For Akash Kalra, third-generation owner and Managing Director of United Group, preserving a culinary legacy while building for the future is central to his vision. At the helm of the iconic United Coffee House (UCH), Delhi’s celebrated dining institution with an 80-year legacy, Kalra continues to honour its heritage while adapting to the evolving tastes of modern diners. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in hospitality and entrepreneurship, Kalra developed an early appreciation for food and the business behind it. After completing his education at Delhi University and pursuing hospitality and entrepreneurship courses, he took charge of the United Group in his twenties, focusing on preserving the restaurant’s legacy while creating new avenues for growth. Under his leadership, United Coffee House has continued to celebrate its timeless recipes while embracing contemporary dining preferences. With a menu featuring over 400 dishes spanning global cuisines, the restaurant reflects Kalra’s commitment to balancing tradition with innovation. Reviving signature recipes and understanding changing consumer expectations remain central to his approach to keeping the institution relevant across generations. Building on his fine-dining experience, Kalra conceptualised United Coffee House Rewind, a contemporary casual-dining brand catering to a wider, younger audience. With a presence across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Chandigarh, Rewind extends the group’s legacy into a more relaxed dining format. The group has also diversified into quick-service dining with Maska, a brand specialising in Indian and Chinjabi cuisine. Operating six outlets, with two more planned in Delhi NCR, Maska offers dine-in, delivery and cloud-kitchen formats. Looking ahead, United Group aims to expand United Coffee House into heritage-rich cities such as Mumbai and Kolkata, taking its enduring culinary legacy to new markets.
IRC PASS