A FISH TALE

THE STORY OF THE FISHERMAN'S WHARF

By Rajesh Ghadge

Goa’s tourism industry is the highestgrossing in the country, and the food and hospitality industry is second to none. All the big players have their franchises set up here What is most significant, however, is the homegrown brand of The Fisherman’s Wharf, which has made its mark across the state, the country and now internationally too. In this first anniversary issue, we are bringing you the story of the inception and growth of the proudly Goan brand “The Fisherman’s Wharf”.

The Fisherman’s Wharf is a unit of Averina International Resorts Pvt. Ltd., owned by Mr. Xavier Furtado who also owns the Holiday Inn Resort, Mobor The Fisherman’s Wharf’s chain in Goa and across the country is headed by the Head of Operations, Mr. Ranjeet Pandey. The brand has currently 3 outlets in Goa and branches in Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai. Mr. Ranjeet who is associated with the brand for more than two decades hails from Kolkata but has been living in Goa most of his life. He is a science graduate but entered the hospitality industry with a speciality in food production.

Mr Ranjeet Pandey relays that the idea of Fisherman’s Wharf came about in 2005 when Mr Xavier, the Chairman of the group, decided to make use of a piece of land touching the river situated opposite the Holiday Inn Resort, Mobor. “Mr Xavier had acquired this land long back with the vision of starting something unique, and one day he came up with the idea of a restaurant with an authentic Goan touch I was part of the core team to execute this plan to make Mr Xavier’s vision a reality. During that time, I was working as the Executive Chef at Holiday Inn Resort and after the launch of The Fisherman’s Wharf, I was given the responsibility of a restaurant in south Goa.”

After the great success of The Fisherman’s Wharf in South Goa, it opened its second branch in Bangalore, followed by Dubai and Hyderabad “When we saw the progress of the Bangalore property, we decided to expand into other locations, and in 2012 we opened The Fisherman’s Wharf in Dubai, followed by Panaji and later on in Hyderabad,” said Ranjeet.

Our Company has a plan of opening a second branch in Bangalore. ”I believe that there’s a lot of potential in Bangalore and just one or two properties will not suffice hence we have plans to open more outlets in the Tech City of India As Bangalore is such a large city, business potentials are enormous and we have the scope of having more than 3 to 4 outlets there,” he added.

Mr Xavier himself gave us the background to the emergence of this success story “I had purchased the riverside property where The Fisherman’s Wharf is currently situated, long ago with a vision of making a riverside restaurant there. During the construction of the Holiday Inn resort, it was used as a shelter for the labourers One day I went to my father and relayed my idea of opening a restaurant with a Goan touch on that land to which he instantly agreed, rest is the history,” he said. After the approval from his father, there was no looking back for Mr Xavier and it was the beginning of one of Goa’s biggest restaurant chains “After Bangalore, we opened a Fisherman’s Wharf at Dubai Marina but because of the lack of an alcohol licence, we decided to move back to India. After the success of the Panaji outlet, we started the third outlet of Goa in Calangute Currently, Fisherman’s Wharf has 3 outlets in Goa, 2 in Bangalore, one in Hyderabad and one in Chennai.”

Mr Xavier has ambitious plans for the expansion of the Fisherman’s Wharf brand across the country “I want to take it to all the major locations across the country but we are going slowly and steadily as it takes time to set up these ventures in new geographical locations. For example, setting up one restaurant takes 6 to 8 months so the process is long You have to choose a location, assess the competition and ensure the market is correct. We have plans of starting a Fisherman’s Wharf in Pune, Mangalore and in Mumbai.

All the outlets believe in ‘Responsible Dining’ as their foremost objective through guest satisfaction in terms of value for money complimented with food and dining hygiene and safety

THE FISHERMAN’S WHARF, MOBOR

Fisherman’s Wharf is situated on the banks of River Sal, set in a rustic ambience, with a picturesque view of the shimmering water and majestic sunsets This riverside indulgence is the flagship establishment of this very wellknown chain of restaurants.

