Cure.fit to launch 2 quick service restaurants in Bengaluru

Pizza Hut has joined forces with Yeastie Boys, a bagel food truck concept based in Los Angeles, to introduce an exclusive Big New Yorker Pizza Bagel.

This unique creation will first appear at Yeastie Boys' food trucks located in both L.A. and New York City.

The unveiling is set to take place during Rolling Loud in Los Angeles from March 15th to 17th, as detailed in a press release.

Following its debut at Rolling Loud in Los Angeles, the Big New Yorker Pizza Bagel will be available at the NYC truck from March 22nd to 23rd, and in Los Angeles from March 22nd to 24th.

We are excited to collaborate with Yeastie Boys to unveil the Pizza Bagel, which adds an even more pronounced New York flair to our Big New Yorker pizza," said Rachel Antalek, Chief Food Innovation Officer at Pizza Hut.

Continuously seeking inventive ways to delight our customers, this partnership epitomizes our dedication to daring flavors and culinary ingenuity.

At each truck site, customers can enjoy the Big New Yorker Pizza Bagel for free, subject to availability, with a one-per-customer limit.

Moreover, some Pizza Bagels will include a scratch-off card offering codes for Pizza Hut gift cards valued up to $25 or exclusive Yeastie Boys x Pizza Hut merchandise.

Pizza Hut has a presence in over 100 regions worldwide, with a network of over 19,000 restaurants.

Maharashtra will expand its inspection to global fast-food chain outlets, investigating the misrepresentation of products claiming to contain real cheese but possibly using alternatives.

This scrutiny, which extends beyond the recent McDonald's crackdown aims to ensure accurate labeling and product representation, according to a senior official.

Recent inflationary pressures have impacted the consumption of burgers and pizzas, which are relatively expensive for many Indian consumers, leading global brands to introduce discounted offerings.

This situation poses a potential challenge for these brands as the increased scrutiny from inspections could add further complications.

Westlife Foodworld, the largest franchisee of McDonald's in India, has been asserting the authenticity of its "real cheese" usage following media reports indicating that certain products were found to contain cheese analogues made from vegetable oil instead of genuine cheese during inspections conducted by state authorities last year.

The McDonald's franchisee disputed the findings; however, it opted to remove the term "cheese" from the names of numerous burgers and nuggets sold across the state in December, according to correspondence reviewed by Reuters.

For instance, it rebranded a "corn and cheese burger" as an "American vegetarian burger."

Abhimanyu Kale, the chief of the state's Food and Drug Administration, informed Reuters that inspectors will now conduct visits to all McDonald's outlets, along with those of other major brands, to ensure compliance with display and labeling regulations and to detect any similar violations.

"We intend to inspect every McDonald's outlet," he stated. "Additionally, we will address compliance issues at other popular global fast-food chain outlets," he continued, refraining from disclosing the specific brands under scrutiny.

A senior official from the state government, speaking on condition of anonymity, mentioned that inspectors would be visiting Indian franchise outlets of well-known brands like Domino's, Pizza Hut, Burger King, and KFC.

State authorities in India possess the authority to revoke the licenses of restaurants discovered to have violated food and safety regulations in a manner that deceives consumers.

Saurabh Kalra, the managing director of Westlife, which operates McDonald's in western and southern India, expressed readiness for any inspections and emphasized their commitment to maintaining the "highest standards."

Domino's franchise holder Jubilant FoodWorks, Restaurant Brands Asia, which operates Burger King, and Devyani International, responsible for running Yum Brands' Pizza Hut and KFC in India, did not provide responses to queries from Reuters.

The surge in food delivery platforms such as Zomato and Swiggy has posed significant challenges for quick service restaurant (QSR) operators, leading to considerable strain on their revenue and margins.

According to a report by French brokerage BNP Paribas, the recovery path for these operators is proving to be longer than initially anticipated.

The report highlights that the growing preference for food aggregators has negatively impacted both dine-in sales and delivery revenue for QSRs, contributing to a fragmented delivery market.

Furthermore, as an increasing number of restaurants collaborate with food delivery platforms, consumers are presented with a broader array of choices, resulting in fragmented sales.

This fragmentation is believed to contribute to the decline in average daily sales within the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry, alongside a broader weakening of demand due to heightened inflation, as underscored in the report.

As a highly suitable option for delivery, pizza is encountering fierce competition amidst the proliferation of diverse cuisine choices accessible to consumers.

"While inflation may also be hurting demand, there are other factors at play, and we think the road to recovery could be longer than what the market estimates," the report said.

According to the report, Zomato and Swiggy have experienced over a threefold increase in restaurant onboarding, rising from 278,000 in the fiscal year 2020-2021 to surpassing 700,000 in the fiscal year 2022-2023.

According to a report by French brokerage BNP Paribas, Zomato saw a significant increase in its average monthly active restaurant partners, rising from 61,000 in the fiscal year 2019 to 254,000 by the third quarter of fiscal year 2024.

Meanwhile, Swiggy had 272,000 active restaurants as of fiscal year 2023.

The report noted a substantial expansion in the scale of food delivery companies, which has notably enhanced customer outreach, particularly benefiting smaller restaurants.

Additionally, the growing preference for food aggregators has negatively impacted dine-in sales and led to a fragmentation of delivery sales.

Against this context, concerning quick service restaurants (QSRs), the report highlighted that while a potential recovery was anticipated in the third quarter of the current fiscal year, the actual top-line growth fell considerably short of consensus expectations.

In the third quarter of the current fiscal year, industry revenue growth decreased to 7 percent year-on-year from 20 percent in the third quarter of FY23.

Despite a 15 percent increase in store count compared to the previous year, average daily sales declined.

Although gross margins improved due to lower raw material prices, operating margins decreased for most quick service restaurant (QSR) firms due to increased costs related to employees and stores, as outlined in the report.

Biggies Burger, the leading and rapidly expanding Indian burger chain, has secured Pre-Series A funding at an impressive valuation of Rs 210 Cr.

The majority of the funds will be directed towards strengthening Biggies Burger's team and enhancing its marketing initiatives.

"We are incredibly excited to leverage these resources to further strengthen our brand, build an even more compelling customer experience and accelerate our expansion plans. Our vision is to be the go-to burger destination for every Indian and this pre-series A round brings us one step closer to achieving that dream" said Biraja Rout, Founder of Biggies Burger.

With 130 stores currently in operation and an additional 160 stores in the pipeline, the brand is experiencing rapid growth.

In just 26 months, Biggies Burger has expanded its store count fourfold, from 37 in October 2021 to 130 by December 2023, achieving a noteworthy annual revenue run rate of Rs 103 crore.

Nothing Before Coffee (NBC) is a quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand and India's rapidly expanding coffee chain, has declared the inauguration of its 50th outlet in Malviya Nagar, New Delhi.

The brand is founded in 2017 by Akshay Kedia, Anand Jain, Ankesh Jain, and Shubham Bhandari.

"As we embark on this monumental milestone, we are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support from our cherished patrons. The launch of our 50th outlet is not just a numerical achievement; it's a testament to our commitment to crafting exceptional coffee experiences. Our vision is to become the household name for coffee and beverage cafes in Tier 1 & Tier 2 cities of India and beyond, offering a convenient and delicious coffee experience. We believe in the power of coffee to bring people together, and we're excited to share that with our customers," said Akshay Kedia, Founder & CMO of Nothing Before Coffee.

