We were lucky to catch up with Ruchit Harneja recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ruchit, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

I won’t lie! There are moments when I glance back and wonder what it would be like to have a “regular” job again. But the truth is, I was capped out in my capacities in a traditional role. I’m not saying I wasn’t growing or learning while working for someone else. Every experience added value, shaped my skills, and expanded my perspective. But there was always a ceiling to how far I could stretch, how much I could influence, and how deeply I could bring my vision to life.

Now, as a partner in this business, the role is a hybrid. I’m still very much hands-on, still working incredibly hard, probably even harder than before. The difference is in the mindset. Every late night, every decision, every challenge carries a different weight because a slice of this cake is mine. That ownership changes everything. The stakes feel higher, yes, but the fulfillment is immeasurable. I’m no longer just executing someone else’s vision. I’m creating, shaping, and owning the outcomes.

The last time I thought about what it would be like to “just work for someone” was during a long day of troubleshooting operations for multiple restaurants. I caught myself imagining the simplicity of a steady paycheck and fixed responsibilities. But the thought didn’t last long, because I realized that the real reward isn’t comfort. It’s impact.

Being on the other side of the business isn’t necessarily easier, and the road is far from smooth, but it’s infinitely more alive. It’s where my work, my heart, and my identity all converge, and that perspective, that level of ownership and creative freedom, is something no regular job could ever replicate.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I grew up in Jaipur, India, surrounded by vibrant flavors and family traditions that sparked my lifelong love of food. That passion led me to the Institute of Hotel Management in Bangalore, where I discovered a deep fascination for pastry arts — a craft that taught me precision, creativity, and the joy of transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

After working in prestigious kitchens in India, including The Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi and Andaz Delhi by Hyatt, I moved to the United States to lead the pastry program at Musaafer Houston. I had the privilege of conceptualizing and building the pastry offerings there, a role that helped shape the restaurant’s culinary identity and contributed to the high level of recognition the restaurant would later achieve, including a Michelin star. Following that, I served as Corporate Pastry Chef at Berg Hospitality Group, where I learned how to manage a diverse portfolio of restaurants, refine operational efficiencies, and balance creativity with consistency across multiple concepts.

Today, I’m the Managing Partner at Altura Concepts, a multi-concept restaurant group based in McAllen, Texas. We currently operate five unique concepts: Ambra (charcoal-inspired steakhouse), Mikhuna (Nikkei cuisine), Il Forno a Legna (wood-fired Italian), Bond (elevated cocktail lounge), and Inkawasi (Peruvian-Asian fusion). In the coming months, we’re expanding with concepts like Zaya (Indian-Persian), Maseto (high-end Italian), Pluma (rotisserie chicken), Farina (Roman-style pizzeria), and Yana (handroll sushi bar).

What sets Altura apart is our culinary-driven approach and focus on personalized service. Every detail, from menus to décor to hospitality is thoughtfully curated, but the heart of every concept is exceptional food that keeps diners coming back.

I’m most proud of being able to combine my chef’s mindset with entrepreneurial vision, turning ideas into experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Choosing McAllen as our hub made perfect sense because of the city’s immense growth. It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and I believe this is the right time to plant roots and build something meaningful here.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my personal presence on social media came very naturally, largely because of the originality of my work. It was easy to gain traction, as my journey began as a pastry chef showcasing creations that were uniquely mine. Every idea I share, from concept to execution, reflects not just visual appeal, but a story and my personal vision brought to life.

I’ve seen firsthand how easy it is for ideas to be copied or for credit to be misdirected, especially once you’ve moved on from a team. That only reinforces one truth: if you want to stand out, be here to dominate, not to imitate. Own your ideas, create boldly, and let your originality shine. Social media rewards authenticity and vision, not replication.

For those starting out, my advice is simple: develop your own voice, be consistent, and never compromise on what makes your work uniquely yours. Your creations are unmistakably yours and no one can take that away.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

For me, reputation isn’t built alone, it’s built with a team. I’ve always believed in recognizing the unique strengths of every individual and creating an environment where those strengths can shine. At Altura Concepts, my business partner and I combine our visions, but it’s the people around us : chefs, managers, and team members who bring it to life.

I focus on guiding the culinary force, nurturing creativity, and ensuring operational excellence, while my partner brings strategic financial expertise and a sharp vision for growth and expansion. Together, we balance creativity with business acumen, making sure every concept we launch is not only innovative but also sustainable and successful.

I think what sets us apart in the market is this balance, giving space for individual talent to thrive while keeping the bigger vision in focus. When people feel valued and empowered, their work naturally reflects excellence, and that’s ultimately what builds trust, respect, and a lasting reputation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alturaconcepts.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruchit.harneja/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruchit-harneja/