guests with a unique dining experience that sets you apart from others?

We create a fusion of flavours that surprises and delights, paired with attentive service and an inviting ambiance, ensuring each guest leaves with a memorable experience unlike any other.

“At IZA, we strive to provide patrons with a place where they can enjoy authentic Pan-Asian cuisine, great drinks, and vibrant music for a memorable experience.”

Dr. Kiran Kumar

As an orthopaedic surgeon, you provide exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to work under pressure. How do these skills translate to running a successful restaurant?

As an orthopaedic surgeon, my attention to detail ensures precise execution, accuracy guarantees consistency in our product and service, and my ability to work under pressure ensures seamless operations during busy dining hours, collectively contributing to the success of the restaurant.

In retrospect, what advice would you give to someone looking to pursue multiple passions simultaneously?

Balancing multiple passions requires strategic time management and delegation. I prioritise tasks, allocate specific time blocks, and focus on areas where I add the most value. Self-care is essential for maintaining productivity and creativity. Adaptability and resilience help me navigate challenges, while a positive outlook keeps me motivated. Seeking guidance from mentors and engaging with relevant communities has been crucial. Their support and insights have been invaluable in my journey to successfully pursue diverse interests while maintaining balance and personal well-being.

“Gawky Goose achieves a rare harmony: a destination equally renowned for its exceptional drinks and delicious food. It’s truly best experienced when you come for both.”

Dr. Kiran Kumar, Founder, Gawky Goose

Describe a particularly challenging situation you faced as a restaurant owner and how you navigated through it. What did you gain from that experience?

The food industry’s ongoing staffing challenges have taught us valuable lessons. We’ve learned to prioritise proactive planning and cross-training to ensure operational flexibility. Building a strong support network has been crucial for addressing unexpected issues. Moreover, we’ve focused on cultivating a positive work environment that encourages collaboration and empowers our team to solve problems collectively. These strategies have significantly improved our ability to maintain quality service despite staffing constraints.

Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals for the future growth of your restaurant business?

My long-term goals for the restaurant business involve expanding to new locations while maintaining a focus on innovation, exceptional customer experiences, and sustainable practices to drive continued growth and success.

We, at TheGlitz, extend our heartfelt wishes for your ongoing success in all your future pursuits.

Cover image: Randalyn Hill via Unplash