QSR chain Upsouth to soon open its 1st outlet in Ahmedabad

Bengaluru-based QSR chain Samosa Singh has entered Delhi by opening their first outlet at Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi. 

Known for their vast variety of Samosas with different flavors like Aaloo Samosa, Veggie Spice Samosa, Panner Samosa, Corn Samosa etc, Samosa Singh has opened about six physical locations in the previous three months, bringing its total number of locations throughout South and West India to over 50 outlets.

“Delhi, get ready to savour the flavour – Samosa Singh has landed in the capital! This exciting step marks the beginning of our mission to sprinkle joy and deliciousness across India. We’re just getting started,” shared Nidhi Singh, Co-Founder, Samosa Singh on her Liknedin Post by adding that with each bite, they’re expanding their footprint and bringing the taste of Samosa Singh to new horizons. 

“Join us as we embark on this flavorful journey, spreading happiness one samosa at a time. Stay tuned as we continue to expand and share our love for samosas with every corner of the country,” she added.

With a focus on traditional Indian eating, the firm hopes to become one of the first new-age startups to enter the food export market. 
Started in 2016, the family of Samosa Singh set out to reclaim the rightful place of Samosa in the story of Indian snacks. Re- branded for the modern age, Samosa Singh (WoknStove Foodworks pvt. ltd.) adopted the Samosa to invest almost 100,000 plus man hours of R&D to give it a unique triangle interlocking shape making it less oily and lighter. A gourmet avatar that brought to us 45% less calories and 56% less fat and proprietary technology that let it stay crispy for more time.

Charcoal Eats, a quick service restaurant (QSR) chain specializing in Indian cuisine, has secured Rs 45 crore in funding from investors led by Paras Pharma founder Girish Patel, among others. This investment values the company at an estimated Rs 200-250 crore. Additional investors include Anil Sanghvi, chairman of Sanghvi Erectors, Ajinkya Firodia, MD of Kinetic Group, and former banker Rajiv Jain.

Founded nine years ago, Charcoal Eats operates 40 locations, primarily cloud kitchens in Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi-NCR, competing in the Rs 6,000 crore biryani market with brands like Biryani by Kilo and Behrouz Biryani. Despite being the most ordered dish on Swiggy and Zomato for several years, the biryani market remains fragmented and unorganized.

"The capital will be used for distribution expansion, brand building, technology, and international expansions. The funds will help widen our reach to over 100 multi-format stores in the current fiscal, as well as expand globally, especially in the US," said Charcoal Eats co-founder Krishnakant Thakur. The company did not comment on the specific deal size.

Charcoal Eats was founded in 2015 by Krishnakant Thakur and Anurag Mehrotra, both former finance executives. The company operates two brands—Charcoal Eats for biryani and B Burger in the gourmet burger segment. Mehrotra has held leadership roles at Edelweiss Capital, Kotak, and Quant Capital, and also seeded Coverfox Insurance Broking. Thakur has a background in financial services as a research analyst.

The company aims to achieve an annualized run rate of Rs 150 crore by the end of the fiscal year and reach break-even. "We expect revenues to grow five times over the next two years fueled by brand building, expansion in cloud kitchens, and various other formats like corporate parks and international markets. A capex and opex-light model helps the company achieve exponential growth in a very capital-efficient manner," Thakur added.

The organized foodservice market was valued at $27.1 billion in 2023, with the chained category projected to grow at a CAGR of 12 percent between 2020 and 2026, driven by increased penetration and growth from non-metro cities, according to Wazir Advisors. The QSR segment remains the fastest-growing category in the organized sector, with an expected growth rate of 18 percent during 2023-26 as urbanization and modern lifestyles continue to expand in India.

Nitin Mathur, Founder of Tavaga and an early investor in Charcoal Eats said, "Consumer behavior is changing rapidly and putting pressure on companies to be more agile, as seen in the recent shift to quick commerce. Challenger brands like Charcoal Eats are rightly placed on the cusp of these mega consumer trends. This highlights how rapid changes challenge big companies, while new, innovative brands can quickly adapt and potentially create new market categories."

Last year, competitor Biryani By Kilo (BBK) raised $35 million in its series B funding round led by Falcon Edge venture capital arm Alpha Wave Ventures, while Rebel Foods, owner of Behrouz Biryani, secured $13.2 million in debt from Alteria and InnoVen Capital.

