Running a brewpub isn’t easy- it’s a lot of work, a lot of sweat and the occasional tears.

There are a lot of good, earnest people working behind the scenes, who put in a great deal of effort, round-the-clock, to ensure that everything you love about Toit stays that way.
And these people are none other than our never-tiring, ever-inspiring staff.
Our very own Toit Army- a battalion dedicated to the cause of good beer!

If you ever catch him shuffling between his stewarding duties, it’s because apart from being a stellar steward, he’s a pretty crazy dancer too. Especially if there’s some MJ playing. Say hello to Senior Steward Chandrashekar.

What do you do at Toit?

I am a senior steward right now.

When did you join Toit?

15th September, 2012.

So, four years now. What were you doing before you joined Toit?

Yes, four years and two months. I was an assistant manager at a few restaurants before this. After that, I came here.

Are you from Bangalore?

I am from Mysore. I moved here in 1998. My family is in Mysore.

I am from Mysore. I moved here in 1998.

Who all are in your family?

Myself, and my wife. She lives here with me, but my parents are in Mysore now.

How did you hear about Toit?

So many friends of mine were working here—total of 14-15 members who were working here told me about it.
We all joined at the same time also, but few of them have left now.

Actually, before getting married I came to this place, that time they had an opening only for stewards. I didn’t join because I was working as an Assistant Manager somewhere else.
But after marriage, I came back here. Because after getting married, it became important to make enough money.

When did you get married?

Three years back. On April 18th.

What does your wife do?

She’s a house-wife. She takes free tuitions for the children of the people working in the hotel department, all our nearby neighbours. She teaches all subjects for small children.

Because after getting married, it became important to make enough money.

You grew up in Mysore then? Which do you like better—Bangalore or Mysore?

Mysore! It is much better. This place is too crowded, and also too noisy. But the number one clean city in India is Mysore.

Then how did you decide to move here?

Actually, I was a science student, but I had to drop one subject because I was admitted in the hospital. I had typhoid. So, I failed. But to pay the tuition fee, I came to Bangalore to work.

Then I tried a degree in Arts in correspondence, but again I dropped out. I had to make money, and get my sister married. So I could not finish that.

You have a sister?

Yes, she got married ten years ago. Her name is Vishalakshi.

I have one more sister, Shumati, who is younger. Last year, she finished her engineering in Information Science and got a Government job. She works in Bangalore now.

Actually, I was a science student, but I had to drop one subject…

And I have a brother, Somashekhar, who is writing his KPS exam now. After completing his degree, he is attempting these exams. They all stay in Mysore.

My father also works for the Government. He has been doing that job for 30 years, and will be retiring next year. He is waiting to retire, because he has not been well for the last two-three months.

What is the one thing you miss most about Mysore?

Nature. And also the atmosphere. Very nice and cool place it is. It is also so clean and neat. The people and place are very good.

Bangalore, I only like the shopping. But now it’s ok, I have adjusted here, after being here for 17-18 years.

What do you do at Toit? What’s the job role?

I come here by 11:25 am and get a briefing before I start work. And then I start my work, by making sure the side stations are set and everything is clean.

After that, we wait for the customers, give them good tables, take their orders, follow those orders, and give them their food and drinks.

I go home at 3, when I have a break, and then come back at 6:30 and stay till closing time.

What’s a good memory you have of working at Toit? Any particular incident?

Everyday is nice. I like it here. But Halloween Night is very nice—there will be full decorations and we have to paint our face and all. I do it every year.

But Halloween Night is very nice…

What do you do on your off-day?

My off-day is on Tuesday. I wake up late, finish my tiffin and all, and then go out in the evening with my wife to some malls, and if there is any nice movie, we go watch a it.

We watch Kannada movies most of the time. I like to watch Hindi movies also, but my wife doesn’t like it so much.

Apart from watching movies, do you have other things you like doing? Any other hobbies?

Before marriage, I used to watch a lot of movies. But then I stopped.

Actually, before marriage I used to be a dance instructor and choreographer.  Also, aerobics instructor. I used to teach at Indiranagar Club in the evenings, during the shift breaks in my previous job.

Wow! What styles of dance did you teach?

Salsa, ballroom, jazz, Bollywood, and folk dances as well. I used to teach children and ladies. I also trained with Shiamak Davar’s dancing institute.

Actually, before marriage I used to be a dance instructor and choreographer.

When did you start dancing?

Since 5th standard. I learnt it properly after I came to Bangalore, and then took classes for others also. I used to work in Aerobics centres also.

I’ve always liked dance. One of my colleagues, where I used to take class, used to do aerobics. So I saw that and I started learning that as well.

And you’ve always liked it? How come you didn’t pursue it?

I don’t teach dance anymore. I used to do it more when I was free. The thing is also my age—after 40-45 it is hard to do, so I decided to do this job.

Do you still dance?

No, no. Only for functions and all.

What is your favourite song to dance to?

Any!

But you must have a favourite?

All Michael Jackson songs. My favourite is Dangerous.

All Michael Jackson songs. My favourite is Dangerous.

Do you have videos of you dancing?

*laughs* No! After marriage, I stopped dancing. My wife also likes dancing, but she has never shown me. She used to dance in her college. We come from a rural area, so they don’t like all this.

But whenever she is ready, we will dance together maybe.