Author: Khwaish Jain

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Grand Hyatt Gurgaon has announced the elevation of Chef Vikramjit Roy to the position of Executive Chef. This promotion marks a significant milestone in Chef Vikramjit’s tenure with the property and reflects the hotel’s commitment to culinary innovation and excellence. With over two decades of experience, Chef Vikramjit is set to lead all culinary operations, focusing on menu engineering and guest-centric storytelling. A Career Defined by Innovation and Global Exposure Chef Vikramjit Roy is widely recognized for his expertise in Oriental and Pan-Asian cuisine. His journey across the luxury hospitality landscape has been marked by precision…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the opening of Ginger Gurugram, Sector 1, marking a significant addition to its portfolio in Haryana. Strategically located within the Global Foyer Mall in Palam Vihar, the 59-room hotel is designed to cater to the high-demand corporate and technology travel segments in one of India’s most dynamic commercial hubs. Smart Design and Key Amenities Ginger Gurugram, Sector 1 embodies the brand’s “lean-luxe” philosophy, combining efficiency with contemporary design. Accommodations: 59 smartly designed rooms that prioritize comfort and functionality for business travelers. Dining: Features Qmin, Ginger’s signature culinary platform, offering a…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has announced the appointment of Chef Faheem Qureshi as the MasterChef of its signature Indian specialty restaurant, BarQat. This strategic hire aims to further solidify BarQat’s reputation as a premier destination for authentic regional Indian cuisine, characterized by technical precision and heritage flavors. A Legacy of Culinary Craftsmanship Chef Faheem brings over a decade of experience in luxury hospitality, having worked with prominent brands like JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, Courtyard by Marriott, and Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality. The Qureshi Lineage: Trained under the legendary Chef Mukhtar Qureshi and Chef Javed Qureshi,…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) Bengaluru Chapter successfully hosted its Inclusion, Knowledge, and CSR Evening on January 19, 2026. Held at The Bier Library, Lavelle Road, the event focused on advancing disability-inclusive employment within the food and beverage (F&B) sector. By bringing together restaurateurs and social advocates, the initiative aimed to transform hospitality into a more equitable industry for “highly-abled” individuals. Key Event Highlights The Keynote: Alina Alam, Founder of the renowned Mitti Café, delivered the keynote address. She shared her extensive experience in running a successful chain almost entirely managed by persons with…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Les Roches has released its “Spark – The State of Hospitality Report 2025–2026,” identifying a structural transformation in the global hospitality market, which is now valued at over $5 trillion. The report highlights that the industry has moved beyond mere recovery into a tech-driven era where competitive advantage will be defined by three converging trends: Asset-Light Expansion, AI-Native Distribution, and Robotics. The Three Pillars of 2026 Competitive Advantage Asset-Light Expansion: Major global players are shifting from owning physical assets to scaling “lean luxury” and lifestyle brands. Strategic investments—such as IHG’s acquisition of Ruby Hotels and Marriott’s…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Chinese Wok, one of India’s fastest-growing Chinese QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) chains, has officially launched its first outlet in Hubli. This opening marks a significant step in the brand’s regional expansion strategy, aimed at capturing the growing demand for organized and authentic Desi-Chinese flavors in North Karnataka’s commercial hubs. Strategic Expansion into Tier-II Markets The move into Hubli is part of Chinese Wok’s broader vision to penetrate high-growth Tier-II and Tier-III cities across India. The Hubli Advantage: As a major educational and commercial center, Hubli offers a diverse demographic—from students to working professionals—who are increasingly seeking…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Hotel Association of India (HAI) has officially welcomed the Odisha Tourism (Amendment) Policy 2026, hailing it as a progressive step toward strengthening the state’s hospitality infrastructure. The policy, which focuses on easing investment norms and promoting sustainable tourism, is expected to attract significant private capital and create thousands of jobs over the next decade. Key Reforms: Lowering Barriers and Boosting MICE The amended policy introduces several critical changes designed to make Odisha a more competitive destination for hotel developers: Simplified Investment Norms: A reduced minimum room requirement for 3-star and above hotels and relaxed expansion…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Popular Pan-Asian brand Nasi and Mee has made a grand return to Whitefield, Bengaluru, with a new flagship outlet at Nexus Shantiniketan Mall. This opening is a double celebration: it marks the brand’s 10th restaurant in India and commemorates a decade-long journey since its inception in 2015. After a six-year hiatus from the neighborhood, the brand returns with its first-ever outdoor dining concept and a design inspired by the bustling hawker centers of Southeast Asia. Design & Atmosphere: A Hawker-Inspired Walkthrough The new Whitefield outlet is a visual tribute to the street markets of Bangkok, Singapore,…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Marriott International has officially marked its entry into Patna, Bihar, through a landmark signing of the Marriott Hotel Patna. Developed by Nutan Hospitality and operated by NILE Hospitality, this 205-room property is set to become the city’s first internationally branded hotel. This strategic move underscores the growing economic significance of Tier-II cities in Eastern India and aligns with Marriott’s vision of expanding its flagship premium brand into high-potential commercial hubs. Property Highlights & Strategic Location The upcoming hotel is designed to elevate the hospitality standards in Bihar, offering a mix of luxury, convenience, and large-scale event…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Himmaleh Spirits, the award-winning craft distillery behind acclaimed brands like Kumaon & I gin and Bandarful coffee liqueur, has officially entered the whisky segment with the launch of Darma. Inspired by the remote and mystical Darma Valley in Uttarakhand, this premium blended whisky is designed to capture the “Himalayan soul,” offering a refined yet accessible spirit for the modern Indian consumer. Product Highlights & Craftsmanship Darma positions itself as a “farm-to-bottle” luxury spirit that balances tradition with contemporary global influences. The Blend: A sophisticated marriage of high-quality Indian grain whisky and select Scottish malts, finished with…