Author: Khwaish Jain

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Hyatt Delhi Residences has announced the appointment of Ranjana Pal as its new General Manager. A highly distinguished leader within the Hyatt ecosystem, Pal steps into this transformative role bringing with her over two decades of extensive global hospitality experience, spanning key leadership positions across major international brands, including both Hyatt and Marriott International. Her appointment is seen as a strategic move to further strengthen the property’s standing in the luxury extended-stay market, emphasizing operational excellence, cultural transformation, and unparalleled resident experience. A Career Defined by Strategic Acumen and People-Centric Leadership Ranjana Pal is recognized as…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) In a bold move reshaping the landscape of professional foodservice technology, the UNOX Group, a global leader in intelligent professional ovens, has announced the acquisition of 100% of Roboqbo SRL. This strategic takeover is designed to aggressively accelerate UNOX’s global push toward creating fully automated, end-to-end professional kitchen ecosystems, moving far beyond its current core competency in cooking appliances. Roboqbo, founded in 1978 in Bentivoglio, Italy, is renowned for its flagship Qbo Universal Processing System, a technology that has brought industrial automation capabilities into the professional kitchen setting. By integrating Roboqbo’s advanced robotic processing systems—which are…

B Swaminathan (editorial1@imaws.org) The self-service kiosk industry is witnessing an explosive, albeit relatively nascent, growth phase in India, with the market expected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) well over 11% through 2030. While globally established, the adoption of these interactive terminals—including self-checkout and self-ordering systems—is now accelerating across Indian retail, Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), and hospitality. Mr. Sagar Deshmukh, Director of Kusters India Engineering, a leading developer of software for online kiosk ordering, discusses the nascent but rapidly growing adoption of self-service kiosks in the Indian retail and food service sectors. Q: In your view, how…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) In a significant expansion of his creative and entrepreneurial portfolio, multi-platinum rapper, singer-songwriter, and record producer Badshah has officially entered the spirits industry. He has co-created and launched Shelter 6, a new vodka brand, in collaboration with Cartel Bros, the innovators behind successful whisky labels like The Glenwalk (with Sanjay Dutt) and The GlenJourneys (with Ajay Devgn). This venture is positioned to challenge and redefine the premium vodka landscape in India, blending high-quality craftsmanship with cultural energy and modern attitude. Product Identity and Vision: A Shelter for the Free-Spirited The name Shelter 6 embodies more than…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru has announced the appointment of Kartik Raol as its new Director of Rooms. Raol brings nearly two decades of diverse global hospitality experience, with a career deeply rooted in the Four Seasons philosophy of intuitive luxury and people-centric service. His leadership is expected to be instrumental in shaping the next chapter of the hotel’s guest experience, particularly through elevated service standards and robust team development. A Career Forged in Global Luxury Hospitality Kartik Raol is an alumnus of the prestigious Glion Institute of Higher Education, Switzerland. His professional journey in luxury hospitality…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) In a significant move aimed at empowering India’s vast gig economy, food and grocery delivery major Swiggy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with leading higher education technology platform upGrad. This strategic partnership is designed to provide formal upskilling opportunities and credible career pathways to Swiggy’s extensive network of 6.9 lakh delivery partners across the country. The collaboration goes beyond mere corporate social responsibility; it is built on a shared vision to recognize the last-mile workforce as a critical component of India’s formal skilling revolution. By making quality, job-relevant learning accessible at scale, the initiative…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) In a market often saturated with conventional snacking options, SuperYou, the functional protein brand co-founded by Bollywood star and entrepreneur Ranveer Singh and business strategist Nikunj Biyani, has celebrated a landmark debut year. Launched in November 2024, the company has not just entered the “better-for-you” food category but has established itself as a category leader, announcing that it has crossed a staggering ₹150 crore in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) within its first 12 months of operation. This financial milestone represents a breakthrough moment for the celebrity-backed venture, signaling a significant shift in consumer preferences toward health-conscious…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@Imaws.org) Burger Singh, India’s leading quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain renowned for its fusion of global and Indian flavors, has announced the successful launch of its newest outlet at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. This strategic opening is far more than a simple expansion; it is a clear affirmation of the brand’s highly focused approach on institutional and high-footfall, youth-driven markets, positioning Burger Singh for rapid, sustainable, and scalable growth across the country. The launch reinforces Burger Singh’s expansion playbook, which prioritizes strategic, high-engagement locations. These include major universities, hospitals, metro stations, and airports—formats that…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Tribe Stays, a dynamic player in India’s managed-living space, has successfully closed a significant funding milestone, securing $2.8 million (approximately ₹24 crore) in a highly competitive seed round. This infusion of capital marks a strong validation of the company’s unique focus on premium, hospitality-driven long-stay accommodation, setting the stage for an aggressive national expansion. The seed round was notably co-led by two prominent venture capital firms: Artha Venture Fund and Riverwalk Holdings. The funding momentum was further bolstered by key participation from strategic individual investors, including Kunal Khanna (Founder & CEO of Vivaldis), Krishna Jain, and…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), the apex body of the country’s vast hospitality sector, is set to convene a monumental event in New Delhi on November 24, the FPO–Hospitality & Farmer’s Benefit Summit. Under the compelling theme, “Bridging Fields to Forks: Strengthening Agri–Hospitality Linkages for Inclusive Growth,” the summit is poised to redefine the supply chain dynamics that connect the farmer’s field directly to the consumer’s plate in the nation’s rapidly expanding service industry. This event is far more than a conventional trade meeting; it represents a strategic, concerted effort to…