Joy Guha

No ‘Plan B’—Only Passion

In the world of hospitality, where charm meets precision, Joy Guha is a name that flows as smoothly as a well-aged whiskey. His story is one of grit, hustle, and an undying love for an industry that never sleeps.

Born and raised in a modest household, Joy knew early on that success wasn’t served on a silver platter—it had to be earned. Growing up, his family’s warmth and generosity made their home a favorite gathering spot, a mini hotel of sorts where guests were always welcome. The philosophy of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ wasn’t just a phrase; it was the unwritten rule of his upbringing.

After schooling in Durgapur, Joy pursued Hotel Management at IISM, Ranchi, where he discovered his natural flair for making people feel at home. Whether it was serving tea with a smile or running the show at events, he knew this was his calling.

Joy’s first taste of hospitality came during his industrial training at HHI as a front desk receptionist. His knack for handling guests with effortless charm and his sharp leadership skills set him apart. Among 95 trainees across India, he was crowned the “Best Industrial Trainee”—a sign that he was here to shake things up. The journey took him from mixing drinks to running entire businesses. In 2002, he started as an Assistant Bartender at Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, mastering the craft. By 2005, he was in Dubai with Emirates, soaking in international exposure. Two years later, he was back in India as Bar Supervisor at Junction Bar, Taj Bengal, redefining the nightlife scene. His real breakthrough came in 2010 with Speciality Restaurants Ltd, where he handled iconic brands like Mainland China, Café Mezzuna, and Hoppipola. In 2013, he even managed the KKR dressing room at Eden Gardens—a hospitality feat in itself. Then came 2016, when he took charge of The Fatty Bao under the Olive Group. The UK called in 2021, where he worked with Michelin-starred Chef Atul Kochar. And now, back in India, he leads as the Regional Operations Head (East) for Park Street Social (Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt Ltd.)

From orchestrating a 5,000-guest catering event in Guwahati to keeping the energy high in a packed bar, Joy’s leadership is like a finely crafted cocktail—equal parts precision, passion, and a splash of fun. He doesn’t just manage people; he inspires them. Hospitality, to him, isn’t about serving food and drinks—it’s about creating experiences worth remembering.

Shaken, stirred, and seriously skilled!

Every great bartender has a mentor or two whispering trade secrets over a well-made drink. For Joy, those mentors were Suman Maity, who taught him the art of guest-centric thinking at Taj Lake Palace, and Tanmoy Roy, who shaped his leadership skills. Together, they helped him go from a promising newcomer to a hospitality powerhouse.

If you’re dreaming of a career in hospitality, Joy’s advice is simple—understand your guests, learn every role, and never stop adapting. Be it a buzzing bar or a five-star restaurant, success comes to those who mix passion with hard work. And always, always bring your A-game. With themed restaurants, immersive dining, and digital integration taking over, the hospitality industry is evolving at lightning speed. Kolkata is on the rise as a culinary hotspot, with digital integration and experiential dining paving the way. While competition is fierce, Joy believes that those who prioritize quality, uniqueness, and exceptional service will always have an edge.

For Joy, hospitality isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. Whether indulging in a plate of Dada Boudi Biryani in Barrackpore or savoring his favorite Negroni, his passion for the industry remains unshaken.

Masters of the mixology universe—crafting more than just cocktails!

From his humble beginnings to becoming a trailblazer in the hospitality world, he’s shown that true excellence comes from loving what you do.

Joy’s story is proof that with perseverance, passion, and the right mix of opportunities, anyone can stir up success. So, here’s to Joy Guha—mixing passion with perseverance, stirring up success, and raising the bar, one unforgettable experience at a time!

narrated by Joy Guha

penned by Sanjay Ghosh (Dada Bartender) and Jitendra Khater