Opening a restaurant is a dream that many share, but few are able to realise, especially at the age of 23. For Tusheeta Khanna and Anant Bali, participants in the pilot batch of SPJIMR’s Graduate Certificate Programme in Entrepreneurship (GCPE), the journey from conceptualising a vibrant, high-energy bar to launching Encanto in Gurugram has been a testament to perseverance, continuous learning, and the power of the right guidance.
The road to Encanto: Two years of challenges and learning
Tusheeta and Anant, both graduates of the Shri Ram School, Moulsari, and later Jindal Global University, had a clear vision—creating a space that seamlessly transitions from day to night, blending exquisite food with a lively bar culture. While Anant’s background in commerce gave him a business edge, Tusheeta’s psychology (honours) degree helped her understand consumer behaviour. Yet, turning their idea into reality proved to be a complex journey.
“It took us nearly two years to bring this vision to life,” they recall. Finding the perfect location was their first challenge, followed by curating an exceptional food and cocktail menu that stood apart from conventional offerings. Their ambition was clear—to challenge the notion that a high-energy bar cannot serve great food and an immersive ambience.
During this journey, the structured guidance they received from GCPE at SPJIMR played a crucial role in helping them refine their approach. They gained practical insights on market positioning, customer segmentation, and operational efficiency, which helped them navigate the competitive landscape of the hospitality industry.
The turning point: How SPJIMR’s GCPE transformed their approach
Joining SPJIMR’s GCPE played a pivotal role in shaping their entrepreneurial journey. While they possessed passion and ideas, the programme gave them the strategic direction needed to bring their vision of Encanto to life.
The GCPE programme is designed to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the start-up ecosystem. With a curriculum covering business planning, finance, marketing, and strategy, the programme goes beyond theory by incorporating experiential learning through hands-on projects and mentorship.
A defining moment for Tusheeta and Anant came when they had to pitch business ideas under tight constraints as part of the programme. The rigorous feedback from faculty and peers helped them refine their vision, focus on execution, and think beyond just a great concept. Learning about scaling strategies also broadened their outlook, transforming their goal from a single outlet to a scalable brand.
“The course strengthened our ability to identify market opportunities, optimise operations, and scale innovative concepts. Engaging with experts and interacting with peers from diverse industries proved invaluable in shaping our approach,” they reflect.
About Encanto: Where Mexican flavours meet high-energy revelry
Encanto, derived from the Spanish word for ‘enchantment’, encapsulates the magic of Mexican and Spanish fusion cuisine with an electrifying nightlife experience. Inspired by Tulum’s coastal elegance, the interiors feature sandy neutral tones, artisanal accents, and ancient Mexican carvings, creating a space that transforms from a laid-back afternoon venue to a buzzing nightspot.
At the heart of Encanto is a commitment to breaking stereotypes. “We wanted to prove that a high-energy bar can also serve exceptional food,” they explain. The carefully curated menu boasts handcrafted cocktails made without artificial store-bought syrups, while the food menu offers an array of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, ensuring inclusivity for all guests.
Sustainability is also a key pillar, with locally sourced ingredients playing a central role in the kitchen and bar. Beyond the cuisine, Encanto stands out with interactive bar shows, DJ performances, and live mixology showcases, making it an unparalleled destination for food and entertainment lovers alike.
Future expansion and innovation
With ambitious plans to launch 15 additional locations in the next five years, Encanto is set to redefine India’s modern dining and nightlife scene. The vision is not just about expanding geographically but also about introducing new experiential dining formats and venturing into other hospitality-related businesses.
Looking back, Tusheeta and Anant credit GCPE at SPJIMR for shaping their strategic mindset and equipping them with the tools to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. “The programme helped us think outside the box, identify market gaps, and develop a business model that is both scalable and sustainable,” they share.
A testament to the power of learning and resilience
Encanto is more than just a restaurant—it is a manifestation of perseverance, learning, and the right mentorship. For Tusheeta and Anant, the journey is only just beginning, but their story stands as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to turn their dreams into reality.
With passion, the right guidance, and an unrelenting focus on good execution, they have transformed an idea into a thriving business, proving that when ambition meets the right guidance, success is inevitable.
About the Graduate Certificate Programme in Entrepreneurship (GCPE) at SPJIMR
The Graduate Certificate Programme in Entrepreneurship (GCPE) at SPJIMR acts as a catalyst for young entrepreneurs, offering a unique opportunity to explore the start-up space in India. The programme provides:
Networking with entrepreneurs from both the start-up and family business ecosystems, alongside participation in seminars and workshops.
A practical, hands-on approach through real-world case studies, mentoring sessions, and expert guidance from top faculty.
Flexibility with weekend classes (offered in hybrid mode: online or offline).
A summer and winter school experience that enhances participants’ career profiles, differentiating their CVs for future opportunities.
A SPark Tank event where participants pitch business ideas to solve India’s most pressing challenges.
A certificate of participation from SPJIMR’s Centre for Family Business and Entrepreneurship (CFBE).
Upon the successful completion of the programme, participants shall be eligible to receive a partial refund of the programme fee.
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SPJIMR, one of India’s top-ranked B-schools, has been a pioneer in entrepreneurial education for over 25 years. With a faculty mix of accomplished academicians and industry experts, the institution has consistently ranked among India’s top 5 business schools. Recognised in the Financial Times Masters in Management (FT MiM) Rankings 2024 as India’s #1 B-school, SPJIMR remains at the forefront of entrepreneurship education.
For those aspiring to embark on their entrepreneurial journey, GCPE provides the perfect launchpad. Learn more about the programme here.