Nothing Before Coffee has presently  50 stores, with an addition of 25 new outlets in the fiscal year 2023-24 thus far.

As the leading coffee chain, NBC operates in 26 cities and has expanded into 8 new cities this year, marking the highest-ever store addition.

Looking ahead, NBC aims for rapid expansion in the forthcoming years. To facilitate this growth, NBC has entered a collaboration agreement with Building Brands for Tomorrow (BBFT), renowned for its expertise in restaurant franchising and startup growth consulting.

"The market is experiencing a significant demand for reasonably priced coffee, with very few brands catering to this segment on a nationwide scale. It fills me with great joy and pride to witness and support NBC's transformation from nonexistence to prominence!Moving forward, the aim is to expand and enhance NBC's presence across the entire Indian landscape,” said Rohit Singh, Founder of Building Brands for Tomorrow (BBFT).

The menu has over 100 crafted beverages, including the famed 'Shrappe' a delightful fusion of frappe and shake.

The brand's fundamental principles, such as providing exclusively vegetarian choices, adopting the ethos of 'global quality, local pricing,' and serving patrons across all age brackets, have firmly established its dominance in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector.

The Burger Company is rapidly expanding burger brand and the largest chain led by women, has announced the debut of its inaugural express outlet in the vibrant center of New Delhi.

This strategic step aims to serve the energetic and fast-paced lifestyle of today's generation.

Having established more than 100 locations throughout India and Nepal, The Burger Company has solidified its status as a leader in the industry.

The brand proudly champions its female leadership, setting a distinctive and motivational standard within the culinary realm.

"We aim to reach out to a broader audience, particularly the youth, by introducing our express concept. The idea is to offer on-the-go quality burgers, allowing our customers to savor the delightful taste of The Burger Company even amidst their busy and high-travel schedules." said Neelam Singh, CEO, The Burger Company.

The Burger Company Express prioritizes rapid service and convenience while maintaining the exceptional flavor for which the brand is celebrated. Singh elaborated, stating, "Our express outlet highlights a carefully selected menu featuring TBC's popular items and favorites, allowing customers to make their selections quickly.

We've simplified the ordering procedure to improve customer convenience, eliminating the necessity for waiting in line. In fact, customers can effortlessly place their orders with a simple tap on their mobile devices.

In the future, the brand has expansion goals, aiming to launch an additional 50 express outlets in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Mumbai within this calendar year.

Presently, the company has a presence in over 50 cities with 100 outlets nationwide and aims to increase this number by adding an impressive 75+ TBC stores in the upcoming year, cementing its position as the preferred destination for burger lovers throughout the subcontinent.

Restaurant Brands Asia, the company managing Burger King and Popeyes franchises in India and Indonesia, announced a reduced third-quarter loss on Monday, driven by robust sales during the festive season.

The firm's overall net loss decreased to Rs 36.18 crore (USD 4.4 million) for the three months concluding on December 31, down from Rs 50.42 crore in the corresponding period the previous year.

However, this marks the seventeenth successive quarterly loss for the company, primarily influenced this time by an almost 10 percent increase in overall expenses.

The company, operating fast-food franchises under Restaurant Brands International, stated that prices of ingredients such as chicken, cheese, tomatoes, and onions experienced a 12.6 percent increase.

Nevertheless, there was a roughly 15 percent rise in revenue for the quarter, supported by increased consumer activity during the Diwali festival in India and the broader Christmas holiday period.

Sales received a lift in India, constituting approximately 74 percent of the total sales, due to the occurrence of certain vegetarian-centric religious periods in September this year, as opposed to October.

In the October-December quarter, the same-store sales growth at Burger King restaurants in India, operated by Restaurant Brands Asia, decelerated to 2.6 percent from the 28 percent recorded in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

Competing fast-food chain operators, including Devyani International (KFC operator), Sapphire Foods (Pizza Hut operator), Westlife Foodworld (McDonald's operator), and Jubilant FoodWorks (Domino's India franchisee), have not yet disclosed their financial results.
 

McDonald’s India (West & South) shares its popular products of 2023, emphasizing the brand's commitment to evolving menus and addressing the varied preferences of Indian customers.

The McAloo Tikki Burger is a consistent customer favorite over the years, remains a popular choice for its distinct flavor and nutritional balance. Recognized for providing a well-rounded meal, the burger's combination of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats closely adheres to the proportions recommended by The National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad.

The second position in 2023, the McSpicy Chicken burger is closely followed by the McVeggie, McChicken, and Corn & Cheese Burger. These items represent a diverse array of choices on the McDonald’s menu.

Within the McCafe category that features McDonald’s coffee offerings, products such as Cold Coffee, Chocolate & Strawberry shakes, Iced Coffee, and Cappuccino emerged as highly preferred selections in 2023, reflecting a continued interest in beverage options.

Soft Serve maintains its position as the leading choice in the desserts menu for three consecutive years, followed by McSwirl and McFlurry Oreo.

The limited-time offerings, such as KITKAT McFlurry and Minion-themed Banana Caramel McFlurry, also ranked among the top five products in 2022 and 2021.

The dining preferences of 2023 showcased an inclination towards combos and meals for a more fulfilling experience. Notably, the consumption of fries experienced a remarkable increase during the year.

Consistently performing well, the Piri-Piri spice mix has become a favoured accompaniment with fries, nuggets, and burgers, highlighting its sustained popularity among customers.

McDonald’s India's iconic offerings underscore the brand's effective adherence to its BCC (Burgers Chicken Coffee) strategy.

McDonald’s India - North & East introduces new menu addition with the debut of their freshly introduced Kebab rolls.

Priced affordably from INR 139, these rolls offer two options like Paneer Kebab and Chicken Kebab.

"This festive season, we are celebrating Indian flavours through our newly launched Kebab rolls and value wraps. Our latest offerings are all set to satiate your cravings and add a burst of joy to your experience. Whether you are on the move, having office get togethers, or dining-in celebrating with friends and family, our menu promises to be favourite companion of your palate in every consumption occasion”. said Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director, McDonald’s India – North and East.

The Kebab rolls are crafted by grilling marinated Paneer or Chicken mixed with finely chopped onions, enclosed in Malabar Paratha for a balanced flavour and they're accompanied by flavorful Mint and Makhani Mayo.

McDonald's ensures the preparation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals takes place in distinct kitchen areas, respecting various cultural, religious, and dietary requirements.

The Kebab rolls can be purchased individually or as part of meal choices at specific McDonald's stores located in the North and East regions.

McDonald's India (West and South) collaborates with Mondelez to unveil a collection of desserts.

McDonald’s introduces a unique lineup featuring Cadbury Gems. The new offerings include McFlurry with Gems, Sundae with Gems, along with Chocolate and Strawberry Shakes adorned with these iconic treats.

This limited time collaboration merges McDonald's knack for crafting delightful and convenient delicacies with Mondelez's cherished Gems, a brand that has resonated deeply with Indian consumers for decades.

“We are excited to partner with Mondelez to bring these innovative and playful treats to our desserts-loving fans. Gems have been a childhood favorite for many Indians, and we believe this collaboration will create a delightful experience for all. With this unique and playful twist to our iconic McFlurry and other desserts, we are set to provide our customers an enjoyable treat that will not only satisfy their sweet tooth but also offer novelty.” said Arvind R.P. CMO, McDonald’s India (W&S).

