Our Story
Chef Sanjeev Sethi was the Co-Founder and Executive Chef of The Host Fine Indian Cuisine in Toronto, Canada. He immigrated in 1989 where he started, like many entrepreneurs do, with a vision and no more than a little pocket change.
His humble career in food began as a server. It was there that he learned the skills of a professional kitchen and restauranteur. Combing them with the lessons from his mother, he set out on an adventure of a lifetime with his brother, Jay Sethi.
In 1995, the brothers opened their first location in Yorkville (Toronto). Soon after the second location in Richmond Hill opened, followed by an array of Host restaurants including, Mantra, Bhai, Firangi and more.
Today they are 5 locations strong and lead the industry in Indian Cuisine when it comes to quality and consistency. This is only the beginning for The Host - it continues to bloom every day but always pays tribute to it's original visionary.
Food is our art and your event is our canvas!
Our Team
Meet your catering dream team. From intimate gatherings to large-scale weddings and galas, our team of catering experts has over 20 years of experience. We are here to listen to you, work with you and bring forth your vision. Elevating your guest experience through amazing food.
Jay Sethi
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The co-founder and co-visionary of The Host Hospitality Group. From graduating with a Physics honour to getting a degree in PR and Advertising - Jay brings a unique outlook to The Host team. He worked for a variety of newspapers writing stories and copy. Then in 1996, set out on the adventure of a lifetime with his brother Sanjeev. The two of them became the dream team building The Host into one of the best Indian restaurants in Toronto. Today Jay oversees all The Host restaurants along with the catering operations, ensuring every client - is a
happy one!
Ashish Sethi
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The newest addition to the family business is Chef Sanjeev’s son, Ashish Sethi. With a degree from the Culinary Institute of America, Ashish is a breath of fresh air that brings with him the French discipline he learned while working with Chef Daniel Boulud in New York City. Raised in Toronto Ashish, encompasses his roots with flavours from his heritage. He uses the same authentic technique of his father is famous for and brings them under a new spotlight in the Toronto food scene with restaurants like Mantra and Firangi. Ashish has also aided in the development of 259 Host.
Archana Sethi
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The face of The Host Catering. With over 23 years of experience, Archana is a leader in the restaurant and catering industry. She is the magician behind all the details that ensure each client’s vision is met, from the minute they walk in until their big event. Archana enjoys meeting people - getting to know their stories and putting together a menu that will help amplify their event. As a strong team leader, she is hands-on till the end. She is also the key contributor to creating The Host's reputation while partnering with major GTA venues like The Ritz Carlton, Marriott, Club Link, The Globe and Mail and many more. When she’s not working Archana loves spending time with her family, and is a strong advocate for health and wellness in a balanced lifestyle. You’ll never catch her without her signature smile!
Shelly Bhel
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Meet Shelly Bhel, our office manager who always keeps things flowing meticulously! She joined our team in 2006 and we’ve held on to her ever since. A strong part of our team, Shelly ensures all the “behind the scenes” details are dealt with, in the utmost effective way. Today Shelly is responsible for the operations behind catering and restaurant administration. When she’s not managing it all - she’s brushing up her social media skills