Author: Khwaish Hingad
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Asembli, a massive new restaurant spanning 40,000 square feet in Hyderabad’s Financial District, is set to make a significant mark on the city’s booming Food and Beverage (F&B) scene. Scheduled to open its doors on October 31, the venue promises a multi-sensory experience that merges architecture, gastronomy, music, and design. The launch of Asembli underscores a recent trend in Hyderabad toward large-scale, sophisticated dining spaces. The restaurant joins other ambitious ventures in the city’s F&B landscape, such as the 40,000 sq. ft. Niloufer Café in Hitech City (India’s largest chai café), the 24,000 sq. ft. MOAI…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Treebo Hospitality Ventures (THV), a leading hotel company focused on the affordable and mid-market segments, has announced the launch of its revolutionary AI-powered hotel management system, Hotel Superhero, as a Software as a Service (SaaS) offering for independent hotels. This move aims to democratize access to cutting-edge technology, which THV has successfully used to power over 750 of its own hotels, including brands like Treebo and Medalio, and partners like Park Inn & Suites by Radisson, Mercure, and Ibis. Key Features and Benefits Hotel Superhero is an all-in-one, cloud-based system designed to address the challenges faced…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. has announced the significant elevation of Chirag Punjabi to the role of Chief Strategy & Finance Officer (CSFO). Punjabi has been an integral part of Impresario’s leadership team for the past five years, working closely with the managing director’s office in his previous capacity to drive strategic initiatives, financial discipline, and overall business growth. In his newly expanded role as CSFO, Punjabi will oversee the three critical functions of Strategy, Finance, and Technology. This alignment aims to ensure stronger collaboration across the departments to power Impresario’s next phase of expansion.…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Bombay High Court has approved the sale of herbal hookah in restaurants, delivering a significant ruling that provides clarity for establishments serving nicotine- and tobacco-free products. The order, issued by Justices Riyaz Chagla and Farhan Dubash on October 14, allows businesses to operate without interference from police, provided they strictly adhere to the law. The decision came in response to a petition filed in June by Munib Birya and 11 other owners of hookah bars, who sought directions to the state home department and Director General of Police to comply with a previous August 2019…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) UNOX India has initiated its first Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project in the country, titled “Baking a Better Tomorrow.” The initiative, launched in partnership with Learn for Life, an NGO dedicated to empowering children and youth from low socioeconomic backgrounds, aims to equip young individuals with essential skills, education, and pathways toward sustainable livelihood opportunities in the hospitality and food industry. Inaugural Workshop and Implementation The “Baking a Better Tomorrow” program kicked off with an inaugural workshop held on October 14 (coinciding with World Food Day) at the UNOX Experience Centre in Gurgaon. The workshop hosted…
KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) This October, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts in Bengaluru and Mumbai are hosting multi-award-winning Chef Julien Royer of Odette, the celebrated 3-Michelin-starred modern French restaurant based in Singapore. For four exclusive evenings, Chef Royer and his team will showcase their signature creations, offering Indian gourmands a taste of their renowned dining experience at Wabi Sabi (Bengaluru) and Vetro (Mumbai). The Philosophy of Odette Odette, named after Chef Royer’s grandmother, embodies a philosophy of thoughtful, hospitable dining. The cuisine reflects Chef Royer’s profound respect for seasonality, terroir (the environment), and artisanal produce. Born to fourth-generation farmers in France,…
-KH News Desk(editorial1@imaws.org) At the recent “The Food XP 2025” event, Rajit Punhani, CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), unveiled an ambitious vision for India’s food ecosystem centered on the three pillars of trust, transparency, and innovation. Referencing the adage, “Yatha Annam Tatha Manan” (as is the food, so is the mind), Punhani stressed that healthy food is the foundation of a healthy society, requiring a unified, collaborative approach across the entire industry—from retailers and restaurateurs to startups and technology innovators. Punhani highlighted that India’s food sector is at a crucial inflection point where retail,…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Sterling Holiday Resorts, a prominent name in experiential holidays, has significantly enhanced its ‘Discoveries & Experiences’ (D&E) portfolio with the launch of “Soil to Soul” at Sterling Wayanad. Located amidst the lush spice and coffee plantations of Kerala, this new half-day program is an immersive Farm-to-Fork journey designed to connect guests with local culture, sustainable tourism, and authentic culinary traditions. The “Soil to Soul” experience provides guests with a hands-on exploration of Wayanad’s rich agricultural heritage. The journey begins with a visit to local organic farms and spice plantations, where participants interact directly with local farmers.…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Mercure Lucknow Gomti Nagar has strategically bolstered its senior management team with the appointment of three highly experienced professionals across crucial departments: Sales, Food & Beverage, and Security. These appointments are aimed at driving service excellence, operational efficiency, and ensuring unparalleled guest satisfaction at the hotel. Anurag Kumar: Director of Sales Anurag Kumar joins the team as the new Director of Sales, bringing over a decade of extensive experience in hospitality sales, strategic business development, and revenue generation for leading hotel brands. An accomplished sales professional, Kumar started his career internationally at The Balmoral, a Rocco…
-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Chalet Hotels Limited (CHL) has officially announced the launch of ATHIVA Hotels & Resorts, a new proprietary premium lifestyle hospitality brand in the Indian market. Derived from the Sanskrit word for “abundance” and “to a great extent,” ATHIVA is built upon a core philosophy focusing on joy, sustainability, and wellness, aiming to provide guests with both the assurance of familiar quality and the delight of unexpected surprises. Brand Debut and Initial Portfolio The ATHIVA brand is debuting with a significant initial commitment, featuring over 900 keys across a portfolio of six properties. The brand’s debut property…