"This milestone is a testament to the unwavering grit and resilience of founding entrepreneurs, who have navigated the challenges of the pandemic with remarkable tenacity and vision. Their leadership continues to drive the commitment towards operational excellence and customer delight in the QSR landscape," said Girish Patel.

In the fast-paced landscape of Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), CYK Hospitalities emerges as a pivotal player, driving strategic growth and expansion for brands across India. Over the past three months, the firm has achieved significant milestones in bolstering its leasing portfolio, capitalizing on the burgeoning urbanization and evolving food trends sweeping the nation.

Simranjeet Singh, Director, CYK Hospitalities, said, “With India’s rapid urbanization, the QSR industry has witnessed phenomenal growth over the past few years. This growth has been fueled by the rise of homegrown brands and the entry of international chains. However, for these brands to thrive, it’s crucial to secure the right location with the appropriate target audience. This is where our expertise in leasing comes into play.”

Partnering with esteemed names in the F&B industry such as The Waffle Company, Burger King, and Samosa Singh, CYK Hospitalities has curated a diverse leasing portfolio, expanding its reach into beauty brands like Lovechild by Masaba. Pulkit Arora, Director at CYK Hospitalities, emphasizes the pivotal role of strategic leasing in QSR success, offering prime locations that fuel profitability and customer engagement.

Nidhi Singh, Co-Founder, Samosa Singh said, “CYK Hospitalities' expert service in leasing has been instrumental in identifying ideal locations for our brand in Bengaluru. Their valuable insights and thorough research is commendable. We anticipate a long and fruitful association with them!"

McDonald's has terminated its partnership with a local entity in Sri Lanka, resulting in the closure of all 12 outlets across the country, according to a lawyer representing the U.S. corporation, as reported on Sunday.

Sanath Wijewardane, an attorney representing McDonald's, stated that the parent company opted to end the agreement with the franchisee due to typical operational concerns.

As a result, McDonald's is no longer operating in the country. However, there is a possibility that they might consider re-entering the market with a new franchisee in the future.

He mentioned that the agreement was officially terminated on Wednesday, yet the stores remained open for a few more days following the cancellation.

A representative from the local partner, Abans, chose not to provide a comment on the matter.

Wijewardane refused to elaborate on the specific issues, although local media outlets reported that McDonald's had taken legal action against Abans, alleging inadequate hygiene standards.

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.

From the fried chicken chain that brought you the Double Down, KFC has done it again – pairing the unexpected to create another mouth-watering meal. Starting Feb 26 for a limited time, KFC is introducing the international smash hit, Chizza ("cheet-za"), to KFC menus in the US.

Chizza first debuted on KFC menus in the Philippines in 2015 and since then the KFC exclusive has made its way around the world to Korea, Taiwan, India, Thailand, Germany, Spain and Mexico, among other countries. 

"Fried chicken and pizza collaborated to create something even better – the Chizza," said Nick Chavez, CMO KFC US by adding that the fan-favorite mashup is finally available in the US after making its way around the world.

To celebrate its stateside debut, KFC will transform its restaurant at 242 E 14th St. in New York City – the pizza capital of the US – into a one-of-a-kind "Chizzeria" pop-up where customers will get to try Chizza before anyone else for free.

The KFC Chizzeria offers one menu item only, hot & fresh Chizza, in a KFC-ified, modern take on a classic pizzeria. The world's first Chizzeria (probably) opens its doors for a limited time, Friday, Feb. 23-Feb. 24 (1-9 p.m. ET), but don't worry, Chizza is available to the rest of the country starting Monday, Feb. 26.

The third-quarter results from local franchisees of Domino's and McDonald's revealed a decline in Indians' frequency of dining out for pizzas and burgers.

Analysts observed that intense competition and the impact of inflation suppressing demand are anticipated to exert pressure on their earnings in the short run.

Jubilant Foodworks, the operator of Domino's restaurants, experienced an unexpected decline in profits.

Meanwhile, Westlife Foodworld, responsible for operating McDonald's restaurants in the southern and western regions of India, reported a more significant profit drop than anticipated.

In an effort to boost demand, quick-service restaurant (QSR) operators in the country have employed various strategies, including introducing more affordable menu options, offering increased discounts, and reducing packaging expenses.

Despite these measures, they have been unsuccessful in encouraging Indians to dine out more frequently, primarily due to elevated inflation.

