Author: Khwaish Jain

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel has announced the appointment of Shivankur Verma as its new Food & Beverage Manager. A seasoned hospitality professional, Verma joins with extensive experience in F&B operations, restaurant management, and team leadership across several prestigious brands. Verma most recently served as the Assistant Food & Beverage Manager at JW Marriott Goa Vagator, where he played a crucial role in achieving top-tier guest satisfaction scores and exceeding revenue budgets by 13%. His professional journey includes key stints at Grand Hyatt Gurgaon, JW Marriott Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, and JW Marriott Chandigarh. Known…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has announced the appointment of Faheem Qureshi as Master Chef of its Indian specialty restaurant, BarQat. In this pivotal role, Qureshi will spearhead kitchen operations, menu development, and culinary execution, further elevating the restaurant’s reputation as a destination for authentic regional Indian cuisine. Qureshi’s mandate includes embedding robust kitchen systems with a focus on consistency, quality, and adherence to BarQat’s refined culinary philosophy. His leadership is expected to bring a disciplined approach to execution while maintaining the highest standards of safety and hygiene. With more than 10 years of experience in luxury…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) In a transformative move for India’s service and food sectors, the Union Budget 2026-27 has signaled a “Golden Era” for the hospitality and food manufacturing industries. Presenting the budget on February 1st, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced a series of strategic interventions aimed at professionalizing the workforce, easing the financial burden on travelers, and strengthening the back-end logistics of the food supply chain. The Educational Milestone: NCHMCT Becomes National Institute The crowning jewel for the culinary industry in this budget is the official upgrade of the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) to…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Edrington, the international premium spirits company, has announced the appointment of Paul Ross as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Edrington India. Based in Gurgaon, Ross will oversee the company’s India operations, focusing on strengthening local capabilities and building a resilient platform for long-term growth. The move highlights Edrington’s commitment to India, which has established itself as the world’s number one market by volume for Scotch whisky. In his new role, Ross will drive the expansion of Edrington’s ultra-premium portfolio, featuring world-renowned single malts such as The Macallan and Highland Park. His appointment comes at a critical…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of its second property in the sacred city of Ayodhya, reinforcing its commitment to India’s burgeoning pilgrimage tourism sector. The upcoming hotel, branded as Cozzet Ayodhya, is designed as a “smart, safe, and sensibly designed” value offering that focuses on comfort and practicality for both leisure and corporate travelers. The new property will feature 70 well-appointed rooms and an all-day dining restaurant. A major highlight of the hotel is its expansive 8,000 sq. ft. banquet facility with an adjoining lawn, positioning it as a prime venue for weddings,…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Kona Kona, the nostalgia-inspired bar founded by celebrated actor Mona Singh, has officially launched its second outpost in Marol, Andheri East. Spanning 2,000 square feet and seating nearly 100 guests, the new location replicates the soul of its original venue—offering a warm, intentionally unpolished, and relaxed atmosphere designed for long, effortless visits. The menu at the Andheri East outpost focuses on familiar, comforting flavors, with new additions tailored for weekday lunches. The bar program remains consistent with the brand’s philosophy, featuring flavour-first, unfussy cocktails built for second rounds. A quirky highlight for regulars is the presence…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Accor, a global leader in hospitality, has announced the signing of Novotel Vrindavan, marking a major milestone in the Group’s strategic expansion across North India. Slated to open in 2029, the 150-key new-build hotel is being developed in partnership with Girijas Retreat Private Limited. The property will be spread across 6,222 square metres, bringing Novotel’s globally recognised midscale hospitality to one of India’s most prominent spiritual and cultural destinations. Positioned to capture year-round demand from pilgrimage tourism, destination weddings, and corporate events, the hotel will feature extensive facilities, including a 1,000-square-metre ballroom and multiple meeting rooms.…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Atmanam, the celebrated South Indian vegetarian brand, has officially opened the doors to its second restaurant in Gurgaon. Located at Elan Miracle, Sector 84, the new outlet brings the brand’s signature blend of traditional flavors and refined aesthetics to a new neighborhood. Spanning approximately 2,100 sq. ft. with a seating capacity for 76 guests, the space is designed with a “restrained luxury” approach, allowing the culinary offerings to take center stage. The menu is a curated journey through the diverse landscapes of South India, featuring bold yet light flavors. Signature dishes such as the buttery Benne…

-Shalini Chandrasekar  Tirunelveli’s ‘Copper Leaf Hotel’ is planning to open branches in Madurai and Thoothukudi next. The hotel, which features 42 rooms, two separate restaurants for vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine, a coffee shop, and three banquet halls to attract customers, is managed by its Managing Director, Mr. Sri Dharshan. We spoke to him. What do you do during the off-season? During those times, we focus on improving ourselves. We prepare our staff for the next season. We complete other pending tasks. We also introduce offers and events to attract customers. Corporate events or family events – which is more profitable…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Burger Singh, India’s rapidly growing homegrown burger chain, has reached a new milestone in its expansion journey with the launch of its latest outlet in Andheri, Mumbai. The opening is a strategic move to capture one of the city’s most vibrant commercial and residential hubs, catering to a diverse mix of young professionals, students, and families. The new Andheri outlet serves as a focal point for Burger Singh’s western India strategy. Currently, the brand operates 12 outlets across Maharashtra, but it sees a massive runway for growth. Greater Mumbai alone is projected to host up to…