Nestled in the heart of Pondicherry’s French Quarters, Sola Bistro & Bar is where artisanal flavors and handcrafted cocktails come together in a setting that blends history with modern indulgence. Housed in a beautifully restored colonial-era building, Sola is a space that honors tradition while embracing creativity—offering a truly unique dining experience. Mr. Tejasvi Suresh Bala, the founder and CEO of Sola Bistro and Bars has indeed launched one of the best bars in Pondicherry.
The Story Behind Sola
Inspired by the warmth of the sun and the art of slow-crafted indulgence, Sola means “the only one”—a name that reflects its commitment to an unparalleled culinary experience. Every dish and drink is crafted with care, using fresh, high-quality ingredients that highlight both flavor and technique. A seamless blend of past and present, Sola offers guests a space to unwind, indulge, and create lasting memories.
Craft Cocktails – An Art in Themselves
At Sola Bistro & Bar, the bar is an extension of the kitchen, where each cocktail is a carefully balanced creation made with house infusions, fresh ingredients, and premium spirits. The menu offers:
Signature Cocktails – Innovative, well-balanced, and thoughtfully presented.
Create Your Own Cocktail – Guests can collaborate with bartenders to craft a personalized drink.
This attention to detail and creativity makes Sola one of the best bars in Pondicherry, attracting cocktail enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
Strong Beers Leading The Indian Market
A Historic Setting with Modern Appeal
Sola is housed in a pre-independence French building that was once home to Pondicherry’s first Chief Minister, Mr. Kuber. The establishment was created with an initial investment of approximately ₹1.5 crores, funded through a mix of personal savings and a term loan. Preserving the building’s colonial charm while upgrading it to modern hospitality standards was a challenge, but the effort paid off.
Within just three years, Sola achieved ROI, demonstrating the success of its structured financial approach and premium offerings. Today, it stands as a must-visit destination and one of the best bars in Pondicherry, offering a blend of history, hospitality, and handcrafted indulgence.
The Vision Behind Sola – An Exclusive Interview with the Founder
To understand what makes Sola a standout in Pondicherry’s dynamic F&B scene, we spoke with its founder, Mr. Tejasvi Suresh Bala, who shared insights into the business, challenges, and future plans.
What percentage of your revenue comes from dining, cocktails, events, or other segments?
Our revenue mix varies by location. In Chennai, food and beverage sales dominate due to licensing challenges, while in Pondicherry, our expertly crafted cocktails are a major draw. However, food remains our core revenue driver. Additionally, our outdoor catering and events segment has become a game-changer, allowing us to tap into corporate gatherings and weddings.
Luxury dining often comes with high operational costs. What is your break-even strategy?
Our goal was to recover the initial investment within two to three years, with operational break-even targeted within three months. We achieved this through high-impact marketing and a relentless focus on quality. From social media engagement to partnerships with influencers, we ensure strong visibility. But visibility alone isn’t enough—our commitment to excellence in food, service, and ambiance ensures that first-time guests become loyal patrons.
How do you ensure stable revenue streams amid fluctuating ingredient costs?
Adaptability is key. We introduce seasonal menus, adjust pricing strategically, and use a food pairing approach—where high-margin items are thoughtfully paired with best-sellers. Additionally, corporate tie-ups and exclusive dining experiences provide steady revenue streams that insulate us from market fluctuations.
Are your expansions self-funded, or have you explored external funding or franchising?
Our expansion has been powered by internal profits and bank credit, but franchising is a key driver moving forward. We’ve already onboarded three franchise partners and are actively exploring venture capital funding to accelerate our next growth phase.
Have you collaborated with premium spirit brands or hospitality chains to enhance offerings?
Yes! We partner with artisanal cheese farms in Auroville, ensuring locally sourced premium selections while supporting regional businesses. Our alliances with liquor brands help us craft exclusive cocktail menus and elevate our positioning through joint promotions and events. These partnerships benefit both parties—our partners gain niche visibility, and we gain access to exclusive pricing and standout products.
Sola offers interactive experiences like ‘Create Your Own Pizza’ and ‘Custom Cocktails.’ Have you explored collaborations with culinary schools or tourism boards?
Absolutely. Our existing partnership with the Pondicherry Tourism Department has significantly boosted footfall. Additionally, we work with local universities to engage students in culinary innovation. Partnering with culinary schools and mixology brands could be our next step to further enhance these experiences.
How does Swirl Lifestyle leverage technology for business optimization?
We use AI-driven analytics to predict demand, optimize inventory, and curate high-performing menu items. Additionally, we are launching a digital loyalty program to reward repeat customers while gathering insights that will help refine our offerings.
Do you see Swirl Lifestyle expanding into cloud kitchens or delivery-only brands?
Yes. We’ve already launched delivery-first brands like Asian Story and Biryani Story, focusing on premium ingredients and sustainable packaging. However, we firmly believe that in-person dining offers an irreplaceable social and sensory experience. Our approach is hybrid—leveraging cloud kitchens for reach while ensuring that our physical restaurants remain immersive dining hubs.
How does Sola plan to maintain its leadership in Pondicherry’s evolving F&B scene?
Pondicherry’s dining landscape is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead requires constant innovation. What sets us apart is our focus on immersive dining experiences that keep guests engaged. With tourism booming, we see immense potential to take Sola’s unique charm to other locations, ensuring that the essence of what makes it special remains intact.
Does Swirl Lifestyle have an exit strategy, such as an IPO or acquisition?
Right now, we are focused on finding the right venture capitalist to fuel our next growth phase. While an IPO is a future possibility, our immediate goal is scaling sustainably. My partner, Sire, and I are deeply passionate about what we do, and we want to continue building high-impact brands that thrive long-term.
Sola Bistro & Bar: A Must-Visit in Pondicherry
With its colonial charm, artisanal cuisine, and handcrafted cocktails, Sola Bistro & Bar is more than a restaurant—it’s an experience. Whether you’re here for an indulgent meal, a hands-on dining adventure, or a cocktail that lingers on the palate, Sola offers a taste of history with a modern twist.
As one of the best bars in Pondicherry, it remains a destination where time slows down, and indulgence takes center stage. Whether you’re a local or a traveler exploring Pondicherry’s vibrant culture, Sola promises an unforgettable experience that blends heritage with innovation.