These companies, which include the same ones, enjoyed significant gains during the festive season last year, benefiting from an increase in Indians dining out more frequently following several years heavily affected by the pandemic.

The deceleration in demand after the high base of 2023 has not only impacted their earnings but has also led to a negative same-store-sales growth (SSSG), deviating from the typical 5 percent.

Although the weakness in demand "may be approaching its lowest point," achieving the previous same-store-sales growth (SSSG) levels is improbable, according to Karan Taurani, an analyst at Elara Capital.

Amnish Agarwal, an analyst at Prabhudas Lilladher, mentioned that the margins of the two companies are not expected to experience a "substantial rebound." Taurani also noted that the increasing competition from smaller players would continue to put pressure on margins.

Jubilant reported a profit of INR 657.1 million (USD 7.9 million), marking the fifth consecutive quarter of decline and significantly below analyst projections of INR 902.6 million. Additionally, its revenue growth decelerated for the seventh consecutive quarter.

Meanwhile, Westlife recorded its initial decline in revenue in three years, and its profit of INR 172.4 million fell considerably short of analyst expectations, which were pegged at 331.1 million rupees, according to LSEG data.
 

Jubilant Foodworks Ltd (JFL), the company behind popular fast-food brands Domino's Pizza and Dunkin' Donuts, disclosed a consolidated net profit decrease of 18.23%, amounting to Rs 65.70 crore in the December quarter.

In the corresponding period of the previous year, Jubilant Foodworks Ltd (JFL) recorded a consolidated net profit of Rs 80.36 crore, as stated in a regulatory filing.

Nevertheless, the company reported a 3.47% rise in revenue from operations for the quarter, reaching Rs 1,378.11 crore, compared to Rs 1,331.81 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year.

The increase was propelled by a 6.2% rise in sales through Domino's Delivery channel. The average daily sales for mature Domino's stores amounted to Rs 80,111," stated JFL in its earnings report.

JFL recorded total expenses of Rs 1,311.94 crore in the December quarter, reflecting a 6.68% increase.

In the December quarter, the total revenue of JFL, the largest food service company in India, increased by 2.71% to reach Rs 1,382.27 crore.

In the quarter, JFL expanded its presence in India by inaugurating 58 new stores, bringing the total count across all brands to 2,007.

The company launched 40 additional outlets for its primary quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand, Domino's, marking entry into 10 new cities. According to JFL's earnings statement, this expansion increased the Domino's network to 1,928 stores spanning 407 cities.

JFL accelerated the expansion of the U.S.-based fried chicken brand Popeye by inaugurating 10 new restaurants, bringing the total network count to 32 establishments.

JFL expanded its Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) brands Hong's Kitchen and Dunkin' by launching four new restaurants each, bringing their cumulative counts to 22 and 25, respectively.

"Sustained delivery growth, highest ticket in nine quarters without a price increase in the last six quarters, adept cost optimisation making way for investments behind category development, and the accelerated expansion of Popeyes as an additional growth driver were the distinctive highlights from our quarter." said JFL Chairman Shyam S Bhartia and Co-Chairman Hari S Bhartia.

On Wednesday, shares of Jubilant Foodworks concluded at Rs 519.60 on the BSE, reflecting a 1.82% increase.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pancakes QSR chain, 99 Pancakes has unveiled its initial café in Nasik, Maharashtra.

The establishment adopts a company-owned operated approach to ensure optimal service quality and establish a precedent for upcoming cafés.

“We recently entered the FMCG space early this year and with venturing into the café model is a true reflection of our customers’ trust in us. The major goal is to make the brand the go-to neighborhood cafes, QSR for all the age groups who like to eat out and enjoy the gourmet places.” said, Vikesh Shah, Founder, 99 Pancakes.

The culinary offerings at the café cater to a diverse range of palates, including those of college students, children, and professionals.

The menu features an array of options, such as coffee, pancakes, waffles, fries, pizza, and cakes.

The QSR chain  runs 40 plus pancake outlets in 13 cities across India.

Burger Singh, known for its fusion of Indian flavors is excited to introduce their latest addition, Cheesy Fries.

After achieving a significant sales milestone of 250 tonnes of fries in the previous fiscal year, Burger Singh sets a goal of selling 70 tonnes of their thick fries, along with 30 tonnes of their new cheesy fries within the next three months..

