Page 35 - Iconic Restaurateurs - The Entrepreneur Mag Ed. 3

Newsroom Feature

Before Dilupa Pathirana moved to the ins and outs of the food and beverage
industry in 2011, his career in branding began with the complex and high consumer
involvement insurance industry. Following his transition in career paths, Dilupa has
been fundamental in building strong brands such as Machang, O! with Lion Brewery
PLC and Awanhala of the Ceylon Hotels Corporation. Boasting a strong educational
background, Dilupa holds a 1st class degree in Marketing Management from the
University of Sri Jayewardenepura, an MBA from the Cardiff Metropolitan University in
UK and is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. Today however, he is

giving it his all to make Barista the largest and most preferred coffee chain in Sri Lanka
by 2022.

Tell us about the brand you represent local market was a daunting task. As the pioneer and market leader
Our journey from the bean to the cup was set in motion in 2002. within this space, we were automatically faced with the pressure
At the time, café culture was in its infancy as coffee was still of building and driving the category forward along with setting
considered as a luxury indulgence. Our quest to provide a truly up operational and service standards of café culture in Sri Lanka.
international experience by brewing an authentic Italian cuppa led Looking back at the last 18 years, we can proudly say that Barista
us to create the Barista brand. Spearheading café culture in Sri has done a tremendous job to uplift the coffee culture in the country.
Lanka, Barista was an opportunity to discover both the coffee and
What are some values that have not changed over the
the craft.
The Since the launch of our first outlet in December 2002, our team has year?
At Barista, our aim has always been to passionately deliver the
Dilupa unwind over the fragrant aroma of a finely brewed cup of coffee. As a globally competitive organization – one that is driven by an
highest levels of experiential services. This includes maintaining
worked tirelessly to create a comfortable ambience away from the
perfect cuppa with
consistency in serving the highest quality products while become
pressures of home and work where our customers can relax and
insatiable thirst for excellence.
our patrons grew, Barista became the most popular international
coffee chain in Sri Lanka with 8 café’s and a host of new initiatives
We strive to lead with ideas and firmly believe that honesty to
underway. We believe that great coffee is nothing without the best
our consumers and all our stakeholders without exceptions are of
customer service, which is why our dedicated, professional team of
paramount importance. Being responsive and proactive to changes
brew masters will do everything possible to make our customers
in the micro and macro market conditions and a passion to outdo
have a pleasurable experience.
Pathirana How did Barista grow the coffee culture in Sri Lanka? time.
ourselves are also among our values which have stood the test of
During our inception, there were only a few cafés in Colombo; a
What has changed? How has Barista managed to stay
freshly brewed cup of coffee was a luxury. We paved the way in
relevant in this competitive space?
educating consumers about coffee – this was essential in order
We have evolved with our customer and market dynamics; over
to grow coffee culture in Sri Lanka. We were also the pioneers in
the last 18 years both our local and foreign consumers have
importing the technology and machinery while building industry
changed. The demographic, sociographic and psychographic
infrastructure, along with grooming a skillful set of employees.
changes are quite evident. Barista believes in being responsive
Additionally, bringing in the required customization and alterations

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The Entrepreneur Page | 32 of products and services to blend with the needs and wants of the to our environment and this has resulted in a transformation in
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