Zomato May Embrace AI Tools, Expand Team for Enhanced Services

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has concluded an investigation indicating that food delivery giants Zomato and Swiggy may have engaged in practices that disadvantage competition in India’s retail and hospitality markets. Allegations include preferential treatment for specific restaurant partners, which the CCI had deemed worthy of scrutiny after a complaint from the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) in April 2022. The initial findings were compiled in a report submitted earlier this year.

The CCI's Director General (DG) submitted the investigation report to the concerned parties, and subsequent hearings are expected. Based on these discussions, CCI will issue a final decision on the matter. The NRAI has reviewed a redacted version of the investigation report, shared with the association in March 2024. According to an NRAI statement, “In order to properly protect the interests of the market, we have petitioned the High Court very recently in November 2024 to request CCI to grant us access to the report in its entirety.” 

NRAI President Sagar Daryani expressed hope that the CCI would accelerate its review of additional issues raised in the 2022 petition. Swiggy also disclosed the CCI case in its Red Herring Prospectus for its recent Initial Public Offering, which concluded last Friday. The initial April 2022 order for the probe cited a “conflict of interest situation,” stating that an investigation was necessary to determine how certain private brands and entities may benefit from preferential treatment over others.

According to the CCI’s 2022 assessment, the preferential treatment potentially given to Restaurant Partners (RPs) in which platforms hold an equity or revenue stake could restrict other RPs from fair competition. The CCI noted that the platforms’ influence over search rankings, delivery management, and other critical areas could create an uneven playing field. Additionally, the commission flagged that Zomato and Swiggy's contracts with restaurant partners contained price parity clauses that prevent these restaurants from offering lower prices or greater discounts on their own platforms or other aggregators, helping to ensure that the minimum price or maximum discounts benefit the platforms exclusively.

Sagar Daryani, NRAI President said, “NRAI has been consistently raising the issue of anti-competitive and predatory practices of the food delivery aggregators for the last few years, and today, we are glad to read in the news that supposedly CCI has found some merits in our contention. I hope that CCI will also speed up the investigation on the other issues raised by the NRAI in its petition in 2022.”

Daryani further noted the importance of equitable market growth in India’s hospitality sector, stating, “We totally understand that the online business growth is an extremely important tool to grow the overall size of the sector and help India achieve the coveted target size of a $5 Trillion economy. However, it is imperative that the marketplaces like Swiggy and Zomato create a healthy and equitable market environment for the overall healthy growth within the sector.”

The NRAI initially brought its complaint against Zomato and Swiggy to the CCI in September 2021, citing concerns over practices including exclusivity agreements. In response, the CCI opened an investigation, during which NRAI members provided information to assist in assessing the impact of these practices on the market. Following its review of the redacted DG report, NRAI has petitioned the High Court to access the complete report, stating it remains committed to supporting a fair, competitive environment in line with Indian laws and regulations.

NRAI has refrained from commenting on the DG Report’s specific findings, as it remains a confidential document under CCI regulations.

Get ready for an unforgettable night of cocktails as Handshake, Mexico City’s #1 ranked bar in the World’s 50 Best Bars, takes over the bar at Slink & Bardot, Mumbai on November 14th and 15th from 8 PM onwards.

This iconic takeover promises two evenings of unmatched cocktail artistry, bringing the energy, creativity, and flavour innovations that have made Handshake a global sensation.

The takeover will feature four of Handshake’s most celebrated signature cocktails, crafted with artistry and precision.

The Mexi-Thai cocktail offers a unique blend of Don Julio Tequila Blanco with coconut oil, Makrut leaves distillation, and a cherry tomato water cordial, topped with basil oil drops for an aromatic finish. In the Olive Oil Gimlet, the flavours of Don Julio Tequila Blanco are enriched with olive oil, Lillet Blanc, and a green apple juice cordial, making it a complex yet refreshing twist on the classic gimlet, garnished with olives.

The Orange Blossom cocktail introduces a mix of Don Julio Tequila Reposado with jasmine tea, vanilla, and a touch of orange blossom essence, resulting in a beautifully balanced milk punch. Lastly, the Jasmine cocktail blends Don Julio Tequila Blanco with jasmine tea and lemon, offering a smooth, refreshing milk punch that will leave an unforgettable impression.

Meet the Stars Behind the Bar, Head Bartender Javier Rodríguez brings an unparalleled expertise in mixology. Originally a biology graduate, Javier’s dedication led him to the top of the bartending world, now at the helm of Handshake. Alongside him is Daniela Jardon, who quickly rose from bartender to Laboratory Manager at Handshake, where she experiments with innovative flavours and techniques.

Handshake, a renowned cocktail bar in Mexico City, opened its doors in 2018. Born out of a casual conversation between two friends, the bar quickly gained recognition for its innovative and expertly crafted cocktails.

Nomad Pizza, known for its gourmet pizza offerings from across the world, announced the onboarding of Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor as their brand ambassador. 

