Bistro Bliss – Resilience and Innovation in the Face of Financial Challenges

Book Title: Case Chronicles

Editors:  Prof. Dr. Shraddha S. Bhandwalkar, Dr. Deepali S. Ubale and Dr. Shubhada A. Athavale

ISBN:  978-81-980078-8-9

Chapter: 11

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/cc11/274

Authors: Dr. Deepali S. Ubale, Dr. Pallavi N. Shintre and Dr. Shraddha S. Bhandwalkar

Abstract

Bistro Bliss, founded by Arjun Rao in 2000, transformed the coffee culture in urban India with its unique café concept. With the slogan “Savor the Moment,” Bistro Bliss quickly grew, establishing over 1,500 outlets across the country and becoming a popular social spot. However, after Rao’s unexpected death in 2020 and the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the company faced severe financial challenges, including significant debt. Under the leadership of Priya Rao, Arjun’s wife, Bistro Bliss underwent a significant turnaround by 2023. Her strategic decisions to consolidate operations, close underperforming locations, and renegotiate terms with creditors were pivotal in revitalizing the brand. Bistro Bliss’s commitment to sustainability and continued innovation, such as its “Green Bean Initiative” and cashless payment options, have further solidified its position in the market. This case study explores Bistro Bliss’s journey from a thriving coffee chain to a resilient enterprise overcoming financial and operational difficulties.

Keywords: Bistro Bliss, Financial restructuring, Leadership, Sustainability, Innovation

References

  1. https://www.professionalsaathi.com
  2. www.economic Times.com (2023)
  3. Outlook Business. (n.d.). Rising from the ashes. https://www.outlookbusiness.com/the-big-story-1/lead-story-8/rising-from-the-ashes-6921
  4. https://depts.washington.edu/antiwar/WW1_reds.shtml
  5. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2307/1349985
  6. https://abnews-wire.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2015-04-10T12:44:00-04:00&max-results=20&reverse-paginate=true