The McFlurry with Gems and Sundae with Gems feature a creamy vanilla soft serve foundation, adorned with a chocolate dip and hot fudge sauce, respectively, and finished with a generous sprinkle of Gems. Meanwhile, the Strawberry Shake and Chocolate Shake with Gems achieve an harmony between creamy smoothness and crunchy delight.

 “We are thrilled to unveil a symphony of flavors with exclusive Cadbury Gems-Topped Desserts with McDonald’s India. This collaboration brings together the iconic Cadbury Gems and McDonald's expertise in crafting delightful treats, promising a delectable experience for dessert enthusiasts. We are excited to contribute to the sweet memories and moments that these treats will undoubtedly create for them.” said Nitin Saini, VP- Marketing, Mondelez India.

The McFlurry with Gems, Chocolate Shake with Gems, Strawberry Shake with Gems, and Sundae with Gems will have a limited-time presence.

They'll be accessible via McDelivery®, takeaway, on-the-go options, dine-in, and Drive-Thru at McDonald’s outlets throughout West and South India.

QSR burger chain ,Burger Singh has announced on Friday that it has secured an undisclosed sum in funding led by Turner Morrison Ltd.

The VC firm had previously invested in Swiggy during its early stages in food delivery. In this funding cycle, existing backers such as Ashish Dhavan and Sanjeev Bhikchandani also participated.

Additionally, new investors like the Salgaocar Family Office from Goa, Raghuvanshi Investments Pvt. Ltd., headed by Sona Groups' MD Sanjay Kapoor, and the Vikramaditya Mohan Thapar Family Trust joined in.

Thus far, the brand has amassed approximately $6 million in funds.

This infusion of funds will enable the Gurugram headquartered company to fuel its expansion strategy, intending to establish new restaurants, both owned by the company and through franchising.

The brand aims to expand its team by hiring an additional 400 individuals across its restaurant network within the upcoming 18 months, effectively doubling its current workforce.

Kabir Jeet Singh, Founder and CEO of Burger Singh, expressed confidence in the brand's expansion, noting the remarkable growth of the online burger delivery segment, trailing closely behind Biryanis.

He emphasized the brand's strong product, consistent quality, and service that have garnered high repeat rates from consumers. Singh aims to sustain a steady and comfortable pace of growth while capitalizing on early successes.

Presently, Burger Singh reports having catered to 18.6 million individuals through its network. The brand operates 23 restaurants in the Delhi-NCR region and an additional four outlets across Nagpur, Dehradun, and Jaipur combined.

Burger Singh has expanded globally via franchising and has established four outlets in London within the past year. Their latest addition includes a food truck stationed at the Excel exhibition centre in London.

Domino's Pizza has given a fresh makeover to its exquisite lineup of gourmet pizzas called Viva Roma.

The updated Viva Roma selection showcases five premium pizzas with a blend of toppings, rich cheeses such as Bocconi, Mozzarella, Cheddar, and Spicy Ghost Pepper, and a sauce crafted from Italy's finest tomatoes.

Domino's has carefully designed a refreshed menu that resonates with the changing tastes and desires of its perceptive customer base.

"As a brand, we are constantly pushing the boundaries when it comes to innovation in pizzas. Keeping in tune with this spirit of Domino’s, we are delighted to announce the unveiling of our much-loved revamped Viva Roma range of Pizzas. Domino’s Viva Roma range focuses on premium ingredients, bold taste, and authentic Italian flavours, we believe the revamped range will redefine pizza indulgence and delight our loyal customers." said Sandeep Anand, EVP and CMO Domino’s Pizza.

The revamped range is exclusively available for order at Domino's outlets in Delhi, NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Pune, or through the Domino’s app, offering a deal of Flat Rs. 300 off on a minimum order value of Rs. 1500.

QSR Chain KFC has achieved a significant milestone by reaching its 1,000th restaurant in India.

The brand made its debut in the country back in 1995. KFC operates in India through franchise partnerships with Devyani International Ltd and Sapphire Foods India Ltd.

In the upcoming phase of its operations in India, KFC is positive about contributing to the country's economy by creating more than 100,000 jobs, bolstering the nation's growth prospects," stated the company on Tuesday.

Moksh Chopra, General Manager of KFC India & Partner Countries, expressed pride in KFC's role in India's progress alongside franchise partners. He highlighted KFC's global identity with a strong local connection, emphasizing the commitment to growing hand in hand with the nation. Chopra commended the restaurant teams, particularly those comprising specially abled individuals, for their crucial role in KFC's journey.

McDonald's aims to launch roughly 10,000 new restaurants worldwide by 2027, potentially marking its most rapid expansion phase to date, as announced on Wednesday.

The company outlined intentions to boost sales from its loyalty program, aiming to reach $45 billion, doubling its current figures.

Additionally, they aim to expand their user base to 250 million customers by 2027, building upon the existing 150 million users generating more than $20 billion in annual system-wide sales.

Despite fluctuations in U.S. consumer spending, McDonald's has maintained its stability, largely due to its cost-effective menu offerings, aggressive promotional strategies, and robust marketing campaigns.

During the company's investor day, CEO Chris Kempczinski expressed caution in making forecasts for the next year, citing the consumer's demonstrated "significant resilience."

McDonald's plans to launch approximately 7,000 outlets in its international developmental licensed markets, encompassing nations like China, India, Japan, and Brazil, according to CFO Ian Borden.

Borden mentioned that over half of these upcoming new outlets are earmarked for China, McDonald's second-largest market. The company recently secured an agreement granting it increased operational control within the region.

Worldwide, this expansion effort aims to increase the total number of stores to around 50,000 by 2027.

Additionally, McDonald's "Best Burger" initiative, focused on enhancing burger quality, is set to expand to nearly all markets by 2026, extending from its current presence in approximately 70 markets.

In 2024, McDonald's anticipates nearly a 2% increase in system-wide sales from new restaurants, calculated on a constant currency basis, in contrast to the projected 1.5% growth expected for 2023.

The company noted experiencing business implications in several Middle Eastern markets and a few markets outside that region due to the ongoing conflict, affecting its operations.

McDonald's collaborated with Alphabet's Google Cloud to implement artificial intelligence (AI) solutions across its global chain of restaurants.

This initiative aims to enhance store visibility, identify cost-saving opportunities, and facilitate quicker delivery of hotter, fresher food to customers.

Jubilant FoodWorks Limited), India’s leading foodservice company, declares the effective enforcement of India’s inaugural "No Antibiotics Ever" (NAE) policy in 2023 for managing the health of poultry birds.

This pioneering initiative underscores JFL's dedication to food safety, animal well-being, and seeks to tackle worldwide apprehensions regarding Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

Since November 2017, the company has been earnestly involved in formulating an antibiotics policy aimed at combating the inappropriate use of antibiotics in poultry procurement.

The effective execution of the three outlined stages has prioritized ethical standards, confining antibiotic usage to therapeutic intents supervised by veterinarians, thereby eradicating non-therapeutic utilization for promoting growth.

