Experience Authentic Indian Cuisine at the carnival.ca
Director of Operations
Devvender Thakurr
Director of Operations North America | Carnival contemporary Indian Restaurant & Cocktail Bar Toronto, Canada.
Hospitality is not just about providing a service; it’s about creating memories that last a lifetime.
With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality and restaurant sector, Devvender Thakurr truly lives this mantra every day.
From his early days to now, Devvender has worn many hats—Director, COO and VP —launching a dazzling array of upscale dining and hospitality gems. If you’ve dined at Ruby Tuesday, enjoyed the lively atmosphere at Hard Rock Cafe, or savored the exquisite flavors at Madam Butterfly, then you’ve experienced the magic of his vision firsthand! He’s the mastermind behind these iconic brands and many more, bringing each concept to life with creativity and flair.
What drives Devvender? A genuine passion for crafting unforgettable guest experiences! He believes every interaction is a chance to create a memorable moment and build lasting relationships. With his warm approach, he ensures that every guest feels like a VIP—because they truly are!
His recipe for success combines operational excellence with a sprinkle of team empowerment and a dash of collaboration. As he takes on this new role, Devvender is excited about the adventures ahead, ready to elevate operational standards and enhance our brand’s reputation across North America. With his talented team by his side, they’re all set to reach new heights of success—and have some fun along the way!
Experience Authentic Indian Cuisine at the carnival.ca
EXECUTIVE CHEF
Akshat Chawla
Executive Chef | Carnival contemporary Indian Restaurant & Cocktail Bar Toronto, Canada.
From the moment I stepped into a kitchen, I knew this was where I belonged. My love for the culinary world led me to study at a top culinary school, and the real magic happened in the kitchens of JW Marriott and Tresind, Dubai's Michelin-starred gem. Every station, every dish, and every challenge taught me something new, sparking my drive for more.
I came to Canada for more than just poutine—I wanted exposure, experience, and to dive deeper into the world of food. As the Kitchen Manager of one of Toronto’s best Italian spots, Scaddabush, and later heading the kitchen at Farzi Mississauga, I honed my skills and creativity. Eventually, I took a leap of faith, opening my first venture—a cloud kitchen that exceeded all expectations.
Now, with Carnival, I’ve fulfilled my lifelong dream of bringing Toronto an experience like no other. I’m on a mission to redefine Indian cuisine, blending tradition with bold, playful flavors in a way that’s interactive, fun, and anything but ordinary. Come join me on this delicious adventure!
Experience Authentic Indian Cuisine at the carnival.ca
Executive Chef
Vadent Jalan
Executive Chef | Carnival contemporary Indian Restaurant & Cocktail Bar Toronto, Canada.
"Every dish has a story and at Carnival is where we let it shine, one bite at a time"
Ever since I was young, my curiosity always led me to the kitchen—mostly because I loved eating! My love for food quickly turned into a passion for cooking, and I decided to chase that feeling by graduating from culinary school. My first step into the professional world was an internship at a five-star hotel, and from there, I worked my way into the heart of New Delhi’s fine dining scene.
One of the highlights of my journey was working alongside a Michelin-starred chef in India, an experience that pushed my boundaries and expanded my culinary horizons. The adventure continued when I moved to Canada, where I had the opportunity to dive into different cuisines and fine-tune my skills.
After climbing through the kitchen ranks, I took on the challenge of managing an Asian restaurant in downtown Toronto, where I got a taste of leadership. But the dream was always to create something of my own—a place where I could share my love for food with the world. That dream came true with the opening of Carnival, where my journey continues, and the flavors I’ve gathered come to life on your plate. Let’s make every bite an adventure!
Experience Authentic Indian Cuisine at the carnival.ca
DIRECTOR OF FOOD AND BEVERAGE | Bar Manager
Reginer Palo (Reg)
Food and Beverage Manager | Carnival contemporary Indian Restaurant & Cocktail Bar Toronto, Canada.
Reg is a celebrated hospitality professional with over 18 years of experience Internationally from Manila Singapore, Bahrain & Dubai in the industry. As a 3 Division 2017 Atlantis the Palm Dubai, Bartending Champion, he has mastered the art of mixology, drawing inspiration from the legendary Dale Degroff, known as the King of Cocktails. Reg had the privilege of being trained by Degroff himself, further honing his skills and elevating his passion for the craft.
Now serving as the Director of Food and Beverage and Bar Manager at Carnival Contemporary Indian Restaurant and Cocktail Bar, Reg creates amazing cocktails that reflect his creativity and expertise. He is also a proud member of the Federazione Baristi Italiani since 2019, connecting him with a network of like-minded professionals who share his love for the culinary arts.
Reg famously quips, "I am not an alcoholic, I just love drinking alcohol," reflecting his genuine passion for the world of beverages. With his extensive knowledge and dedication to creating memorable dining experiences, he continues to push the boundaries of hospitality, ensuring that every guest enjoys the finest food and drink at Carnival.