Burger Singh Expands Bengaluru Presence with Multi-store Push

Chinese Wok, a Desi Chinese QSR brand from Lenexis Foodworks, has launched its first outlet in Agra at Sanjay Place, Civil Lines. The opening also marks the brand’s 75th store in North India, highlighting the region’s role in its expansion plans.

The Agra launch recorded strong footfall in its first week, indicating early consumer response. The city is considered a key consumption market, supported by a young demographic, student communities, and increasing demand for organised dining formats.

The company follows a regional cluster strategy in North India, aimed at strengthening supply chain efficiencies, brand recall, and operational consistency across neighbouring cities. The Agra outlet is part of this broader approach to deepen presence in the region.

Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder and Director, Lenexis Foodworks said, “North India continues to be a key growth engine for Chinese Wok. Reaching our 75th store in the region reflects not just expansion, but deepening consumer trust in emerging markets. Agra is not only a strong residential and commercial hub but also one of India’s most visited tourist destinations. This allows us to serve both local consumers and the steady influx of domestic travellers seeking reliable, organised dining options. Our cluster-led strategy allows us to scale efficiently while delivering a consistent, high-quality QSR experience across cities.”

The Agra store caters to students, families, and working professionals with value-driven pricing and a diverse menu. Offerings include combo meals, the Superbowl starting at Rs 99, Chowmein, Kurkure Momos, and Manchurian available in six sauces.

The outlet will operate across dine-in, takeaway, and delivery formats. The company also expects the new store to create local employment opportunities, contributing to Agra’s organised food service sector.

With the Agra launch, Chinese Wok continues to expand its footprint in North India as part of Lenexis Foodworks’ wider plan to scale organised Desi Chinese dining across emerging urban markets.

The Filter Coffee has expanded its Bengaluru presence with three new outlets in Sadashivanagar, Jayanagar and Church Street, taking its total store count in the city to ten. The expansion follows a cluster-based strategy focused on residential and high-footfall micro-markets.

The Sadashivanagar outlet, launched on February 9, 2026, spans 2,300 sq ft and operates as a 66-seater casual dine-in restaurant with full service. The format includes banana leaf dining, aligned with the brand’s focus on traditional South Indian meals. Located in a residential neighbourhood, this outlet represents one of the larger formats for the brand in Bengaluru.

On February 23, 2026, the company opened a 1,100 sq ft outlet at 1 Sobha Mall on Church Street, marking its first food court format. Positioned in a central business district, the store is aimed at office-goers and high street footfall, while maintaining the same core menu across formats.

The Jayanagar outlet, spread across 2,100 sq ft, is set to open shortly. It will operate as a full-service casual dining restaurant with banana leaf offerings. Jayanagar’s established vegetarian dining base makes it a strategic location for the brand’s South Indian menu.

The expansion reflects a multi-format model that combines standalone dine-in outlets with mall-based food court locations. The brand continues to focus on neighbourhood-driven growth and integration into daily dining routines.

Sankrit Iyer, Co-Founder, The Filter Coffee said, “With every new outlet we open, our commitment to food quality and consistency remains unchanged. Consistency is the foundation of trust, and it’s what enables us to expand without diluting the experience our customers expect.”

Avinit Bagri, Co-Founder, The Filter Coffee added, “We’ve seen strong demand from customers asking for The Filter Coffee closer to where they live. Expanding into these well-known neighbourhoods allows us to serve a wider audience while staying true to the everyday dining experience we’re known for.”

Across its locations, the brand continues to focus on core South Indian dishes and its signature filter coffee, supported by standardised preparation and service protocols. The latest openings align with its ongoing growth across dine-in, takeaway, and delivery channels, with neighbourhood outlets forming a key part of its Bengaluru expansion plan.

The Cheesecake Factory Bakery has entered the Indian market through a partnership with The Gourmet Cafe, opening its first outlet in Bengaluru. The launch marks the brand’s entry into India’s organised café and premium dessert segment.

Under its expansion strategy, The Gourmet Cafe plans to open 55 outlets across India over the next 4–5 years. The rollout will be supported by an estimated investment of $60 million. The business is projected to generate Rs 200–250 crore in revenue within five years as the network scales nationally.

The partnership introduces one of the world’s well-known cheesecake brands to Indian consumers, expanding the premium dessert category through an international brand collaboration.

Following the Bengaluru debut, the company plans to add 3–6 more outlets in the city during 2026. Expansion into other major metropolitan markets, including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad, is planned next. The brand also intends to enter emerging cities such as Chandigarh, Kochi, and Coimbatore. Over time, it aims to establish 6–10 premium outlets across leading metro markets.

The company has already signed agreements with four malls for the launch of six stores this year across key consumption centres.

