-K H NewsDesk (cbdigital@imaws.org)
Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality (ABNAH), a division of the Aditya Birla Group specializing in hospitality ventures, has recently made an important strategic move to enhance its portfolio. In a significant deal, ABNAH has acquired four renowned restaurant brands, further establishing itself as a key player in the premium casual dining space.
The deal involves the acquisition of a 100% stake in KA Hospitality Private Limited (KAH), which holds ownership of CinCin, a home-grown brand, and the franchise rights for three prestigious global restaurant brands: Hakkasan, Yauatcha, and Nara Thai. These brands cater to various segments of the customer value pyramid, ranging from mid-market to premium experiences.
Hakkasan, a Michelin-starred brand, is celebrated for its modern Cantonese cuisine, offering a delightful culinary journey for discerning diners. Yauatcha, an award-winning dim sum teahouse originally hailing from London, provides a diverse range of delectable dim sum dishes. Nara Thai, on the other hand, presents contemporary and authentic Thai cuisine, capturing the essence of Thailand’s rich culinary heritage. Lastly, CinCin, a home-grown Italian brand, embodies the spirit and culture of the Italian “La Dolce Vita” lifestyle, providing a sophisticated and memorable Italian dining experience.
ABNAH’s decision to acquire these four iconic brands stems from its belief in the incredible growth potential of the premium casual dining space in India. The company recognizes the rising disposable income and evolving lifestyles of Indian consumers, creating a strong demand for high-quality dining experiences. This acquisition aligns with ABNAH’s vision to build an unparalleled portfolio of food and beverage brands within the country.
The acquisition marks a significant milestone for KA Hospitality, a company founded by the late Kishor Bajaj in 2011. Kishor Bajaj, a visionary, introduced Hakkasan and Yauatcha to Mumbai, anticipating the readiness of India for Michelin-grade dining experiences. Under the leadership of Karyna Bajaj, who assumed the role of Executive Director in 2016, KA Hospitality expanded its offerings by introducing Nara Thai and creating its own brand, CinCin. The acquisition by ABNAH represents a seamless transition of KA Hospitality’s legacy to its future custodians.
Currently, ABNAH operates Jolie’s, a members-only club situated in the heart of Mumbai, covering an impressive 30,000 square feet. With the recent acquisition, ABNAH now boasts a total of seven restaurants across three cities. The company has ambitious plans to build premium casual dining restaurant chains across India, recognizing the fast-growing potential of this segment in the organized food services market.
Aryaman Vikram Birla, Director of Aditya Birla Management Corporation Private Limited and Founder of ABNAH expressed confidence in the growth opportunity presented by the intersection of growing affluence and the Indian consumers’ desire for new-age, high-quality dining experiences. ABNAH’s commitment to bringing the best-in-class restaurants to discerning diners is a crucial step towards fulfilling the company’s vision of creating an unmatched portfolio of food and beverage brands within the country. The strategic deal represents a significant stride towards achieving this goal.
