Author: Khwaish Hingad
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) OPO Hotels & Resorts has announced the official signing of OPO Essential Nandini, marking the midscale brand’s strategic entry into the Maharashtra hospitality market. Finalized under a management model agreement on April 27, 2026, the upcoming property is scheduled to welcome guests within the next 60 days. The property is situated along the high-traffic Beed Bypass Road (specifically at Satara Parisar, opposite Surya Lawns), positioning it within a rapidly evolving urban ecosystem in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The location grants the hotel direct, seamless connectivity to regional industrial zones, corporate hubs, transport networks, and local city landmarks. Key…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Indian master franchisee operating global casual dining giants Olive Garden and Chili’s Grill & Bar has announced an aggressive growth strategy, aiming to double its total restaurant count across the country. The expansion plan comes on the heels of robust post-pandemic recovery and a significant shift in Indian consumer behavior toward experiential dining and international cuisines. The operator intends to leverage its established supply chain and strong brand equity to penetrate both saturated metro markets and emerging tier-2 urban clusters. Key Elements of the Expansion Strategy: Network Duplication: The primary goal is to replicate the…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) In a complete restructuring of its liquor market, the Karnataka State Excise Department has implemented a new Alcohol-in-Beverage (AIB) based excise duty framework. Making Karnataka the first state in India to adopt this system, the policy officially came into effect on May 11, 2026, following an amendment to the Karnataka Excise Rules, 1968. The transition completely replaces the state’s six-decade-old bulk-litre taxation system. Under the new AIB model, duties are calculated precisely based on the percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV) rather than the total fluid volume of the product. Key Institutional Changes: Market-Driven Deregulation: The…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, has officially announced its entry into the South Asian midscale lifestyle market with the signing of TRIBE Kathmandu Patan. Partnering with anya Hospitality, this landmark agreement brings Accor’s design-led, high-energy TRIBE brand to Nepal, marking a significant milestone in the group’s regional expansion strategy. Scheduled to open in 2026, the property is strategically located in Patan (Lalitpur), a historical and cultural hub adjacent to central Kathmandu, making it an attractive destination for both international explorers and contemporary business travelers. Key Highlights of TRIBE Kathmandu Patan: South Asian Brand Debut: This property…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced its official entry into the state of Assam with the signing of a new property in Tezpur. Managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary and the management arm of Lemon Tree Hotels, the upcoming property features 65 well-appointed rooms and is expected to open its doors to guests by FY 2027. This strategic expansion reinforces the brand’s commitment to growing its network density across India’s promising tier-2 and tier-3 cities, particularly in the historically under-tapped northeastern corridor. Key Highlights of the Tezpur Property: Comprehensive Amenities: The hotel will…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has issued a comprehensive advisory to its members nationwide, urging food and beverage operators to implement immediate energy conservation measures. This initiative comes in response to rising operational costs, fluctuating power tariffs, and an industry-wide push toward environmental sustainability. The advisory serves as a strategic blueprint for restaurants to optimize their utility consumption without compromising on service quality or the guest experience. Key Measures Recommended by the NRAI: Equipment Audits: Members are advised to conduct regular maintenance checks on high-power kitchen equipment, refrigeration units, and HVAC systems to ensure…
-B Swaminathan (swami@imaws.org) The NRAI Ahmedabad chapter is weeks away from staging the first national restaurant industry summit ever held on Gujarat soil. Its official launch is happening at the same event. In an exclusive dialogue with Kitchen Herald, Aanal Kotak, Head of the NRAI Ahmedabad Chapter, and Co-head Dilip Thakkar detailed how and why Gift City’s 65% liquor VAT is quietly strangling a billion-dollar opportunity. GIFT City: Fortune or Friction? The easing of liquor policies in GIFT City has sparked intense debate regarding its impact on the broader Ahmedabad F&B market. However, Kotak remains optimistic, viewing GIFT City as…
McDonald's India South and West Inviting guests to McCafé Coffee Open House. This two-day interactive experience allows guests to step behind the counter at select outlets to try espresso making, enjoy café-style tastings, and get a closer look at the McCafé experience, along with exclusive merchandise.
The product addresses an evolving landscape in the Indian snacking category
More than 2,700 exhibitors spread across 10 halls at Singapore Expo