“Burger Singh provides not just ordinary fries, but an extensive range of eight distinctive flavour profiles. In addition to four types of fries, they offer four more flavour combinations, each seasoning delivering a unique taste, with the Cheesy fries having an added punch of its own through the inclusion of a cheesy sauce.” said Kabir Jeet Singh, CEO, Burger Singh.

Burger Singh, an Indian brand, has established itself as a strong contender against global giants in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) segment.

Since its establishment in Gurugram in 2014, Burger Singh has experienced rapid growth, expanding its presence across India with almost 100 outlets and ambitious plans for further expansion.

Moreover, Burger Singh has made a notable impact in the international market, with three outlets and a food truck in London, becoming the first Indian burger chain to successfully establish itself overseas.

Subway Canada has introduced a completely revamped menu that includes fifteen sandwiches created by chefs, ten new ingredients never before offered at Subway, and a new ordering process.

The new menu is called the "Subway Series," and customers can order sandwiches by name or number, making it easier to customize their meals.

Subway Canada have added new ingredients to their revamped menu, including Smoky Beef Brisket, Fresh Mozzarella, Rich Pesto, and Zesty Habanero Jack Cheese.

“The introduction of the Subway Series means guests can leave the decisions to the experts. With a curated balance of flavour profiles, unbeatable taste and expertly-designed ingredient combinations, ordering has never been easier,” says Chef John Botelho, Culinary Manager at Subway Canada.  

The Subway Series includes a variety of options, such as new deli sandwiches like the Canuck Classic, Great Canadian Club, and Turkey Rancher, new chicken options like Kickin' Chicken, Chicken Rancher, Teriyaki Crunch, and Green Goddess Chicken, new steak and veggie sandwiches like Steak'n Bacon, Stampede Brisket, Steak “N” Egg, and Green Goddess, and new Italian options like Mozzarella Bella, Suprimo, Little Italy, and Meatballer. 

Subway is a fast-food chain that prepares sandwiches, wraps, salads, and bowls made to order, catering to millions of customers across nearly 37,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries every day.

Subway has announced the launch of its new sandwich, the Pickleball Club, which will be available in all Subway locations in the US from April 27.

To promote the new menu item, Subway has partnered with former tennis player Andy Roddick, who will compete against other tennis legends such as John McEnroe, Andre Agassi, and Michael Chang in the first-ever Pickleball Slam tournament on April 2, with a grand prize of $1 million.

The Pickleball Club sandwich from Subway has been created by taking inspiration from the popular sport of pickleball and adding Andy Roddick's personal touch to the traditional club sandwich.

 The sandwich features Subway's new and improved Honey Mustard sauce and thicker, crunchier dill pickles, along with Black Forest ham, double American cheese, crispy hickory smoked bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions, all served on Subway's Artisan Italian bread.

Andy Roddick, the former world No. 1 tennis player and winner of the 2003 U.S. Open, expressed his excitement for the Pickleball Slam and the culture surrounding the sport, as well as Subway's enthusiasm for it.

He also highlighted the versatility of the Pickleball Club sandwich, which is suitable for both seasoned home cooks and those new to the game, with its perfect blend of Subway's signature taste and fresh ingredients.

Subway is a major sponsor of the Pickleball Slam, which is happening on April 2nd at Hard Rock Live in Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida.

This unique event, organized by Horizon Sports & Experiences and InsideOut Sports & Entertainment, will feature a special exhibition match and will be broadcasted live on ESPN at 12 p.m. EST.

Although the Pickleball Slam tournament is happening this weekend, fans who are eager to try Subway's new Pickleball Club sandwich will have to wait until April 27, when it will be officially added to the menu at all Subway restaurants, as well as on the Subway website and app.

Domino's Pizza, which is among the biggest pizza chains globally, has announced its decision to abandon its efforts to establish a presence in the birthplace of pizza.

Media reports suggest that ePizza, Domino's Italian franchise partner, has started liquidating the company's assets in Italy in an attempt to recoup some of its initial investments.

This follows the closure of the pizza chain's outlets in Rome and Milan last year.

According to Xinhua news agency, the company's social media accounts have not been updated since last year and its Italian website was reported to be inactive as of Thursday.

Despite unsuccessful attempts to reach ePizza on Thursday, the US-based press office of Domino's Pizza has acknowledged the reports regarding the company's departure from Italy, as confirmed by Xinhua news agency.