“‘Jubilant for All’ represents the Company’s commitment to creating long-lasting value that delights not only our customers but all those involved in the process. As the pioneer of instituting an NAE policy in the world of QSR, moving beyond antibiotics isn't just a policy; it's a resounding affirmation of our values and an essential step towards delivering high-quality, safe, and ethically sourced products to our discerning consumers.” said  Avinash Kant Kumar, President – Value Chain Engineering, Hong’s Kitchen, International Business and CSR- of Jubilant FoodWorks Limited.

In order to reach the "No Antibiotics Ever", the company has established a rigorous Surveillance and Oversight System that extends across farms, slaughterhouses, and processing facilities.

This thorough system, managed by qualified veterinarians, ensures stringent compliance with the antibiotic usage policy. Additionally, the company has accomplished the exceptional aspect of 'Farm Traceability,' affirming its dedication to conscientious sourcing and vigilant product monitoring.

Dough Bros is a prominent Quick-Service Restaurant in Mumbai.

Restaurant is known for their artisanal pizzas, the chain have several strategically positioned outlets and aims to be recognized for its great flavors, high-quality ingredients.

Chef Tom is hailing from a Thai-British background in the UK, leads the kitchen at Dough Bros.

His multicultural upbringing sparked an early interest in the culinary world. His expertise shines through his menu, which  blends with contemporary and traditional flavors.

With prior roles at renowned establishments like Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant, Restaurant Nathan, Maze by Gordon Ramsay, and the Michelin-starred Nobu Park Lane, he later ventured to Aqua Kyoto and served as head chef at Ottolenghi.

His diverse experiences also include working as a development chef for Pyton and Byrne and a brief stint at Amaz in Lima, a prominent restaurant in Peru.

Chef Tom's culinary revolves around maximizing locally sourced ingredients and employing cooking methods that fuse unexpected elements.

He delights in embracing seasonal shifts, leveraging the array of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs to infuse menus with a casual, enjoyable, and laid-back vibe, perfectly complementing the pizza dining experience.

“Our mission is to elevate the pizza experience for our customers, combining the authenticity of traditional recipes with a contemporary twist, we are thrilled to launch, for the very first time, the 11-inch Dough Bros Pizza in Mumbai, and we are dedicated to continuously innovating and levelling up." said Mr. Kohli, founder.

Restaurant has a diverse menu catering to various tastes, while all their ingredients are locally sourced, they import flour from Italy to ensure an authentic flavor in every mouthful.

Menu ranges from traditional Margheritas to Dough Bros Aglio olio Pizza, Burrata Pizza, and the Smashed Burger Pizza.

Restaurant provides various delivery and takeaway choices and can be located on Zomato or Swiggy across Tardeo, Lower Parel, Dadar, Chembur, Ghatkopar, Juhu, and Andheri regions.

According to an official statement, Popeyes has incorporated wings as a permanent offering on its menu.

The company is presenting a selection of five flavors: Honey BBQ, Roasted Garlic Parmesan, Signature Hot, Ghost Pepper, and Sweet 'n' Spicy.

Sami Siddiqui, the president of Popeyes North America, mentioned in the press release that Popeyes enjoys challenging norms in the fast-food industry and constantly reshaping expectations. Siddiqui highlighted the rapid success of the Ghost Pepper Wings, swiftly followed by the popular Sweet 'N Spicy wings, marking the strongest performance since the renowned Chicken Sandwich.

Recognizing the demand for more Louisiana-inspired wing flavors, Siddiqui expressed enthusiasm for the launch of the new wings lineup and its anticipated reception among their guests.

The wings undergo a process similar to the brand's distinctive bone-in chicken, where they are hand-battered and breaded.

Amy Alarcon, Popeyes' vice president of culinary innovation, shared in the press release that her team dedicated three years to perfecting this addition. She emphasized the significant impact of the Ghost Pepper on their product range and the anticipation around combining it with their Wings, foreseeing something remarkable.

Alarcon expressed enthusiasm about incorporating additional flavors to cater to a diverse range of guest preferences. With the Sweet 'N Spicy Wings achieving exceptional performance, comparable to the famed Chicken Sandwich, the team is thrilled to introduce this comprehensive lineup.

Popeyes operates more than 4,000 restaurants globally.

Burgrill is partnering with the celebrated Chef Saransh Goila, the brain behind Goila Butter Chicken.

Together, they are introducing two offerings that infuse the beloved flavors of butter chicken and butter paneer into the realm of burgers.

"We are excited to join forces with Chef Saransh Goila to bring something truly unique to our customers, The Goila Butter Chicken and Butter Paneer Burgers are a testament to the fusion of flavors and culinary innovation. We can't wait for our customers to experience the magic of these creations." said Ankur Madan, Co-Founder, Burgrill India.

Chef Saransh Goila's Makhani Gravy and Burgrill's burger combine forces to craft a fusion that is priced at just Rs. 299.

Goila Butter Chicken Burger is a crispy seasoned patty infused with a secret tandoori marinade that's both creamy and smoky, topped with zesty masala onions, all neatly nestled within fresh buns.

"Joining forces with Burgrill to create the Goila Butter Chicken and Butter Paneer Burgers has been an incredible journey. It's a perfect blend of flavors and innovation that brings a piece of India to the world of burgers. We can't wait for everyone to experience this unique fusion of culinary delights." said Chef Saransh Goila.

The Goila Butter Chicken and Goila Butter Paneer Burgers are available at all Burgrill locations starting October 25th.

Third Wave Coffee has announced the opening of its 46th store within the Phoenix Mall of Asia in Bangalore.

This event occurred in one of the largest malls in Asia and marked an achievement as it became the 109th outlet for Third Wave Coffee in India.

The store's inauguration was led by Ayush Bathwal, one of the co-founders of Third Wave Coffee, along with Manish Singh, Group Director and Head of Retail Leasing at The Phoenix Mills Ltd., and Basil Mathew, Senior Vice President of Leasing at the Phoenix Group.

 “Our new cafe is a step forward in our commitment to expand our footprint across India and bring the best coffee brews and food offerings to the growing community of coffee lovers throughout the country. With the launch of our new store, we are excited to bring our unique coffee blends and food offerings to more people in Bangalore and to share our passion for coffee with them. We are committed to providing our customers with the best possible coffee experience and to making specialty coffee more accessible to everyone.” said Sanjay Patil, Senior Vice President, Projects, Third Wave Coffee.

The menu features exclusive Limited-Time Offerings like Swiss Mocha Toffee Nut, assorted bagels, and Choco-Bliss Pancakes.

Additionally, the café has a designated retail area where patrons can acquire coffee beans, brewing apparatus, and various coffee-related products.

This marks the first inaugural opening following the successful completion of the $35 million Series C funding round.

Samosa Singh, Indian Snacking Industry has announced the launch of its Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) at Sarath City Mall in Hyderabad.

This strategically positioned establishment will enhance the brand's ability to host both offline and online events, leading to increased foot traffic for both the QSRs and the mall.

“Samosa Singh is on the journey to lead the Indian snack market. Our team has worked tirelessly to create this vibrant space that reflects our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer experiences. We are also thankful to our consumers for their continued support, and we can't wait to create wonderful memories with you all at our new location” said Nidhi Singh, Co-Founder, Samosa Singh.

The newly opened outlet will feature a diverse range of offerings including Kachori, Dahi Bhalla, and various Chaat, which are popular choices alongside their signature samosas.