Masthan Adam, Founder and CEO of The Gourmet Café said, “We see strong demand in India for globally recognized dessert brands and premium café experiences. Bringing The Cheesecake Factory Bakery® to India is a significant step in our journey to introduce world-class dessert offerings to Indian consumers through The Gourmet Café platform.”

India’s growing base of globally aware consumers, rising discretionary spending, and increasing demand for premium dessert formats continue to attract international bakery and café brands. The entry of The Cheesecake Factory Bakery® adds to this momentum, highlighting India’s position as a priority market for global food and bakery concepts.
 

Gola Sizzlers has expanded its footprint in the National Capital Region with the launch of its 32nd outlet at Vegas Mall in Dwarka Sector 14. The new restaurant is located within one of the area’s established retail and lifestyle destinations and forms part of the brand’s continued expansion across key urban markets.

Founded as a dedicated Sizzler-focused concept, Gola Sizzlers offers a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian sizzlers along with multi-cuisine options. The company states that maintaining consistency in food quality and service standards remains central to its growth strategy.

The Vegas Mall outlet features contemporary interiors designed to accommodate families, groups, and casual diners. With this addition, the brand aims to strengthen its presence in West Delhi and build on its existing customer base in the region.

Manik Kapoor, Director, Gola Sizzlers said, “Opening our 32nd outlet is a proud milestone in the Gola Sizzlers journey. Our vision has always been to create spaces where people can come together and enjoy exceptional food and memorable moments. Dwarka is a thriving and dynamic neighbourhood, and we are excited to bring our signature sizzler experience to this vibrant community.”

Rajat Kapoor, Director, Gola Sizzlers added, “Gola Sizzlers has always stood for quality, innovation, and consistency. Every new outlet represents our commitment to growing responsibly while maintaining the standards and experience our guests expect from us. The launch at Vegas Mall is an important step in our expansion, and we look forward to welcoming both new and loyal guests.”

The Dwarka outlet is now operational and adds to the brand’s growing presence in the NCR market.

In India’s rapidly growing premium dessert landscape, Madam Chocolate is establishing itself as a chocolate-centric, experience-led brand designed for scalable growth. With more than 40 percent of dessert consumption in India being chocolate-based, the company sees a clear structural opportunity: the lack of a dedicated, high-quality chocolate dessert brand capable of expanding nationally.

Launched by sisters Sushma Reddy and Shravya Reddy, Madam Chocolate was founded with a clear vision—to become India’s most preferred chocolate dessert brand and a top choice for consumers seeking visually appealing and indulgent chocolate creations. Unlike traditional bakeries and dessert chains that treat chocolate as just one of many offerings, the brand has built its entire product lineup and store concept around chocolate as the central theme.

The founders draw on their hospitality experience from ventures such as Mantra - The Luxury Wedding Destination and Nusa Tropical Brewvilla, a Bali-inspired food and beverage destination in Bengaluru. Their background in managing large-format hospitality businesses has shaped Madam Chocolate’s structured operational approach, focus on standardisation, visual merchandising, and experience-oriented retail formats—elements increasingly important for scaling premium dessert brands.

The brand’s portfolio features products including Choco Melt Cake, Teddy Bear Chocolate Mousse, Panda Blackforest, Chocolate Tres Leches, Brownie Bites, Baby Croissants, and Kunafa Chocolate Bars. Among these, the Kunafa Chocolate Bars—drawing inspiration from international dessert trends—have become a standout category performer. Pricing spans from Rs 199 to Rs 1,299, placing the brand within the premium yet accessible bracket. Additionally, the company introduces limited-edition collections aligned with seasonal demand cycles and global chocolate trends to stimulate repeat purchases and create urgency.

Madam Chocolate’s operating model reflects the growing integration of experiential retail and digital-first distribution. The company currently runs 13 outlets across Bengaluru, including both dine-in stores and cloud kitchens. A substantial portion of revenue is driven through online aggregators and quick-commerce platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Instamart, and Blinkit, alongside its direct-to-consumer website serving customers across India.

This omni-channel framework enables the brand to combine footfall-driven physical retail with frequent digital orders—a strategy increasingly common among premium dessert brands in metropolitan markets. With growing demand for premium chocolate products, globally trending desserts, and social media-driven consumption patterns, the company is expanding in a phased and structured manner.

In the next six months, Madam Chocolate plans to launch five mall-based outlets along with two additional standalone stores in Bengaluru. Following this, the company intends to expand into other major metro cities nationwide. Its long-term strategy involves establishing a national footprint across multiple chocolate-led categories, including desserts, chocolate bars, ice creams, and celebration cakes, while also strengthening its presence in gifting and occasion-based consumption.

Madam Chocolate’s expansion roadmap reflects a broader shift within India’s dessert industry toward single-category specialisation, premium positioning with accessible pricing, and digital-first distribution strategies. As the market continues to premiumise, brands with focused category leadership, operational discipline, and strong omni-channel capabilities are poised to gain momentum across both retail and institutional segments.