This partnership aims to elevate Nomad Pizza's position in the culinary domain by blending the worlds of entertainment and food innovation, catering to its most valuable and loyal audience base through Vaani Kapoor’s charisma.

“I am thrilled to be a part of Nomad Pizza and contribute to its journey of excellence. The brand's commitment to quality and creativity aligns with my values, and I look forward to exploring new avenues in the culinary world together with Nomad Pizza. Nomad and I share a passion for food and innovation, and this partnership will hopefully exceed our expectations,” shared Kapoor.

With Vaani Kapoor as the brand ambassador, Nomad Pizza intends to transform the pizza delivery environment, aligning with the brand’s ambition for long-term development and increased customer engagement. This collaboration shows a peaceful union of principles, indicating a bright future in the constantly changing culinary world. 

Nomad Pizza, a signature brand from the umbrella of Curefoods, a leading house of F&B brands in India, is the fastest-growing gourmet pizza chain in the country. With this partnership, Nomad Pizza seeks to convey outstanding flavours and quality, ensuring that every bite represents its strong commitment to creating the best pizzas.

"I am delighted to see Nomad Pizza climbing to newer heights and finally directing itself to a destined natural association with personalities like Vaani Kapoor. 2024 has begun with great developments for us, and this partnership with Vaani marks innovation with an added consumer connect approach. 2024 has a bright outlook, and we plan to expand the brand with more thrilling offerings & cuisines to come for the customers this year," added Amit Ajwani, Head of Nomad Pizza.

Nomad Pizza has reshaped the pizza delivery landscape across India by introducing a novel concept that delivers diverse global flavours directly to customers' doorsteps, apart from its offline restaurants. Presenting an extensive menu featuring pizzas from 13 different regions, each carefully crafted with the freshest ingredients and versatile flavours, Nomad Pizza aims to offer an unparalleled pizza experience. Nomad Pizza now has 50 outlets in India and aims to expand to 100 this year. Furthermore, Nomad Pizza is on target to achieve a 100 crore ARR, a significant financial milestone for the company. 

Food delivery major Zomato on Wednesday announced that it is introducing Zomato For Enterprise (ZFE) for companies to solve food expense management. 

The introduction of ZFE comes after a week of its shutting down the 'Intercity Legends' service.

Legends offered iconic dishes from 10 cities to other parts of the country. The company had earlier put on hold the service and restarted it in July with a few tweaks.

"Excited to introduce Zomato for Enterprise (ZFE), a platform designed for companies to solve food expense management. A lot of Zomato orders placed by corporate employees are business-related and need to be reimbursed by the company. The reimbursement process is cumbersome and time-consuming,” shared Deepinder Goyal, CEO, Zomato in a post on X.

He also shared that over 100 top companies are already using ZFE, and their feedback has helped shape this initiative. 

"With ZFE, employees can simply bill their business orders directly to their employer, without having to pay. Companies can use ZFE to add employees, set budgets, define ordering rules and much more. ZFE adds convenience to your employees, while we take care of the rest - with complete transparency,” he added.
 

Ever imagined a McDonald’s burger in AI? McDonald's India – North and East is all set to leverage generative artificial intelligence (AI) to launch its new ‘Signature Collection’ of gourmet burgers. 

The brand has launched ‘Imagined in AI’ campaign, bringing to life gourmet burgers by combining user-provided inputs with AI-generated visuals, offering customers a unique, interactive experience with the brand along with a chance to avail exciting offers. 

Each McDonald’s customer becomes a culinary expert figuratively, as they use an AI chatbot to imagine a gourmet burger. The chatbot will prompt users to select from a diverse range of ingredients from classic favourites to unique, exotic options, and creative combinations to craft a gourmet burger that brings gastronomical dreams to life. 

Through this initiative, McDonald’s aims not just to engage customers but also involve them by inculcating their imagination in its upcoming collection much ahead of the official launch.  

Once customers have imagined their signature burgers, they get the chance to join the exclusive McDonald's Signature Collection Club and avail exclusive offers. 

How to Participate
•    To participate, customers can click the link: ‘Imagined in AI’ to access the AI chatbot. 
•    Start imagining McDonald’s Signature burgers, after agreeing to general T&Cs.
•    Imagine all ingredients (bun, patty, exotic veggies).
•    Voila, welcome to the Signature Collection Club. 
•    Customers can collect their reward card from their nearest McDonald’s restaurant (in North and East India). 

The Signature Collection of burgers will be available across select McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India starting 4 September 2024 and will be gradually available across rest of the restaurants in the region.

In the era of globalization, the food sector, like with many others, depends significantly on cold storage facilities and other temperature-controlled spots to preserve the freshness and durability of their products. But the amount of factors—storage prices, inconsistent consumption of energy, quickly changing industrial laws, controlling temperature swings in storage capacities—is overwhelming. For hotels and restaurants, tech-based cold storage is revolutionary. We can drastically lower food deterioration by keeping exact temperatures and continuously checking inventory. These systems offer priceless information that helps reduce waste, avoid overstocking, and optimize ordering—all of which save costs and promote sustainability.