Although Domino's Pizza is considered the largest pizza chain globally, generating $12.3 billion in annual revenue, the company, which has been around for 63 years, failed to establish a successful presence in Italy.

In 2015, Domino's Pizza made an entry into the Italian market with an ambitious plan of opening as many as 880 stores. However, the company was only able to reach a peak of 29 locations before closing down its last outlets in Rome and Milan last year.

Pizza's origin is unclear, but there are records from ancient times of soldiers cooking flatbread with toppings on their shields.

An ancient Roman poem, dated back to the first-century BC, describes locals cooking bread and cheese on hot ashes, referred to as "pinsa," a term that is still used today to describe certain types of Roman pizza.

While the origins of pizza are uncertain, the modern version of the dish is believed to have originated in Naples during the 18th century. It was initially a popular and filling meal among the lower classes.

The tea franchise, Chai Sutta Bar, is quickly growing with new locations appearing all across the country.

The company launches 61 of their outlets in additional locations before the end of the first quarter of the year, with more to be introduced by the end of March.

"We are proud to be a part of the communities we serve and strive to provide excellent customer service. We are also dedicated to expanding in countries like the USA, UK, and Canada and have already registered in these countries. We are excited to see what the future holds and look forward to continuing to provide the highest level of service to our customers." said Anubhav Dubey, CEO and Co-founder of Chai Sutta Bar.

The indigenous fast food and tea outlet company Chai Sutta Bar (CSB), which is growing quickly in the local market, is also considering expanding its franchise business internationally. In order to efficiently enter the markets of the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, CSB has already created a company in the United Kingdom.

CSB has 450+ locations in 195+ cities and is employing orphans and persons with disabilities in all of its locations nationwide. A significant number of orphans and disabled men and women have benefited from CSB's assistance in finding jobs since its launch in 2016.

Biggies Burger's subsidiary brand, Bigguy's Wingery, inaugurated their first store in Dommasandra, Bengaluru.

The launch of Bigguy’s Wingery first store marks the beginning of a menu filled with several varieties of chicken wings.

Their chicken wings are made with rare flavours, coupled with unique sauces in addition to the regular chicken wings sauce, sets Bigguy’s Wingery a distinguished restaurant for its consumers.

“We are thrilled to start off with our new venture that caters to India’s most in demand delicacy – the chicken wings. Our menu specially curated to exceed the expectations of our consumers will surely take Bigguy’s Wingery to great heights.” said Ashutosh Patra, Co-founder of Bigguy’s Wingery.

“We aim to expand pan India and tap on market opportunities across tier I, II and III cities where global brands haven’t had their presence yet. We ensure consumers of these untapped markets are able to gain access to QSR chains and relish the chicken wings of both Indian and global flavours”, he added. 

Brand will become a disruptive brand in the market with its special deals and promotions, including discounts on large orders, loyalty programs for its regular consumers, free sides with wings and many more.

Their expansion plans focus on franchising model and plans to empower its franchisees to be able to build thriving businesses in their communities.

Bigguy’s Wingery intends to expand its reach across India, with a target of securing 10% of the market share, starting with an initial focus on the southern region.

As a part of their expansion strategy, the brand is set to open 50 new stores this year, with locations planned for Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Coimbatore.

Pancakes QSR Chain, 99 Pancakes has expanded into Uttar Pradesh with a franchise outlet in Prayagraj.

The QSR outlet will be operated on Franchise Owned Franchise Operated (FOFO) Model. The new outlet in Prayagraj is located on Tej Bahadur Sapru Road.

99 Pancakes' Prayagraj outlet is the second in Uttar Pradesh. As of now, Prayagraj is the thirteenth city in the country where 99 Pancakes has marked its presence.

“We are incredibly excited to open our first location in Prayagraj. We are thrilled and honored to deliver 99 Pancakes to Prayagraj after successfully welcoming customers in Varanasi. We also strive to further extend our presence in India.” said Vikesh Shah, Founder, 99 Pancakes.

Brand provide variety of options and these include the signature 99 Pancakes Holland Pancakes, Waffles, French Crepes, American Cheesy Pancakes, as well as perennial favorites like King Kong Shakes, Iced Tea, Iced Coffee, Pizza & Garlic Bread, Tea, and Coffee.