Bengaluru has added a new entrant to its leisure and hospitality landscape with the launch of Sky Golf in Varthur. Positioned as the city’s first lifestyle and entertainment destination built around golf, the venue combines sport, dining, and social engagement within a single indoor format.

The concept integrates golf bays with a full-service kitchen and bar, allowing guests to play while ordering food and beverages without leaving their bay. Visitors can walk in or book in advance, choose equipment on-site, and access basic assistance if required.

Sky Golf draws inspiration from golf-based entertainment formats popular in international markets, including Dubai’s Top Golf. Vinod ELV, Director at ELV Projects, said the idea emerged from observing how sport, leisure, and community experiences are combined overseas and adapting the format for Indian urban centres.

The venue features multiple golf bays alongside a multi-cuisine menu. Offerings include finger foods, chaat, Asian starters, pizzas, pastas, Tandoori grills, and biryanis. The beverage program includes cocktails and other bar selections designed to complement the recreational format. The ambience is positioned to shift from a relaxed daytime environment to a more active evening setting.

Vinod ELV said, “We wanted to give Bengaluru an experience beyond clubs and bars, something interactive, social, and global in spirit. The city folks already know how to go out and enjoy; we wanted to give them a reason to stay and play. Sky Golf steps into that format while offering a global lifestyle perspective.”

With the introduction of Sky Golf, Bengaluru’s hospitality market is seeing the addition of an experience-led format that blends sport and dining. The concept aims to make golf more accessible in an urban setting, catering to corporate groups, social gatherings, and recreational players seeking an alternative to conventional nightlife venues.

Café Swasthya has expanded its presence in Delhi with the launch of its second outlet in Kailash Colony, South Delhi. The wellness-focused café opened its doors on January 20, 2026, marking the next stage of growth for the brand after a year of steady expansion and customer engagement.

The new outlet spans around 1,400 sq ft and offers seating for 43 guests. The space follows the same design approach as the brand’s first café, drawing from Indian architectural elements while prioritising sustainable materials.

The interiors feature a handcrafted bamboo ceiling inspired by traditional thatched roofs, selected for its renewability and natural temperature-regulating properties. Teakwood furniture has been used for durability, while jute-matted seating highlights biodegradable, locally sourced fibres. Upholstery inspired by Rajasthani Charbagh-style floral patterns adds colour to the seating areas.

A key feature of the café is a mud wall inspired by sand plaster techniques. The wall displays Café Swasthya and Butterfly Ayurveda’s range of teas, cookies, and wellness products. Terracotta lighting has been incorporated to create a soft ambience, referencing traditional Indian design practices.

Over the past year, the brand has also revised its food and beverage offerings based on customer feedback. The updated menu includes coolers and shakes, along with Indian staples such as a traditional Thali and Indian desserts. Multigrain pancakes have been added to expand the breakfast and all-day dining options.

The café has introduced gluten-free items, including dishes such as an amaranth salad, as part of its focus on offering varied dietary options. The menu continues to align with the brand’s wellness-driven positioning. In 2025, Café Swasthya participated in the Asia Tea and Coffee Expo, where it presented its offerings and shared the concept behind Café Swasthya and Butterfly Ayurveda. The brand also served as the Chai and Food Partner at the Wellness and Chai event organised by WomenListed, curating a 13-item Ayurvedic menu.

It further participated in the Global Happiness Festival in Jaipur, setting up a food and tea stall and engaging visitors on Ayurveda and holistic well-being. The café collaborated with educational institutions as well, serving as the health partner for a skating tournament at Vivekananda School and providing curated cookie packs for Lady Shri Ram College’s international academic conference.

On the operations front, the company has upgraded its bulk packaging for cakes, muffins, and cookies. This enables the delivery of freshly baked products across multiple parts of India within 24 hours.

Akshi Khandelwal, Founder of Café Swasthya and Butterfly Ayurveda said, “Café Swasthya is more than just about good food. It is about lifestyle transformation. We intend to integrate Ayurvedic wisdom into your everyday life to help you eat better and live better.”

The brand is also exploring select franchise and collaboration opportunities with partners aligned with its wellness and sustainability focus.

Rebel Foods has opened EatSure’s first smart foodcourt in Jammu, marking the brand’s sixth offline outlet in India and its entry into the Jammu and Kashmir market. The outlet is located at Royal Nest Sapphire and covers around 2000 sq ft, as the company continues to build its omnichannel food retail presence.

The EatSure smart foodcourt brings together more than 10 in-house and partner brands at a single location. Customers can place one consolidated order across multiple restaurant formats and complete the payment in a single transaction.

