Author: Khwaish Hingad
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Nara Thai, the celebrated and Michelin-recognised Thai dining institution from Bangkok, has successfully launched its first North India outpost in Gurugram. This milestone launch is facilitated by Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality and establishes Nara Thai as the flagship destination for authentic Thai cuisine in the region, bringing its global legacy to the diverse Indian palate. Restaurant, Concept, and Operations The new restaurant aims to deliver an authentic Thai balance of flavours within an elegant, contemporary setting. Restaurant: Nara Thai (A Michelin-recognised Thai dining institution from Bangkok). Location: Gurugram, North India. Ownership/Partner: Aditya Birla New Age…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Mercure is set to open Mercure Mussoorie, bringing its globally recognized, locally-inspired hospitality concept to one of North India’s most popular hill stations. This marks a meaningful addition to the region’s evolving hospitality landscape, aiming to blend colonial charm with contemporary comfort and consistent international service standards. The development is being driven through the brand’s master franchise arrangement with Accor, managed by Treebo Hospitality Ventures (THV). Hotel and Strategic Details The property is positioned to meet the rising demand in hill stations for professionally managed, high-quality accommodation that respects the local destination’s essence. Hotel Brand: Mercure…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Out of the Box (OTB), Khan Market, has made its highly anticipated return in a “bolder avatar.” This relaunch marks the iconic brand’s fifth transformation in its history, introducing a sophisticated new brand identity, luxurious interiors, and an elevated global menu crafted to marry modern creativity with familiar warmth. Relaunch Concept and Design Transformation The renovation focuses on creating a premium, sophisticated atmosphere while retaining the approachable vibe that has defined OTB for over a decade in the New Delhi market. Restaurant: Out of the Box (OTB) Location: Khan Market, New Delhi Nature of Return: Fifth…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the launch of its latest managed property, Lemon Tree Suites, Gurugram. This opening marks a significant milestone, reinforcing the brand’s expansive presence in Northern India and specifically in Haryana, where it now boasts 11 operational properties (with this being the ninth hotel in Gurugram). Hotel and Location Details The new property is strategically located in Gurugram, often dubbed the “Millennium City,” which serves as a major financial and industrial hub within India’s National Capital Region (NCR). Company: Lemon Tree Hotels Limited Hotel Brand/Name: Lemon Tree Suites, Gurugram (managed property) Location:…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Burger Singh, India’s homegrown burger Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) chain, has announced the opening of its newest outlet in Darbhanga, Bihar. This launch is a key step in the brand’s rapid expansion strategy, which is heavily focused on penetrating high-growth, high-potential Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets across North, East, and Northeast India. Expansion Details and Strategic Focus The expansion reinforces Burger Singh’s commitment to the Bihar market, where the brand has already seen strong reception across various customer segments. Company: Burger Singh (India’s homegrown burger QSR chain). New Location: Darbhanga, Bihar (one of Bihar’s fastest-growing…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Espire Hospitality Group has announced the appointment of Mr. Sandeep Kumar Rajput as its new Commercial Director. This strategic hiring comes at a crucial time as the organization, which owns and operates brands like ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts, continues to strengthen its commercial capabilities and expand its footprint across India. Key Appointment and Experience Sandeep Kumar Rajput brings more than two decades of dedicated experience in Sales & Marketing leadership within the hospitality sector, demonstrating a strong track record of high-growth performance across diverse markets. Appointee Name: Sandeep Kumar Rajput New…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) United Hospitality Management (UHM) has officially marked its entry into the Indian market through the strategic acquisition of Rosastays. This move is a major milestone in UHM’s global expansion and immediately establishes a significant on-ground presence in India, bolstering its leisure portfolio across key destinations. Acquisition and Portfolio Details The acquisition integrates Rosastays’ existing operational network and development pipeline directly into UHM’s international framework, establishing a “glocal” operating philosophy. Acquiring Company: United Hospitality Management (UHM) (with over 30 years of global luxury hospitality experience across Europe and the Middle East). Acquired Entity: Rosastays Initial Portfolio: UHM…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) ibis India has significantly enhanced its commercial team with the onboarding of two senior sales leaders in the crucial markets of Mumbai and Gurgaon. This strategic expansion aims to accelerate revenue growth, deepen corporate partnerships, and drive stronger commercial outcomes across the country. Key Appointments and Market Focus The two experienced professionals will lead sales strategies in two of the brand’s most important clusters in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Western India. Appointee Name New Role Experience Highlights & Market Focus Gauri Lonke Cluster Director of Sales – Mumbai Cluster Close to 15 years of…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has announced the strengthening of its leadership team through three key strategic appointments across the critical functions of culinary arts, learning & development, and information technology. These seasoned professionals join the hospitality chain as it continues its expansion across the country. Key Appointments and Experience The three new leaders bring deep, specialized expertise from leading global and Indian hospitality brands, supporting Cygnett’s focus on service standards and digital readiness. Appointee Name New Role Experience Highlights & Core Competencies Rahul Rana Director–Culinary 22 years of global experience across major brands including Accor, Marriott,…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) Mumbai Chapter is set to host an exclusive knowledge session titled “Building Better Kitchens.” The event is designed to bring together key industry stakeholders for an evening focused on driving efficiency, safety, and innovation in commercial kitchen operations across the Mumbai F&B sector. Event Details and Core Objectives The session aims to provide actionable, future-ready insights by fostering collaborative learning among industry professionals. Organizing Body: NRAI Mumbai Chapter Event Name: Building Better Kitchens Date & Venue: December 11, 2025, at Mitron, Bandra (Venue Partner) Attendees: Over 100 leading restaurateurs,…