Specific restrictions are set on temperature, humidity, and air movement to stop bacteria from growing and extend the shelf life, safety, and quality of products that are kept. Additionally, inventory management systems like FIFO are used by these facilities to keep an eye on the proper rotation of commodities.

How it has become a Game Changer

Tech-based cold storage is a total game-changer for the food and beverage industry. “It's like having a superhero in the kitchen, helping us keep our ingredients fresh and fighting food waste. We're using smart tech to track everything from the moment it walks in the door to when it hits the plate. It's not just about saving money; it's about respecting the food we work with and making sure nothing goes to waste,” said Anthony Nazareth, General Manager, Yazu, Indus hospitality who commented that a future where tech-powered cold storage is standard in every kitchen, helping us all do our part for the planet.

It’s Not a Luxury, it’s a Necessity 

Cold storage helps in maintaining the freshness of the ingredients and to store them. In the vibrant and dynamic food scene of Mumbai, where fresh ingredients are paramount, tech-based cold storage is no longer a luxury but a necessity. “We understand that the heart of any great restaurant lies in the quality of its ingredients. Our tech-driven cold storage solutions ensure that every component, from the freshest produce to the finest cuts of meat, is preserved at its peak. By meticulously monitoring temperature, humidity, and inventory, we've transformed food wastage from a challenge into an opportunity. The future of dining in Mumbai is undeniably tied to technology,” added Noel D’Souza, General Manager, Gaylord Restaurant & Bakeshop who said we envision a world where cold storage becomes even more sophisticated, predicting demand, optimizing energy consumption, and minimizing environmental impact. Gaylord is committed to staying at the forefront of this evolution, ensuring that our city continues to savor the best that the culinary world has to offer.

As per Neelabh Sahay, Director of Operations, Novotel, Mumbai, “We employ a multi-pronged approach to address food waste at Novotel Juhu. Our inventory management systems are at the heart of our strategy, allowing us to meticulously track stock levels and expiration dates. Strict adherence to FIFO (First In, First Out) principles ensures that older items are utilized before newer ones. Moreover, our team is trained in proper food handling, storage, and waste reduction techniques.” He also pointed that they continuously monitor and analyze their waste to identify areas for improvement.

Any food waste in the hospitality sector has serious negative effects on society (food insecurity), the environment (climate change and biodiversity loss), and the economy (losses on the expenses of food purchased and prepared but not consumed).

Antfin Singapore Holding on Tuesday divested a little over 2 per cent stake in online food delivery firm Zomato for Rs 4,771 crore through open market transactions.

Antfin Singapore Holding Pte is an arm of Ant Financial Group, while the latter is a part of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba.

According to the bulk deal data available on the BSE, Antfin Singapore Holding sold 18,54,40,550 shares in two tranches, amounting to a 2.1 per cent stake in Gurugram-based Zomato.

The shares were disposed of in the price range of Rs 257.17-257.46 apiece, taking the transaction value to Rs 4,771.66 crore.

After the share sale, Antfin Singapore Holding's stake has been reduced to 2.14 per cent from 4.24 per cent.

Details of buyers of Zomato's shares could not be ascertained.

Shares of Zomato rose 0.27 per cent to close at Rs 263 apiece on the BSE.

In March this year, Antfin Singapore Holding pared a 2 per cent stake in Zomato for Rs 2,827 crore.

Earlier this month, food delivery aggregator Zomato reported a multifold jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 253 crore for the April-June quarter of 2024-25 compared to Rs 2 crore in the year-ago period.

The company's revenue from operations jumped more than 74 per cent to Rs 4,206 crore in the first quarter of this fiscal from Rs 2,416 crore in the April-June period of last year.

Its total expenses also rose to Rs 4,203 crore during the quarter under review, from Rs 2,612 crore a year ago.

The reporting segments for the group include the food ordering and delivery business, Hyperpure Supplies (B2B), its quick commerce offering Blinkit, the going out segment and all other residual segments.

In today's competitive food delivery landscape, standing out from the crowd is crucial for a restaurant's success. Swiggy, India's pioneering on-demand convenience platform has today launched a suite of off-app marketing solutions designed to elevate the presence and drive customer engagement for restaurant partners. 

This offering, accessible to partners PAN-India, aims to support restaurants to boost their online brand presence by leveraging social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

Ajit Panigarhi, AVP of Restaurant Marketing and Growth, at Swiggy said, “Restaurants today face immense competition and need more than just great food to attract customers. Our new set of marketing services helps brands grow their customer base by combining the reach and engagement of channels like influencer marketing, social media, and WhatsApp and the ability to acquire new users through the Swiggy platform. With this, we bring the combined power of social media and Swiggy even to the smallest of the Restaurant partners to solve for “restaurant growth” - a key problem statement for the restaurant partners.”