It offers a very creative cuisine of seafood delights with an amalgamation of Goan authenticity and Indian and global flavours. They serve up classic cocktails and other refreshers to accompany your food. It is also an entertainment hub with only the best of live bands and energetic performances, whilst guests are treated to the cool breeze and the warm embrace of the Goan vibe.

The Fisherman’s Wharf was established in 2015 in the heart of Panjim city, in a heritage IndoPortuguese villa with intricately and thoughtfully designed furniture and décor in bright and vivid colours, inviting visitors for a luscious and exciting dining experience. The brass pots, woven bamboo baskets, glimmering lights and the colourful Mexican hats in quaint settings, add to the grandeur of the place.

It boasts an extensive menu of seafood dishes with Goan and Portuguese influences, curated by stellar chefs, to the liking and preference of its diners. Awarded the ‘Best Restaurant in Panjim’, it is a place where guests can enjoy their evenings with their loved ones, friends and family, as they dine to impeccable, classy and melodious tunes of live music throughout the week, with relaxing vibe.

THE FISHERMAN’S WHARF, CALANGUTE

A mission to show appreciation for local Goan cuisine, and further to give a nod to the true essence of the richness of Goan flavours, led to the establishment of The Fisherman’s Wharf, in Calangute, in 2018. Set aside from the hustle and bustle of the thronged streets of Candolim and Calangute, it is a standalone Portuguese-Goan bungalow with sloping roofs, surrounded by wooden decks and row boats resembling the summery and sandy beaches of Goa It isn’t just a restaurant, but an ultimate culinary destination, with a blend of lipsmacking delicious food, impeccable service and hospitality, and a fantastic atmosphere, translating into the perfect dining experience. It offers a slice of Goa to everyone who walks in and all can watch the chefs churn out lavish pieces of their culinary art.

THE FISHERMAN’S WHARF, BANGALORE

The Fisherman’s Wharf, established in 2012, brings the essence and fragrance of flavours from Goa to the outskirts of Bangalore. Everything, from the clay-roofed gazebos and the artwork to the culinary experience, is reminiscent of a lavish Goan home. With an island bar down the centre, shaking out refreshing cocktails and beverages, the Wharf leaves no stone unturned in finding that perfect companion to go with your choice of cuisine Diverse flavours from across the globe find their way to the menu, making the perfect middle ground to satisfy a diverse taste palate. With a dedicated play area for the kids, planning that long overdue family gettogether isn't as farfetched an idea anymore. Whether you ’ re looking for a quiet table for two or to sip a few drinks with a bunch of friends, The Fisherman’s Wharf comes with a setting for every need.

THE FISHERMAN’S WHARF, HYDERABAD

The Fisherman’s Wharf, established on the 10th of March 2017, is a lavish Goan house with an open kitchen whereby, one can see master chefs, craft out each preparation on a sparkling white platter, tastefully decorated for the diner’s culinary delight. Flavours from across the globe find their way to the menu, making it a point to satisfy a diverse tasting palate.

Strolling through, the restaurant transports you directly to the quaint streets of Panjim with multi-coloured homes depicting the Portuguese era, lush green surroundings, clayroofed gazebos and tiny cobbled streets ‘The Tinto’, which is ‘The Marketplace’ in Portuguese, is an open bar that shakes out refreshing cocktails and beverages, while The Margarita Lounge Bar transports you to the streets of Mexico with a hacienda theme and graffiti on the walls, where one can enjoy classic margaritas and frozen delights. Adding on, the banqueting lawns have been created for lavish parties, receptions or corporate events.

Live music makes the central courtyard the place to be in, whether to shake a leg or sit under an umbrella to enjoy the Goan hospitality. Whether you want to serenade your loved ones or party with friends, this place will ensure and guarantee you a true Goan experience in Hyderabad