The outlet follows a digital-first model. Orders can be placed through self-service kiosks and the EatSure app. Once the food is ready, customers receive real-time updates through digital display screens or WhatsApp notifications. This system is designed to reduce waiting lines and improve order processing speed.

The Jammu outlet houses brands such as Behrouz Biryani, Faasos, Wendy’s, Sweet Truth, Lunchbox, The Good Bowl, Honest Bowl, Makhani Darbar and Dabba and Co. The multi-brand format allows customers to combine burgers, biryanis, wraps and desserts in one order.

Ankush Grover, Co-Founder and Global CEO at Rebel Foods said, “We’re absolutely delighted to introduce EatSure’s very first smart foodcourt in Jammu, a city that beautifully merges culture, tradition, and modernity. Our goal is to completely transform the dining experience by providing unmatched convenience, a wide variety of options, and a fully digital-first approach. With this launch, we’re expanding our presence in Jammu, allowing customers here to enjoy EatSure’s trusted brands and a seamless dining experience like never before. We see Jammu as a rapidly growing market for organized food and beverage services, and the feedback on our delivery brands has been incredibly positive. This foodcourt is a natural progression, crafted to offer customers the freedom to choose, quick service, and the joy of dining together.”

The outlet offers seating for over 50 guests, catering to families and group diners. By enabling cross-brand ordering in a single billing cycle, the format aims to reduce transaction friction while potentially increasing average order value.

Within the portfolio, Wendy’s menu at the Jammu outlet includes its Frosty dessert along with burger variants such as Chimichurri, Cajun, Buldak, BBQ, Tandoori, and Nachoburg. The addition of these offerings expands quick-service restaurant options in the region.

The launch in Jammu reflects Rebel Foods’ ongoing transition from a delivery-focused cloud kitchen operator to a hybrid digital and physical food retail platform. With expansion plans targeting tier I and tier II cities, the company is strengthening its offline footprint while continuing to integrate technology-led ordering and operations.

India’s Sidewalk Café is reshaping neighbourhood café culture with the launch of its newest outlet in Agra, offering far more than just coffee and light bites. The new branch has swiftly emerged as a cherished ‘second home’ for residents, combining comfort, community, and casual dining in a way that reflects the city’s easygoing spirit. By creating a warm and welcoming environment where people can gather, unwind, and spend unhurried time, the café has positioned itself as more than a conventional coffee spot.

There’s a certain kind of café that gradually becomes part of your everyday rhythm. You don’t visit for novelty or special occasions, but because it naturally fits into your routine. Across North India, Sidewalk has evolved into exactly that kind of space. With its second outlet in Agra now open, the brand continues its measured and intentional expansion across Tier II markets.

Established in 2022 by Sagar Bhatia and Jaivardhan Bhatia under the Bhatia Hospitality Group, Sidewalk was envisioned as a more intimate alternative to the traditional third-place model. While many cafés aim to serve as a third space between work and home, Sidewalk aspires to be a second home. The concept centres around everyday usability—slow mornings, relaxed afternoons, and evenings that feel effortless. Rather than building a destination-driven café, the founders focused on creating a familiar, dependable space that becomes seamlessly woven into daily life.

From its beginnings in Kanpur in 2022, the brand has expanded steadily to Lucknow and Agra, growing to five outlets across the three cities. Sidewalk has tapped into markets that are evolving quickly yet continue to value warmth and community. Although it incorporates the refined design, broad menu offerings, and coffee-forward culture often associated with Tier 1 cafés, it remains intentionally accessible. The setting caters equally to friends reconnecting, solo professionals working, families dining together, and regular patrons who return for consistency rather than novelty.

The latest Agra outlet, which is the brand’s second in the city, is also its largest to date. Designed as a spacious café inspired by the layout of a home, it features playful interiors, bold steel detailing, and an open yet cosy floor plan. Located within a residential neighbourhood, the space mirrors Agra’s relaxed pace, encouraging guests to linger over conversations, laptops, and leisurely meals.

The menu emphasises comfort, familiarity, and flexibility. Breakfast highlights include maple-glazed pancakes, buttery croissants, and the Vegan Brekkie Burrito Wrap. The all-day selection spans gourmet burgers, hearty sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, peri-peri fries, and freshly baked offerings such as focaccia, cheesecakes, and brownies. With customisable options ranging from bread choices to fillings, diners can personalise their meals—turning favourites into reliable go-to dishes rather than one-off indulgences.

Coffee remains central to the Sidewalk identity. Beans sourced from Chikmagalur and Kohima are crafted into signature beverages such as the brown butter latte, cinnamon-infused cappuccino, and house drip Vietnamese. The café also features a manual brew bar, cold foam cold brews, and seasonal matcha innovations like the popular iced mango matcha.