This initiative is part of Swiggy’s vision of creating a strong Restaurant Partner Ecosystem, providing support services and effective solutions to meet the challenges faced by the industry today.  Previously, Swiggy announced ‘Staffing Support’ an initiative to help partners hire ground staff at their set-ups.  Additionally, Licensing support was launched to help restaurants get new / renew licenses such as FSSAI, GST and Trademark. Swiggy also introduced SmartLinks, a feature that allows restaurants to generate tailored marketing links for their promotions, further driving traffic and engagement.

This initiative is now live across India. Interested restaurant partners can participate by accessing this service via the Restaurant Services icon on the Swiggy Owner app. 

Swiggy, India’s pioneering on-demand convenience platform has announced the launch of Market Intelligence Dashboard, a powerful tool designed to provide restaurant partners with comprehensive and actionable insights into their performance vis à vis the market. 

This new dashboard aims to equip restaurants with the data they need to enhance their business strategies and operational efficiency.

The dashboard offers distinct insights to support various aspects of a restaurant’s operations:

1.    Overview Tab: Provides a holistic view of a restaurant's performance compared to the market, including key metrics like business, operations, customer, and spending. This tab offers an overall score and scores in each area, allowing partners to benchmark their performance. 

2.    Business Metrics Tab: Focuses on essential business indicators such as order growth and average order value. This tab benchmarks these metrics against industry best-in-class, helping restaurants identify areas for business growth and improvement.

3.    Operational Metrics Tab: Evaluates operational efficiency through metrics like order cancellations, availability, and customer complaints. By highlighting areas needing attention, this tab ensures that restaurants can maintain high standards of service consistently.

4.    Funnel Metrics Tab: Analyses customer behaviour and conversion rates, providing insights into how customers interact with the restaurant’s menu and services. This information is vital for optimizing menu offerings and improving overall customer satisfaction.

5.    Spend Metrics Tab: Tracks marketing investments on Swiggy, including ads and discounts. This tab allows restaurants to measure the effectiveness of their marketing effort, helping them to optimize their marketing spend.

“The Market Intelligence Dashboard is a powerful tool for our restaurant partners, helping them navigate a highly competitive food delivery industry. It effectively helps partners benchmark their performance versus the best in class, understand their areas of improvement or strength and make informed business decisions,” shared Deepak Maloo, AVP – Supply.

The Market Intelligence Dashboard is available to all of Swiggy’s restaurant partners, offering them the convenience of a self-serve format. This accessibility ensures that restaurants of all sizes can leverage the tool to enhance their competitive edge.

Gurgaon-based food delivery platform Zomato has unveiled a new $458 million employee stock purchase plan.

According to Zomato's regulatory filing, which can be viewed through the National Stock Exchange, the board has received shareholder approval to grant 18,26,27,402 ESOP options under its new plan, increasing the entire ESOP pool to 31,07,80,714 options. 

The entire value of the ESOP pool is Rs 6,609 crore, or $796 million, while the newly added ESOPs are valued at Rs 3,800 crore, or $458 million. 

Zomato reached its all-time high share price of Rs 209.84 today after the ESOP approval. As a result, the company's overall market value has grown to Rs 1,84,060 crore, or $22.17 billion. 

In a separate statement, Zomato stated that it no longer intended to pursue the lending or credit business and that it had voluntarily withdrawn its application for a certificate of registration with the Reserve Bank of India to conduct the activity of an NBFC.

Zomato was sent a GST demand notice for Rs 9.5 crore earlier this week. The Gurugram-based company has now received two GST notices in as many months, after receiving an Rs 184 crore penalty notice in April of this year.

In FY24, the company had strong growth. Zomato's operational revenue increased from Rs 7,079 crore in FY22 to Rs 12,114 crore in FY24, a 71% annual increase. Additionally, the company's profits in FY24 were Rs 351 crore, compared to a loss of Rs 971 crore in FY23.

Zomato Ltd., the online food delivery platform, has been served with a Goods and Service Tax (GST) demand amounting to ₹9.45 crore by the Karnataka Assistant Commissioner of Commercial Taxes (Audit) in a recent filing.

The state's tax authority has imposed a GST of ₹5,01,95,462 on Zomato, to which an additional interest amount of ₹3.93 crore has been applied, and a fine of ₹50.19 lakh has been levied, resulting in a final tax amount of ₹9.45 crore. This demand comes following an audit of Zomato's GST returns and accounts for the financial year 2019-20.

Zomato shares rose by 0.10 per cent to close at ₹200.35 on 28 June,  a slight increase from their previous high of ₹200.15 set earlier.

In response to the tax notice, Zomato expressed confidence in its case and intends to appeal the decision to the relevant authority. 

This isn't the first time Zomato has faced GST-related scrutiny. In 2021, the company also encountered a significant GST tax demand of ₹11.82 crore from the Centre's Additional Commissioner, Central Goods and Services Tax, Gurugram, which it also contested, citing a strong case.