99 Pancakes has forty-plus outlets including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Pune, Surat, Bhopal, Kolhapur and many other places.

QSR chain, McDonald’s India - North & East has introduced the all-new Chicken McWings.

The brand plans to capture the tastebuds of chicken fans with its distinct quality and taste, inspired by the North and East India taste palates.

“Chicken McWings is an important addition to our menu as a response to the rising chicken consumption in India and increased demand for high-quality chicken products, giving our customers menu variety to choose from, when it comes to all-day menu.  We are excited to add this exciting new menu item to our growing chicken portfolio.” said Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director, McDonald’s India – North and East

All McDonald’s chicken products, undergoes close to 64 stringent quality tests from farm to fork to ensure top quality, and ultimate taste. The newly launched Chicken McWings also does not contain any artificial colours, artificial flavours or artificial preservatives.

Chicken McWings is served in 2 pcs and 4 pcs serving size, across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India (except for vegetarian restaurants) or through McDelivery (Swiggy, Zomato or Magic Pin), or through takeaway, or drive-thru.

Brand offers Chicken McWings in addition to Chicken McNuggets and a variety of chicken burgers such Butter Chicken, McSpicy Chicken, McChicken, Chicken McGrill, and Chicken Maharaja Mac.

McDonald's employs more than 5,000 employees directly and feeds millions of customers annually at its 150 outlets throughout North and East India. McDonald's operates through a range of formats and brand extensions, including freestanding restaurants, drive-thrus, restaurants open round-the-clock, and McDelivery, for the convenience and experience of its customers.

Tea cafe chain, Chaayos has appointed Akash Chauhan as the Head of Human Resources.

Akash comes with over 13 years of experience in the HR domain. Prior to joining Chayoos, he was working as HR Head at cure.fit.

Chauhan worked at Urban Ladder earlier as vice president and head of human resources, last mile delivery, and customer success. He also held a position at Infosys BPO.

He has done PGDM in HR from International Management Institute (IMI), and Bachelors in Economics from Delhi University.

QSR Chain GOOD FLIPPIN’ BURGERS® has ventured into purpose led products, by launching GOOD GIVING WATER through their initiative, GOOD GIVING LIVING.  

 This initiative adopts a three-pronged approach: 

• Good for you. A half-litre bottle of GOOD GIVING WATER contains 10-13% of the recommended daily intake of zinc.  
• Good for the community. 100% of the profit from sales of GOOD GIVING WATER will be used to address an issue that is a top priority for some of our communities - fresh and clean drinking water, free from chemical pollutants. The brand is working with local non-governmental organisations to implement these initiatives. 
• 100% Recyclable. The brand encourages customers to help recycle each and every PET bottle used for GOOD GIVING WATER. These bottles are collected and recycled with the help of the task-force at Lucro Plastecycle, a company at the forefront of recycling and making recycled plastic packaging from post-consumer plastic waste for a sustainable tomorrow. 

According to a report published by UNICEF in 2017, only 50% of the Indian population has access to safe drinking water, devoid of chemical contaminants and toxins. The first project to plough back the proceeds of GOOD GIVING WATER entails the installation of filtration systems to make bore-well water potable for underprivileged households in the two cities. Brand took its first step – distributing water filters to families living in the industrial suburb of Kalwa, in Thane near Mumbai.

“We are elated to introduce GOOD GIVING WATER as a part of our brand portfolio in keeping with our brand ethos of love. Over the past few years, the consumer mindset has seen a sea change in its awareness and concern for sustainability. As part of our ‘internal vision’ board, we at GFB have always been mindful of the sustainability of our products and processes said, Viren D’Silva, Co-founder, GOOD FLIPPIN’ BURGERS^®

Brand aim to support the 6th UN Sustainable Development Goal, Clean Water and Sanitation with the support of their patrons in the process. The need to create open access to sustainable sources of clean water is “a mission we want to lead.”  

Every bottle of GOOD GIVING WATER is available at the GOOD FLIPPIN’ BURGERS stores at Rs. 40 for 500 ml..  

GOOD FLIPPIN’ BURGERS^® was launched in 2019 in Mumbai. The burger brand currently has a total of 21 outlets across Mumbai and Delhi with a headcount of more than 250 employees. With 14 stores across Mumbai, the brand has made inroads in Delhi this month with 7 new outlets. The brand also announced a fresh round of funding amounting to USD 1 million earlier this year.