Inclusivity is woven subtly into the experience, with oat milk and other dairy alternatives offered at no additional charge. This considered approach reinforces the brand’s belief that inclusivity should feel seamless rather than transactional—a small but meaningful gesture that resonates with its loyal customer base.

Beyond its food and beverage offerings, Sidewalk places strong emphasis on ambience and community engagement. Music, service, and comfort are treated as essential elements, ensuring every new outlet feels welcoming from the outset. While each city adds its own flavour—wellness-led running clubs in Agra, community meetups in Kanpur, and collaborations in Lucknow—the core identity of the brand remains intact.

With the opening of its newest Agra branch, Sidewalk continues to elevate the café experience, transforming it into more than a place to grab a coffee. By blending comfort, accessibility, and a strong sense of belonging, the café has quickly become a beloved gathering spot in the city.

As it expands, Sidewalk remains focused on thoughtful growth across Tier II and III cities, prioritising depth over speed. More than building a chain, the brand is creating neighbourhood spaces designed to integrate effortlessly into everyday life.

Vikram Kamats Hospitality has announced a strategic collaboration with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) to introduce authentic South Indian cuisine at select HPCL fuel stations across India. The move is aimed at creating a more integrated food-and-fuel ecosystem that caters to the evolving needs of Indian travellers.

As part of the partnership, Vikram Kamats Hospitality will establish South Indian dine-in restaurants and takeaway counters at identified HPCL outlets. The objective is to provide travellers with access to clean, hygienic, and trusted meal options during their journeys. Through this initiative, fuel stations are set to evolve into reliable rest and refreshment hubs where customers can refuel, access well-maintained washroom facilities, and enjoy quality food—all in one convenient stop.

The agreement was formally signed by Murali Krishna V. Vadrevu, Executive Director, HPCL, and Pankaj Deokar, Vice President Operations, Vikram Kamats Hospitality, underscoring the shared commitment of both organisations to scale the partnership nationwide.

The rollout will commence with Maharashtra as the pilot market, followed by a phased expansion across highways, metropolitan cities, and urban centres. Leveraging HPCL’s extensive nationwide fuel station network, the collaboration is positioned to serve a diverse audience including highway travellers, daily commuters, families, fleet operators, and business travellers.

Aditya Birla Group on Wednesday announced the entry of Danish café chain JOE & THE JUICE into the Indian market, marking a significant expansion in its hospitality portfolio.

The launch will be spearheaded by Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality (ABNAH), the Group’s hospitality arm that currently operates premium dining brands such as Yauatcha, Hakkasan, and Nara Thai. With this move, ABNAH steps into the scalable food services segment, broadening its footprint beyond fine dining. According to the company statement, the first JOE & THE JUICE outlet in India is expected to open in the second half of 2026.

"Anchored in deep insights, category understanding, and operational efficiencies, the group is well placed to build and scale differentiated brands for India's aspiring consumers," ABNAH Founder Aryaman Vikram Birla said.

Founded in Copenhagen in 2002, JOE & THE JUICE has expanded significantly over the past two decades and currently operates more than 480 outlets across Europe, the United States, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The brand has built a strong identity around its contemporary café culture, upbeat in-store experience, and health-forward offerings.

Industry observers note that the entry of global café chains into India highlights the growing maturity of the country’s organised food services market. With rising disposable incomes, an expanding young workforce, and increasing exposure to international dining formats, India continues to attract global hospitality brands looking for long-term growth opportunities. The arrival of JOE & THE JUICE under the Aditya Birla umbrella is expected to further intensify competition in the premium café and quick-service segment.

Iconic French patisserie Ladurée, celebrated worldwide for its timeless elegance and signature macarons, has strengthened its presence in Bengaluru with the launch of a pop-up café at Marriott Executive Apartments, The Collection at UB City.

After nearly a year of strong customer response to its cart at The Collection, the brand has now introduced a full-fledged café-style concept, marking a natural progression in its journey in the city.

“Bengaluru has warmly embraced Ladurée from the outset,” said Chandni Nath Israni, Co-Founder, CK Israni Group. “The overwhelming response to our cart demonstrated clear desire for a deeper engagement with the brand. This café represents our commitment to becoming part of the city’s daily life—whether through a morning espresso, a business meeting over pastries, or a leisurely afternoon tea. We’re building not just presence, but genuine relevance in how Bengaluru experiences premium café culture.”

Encouraged by sustained demand and positive feedback, Ladurée has expanded beyond takeaway offerings to introduce a more immersive dine-in experience. The new café format allows guests to enjoy the brand in a relaxed setting, adding barista-made coffees, gourmet teas, savoury café bites, and extended menu selections alongside its signature macarons, pastries, and retail gift options.

Located within Marriott Executive Apartments, the café is designed to cater to multiple occasions throughout the day — from quick morning stops and casual business meetings to leisurely afternoon indulgences.