In its ongoing quest to expand its range of services, the leading food technology company, Zomato has introduced a new platform designed specifically for its restaurant partners.

This platform is designed to assist restaurants with a variety of operational needs, including recruitment, FSSAI registrations, tax filings, and trademark applications. It is available to Zomato's restaurant partners through their respective restaurant partner or dining app.

The company has been testing this service for the last six months and reports that it has already assisted more than 3,200 restaurant partners, including well-known names such as Havmor, Dastaan-e-Dawat, Berry on Top, Nutri Bar, and Cheelizza.

“The restaurant services hub platform is only a step towards our vision of creating a full-stack solution for any restaurant owner looking to set up shop or scale their existing business,” Zomato Food Delivery CEO Rakesh Ranjan said in a statement.

Furthermore, Zomato plans to incorporate additional features such as point of sale integrations and hygiene inspections.

In terms of recruitment, Zomato has collaborated with several vendors, including Apna, WorkIndia, Shiftz, Rozgaar Inc, and Kaam.com. The recruitment services range from INR 299 to 5,250.

Meanwhile, for FSSAI registrations, trademark protection, and GST filings, Zomato has partnered with vendors such as SRV Taxcon, GoAuditz, Plans4U, among others.

Gurgaon-based food delivery platform Zomato has increased its platform fee by 25% to Rs 5 per order. 

The platform fee is an extra charge on every order, separate from the delivery fee. Zomato started this fee in August 2023 at Rs 2 per order and then raised it to Rs 3 in October. Earlier this year, on January 1, they increased it to Rs 4 from Rs 3.

The company has also suspended its intercity delivery service, Intercity Legends.

These developments come on the heels of the company receiving tax demands and penalty orders from authorities. 

The Intercity Legends, was an initiative that used to deliver famous dishes from renowned restaurants across select cities in India. This service included biryani from Lucknow and Hyderabad and sweets from Kolkata and Bengaluru. 

Zomato transported these dishes by flight every day or two, depending on their perishability, keeping them frozen throughout the journey. 

But now, when you select the 'Legends' section on Zomato's app, the following message appears: "Enhancements are underway. Please stay tuned as we will be back to serve you soon." 

Meanwhile, Zomato has received a tax demand and penalty order amounting to Rs 11.82 crore related to GST on export services provided to its subsidiaries located outside India from July 2017 to March 2021.
 

Deepinder Goyal, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Zomato on Tuesday announced the launch of a "large fleet order", a first in India. 

The new fleet will handle group or party events for a gathering of up to 50 people. 

The feature will have "an all-electric fleet." 

"Today, we are excited to introduce India's first large order fleet, designed to handle all your large (group/party/event) orders with ease. This is an all-electric fleet, designed specifically to serve orders for a gathering of upto 50 people,” he shared on a post on X.

He added that earlier large orders were handled by multiple delivery partners and the customer experience was not what the company aspired for. 

"Such large orders were earlier served by multiple regular fleet delivery partners, and the customer experience wasn't what we really aspired for. These new vehicles should solve most of the problems our customers face while placing large orders on Zomato," pointed.

"Having said that, these vehicles are still 'work in progress', and we are in the process of adding important enhancements to them - like cooling compartments, and hot boxes with temperature control - to ensure everything arrives just the way you like," he further mentioned.

He also added that he loves building products and services that help them serve the communities better.

Catering Collective is a prominent division of K Hospitality, has revealed the selection of Arindam Chakraborty as its Chief Operating Officer (COO).

This significant decision reflects the company's aspiration to expand its operations across the country. With more than 23 years of expertise in the hotel and catering fields, Arindam possesses extensive knowledge primarily in the realm of hospitality.

"We are delighted to  welcome Arindam to the Catering Collective team. His appointment as COO underscores our dedication to  fostering growth and upholding excellence across our operations. With his extensive experience and  proven track record in driving business success, we are confident in his ability to play a pivotal role as we  advance and expand this important business vertical across India." said Karan Kapur, Executive Director, K Hospitality.

Before joining Catering Collective, Arindam has occupied significant leadership roles at prominent establishments including Brookfield Properties, The Leela Palaces - Hotels and Resorts, Radisson, The Claridges Hotels, among others.

“I am  honoured to join Catering Collective and am excited about the journey ahead. Catering Collective has  established itself as a premier brand in the luxury banqueting and catering space, and I am committed to  furthering its reputation for excellence & innovation. Working alongside a highly skilled team, I look  forward to driving growth, fostering culture alignment, innovation, diversity & sustainability within the organisation. The goal will be to deliver unparalleled experiences to our clients and guests.” said Arindam Chakraborty, COO, Catering Collective.

His specialization lies in orchestrating large-scale corporate, MICE, and residential wedding events. Arindam's skill set encompasses operations management, strategic planning, and business development, rendering him an invaluable addition to Catering Collective's expansion endeavors.

Tim Hortons is marking the grand opening of two new locations, one in Atlanta and the other in Fairburn, Georgia.

