Author: Khwaish Hingad
-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…
-Khwaish Hingad (editorial1@imaws.org) BEST WISHES FROM A new battleground is emerging in India’s massive ₹2 lakh crore spice industry, threatening to upend traditional bulk B2B suppliers. The pivot is driven by the professional Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering (HoReCa) sector, which is increasingly demanding unprecedented quality control, consistency, and operational efficiency. At the center of this shift is Orika Spices, a premium offering from the four-decade-old Paras Spices lineage. Leveraging its established supply chain for major food processing clients like Nestle and ITC, Orika is now targeting the end-user professional kitchen with two core differentiators: farm-to-fork traceability and innovative, clog-free packaging…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Machan Lonavala, a resort known for its focus on sustainable and experiential hospitality, has announced the appointment of Vikas Toksya as its new Resident Manager. Toksya brings a distinguished career spanning over 19 years in the hospitality industry, equipped with extensive expertise in operations management, guest experience enhancement, and team leadership. Key Responsibilities and Professional Background In his new role, Toksya’s primary responsibilities will include overseeing the resort’s day-to-day operations, significantly enhancing guest satisfaction, and strengthening The Machan’s dedicated commitment to sustainable and experiential hospitality. Toksya’s rich operational background includes associations with multiple prestigious brands,…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Fern Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of The Fern Residency Navsari, Series by Marriott, marking its 38th operational and upcoming property in the state of Gujarat. The new hotel is strategically located in the historic and commercially significant city of Navsari, Gujarat. This development reaffirms the brand’s long-term commitment to offering sustainable and sophisticated hospitality experiences in India’s key emerging destinations. Property Details and Strategic Focus The new property will operate under The Fern Residency brand and will feature 54 elegantly designed rooms and suites. It will cater to both business and leisure…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Sayaji Hotels, a prominent name in Indian hospitality, has announced the signing of six new properties as part of a strategic expansion drive to strengthen its footprint and redefine the hospitality landscape across India. Expansion Details and Strategic Rationale The six new hotels are strategically located across high-growth destinations, tapping into cities that are experiencing a surge in domestic travel driven by leisure tourism, business mobility, and cultural exploration. The new properties are located in the following cities and states: Madhya Pradesh (MP): Mandav and Kanha Maharashtra (MH): Baramati Andhra Pradesh (AP): Tirupati Gujarat (GJ): Bhavnagar…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) FES Cafe, a 100% eggless, dessert-led café chain known for its New York-inspired cookies and community formats, has successfully raised approximately $1 million in a Pre-Series A funding round. The investment was led by 12 Flags, a global consumer fund founded by Rakesh Kapoor (former Global CEO of Reckitt Benckiser). Existing investor Wolfpack Labs (a venture studio founded by Aakash Anand and Prerna Gupta) also doubled down on its investment in this round. Future Plans and Strategic Significance The capital infusion will be used to fuel FES Cafe’s strategic expansion across Delhi NCR. Specifically, the funds…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has initiated a pilot project with food aggregators to implement a new commission structure aimed at creating an “equitable financial structure” for restaurateurs. The core objective of this initiative is to rebalance the economics of online food delivery and foster mutual business growth between the two parties. The New Model and Strategic Objectives The key change in the new commission structure is the removal of the unfair burden of long-distance delivery charges from restaurant owners. According to Piyush Kankaria, NRAI Kolkata chapter head, this change is designed to ensure…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa has appointed Nikhil Kher as its new General Manager. This appointment is a significant move as the resort continues to solidify its position as one of Rajasthan’s most distinguished luxury destinations. Kher brings a distinguished career spanning over 25 years in luxury hospitality, known for his strategic acumen and people-first leadership. Key Responsibilities and Professional Background In his new role, Kher is tasked with overseeing the complete operations at the Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa. This includes driving performance across crucial areas such as rooms, dining, wellness, and overall guest engagement.…