“The Collection at UB City has always been envisioned as a destination that brings together global brands, refined experiences and a vibrant urban audience. Ladurée’s transition from a successful cart to a café-style format at Marriott Executive Apartments is a natural evolution of that vision. This collaboration enhances The Collection at UB City’s everyday lifestyle offering, creating a space that fits seamlessly into the city's rhythm, whether for a quick coffee, a meeting or a moment of indulgence. We’re delighted to support a concept that elevates Bengaluru’s hospitality and café culture,” added Uzma Irfan, Director, Prestige Group, and Zaid Sadiq, Executive Director, Liaison and Hospitality, Prestige Group.

With a legacy spanning over 160 years, Ladurée continues to embody the essence of French art de vivre. Founded in Paris in 1862, the maison is globally recognised for pioneering the modern macaron and creating iconic café destinations across the world.

Cavore has launched on Residency Road in Bengaluru, introducing a concept that seamlessly blends dining and nightlife within a single, evolving space. Designed to transform with the rhythm of the evening, the venue begins as a laid-back restaurant and gradually shifts into a vibrant, music-driven destination as the night unfolds.

The menu leans into shareable plates and inventive flavours, starting with dishes like the Cavore Summer Crush — a refreshing mix of grains, greens and citrus — alongside contemporary interpretations of street food such as Avo Bhel Tartare and Truffle Tomato Sev Puri. Heartier mains spotlight both regional Indian and global influences, including Moilee Butter Sauce Prawns, Tambda Rassa Ramen, Kashmiri Veg Bowl, Spicy Guntur Chili Chicken, Yakhni Dum Pulao and Bihari Lamb Curry. Desserts offer playful reinventions of classics, from Not a Mysore Pak to Thandai Milk Cake.

The culinary direction is helmed by Chef Shivraj, whose experiences growing up as an army brat travelling across the country inform the menu’s diverse flavour palette. “Food has always been a form of storytelling for us,” shares the team. “Chef Shivraj’s journey across regional kitchens shows up in the menu, through flavours, spices, and techniques that feel rooted yet contemporary.”

At the bar, cocktails draw inspiration from Indian ingredients, with options like Himalayan Frost, influenced by masala tea, and Caperoni, a savoury, food-friendly creation.

“Cavore was born from the desire to create a place where food, music, and visuals don’t exist independently, but come together as one immersive experience,” says Naveen Prem, Founder, Cavore. “Bengaluru has incredible restaurants and great nightlife, but very few spaces where both worlds blend without feeling forced. We wanted to change that.”

Operating in an all-evening format, the venue encourages guests to transition effortlessly from dinner into a night out. Music plays a central role, with curated DJ nights and live performances shaping the space’s identity. Embracing an emerging 'clubsert' culture, Cavore hosts everything from dinner shows and house sets to techno, jazz, retro and Bollywood, ensuring every night feels distinct. “We want Cavore to be known as the place where you discover great artists, not just a loud night out,” they add.

For both seasoned nightlife enthusiasts and curious newcomers, Cavore promises an experience that starts casually and often stretches longer than expected. As Prem puts it simply, “It’s not just a high-energy club. It’s an experience where food, music, and ambience shape how the night turns.”

Casa Loco has entered the Hyderabad food service market, marking its India debut after originating in Vietnam. The brand brings a Mexican street food-focused offering to the city, targeting young, urban consumers seeking global flavours in a casual dining format.

The Hyderabad launch signals Casa Loco’s expansion into India’s organised food retail space, with an emphasis on accessible Mexican cuisine adapted for local preferences. The menu features tacos, burritos, and other Mexican staples, prepared using fresh ingredients and established recipes while maintaining a fast-paced, food court-friendly format.

Casa Loco positions itself around a youthful dining experience, combining global influences with a street-style service model. The brand aims to cater to India’s growing demand for international cuisines that balance authenticity with convenience and affordability.

With Hyderabad emerging as a key market for new-age food brands, the launch reflects continued interest from international concepts looking to scale within India’s urban centres. The city’s evolving food culture and strong mall and food court ecosystem make it a strategic entry point for casual dining formats.

The brand’s India entry aligns with broader trends in the food and beverage sector, where consumers are increasingly open to global cuisines presented in simplified, everyday formats. Casa Loco’s focus remains on quick service, consistent flavours, and an energetic dining environment.

Following its launch in Hyderabad, Casa Loco is expected to assess opportunities for further expansion as it builds brand awareness in the Indian market.

Popeyes, the globally celebrated Louisiana-born fried chicken brand, has strengthened its presence in North India with the launch of a new outlet at Elante Mall, Chandigarh.

This opening marks the brand’s fifth restaurant across the Chandigarh–Mohali–Panchkula Tricity, underscoring Popeyes’ strategic expansion in high-growth northern markets, where demand for international quick-service restaurant (QSR) brands continues to rise.