The festivities are scheduled for April 12th, with the first 100 visitors at each restaurant receiving a Tim Hortons gift card.

Furthermore, attendees have the opportunity to buy any size of hot or iced coffee for only 99 cents and a 10-pack of Timbits for just $1.

The Fairburn grand opening festivities will feature complimentary Iced Capp beverage samples while stocks last, along with entertainment for children including a bouncy castle and inflatable slide, as outlined in a press release.

Katerina Glyptis, the U.S. president of Tim Hortons, expressed gratitude for the warm reception from the Columbus community and excitement about the brand's expansion in Georgia with two new restaurants in Atlanta. Highlighting Tim Hortons' 40-year presence in the U.S., Glyptis looks forward to introducing the brand to more Americans in 2024, with plans for additional restaurant openings and entry into new markets.

Glyptis also shared her delight in hearing from Tim Hortons enthusiasts nationwide eager for the brand to arrive in their neighborhoods.

Founded in 1964, Tim Hortons has grown into a global brand with over 5,700 stores worldwide.

Simpl, India's leading Checkout Network has unveiled an extended collaboration with Zomato.

This expansion integrates Simpl's 1-Tap Checkout feature with Zomato Gold, Intercity Legends, and Zomato Everyday, aiming to elevate convenience for numerous customers nationwide.

The initiative seeks to boost conversions, elevate average order value, and enhance user retention on the platform, among other benefits.

This expansion aligns with Zomato's overarching goal of providing enhanced food experiences conveniently to its customers.

By integrating Simpl's 1-Tap Checkout into Zomato, both companies anticipate the participation of millions of new and existing users, broadening the scope of services offered.

This development holds importance as Simpl has surpassed 100 million checkouts on Zomato within six years since 2017, indicating a robust consumer inclination towards streamlined checkout experiences.

The expansion will be fueled by the rising influx of customers from tier-3 cities and beyond transitioning to online platforms, alongside the escalating frequency of orders from customers in metropolitan and tier-1,2 cities.

This trend is further supported by an expanding customer base seeking convenience through Simpl's 1-Tap Checkout.

Both companies anticipate substantial growth in their clientele over the upcoming years as a result.

“Convenience is becoming a real differentiator in e-commerce today after selection and affordability, particularly with respect to food ordering and delivery, where customers transact more frequently than for any other category. This necessitates the need for a hassle free checkout solution which offers near zero transaction failures and a 1-Tap experience. These fundamentals have driven more than 100 million transactions on Zomato till date and we are excited to cater to a larger customer base with the Zomato Gold, Intercity Legends and Zomato Every day, helping further deepen our presence in this space”. said Nitya Sharma, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Simpl.

The remarkable checkout success rate of 99% achieved through Simpl's 1-Tap feature on Zomato underscores customers' growing preference for added convenience.

Over the past five years, Simpl's contribution to the platform's checkout process has witnessed substantial growth. Moreover, spending per user via 1-Tap checkout has surged by nearly 27 times since 2018.

Notably, on New Year's Eve 2024, the platform recorded its highest-ever single transaction amounting to Rs 18,807 facilitated through Simpl's 1-Tap Checkout on Zomato.

 “Our endeavour is to deliver exceptional and convenient customer experience at all times. Simpl has been our long standing partner and the integration across offerings has allowed us to extend 1-Tap access to our customers, making their interaction with the platform seamless and hassle free". said Rakesh Ranjan, Chief Executive Officer, Food Delivery, Zomato.

Simpl's 1-Tap Checkout, accessible through 26,000 merchants, provides a seamless checkout experience with minimal transaction errors, making it the choice for millions of consumers.

Presently, numerous prominent enterprises and emerging Direct-to-Customer (D2C) merchants in the food and hyperlocal delivery sectors extend Simpl's 1-Tap Checkout to millions of their customers nationwide.

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has joined hands with online food delivery platform Swiggy to deliver food at Bangalore, Bhubaneshwar, Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada railway stations. 

The service is to begin from March 12, adding 59 other stations in next six months.

IRCTC is already in partnership with Zomato for food delivery across 63 stations on Indian Railways network.

“This partnership with Swiggy will bring more convenience and food options to our passengers, making their journeys more memorable,” shared Sanjay Kumar Jain, Chairman and Managing Director, IRCTC.

According to IRCTC, passengers travelling in reserved coaches can order food from Swiggy. The unreserved passengers have been excluded from this service as it requires a PNR number.

Passengers have to put PNR on the IRCTC app, then select the preferred station for food delivery, browse the list of restaurants on Swiggy, and choose a restaurant that is delivering at the specified location and time. The charges will be normal and competitive, mentioned Swiggy.

The food delivered to passengers will be packed in insulated Swiggy bags to keep the meal warm and fresh. Swiggy’s delivery partner would reach the selected platform minutes before delivery, hand over the food to the customer and mark the food delivered.

