Rajiv Meherish, the Indian-origin founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Raju Omlet, a -based retro-chic restaurant chain, passed away on 19 July.
The news of his passing was confirmed by staff members at Raju Omlet outlets, who said the restaurants continued to operate as usual, Khaleej Times reported.
A family friend of Meherish also confirmed the news of his death and said, “I am extremely saddened by the news. He had been unwell, and he passed away this morning.” However, they did not reveal the reason behind his death.
Quick answers to key questions
What was Rajiv Meherish’s role in the restaurant industry in Dubai?⌵
Rajiv Meherish was the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Raju Omlet, a popular Dubai-based restaurant chain specializing in egg preparations.
Why is Raju Omlet considered a unique restaurant concept?⌵
Raju Omlet is known for transforming simple egg dishes into a beloved homegrown brand, combining creativity and distinctive flavors to elevate everyday meals.
How did Rajiv Meherish start his career before founding Raju Omlet?⌵
Before founding Raju Omlet, Rajiv Meherish began his career as a sales professional selling media space for newspapers in Dubai after moving there in 1980.
What was Rajiv Meherish’s vision for Raju Omlet beyond the UAE?⌵
Rajiv Meherish aimed to expand Raju Omlet into a global brand, intending to take it beyond the United Arab Emirates.
How did the restaurant community react to Rajiv Meherish’s passing?⌵
The restaurant community mourned Rajiv Meherish’s passing, with many acknowledging his humility and visionary contributions to transforming the restaurant scene in Dubai.
Who was Rajiv Meherish?
According to his LinkedIn profile, Meherish was a commerce postgraduate from Mumbai University who moved to Dubai in 1980 and began his career as a sales professional. From February 1982, he spent many years selling media space for Khaleej Times and other leading English and Arabic .
From 1990 to 2013, he founded and successfully led a media business, where Meherish and his team produced special-occasion publications for leading newspapers in Dubai and for corporate clients, including , Dubai Chamber, Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai, and other leading government and government-related organisations.
Meherish then started Raju Omlet in 2013, which is described as a retro-chic restaurant specialising in egg preparations. Since then, the restaurant has expanded to seven outlets across Dubai, with two more said to be in the pipeline. His long-term vision was to take Raju Omlet beyond the (UAE) and build it into a global brand.
Dubai businessmen mourn Meherish’s passing
Remembering Meherish, Kamal Vachani, a veteran Dubai businessman, called him a “very nice man” who was always “humble.”
Anis Sajan, Vice Chairman of Danube Group, described him as a visionary entrepreneur who transformed simple egg dishes into a much-loved homegrown brand.
Sajan said, “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Rajiv. As a food lover, I had followed the remarkable growth of Raju Omlet over the years. I fondly remember visiting the restaurant and Rajiv personally inviting me to experience some of his signature dishes.”
He further said, “What he accomplished was truly special. He took humble, everyday egg dishes and elevated them through creativity and distinctive flavours, transforming a simple concept into a much-loved homegrown brand. His legacy will continue through the brand he created and the countless people he inspired.”
This story will be updated once more information is available.