“Punjab is a key growth market for us, given its openness to global brands and strong preference for bold, indulgent flavours. The encouraging response across the Tricity region validates our strategy of expanding thoughtfully in markets with high brand affinity,” shared Gaurav Pande, Executive Vice President & Business Head, Popeyes India.

The new launch aligns with Popeyes’ broader India expansion strategy, which prioritizes establishing outlets in prominent, high-footfall retail destinations. The Punjab Tricity region remains central to this plan, driven by steady consumer demand and strong performance from existing locations.

At the Elante Mall restaurant, guests can enjoy Popeyes’ signature Louisiana-style Cajun offerings and its world-famous crunchy fried chicken. The menu features favourites such as the iconic Chicken Sandwich, Signature Fried Chicken, and Boneless Chicken with international flavours. Customers can also choose from the popular Hot & Messy range, Flavour Burst Burgers, and a specially curated selection of vegetarian options tailored to Indian tastes. Staying true to its preparation standards, all chicken is made using fresh cuts, marinated for 12 hours, and hand-battered and breaded to deliver the brand’s signature Cajun crunch.

To deepen its cultural connect with local consumers, Popeyes has partnered with popular Punjabi singer and actor Jassie Gill for a digital-first social media campaign. Recognised for his youthful persona and love for bold flavours, Gill naturally aligns with the brand. The campaign portrays him as an authentic Popeyes fan who has enjoyed the brand internationally in markets such as the USA and Canada and is excited to have it closer to home.

In India, Popeyes is operated by Jubilant FoodWorks Limited and continues to pursue aggressive growth, with a focus on building brand aspiration, consumer fandom, and a strong retail footprint across priority cities.

The Belgian Waffle Co. has expanded its brick-and-mortar presence by bringing its flavorful offerings to Mumbai’s Kandivali, with the launch of its latest outlet. 

The brand-new store opening marks another milestone in the brand’s vision to make its premium waffles available across India. The Kandivali outlet is a part of the brand’s blueprint to strengthen its brand presence and capture new customers in major urban markets. 

In India’s demographics, Mumbai is a major commercial and residential hub. In neighborhoods like Kandivali, the location features youth, families and food lovers. By strategically placing a store in Kandivali, the brand can attract its target audience, boost its brand visibility and ensure repeat customers. 

The Belgian Waffle Co. has adopted a rapid expansion plan to scale its over 700-store network. Targeting and opening stores in locations like Kandivali complements the brand’s strategy to roll out stores in major metros through company and franchise-owned stores. 

The company’s freshly baked waffles and other sweet offerings appeal to a younger audience and casual diners in urban areas. Kandivali’s emerging and evolving lifestyle scenario makes it an ideal place for go-to dessert brands.  

To expand its physical retail presence, it uses a Franchise-Owned, Franchise-Operated (FOFO) model. It plans to add 10 to 12 outlets per month and 140 stores annually to deepen its market penetration in the coming years. 

Through its expansion in micro-markets like Kandivali, The Belgian Waffle Co. is cementing its place in authority in India’s QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) sector.

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Franchise India, Asia’s leading franchise development and advisory firm, today announced Franks Hot Dogs’ 14th outlet at Elan Miracle Mall, Dwarka Expressway, Gurugram. Positioned on the high-traffic Dwarka Expressway, it serves corporate professionals, business travellers, and commuters. This launch follows brand’s rapid growth in key urban markets including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Chandigarh and Pune.

Frank's Hot Dogs, a premium French QSR brand, stands out in India’s QSR scene with its “Roll-Dogs”—gourmet hot dogs and premium sausages in artisan-baked, sauce-infused bread. Affordable, global flavours and quick service appeal to millennials, Gen Z, and urban pros, making it a prime franchise model for consistency and scalability. 

Riding India’s QSR Boom

India’s food consumption patterns are undergoing a major shift, with Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) witnessing accelerated growth driven by urbanization, rising disposable incomes, busier lifestyles, and increased preference for global flavours, with India’s QSR market surging to $43.5 billion by 2030 at 9.36 percent CAGR. Franks fits perfectly with its modern, on-the-go format.

Gaurav Marya, Founder and Chairman, Franchise India, said: “Franks Hot Dogs is the new-age QSR Indian consumers love—globally inspired, efficient, and value-driven. Its expansion shows strong brand power and demand for scalable food concepts.”

Amit Singh, Unit Franchisee Owner, Franks Hot Dogs – Elan Miracle Mall, added: “I am very confident that Franks’ unique Roll-Dog and robust support will make our Franks store a go-to spot for quick bites in Gurugram.”

The 14th store kicks off Frank's push to reach 300 outlets nationwide in five years. Backed by Franchise India’s expertise in scaling F&B brands, Franks aims to lead India’s snacking QSR segment.