“The Indian Railways transports more than 8 billion passengers annually. If, during these rail journeys, which traverse across states and districts, one has the option to order meals to explore the culinary diversity of India, it would make the experience more convenient and enjoyable, and add to the overall vividness of the train travel,” added Rohit Kapoor, CEO, Food Marketplace, Swiggy.

Swiggy’s support agents will be trained in resolution process and cancellation policies as well.
 

Following a bomb blast at its Brookefield branch, The Rameshwaram Cafe, security measures have been intensified throughout the state, including its capital city.

The day after a minor explosion occurred at a well-known eatery in the city, injuring 10 individuals, the Bruhath Bangalore Hotels Association announced its intention to develop a strategy for improving security measures at all hotels in the city.

Additionally, discussions will be held regarding preventive measures aimed at enhancing safety in public spaces.

The incident took place on Friday afternoon at the Brookefield branch of the Rameshwaram Cafe, prompting heightened security measures throughout the state and its capital.

The Association plans to organize a meeting involving police officials, hotel owners, and relevant stakeholders to address Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aimed at ensuring vigilance within hotels.

Discussions will encompass guidelines for conduct within hotels, a review of existing SOPs, and the implementation of heightened security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The meeting will also address the implementation of an upgraded security system and advocate for a strict policy against the presence of any "suspicious individuals" or "loiterers" in hotels going forward. PC Rao, President of the Bruhath Bangalore Hotels Association, mentioned that upon the conclusion of the police investigation, they will promptly convene a meeting with the police department, cafe and hotel owners, and other stakeholders.

The objective will be to devise a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing security measures at eateries to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

"We are currently exploring methods to improve the security system and guarantee the safety of individuals in public spaces.

However, our actions are contingent upon receiving the official report from the police department regarding the circumstances of the blast. Once the investigation concludes, we will address the issue and formulate a comprehensive plan.

Our deliberations are ongoing, and we are scheduled to hold a meeting next week with police authorities and other stakeholders in the hospitality sector," he informed PTI.

Uber has joined hands with robotics firm Cartken and Japanese industrial titan Mitsubishi Electric to launch autonomous sidewalk robots to deliver Eats orders in parts of Tokyo starting March.

With this, Japan will become the first international market to have autonomous delivery available on the Uber Eats platform. 

Cartken’s Model C robots will be delivering the food and navigating the sidewalks of Tokyo, and the operations will be supervised by Mitsubishi Electric as part of the partnership.

Cartken’s Model C robots use AI and computer vision technologies to navigate their environments.

According to reports, Uber Eats and Cartken first partnered in parts of Miami in 2022, and expanded robot delivery to Fairfax, Virginia in 2023.

Shoji Tanaka, the senior general manager of the Advanced Application Development Center, Development Division at Mitsubishi Electric said in a statement that robot delivery services “is considered to be an effective countermeasure to the logistics crisis that will become more serious in the future.”

Tanaka also mentioned that Mitsubishi has been working with Cartken to “respond to such social issues.”

“We hope that this newly announced initiative will serve as a catalyst for the spread of robot delivery services in Japan,” he added.

Setting out on a motorcycle road trip is more than just an exhilarating journey. It is a distinctive experience that transcends the ordinary, inviting riders to forge a deep connection with the open road and the pulse of their machines. Translating this experience to a cup of coffee that is crafted to capture the essence of the open road, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters has partnered with Royal Enfield to introduce a unique coffee blend - the Royal Enfield Cruise Blend.

Boasting a chocolatey and nutty flavour profile with tasting notes of roasted hazelnut, caramel and raisins, this aromatic blend aims to fuel the ride, while elevating the combination of the open road and a leisurely cruise. 

To kickstart the collaboration Royal Enfield took 12 distinct explorers and coffee enthusiasts on a ride through the plush terrain of the Eastern Ghats giving them an immersive experience of the journey of coffee from crop to cup at the MSP Gowri Estate. Starting from Bangalore, the ride delved into the rich heritage of coffee, exploring its origins and the captivating stories behind its cultivation.

The 'Royal Enfield Cruise Blend' will be available for purchase starting February 8, 2024 at select Blue Tokai outlets and their corresponding Swiggy and Zomato pages. 

Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters is India’s largest specialty coffee brand, with its headquarters in Gurugram, India. Launched in 2013 as a roastery, Blue Tokai’s vision is to make great quality Indian coffee more accessible across formats. 

Currently, the brand is home to 4 roasteries, over 90 physical outlets across major Indian cities and regions including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Mohali and Pune, as well as international operations in Japan. In addition to these, Blue Tokai has also partnered with the country's marquee retail outlets, luxury hotels & restaurants, top corporates and co-working spaces amongst others. 

The Bruhat Bengaluru Hoteliers Association (BBHA) has penned a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, outlining various pre-budget requests.

Notably, their primary appeal centers on permitting restaurants and eateries to operate round the clock.

PC Rao, President of BBHA, has consistently emphasized that allowing 24/7 operations would stimulate business growth, boost employment opportunities, and better serve customers, particularly those on night shifts.