Menu will comprise desserts options such as Gulab Jamun, Rabdi, and Ras Malai, adding a delightful complement to the array of Indian flavors.

The brand aims to take the most loved snack of the country across and is aiming to cater to pan India.

Woodside Burger Shop, the brainchild of Sumit Gambhir, Pankil Shah, and Abhishek Honawar, the minds responsible for the Woodside Inn with a rich 16-year history, has arrived at Mumbai. 

Over the years, Woodside Inn has been delivering food and selection of craft beers across its locations in Colaba, Andheri, and Bandra.

The renowned combination of beer and burgers became so popular that they originated the Beer & Burger Festival, making it a must-visit for Mumbai's food enthusiasts. 

The creators of Woodside Inn have introduced Woodside Burger Shop, a delivery-exclusive kitchen dedicated to bringing back the flavors of the iconic Woodside Inn burgers.

“People love the Woodside Inn burgers, so we wanted to bring a more accessible and delivery-centric option to cater to a larger audience along with the same freshness and flavor so that resulted in the birth of Woodside Burger Shop,” said Pankil Shah, Founder.

Their burger selection offers choices like Signature Triple Tenderloin Smash burger, the Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Burger with its chimichurri sauce, the Goan Pork Chorizo burger brings a spicy kick, and their seasoned fries.

Woodside Burger Shop uses the finest ingredients, including European-sourced cheese and house-made freshly baked multigrain buns and sauces. 

“Our burgers are perfectly grilled each time. We are freshly flipped which means our patties aren't frozen, or deep fried, but are freshly made and are simply the best option for a hearty meal at home” said Sumit Gambhir, Co-founder.

 Woodside Burger Shop's August Burger of the Month, named the 'Green Feast,' and this burger features a patty made from green amaranth, taro root, and cottage cheese, served in a soft and fluffy millet bun.

It is layered with a zesty and spicy mint sauce, pickled jalapeños dusted with BBQ seasoning, yellow cheddar cheese, and a delectable homemade garlic mustard aioli that adds a burst of umami. 

Woodside burger shop menu items are available on delivery platforms such as Swiggy and Zomato in the neighborhoods of Kalbadevi, Powai, and Worli.

QSR Chain Burgrill declared its forthcoming expansion in Jaipur.

In the upcoming quarter, the brand is set to inaugurate three new branches for the audience in the Pink City.

Burgrill diverse menu includes a range of options such as healthy bowls, wraps, subs, beverages, and more.

Notably, their healthy bowls are transparent about calorie counts, catering to health-conscious consumers.

"Jaipur has always been a vibrant and dynamic market for us. I'm thrilled to announce our debut in Jaipur with the simultaneous launch of three outlets, marking a significant milestone in our expansion journey. Our commitment to quality and innovation drives us to continually enhance our menu and service, ensuring that every guest leaves with a smile on their face." said, Mr. Ankur Madan, CEO and Co-Founder of Burgrill.

The brand is celebrated for its commitment to using the freshest ingredients, from crisp vegetables to grilled patties, wholesome brown buns, and tantalizing secret sauces that complement their burgers, wraps, and subs.

The expansion of new outlets in Jaipur aligns with the brand's ambitious growth strategy, driven by the increasing demand for its irresistible culinary offerings.

Patrons can anticipate an extensive menu tailored to a wide range of tastes and choices, encompassing both vegetarian and non-vegetarian selections, alongside accompaniments, drinks, and desserts.

The upcoming Burgrill branches in Jaipur will be strategically positioned at pivotal spots throughout the city, ensuring easy access for both locals and visitors to savor their burgers and other choices.

Burger Singh, India's homegrown burger chain is making significant strides in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

They have successfully set up two Company-Owned Company-Operated (COCO) outlets in Sadar and Shradhanand Peth and have exciting plans to introduce two additional outlets strategically positioned within the city.

Burger Singh's Nikku Singh Burger, an introductory offering priced at just Rs 39, has been a pivotal element in the brand's evolution.

Its taste and affordability have significantly contributed to retaining loyal customers over time.

"We are thrilled to be a part of Nagpur's vibrant food scene. Our quintessential Indianised flavours have already seen a wonderful response in the region. We also actively look for franchise partners in the region with the intention of matching the right influencer with the right location, ensuring that we constantly deliver an elevated dining experience to our customers” said, Kabir Jeet Singh, Founder and CEO of Burger Singh.

The company inaugurated its initial outlet in 2014 within Gurugram, marking the beginning of an expansion journey throughout India.

Burger Singh has extended its reach to various cities, including Delhi NCR, Lucknow, Jaipur, Dehradun, Jammu, Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Jhansi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, among others. Additionally, there are currently 12 franchise outlets in different stages of setup across the country.

Notably, Burger Singh holds the distinction of being the first Indian burger chain to establish an international presence, boasting three outlets and one food truck in London.

Samosa Singh has announced the inauguration of its inaugural Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) in Mumbai.

This signifies the company's continuous growth, solidifying its status in the industry.

The recently inaugurated Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) can be found in Naupada, Thane (West), and is poised to offer customers a culinary journey with its extensive range of samosas, kachoris, and delectable desserts.

Over the past three months, the brand has introduced around six new locations and has extended its reach with over 50 outlets across South and West India.

“Nothing beats the satisfying crunch, warmth, and flavour of India's favourite snack–Samosas, and with our expansion in Mumbai–we are further strengthening the bond our country shares with food. Savour Samosa Singh’s delicious fresh samosas and snacks and experience the joys of Indian street foods,” said, Nidhi Singh, Co-Founder Samosa Singh.

Samosa Singh was established by a pair of scientist spouses who dedicated their all to realize their vision of globalizing the beloved samosa.

The brand aspires to be among the innovative startups venturing into the international market with a focus on traditional Indian snacks.

Haldiram's, Indian snacks and culinary expertise has unveiled a wheeler restaurant at Vijayawada Railway Station.

This dining concept is first of its kind in Andhra Pradesh which seeks to transform the way travellers enjoy high-quality dining during their journeys.

Haldiram's has thoughtfully crafted an "India Ka Swad" menu for this unique wheeler restaurant, featuring a selection of fusion cuisine that blends traditional flavors with modern twists.

The menu offerings include Raj Kachori, Chola Bhatura, Pav Bhaji, Masala Dosa, Chola Kulcha Sandwich, and more.

Passengers can also conveniently place orders through online platforms such as IRCTC Catering, Swiggy, and Zomato to have their meals delivered to their location.

“We are thrilled to introduce this innovative dining concept to Vijayawada Railway Station. Our goal is to elevate the dining experience of railway passengers and provide them with a unique opportunity to relish our delicious fusion cuisine in a luxurious setting,” said Neeraj Agrawal, Director at Haldiram's Food International, Nagpur.

The restaurant's strategic placement within the railway station makes it easily reachable for travelers, providing a convenient choice for those seeking a meal before or after their trip.

Operating as a fast-service restaurant (QSR), it caters to the requirements of time-conscious passengers without sacrificing quality or flavor.

Haldiram's is committed to extending its reach throughout the nation, and in the upcoming months, they have plans for more openings.

In addition to Vijayawada, the brand intends to open wheeler restaurants in cities like Nagpur, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, and many more.