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Chica Loca by Sunny Leone is strengthening its presence in India’s food and beverage sector with a focus on experience led dining and a phased expansion strategy. The brand is a collaboration between actor and entrepreneur Sunny Leone and Sahil Baweja, Director at Singing Bowls Hospitality.

Currently operating in Noida, Chica Loca combines dining, cocktails and nightlife formats to cater to a broad customer base. According to Baweja, the brand’s approach centres on building an overall experience rather than relying on individual menu items. He said consistency in quality and novelty plays a key role in retaining customers.

The brand is preparing to expand further across Delhi NCR, followed by entry into Lucknow. It is also evaluating opportunities in Ludhiana and Hyderabad through local partnerships. Baweja said the decision to enter a new city is based on factors such as demographics, lifestyle preferences and exposure to different food formats.

He added that flexibility in space usage is important, especially in Tier II markets, where a single venue may need to serve families, couples and nightlife audiences at different times to remain commercially viable.

While adapting to local markets, the company said it remains focused on maintaining a consistent brand identity. Baweja said that global exposure and shared inputs from the founding team help ensure that the brand’s design, marketing and service standards remain aligned across locations.

Scaling across cities has brought operational challenges, including staffing and training. Baweja said the company addresses this by deploying trained teams from existing outlets and investing in employee development to reduce attrition. Technology is also a key part of the brand’s operating model. Centralised systems are used for audits, training, loyalty programmes and social media monitoring, allowing better coordination between individual outlets and the central team.

Chica Loca positions its menus and service model around direct customer engagement. Baweja said chefs and mixologists interact with guests to customise food and beverage offerings, with the aim of delivering a consistent experience across markets.

Burma Burma Restaurant and Tea Room has opened its 21st outlet in Chandigarh, expanding its presence in North India. The restaurant is located at Elante Mall and marks the brand’s continued growth across Indian cities. Founded by childhood friends Chirag Chhajer and Ankit Gupta, Burma Burma currently operates 21 restaurants along with a delivery kitchen network spread across 10 cities in India. The Chandigarh outlet adds to the brand’s expanding dine-in footprint.

The new restaurant draws inspiration from Burmese folktales and design elements. Its interiors feature Burmese dolls, elephants, and a horse, while one section highlights characters from the Panchatantra, including The Talkative Tortoise, The Monkey and the Crocodile, and The Crab and the Crane.

The menu continues the brand’s focus on vegetarian Burmese cuisine. Offerings include Samosa Soup served with spring vegetables and black chickpeas, along with dishes such as Spicy Leaf Tea and Avocado Salad, Lotus Stem Crisps, Edamame, Broadbean Hummus, and Cream Corn Palata. Other menu highlights include Belachaung Stuffed Peppers served with hummus and Wa Potatoes prepared with a Wa tribe-inspired seasoning.

Oh No Khowsuey remains a key dish on the menu. The coconut milk-based curry, flavoured with lemongrass and tamarind, is served with noodles and a selection of condiments including fried garlic, fried onion, crushed peanuts, roasted chilli, lemon, and spring onions.

The outlet also offers an expanded tea menu reflecting Burmese tea traditions. This includes Burmese Pulled Teas, along with coolers, kombuchas, and bubble teas such as Yuzu Lemonade Bubble Tea. Burma Burma continues to focus on vegetarian dining, with the average cost for two estimated at around Rs 1200.

Burgrill, a rising Indian fast-food chain founded in 2016, is rapidly expanding its footprint in Maharashtra, with the launch of its second outlet in Mumbai, located at Commerz III, Oberoi Garden City. 

The strategic location offers the brand convenient access to commercial and residential hubs. The destination is ideal for Burgrill to target office workers, shoppers, and residents seeking quick dining options. 

Burgrill has been targeting metros and promising hubs beyond them to capture market share. It is targeting areas with demand for grilled burgers. The launch at Commerz III aligns with that strategy. 

To achieve its ambition of solidifying its brand presence, Burgrill mapped out its plan to raise funding to accelerate the number of its stores by adopting the Company-Owned, Company-Operated model. Before making the strategic pivot last year, Burgrill accelerated its operations through a mix of COCO and FOCO (franchisee-owned, company-operated) outlets. 

With plans to open more than 40 company-operated stores in place, Burgrill is targeting a whopping revenue of Rs 200 crore by 2028. The brand has sustained double-digit growth across all key metrics and plans to maintain the momentum. 

Last August, Burgrill made a bold move to diversify its portfolio by launching its OG Sauce as a standalone bottled product. The decision marked the transition of a core menu component from its quick-service restaurants into retail and online channels.

The launch fits a broader quick-service playbook of extending signature items into consumer-packaged goods to reach households, diversify revenue, and deepen brand engagement outside store visits.

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