Each of these locations will maintain the same dedication to quality and the assurance of an exceptional dining experience.

Burger Singh, India's indigenous burger chain has revealed its intention to broaden its presence in West Bengal.

The company has outlined its plan to inaugurate 15 new outlets in Kolkata and expand its footprint by adding 34 additional locations throughout the West Bengal region.

“Burger Singh has established itself as a well-loved name among food enthusiasts across the country. With each new outlet, we seek to bring our unique blend of flavours, innovation, and customer-centric service to diverse communities, enriching their dining experiences. We actively partner with young entrepreneurs to fulfil this mission along with strategically developing the region aided by the opening of the latest warehouse in the region.” said Rahul Seth, co-founder, Burger Singh.

At present, the company maintains four establishments in Kolkata, offering a wide array of cuisines and service.

Among these, the dine-in venue situated on Park Street has garnered significant popularity among food aficionados, known for delivering a refined dining experience.

Additionally, Burger Singh operates three highly effective cloud kitchens in Barasat, Jadavpur, and Chinar Park, efficiently meeting the evolving preferences of contemporary consumers.

“With our exciting expansion plans, we look forward to sharing our passion for food with even more people in Kolkata and West Bengal, continuing to create memorable dining experiences that leave a lasting impression." said, Kabir Jeet Singh, the Founder & CEO of Burger Singh.

As part of the company's expansion strategy, Burger Singh is dedicated to making substantial investments in infrastructure, technology, and the recruitment of skilled personnel.

Papa John's International, Inc. has revealed changes to its executive leadership team.

Amanda Clark, formerly Chief International and Development Officer, will now serve as Chief Operating Officer for International, with a primary focus on managing and expanding Papa John's presence in global markets.

Joe Sieve, Chief Restaurant Officer, will take on additional responsibilities for North American development while still overseeing restaurant operations for both corporate and franchise locations in North America.

Papa John's President and CEO, Rob Lynch, emphasized the significance of their global presence, spanning around 50 countries and territories. He highlighted the essential role of international expansion in Papa John's future.

The company remains committed to making strategic investments in its international operations and infrastructure. Lynch expressed confidence in Amanda's leadership, as she concentrates on executing these strategies and facilitating profitable growth for international franchisees.

The objective is to establish Papa John's as the preferred quick-service restaurant (QSR) pizza brand for international franchise partners.

Since Joe came on board at Papa John's last year, he and his team have made substantial enhancements to our restaurant operations.

These improvements have translated into noticeable increases in comparable sales and improved margins throughout our domestic network.

With over 25 years of experience in restaurant operations and development with other prominent franchise restaurant brands, Joe's expertise will be instrumental in advancing Papa John's growth objectives in North America.

Ms. Clark and Mr. Sieve will officially assume their new roles on September 18, 2023.

99 Pancakes, India's quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain specializing in pancakes, is embarking on an ambitious expansion strategy using both Company Owned Company Operated (COCO) and franchise models in various Indian cities.

The QSR chain aims to inaugurate more than 100 new outlets within the next 18 months, increasing the brand's total outlet count to over 140

At present, 99 Pancakes boasts a presence with over 40 outlets in more than 10 cities, with 22 of them operating under the Company Owned Company Operated (COCO) model.

In line with their expansion strategy, the brand intends to make a substantial investment of around Rs. 20 crores as they venture into new markets including Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Nagpur, Nashik, and more.

In pursuit of a robust expansion into tier II cities, the brand intends to establish 10-12 outlets in each of these cities in the coming period.

Additionally, the company is strategizing to secure funding for the purpose of launching new outlets across the entire Indian landscape.

“Since the inception of 99 Pancakes, the company has operated on Company Owned Company Operated (COCO) and franchise model, which has worked really well for us. Looking at the prospects of growth in other regions of India, we wish to enter the untouched markets in collaboration with the master franchisees and retail franchisees. We will also invest in outlets that will be company owned and company operated." said, Vikesh Shah, Founder, 99 Pancakes.

Currently, the QSR chain operates in both tier I and tier II cities, including but not limited to Mumbai, Kolhapur, Varanasi, Surat, Prayagraj, Pune, Indore, Rewa, Hyderabad, Nashik, and Raipur.

99 Pancakes has expanded its footprint to over 10 cities and opened more than 40 outlets across India in just six years.

In the recent promotion of the limited-edition Double Down Burger at KFC India, Colonel Sanders has a straightforward note for all chicken enthusiasts - 'No need for explanations, just relish it.'

"Innovation, while being distinctive, is at the core of everything we do at KFC. It is an offering where you just satisfy your cravings, no questions asked! Like the OG Colonel Sanders says in the new campaign, “isse samjho mat, bas khao”. We are already seeing great offtake for the Double Down Burger, as chicken lovers across the country indulge in this cult product.” said, Aparna Bhawal, CMO, KFC India & Partner Countries.

In the television commercial, pair of identical twins is depicted, gazing at the Double Down Burger placed before them with astonishment.

A series of inquiries follow as they attempt to unravel the mysteries of the all-chicken, bun-less burger before them. The initial question comes from the first twin, who asks, "Bro, ye cheez kya hai ye?" To this, his counterpart responds, "Bro, ye kya hai cheez?"

“The campaign idea came from the name itself. Double Down. And that's what we played with. The double irony of a set of twins, discovering the marvel of the Double Down Burger in a really fun, crazy, way.” said, Ritu Sharda, CCO, North, Ogilvy India

The exclusive KFC Double Down Burger, available for a limited time, consists of two succulent chicken fillets enveloping delectable sauces (a combination of spicy and creamy Dynamite Mayo along with Sriracha) and crispy vegetables in-between.

DRG (Diversified Restaurant Group) renowned as a major Taco Bell franchisee with a portfolio of 325 establishments is set to inaugurate its seventh Taco Bell Cantina.

This unique fast casual variant of the brand, known for offering alcoholic beverages, will open its doors in San Jose, California, precisely located at Westfield Oakridge Mall (925 Blossom Hill Rd., Suite 1641).

The site showcases a nostalgic appearance, adorned with a classic movie theater display case, and includes three self-service ordering kiosks, a convenient pick-up window, and an outdoor seating area capable of hosting up to 24 patrons.

This information was shared by SG Ellison, who serves as both a Taco Bell franchise owner and the CEO of Diversified Restaurant Group.

He expressed in an official company statement, "The recent introduction of the Taco Bell Cantina in San Jose brings valuable enhancement to the local neighborhood, presenting customers with heightened comfort and options to enjoy meals within the premises, place delivery orders, or swiftly retrieve takeout requests."

He further noted the unique appeal of this location, as patrons have the opportunity to conveniently savor Taco Bell delights and Twisted Freeze beverages prior to or after shopping or catching a new film at the impressive Century Theatre situated within the Westfield Oakridge Mall.

More than 30 Taco Bell Cantina establishments are currently in operation throughout the United States.

Taco Bell, the renowned global brand known for its Mexican-inspired cuisine, has unveiled the introduction of its Indian Desi Menu.

This fusion of flavors aims to connect the offerings of Mexican-inspired fast-food with the varied preferences of Indian consumers.

The Indian Desi Menu presents an assortment of choices. like the creamy Paneer Makhni Taco to Butter Chicken Taco and Chicken Seekh Kebab Taco.

Each item has been crafted using a combination of exclusive ingredients, thoughtfully complemented by a mix of fresh vegetables, all nestled within a warm and fluffy chalupa bread or served in a wonderfully soft shell.

“With the introduction of the ‘Indian Desi Menu’ we are thrilled to offer our consumers something culturally desi, crazy and delicious. As we continue to expand our footprint across the country, it becomes imperative to bring about an offering that bridges the gap between the rich flavours of Indian cuisine and the beloved taco concept Taco Bell is renowned for.” said, Gaurav Burman, Director, Burman Hospitality Private Limited, Taco Bell’s exclusive franchise partner in India.

The company is enthusiastic about launching an engaging online campaign, showcasing the menu via a digital video accessible on diverse social media channels.

The Indian Desi Menu is now accessible at all Taco Bell outlets across India, with prices starting at a mere INR 165*.

The renowned Orders platform, celebrated for its global success with offerings like the Travis Scott Meal and BTS Meal at McDonald's, is now delighting customers in India, particularly at McDonald’s India – North and East.

They have introduced the Kartik Aaryan Meal, featuring a selection of Kartik Aaryan's preferred menu items. This special meal encompasses his favorites, such as the McAloo Tikki Burger, Cheesy Fries, and the Pizza McPuff, accompanied by a Regular Beverage all presented as a 4-piece meal.

"I have always been a McDonald’s fan and having a meal at McDonald’s named after meis truly abig moment! For many years, I have enjoyedthe McAloo Tikki burger, beverages and Pizza McPuff I truly hope people will enjoy my favourite McDonald’s order as much as I do." said, Kartik Aaryan.

This distinctive partnership offers Kartik's fans the chance to savor the same McDonald's meal he personally enjoys, fostering a stronger connection with the Bollywood icon.

“We are super excited about this collaboration with Kartik to bring his favourite go-to McDonald's order for our customers. Our delicious food served in an exclusive packaging inspired by Kartik’s own style, with opportunities to engage with him, will help bring our customers closer to their favourite superstar.” said, Ranjan, Managing Director, McDonald’s India – North and East.

The Kartik Aaryan Meal can now be savored at McDonald's outlets in the North and East regions of India.

It is also accessible through delivery platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, and Magic Pin. Additionally, the meal can be obtained via take-out or the drive-thru option, albeit for a limited duration.

Due to ongoing elevated prices, Burger King India customers are now missing out on tomatoes in their wraps and burgers.
 

"According to a Reuters report on August 16th, notices were displayed at two Burger King India locations stating that 'Even tomatoes deserve a break... we regret being unable to include tomatoes in our dishes.'"

Burger King, which boasts almost 400 branches, ranks among India's major burger chains. It's worth mentioning that competitors like McDonald's and Subway have likewise eliminated tomatoes from their offerings.
 

The American sandwich franchise has even discontinued the complimentary cheese slices that were available at its stores for several years.
 

A query on Burger King India's website support section asks, "Where have the tomatoes in my burgers gone?" The response assures customers that the Indian franchisee adheres to stringent quality standards and ensures the imminent return of tomatoes to the menu.

Additionally, the statement urges for your patience and comprehension.

Requests for commentary from Reuters went unanswered by Restaurant Brands Asia, the entity responsible for Burger King Operations in India.

The retail inflation data for July, which was unveiled this week, indicated a 37% annual increase in vegetable prices. Essential items such as onions, peas, garlic, and ginger have all experienced a surge in costs.

In response to the ongoing supply challenges, the government has initiated the importation of tomatoes from Nepal.

Additionally, they have arranged mobile vans to distribute this essential product at more affordable prices nationwide. As per reports on social media, substantial lines have frequently formed in various locations across the country.
 

The parent company of Carl's Jr, CKE Restaurants Inc has announced a strategic partnership with RSMG Holding LLC and Retail & Food International Brand to introduce the iconic burger chain to South Florida.

As per an official press release, Carl's Jr. is set to debut its first Florida location in Doral by the end of 2023.

Chris Bode is the Chief Operating Officer of CKE Restaurants has expressed enthusiasm about introducing the renowned Carl's Jr. brand to South Florida.

Bode emphasized that Carl's Jr. is renowned for its irresistibly bold flavors, making it a perfect fit for the vibrant and audacious lifestyle of South Florida.

The region holds significant importance in CKE Restaurants' growth strategy, and the company is eagerly anticipating welcoming the South Florida community to savor their prepared menu offerings.

Ron Santolaya, along with partners Milko Grbic and Claudio Fernandez, leads RSMG, the company spearheading Carl's Jr.'s expansion in Florida.

As per the announcement, the team plans to commence construction on the inaugural Florida Carl's Jr. restaurant in the upcoming summer season.

CKE Restaurants and RSMG are actively seeking real estate partners that possess drive-thru capabilities to collaborate on the development of 35 Carl's Jr. locations throughout South Florida.

Ron Santolaya, expressed excitement about introducing the cherished CKE brands to Florida, starting with the grand opening of the Carl's Jr. location in Doral.

Santolaya highlighted the significance of this expansion, as it would mark Carl's Jr.'s first venture into the South Florida community, bringing with it a rejuvenating and novel dining experience for local residents.

Carl's Jr. has more than 1,000 locations across the western part of the U.S. and more than 300 restaurants in Mexico.

Tipping Mr Pink, the parent company of Burger Singh, has unveiled its first cloud kitchen QSR, Bowl Hub. The new brand has launched 17 simultaneous outlets across Delhi, Gurugram and Noida.

Bowl Hub has become one of the first few single-serve-bowl meal brands in the region for urban millennials and office goers, who are looking for every day quick and convenient single-serving at everyday price points.

Kabir Jeet Singh, Founder of Tipping Mr Pink, said, “For the last few months, we had been incubating the brand out of some of our existing cloud kitchens under a different project name. This was to validate our recipes, taste, and customer expectations and also to measure the unit-level economics that would work for us in the long run. Once we are confident of a product, the Tipping Mr Pink team has the ability to scale things up aggressively in no time.”

Recently, Tipping Mr Pink has also raised an undisclosed amount of funding from several marquee investors. The firm is planning to aggressively increase the footprint of both its brands, Burger Singh and Bowl Hub, in the coming few years.

Cloud kitchen market in India

The cloud kitchens, which are primarily a restaurant kitchen that takes online orders without a dine-in facility, are the new game-changers in the market.

According to the industry estimates, the daily online order volume of food has increased to 15 lakh per day since September 2018, while it was just 3.7 lakh in the same month previous year. The phenomenal growth of online food delivery market, which is estimated to be more than $15 billion, has also had a direct impact on the growth of cloud kitchens in India. 

Frost & Sullivan estimated, in 2018, that the industry is at $82 billion in terms of gross revenue bookings. It is set to over double to $200 billion by 2025, backed by a cumulative growth rate of 14%.

Benefits of Cloud Kitchens

The new concept of 'cloud kitchens', which involves low operating costs and high-profit margins, is gaining increasing traction among F&B players.

A cloud kitchen, usually situated in a remote (read cost-effective) area, is essentially space where food is prepared for delivery only and has no dine-in or takeaway facilities. In many cases, small eateries come together to share a kitchen facility where deliveries can be made easily.

Cloud kitchens reduce real estate costs as they do not require prime locations. Also, because of the fact that kitchen space is shared by many players and the production costs are much lower, the opportunity to scale up remains high.

Pita Pit has entered into western India with the launch of an outlet in Phoenix Market City, Kurla in Mumbai.

Muvi Concept Restaurants has taken the master franchisee of the Canadian quick service restaurant for South and West India. The company is planning to expand the count to at least 20 stores in the region by December 2020 and 50 by 2022.

The brand’s menu provides customized, healthy and nutritious Pita wraps, Salads and Brown Rice Salads. Pita Pit offers a healthy alternative to high carb, high fat, and fast food.

Rashi Agarwal, Managing Director, MuVi Concept Restaurants, said, “We currently have two outlets in Bangalore, both in IT parks and two in Hyderabad. Both the cities have accepted the product well as there was a gap in the market due to a lack of healthy fast food.”

“We are looking forward to the response to Mumbai. So Mumbaikars, get ready to binge on some yummy food,” Agarwal added.

At present, Pita Pit has 567 outlets across 10 countries. In India, the chain has 20 outlets across the Delhi-NCR region, Bangalore and Hyderabad.

Tim Hortons has promoted Axel Schwan to Regional President of its Canada and the US business, effective immediately. Earlier, he was the Global Chief Marketing Officer at Tim Hortons.

Schwan will continue to report to Alex Macedo, Global Brand President at Tim Hortons.

In its new role, Axel will oversee growing the restaurant business in both markets with a particular focus on delivering stable, profitable growth in both markets.

Axel Schwan said, “I am deeply humbled to work at such an iconic brand as Tim Hortons. Having grown up in a family of restauranteurs and working as a restaurant operator myself, I look forward to continuing to work closely with our 1,500 restaurant owners across Canada and the rest of the Tim Hortons family in providing exceptional products and service to all our guests.”

Alex Macedo stated, “Since joining the Tim Hortons brand two years ago, Axel has led our innovation work in coffee, including developing our new Fresh Brewers – our largest coffee innovation in 55 years. He has been essential to our work underway today on our core product innovation pipeline in breakfast, donuts and baked goods and has led our efforts in brand-based advertising.”

The fast food chain has over 4,800 system-wide restaurants located in Canada, the United States and around the world.

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Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, a quick service chicken restaurant (QSR), is planning to develop and launch more than 1500 Popeyes restaurants in Mainland China over the next 10 years.

Popeyes China is the last of Restaurant Brands International’s three major brands to foray into the Chinese market. Burger King is operative in the country since 2005, and it now has over 1000 locations in China.

Josh Kobza, COO of Restaurant Brands International, said, “We’re very excited to grow the Popeyes brand in the Chinese market. We look forward to bringing our great tasting chicken, biscuits, sides, and beautiful new restaurants to our guests in China with our partner, TFI TAB Food Investments.”

Popeyes is operating more than 3100 locations in over 25 countries worldwide, which includes the United States and Canada.

As part of its expansion plans in India, Malaysian restaurant chain Momo King has launched its first Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) in Gurgaon.

In a bid to offer franchise and partnership globally, the restaurant is planning to start 120 stores around the globe in the next three years. Currently, Momo King is present in six major markets which include US, Europe, Philippines', Australia, Bangladesh and Malaysia. 

Momo King is also eyeing strategic expansions in Kuala Lumpur.

Shyam Thakur, Founder and CEO, Momo King, said, "We are excited about our first restaurant in Gurgaon, as we plan to grow in leaps and bounds pan- India. We have witnessed an important supply gap in the market as we see a momos stall in every street corner, without having an authentic taste. We believe consumers should get access to great food choices and experience the authentic taste of momos at a reasonable price point." 

Varun Chaudhary, Executive Director, CG Corp Global, stated, "We have grown up eating momos and It gives me immense pleasure to inaugurate the event as the brand brings the authentic taste and variety of Nepali momos to India. The brand will reach new heights globally as I completely believe in the differentiated experience they will bring along for consumers across the world." 

American doughnut and coffeehouse chain, Dunkin Donuts has closed more than half its stores in India over the last two years and is now focusing on small stores and kiosks to cut losses.

Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd (JFL), the listed franchisee partner of Dunkin Donuts in India, confirmed the downsizing and said the company has already halved losses on the US doughnut chain in the June quarter and is looking “to break even as we exit this year.”

“We have shut our most unprofitable stores, cut back on restaurant operating costs and overheads, focused on core categories, and launched innovations including tea, to drive growth,” a JFL spokesperson said.

As of June end, the company has brought down store count by more than half to 37 from 77 stores two years earlier.

JFL, which also holds the exclusive franchise rights of bigger quick service restaurant (QSR) brand Domino’s Pizza, reported more than three-fold increase year on year in its net profit for the quarter ended June 30, riding on Domino’s. It reported 25.9% year-on-year increase in same store sales growth for Domino’s, riding on every day value pricing and product upgrades.

JFL opened 13 Domino's restaurants in the June quarter, taking its restaurants count to 1,144, while it set up only one new Dunkin Donuts store. Which opened the country’s first Dunkin Donuts store in May 2012.

Two officials in the know of the matter said JFL now plans formats such as kiosks and carts at high footfall places, besides catering.

Asked about this, the company spokesperson said, “We are experimenting with smaller format stores that have a lower cost structure and are adequate for our portfolio.”

JFL chief executive Pratik Pota had on an earnings call late last month said, “We are on track to achieve breakeven as we exit the current financial year for Dunkin Donuts. Reduction in losses have been driven by disciplined cost cutting, store operating costs where we have tightened manpower and labour, shrinkage in store network, and optimisation of overheads.”

Quantum of losses for Dunkin Donuts had halved on a quarter on quarter basis with the impact on JFL’s EBITDA at 55 basis points for the June ‘18 quarter, down from 106 bps in the fourth quarter of the previous financial year, Pota said.

Jaspal Sabharwal, a private equity veteran and cofounder of digital collaborative food industry platform Tag Taste, said, “Dunkin Donuts was a good pick for the breakfast and all-day caffeine market, but our demand mix doesn’t include any breakfast business compared to developed markets, where demand occasions are evenly spread out. JFL very well understands this, hence their decision to pause and recalibrate.”

Sabharwal said latent demand opportunities are the most in the Asian/ Chinese QSR space, followed by desserts, and then the breakfast space which has a five-seven year horizon.

Sanjay Parashar, proprietor one of the first leased-out stores of Dunkin Donuts in the country, said, “While features such as non-fried food and dry kitchens were key differentiators for Dunkin Donuts, these didn’t click with the masses. Besides, a lot of consumers don’t have a preference to just doughnuts when they make eating out choices. Since Dunkin’ was identified as a doughnuts place, they took a beating… It couldn’t carve its niche.”

Responding to an analyst question on whether JFL would wind down the Dunkin Donuts business further, Pota said: “As we exit the year, we will breakeven. This will be our first milestone, but we would also have a line of sight to work for a profitable scaling up model. The fundamental space of cafe plus bakery is growing and we believe there’s space for Dunkin' in that context.”

On speculation that JFL is looking for a third brand, the company spokesperson said, “We believe there is a lot of opportunity for growing the Domino’s network both in existing markets and new towns. We are not in any dialogue with other brands for franchising. However, we remain open to exploring new opportunities for growth.”