Following a meeting with Home Minister G Parameshwara, Rao stated that the government is actively addressing the matter and reassured that permission will be granted soon, noting that it was discussed in a cabinet meeting.

Last year, the association also raised their appeal with deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, who reportedly responded positively to their request.

Contrarily, Bengaluru City Police have previously declined requests for 24/7 operations, citing staff shortages to maintain law and order.

The association reports that Bengaluru hosts over 24,000 hotels, with nearly 10 percent willing to operate round the clock. Many aim to cater exclusively to night workers like auto drivers, newspaper vendors, media professionals, and florists.

Emphasizing the need to limit operations to commercial areas to avoid disturbances in residential zones, the association points out that states like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have already permitted 24/7 operations.

The association additionally proposes that trade licenses, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licenses, and Shop and Establishment licenses be made permanent to streamline business operations.

Furthermore, they urge the state government to confer industrial status upon the hotel sector.

They have observed that as the hotel industry significantly contributes to tourism growth, establishments in tourist hubs should receive special allowances regarding license registration and property taxes. Misbah Sheikh, a night shift employee, expressed that allowing 24/7 operations would be highly advantageous if the government considered it.

"On certain occasions, I struggle to arrange food to sustain myself during the entire shift. Once my shift concludes at 4 am, I often find myself waiting until 6-6:30 am for restaurants to start serving. As night shift workers, our health is already compromised due to our unusual work hours. Access to food is essential to help us cope," she explained. 

Zomato, a food-delivery platform and Stripe, an international financial infrastructure provider, have both secured final approval from the regulator to operate as online payment aggregators.

Zomato obtained approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on January 24, while Stripe received the green light on January 15.

The recent approvals bring the total number of entities granted the regulator's final authorization to operate as online aggregators in the country to 11.

In December of the previous year, the RBI granted final approval to payment gateways Razorpay and Cashfree to function as payment aggregators. This clearance allowed them to onboard new merchants, marking the end of a year-long embargo.

During a similar timeframe, Google Pay, the prominent player in payments, along with expense management platform Enkash and neo-banking startup Open Financial, also obtained approval from the regulator.

In a BSE filing on Thursday, Zomato announced that its subsidiary, Zomato Payments Pvt Ltd has received approval from the RBI to function as a payment aggregator.

As per an informed source, the Gurugram-based company has no intention of entering the fintech sector as an independent entity. Instead, it is obtaining financial services licenses to enhance its offerings within its own ecosystem.

"Internally, the company has been deliberating on leveraging its payment processing infrastructure across various apps catering to both consumers and merchants, including services such as food delivery, dining out, Blinkit, Hyperpure, and more," stated the individual.

In 2022, Zomato established a non-banking financial company (NBFC) and submitted an application for a license to provide lending products specifically designed for its restaurant partners.

In that same year, Zomato introduced Zomato Pay as the third version of its dining out program, enabling customers to make payments and access discounts at partner restaurants through the Zomato app.

The central bank has been implementing thorough checks at various levels to ensure the careful selection of companies for the ultimate approval to function as a payment aggregator.

The RBI had additionally prohibited other payment gateways, including Paytm and PayU, from bringing onboard new merchants. Both entities were instructed to submit their applications again.

Ramee Group of Hotels has announced the strategic appointments in the general management of key hotels, reinforcing its dedication to excellence and guest satisfaction.

Mr. Dinesh Kumar Upadhyay, with almost two decades of industry expertise, assumes the role of General Manager at Ramee Udaipur.

“I am joining Ramee Group with a positive outlook, aspiring to foster a constructive and flourishing work environment that aligns with the legacy that Ramee Group of Hotels hold.” said Dinesh Upadhyay.

His responsibilities encompass enhancing the hotel's profile, prioritizing guest satisfaction, achieving commendable Gross Operating Profit (GOP), and ensuring seamless operations. Mr. Upadhyay, with a rich background in renowned hotel groups, expresses dedication to fostering a positive work environment aligned with Ramee Group's legacy.

Simultaneously, Mr. Hasan Ullah, with nearly two decades in hospitality and three years in banking, takes on the role of General Manager at Ramee Juhu, Mumbai, overseeing Operations and Sales.

His commitment to genuine service aligns with Ramee Group's ethos of providing unparalleled experiences.

"In the realm of hospitality, genuine service is the true measure of intelligence. Every effort should bring joy, satisfaction, and a sense of purpose to both guests and the team. I am thrilled to join the Ramee Group and am enthusiastic about contributing my experience to further elevate the lifestyle experience that this brand holds.” said Hasan Ullah.

These appointments mark a significant stride in Ramee Group with Saurabh Gahoi, Vice President, expressing confidence in the extensive experience and commitment of the appointees to enhance guest experiences and contribute to the  growth of Ramee Group of Hotels, India.

Swiggy, India's one of the leading on-demand convenience platform, is marking a significant milestone in its nationwide expansion. 
Coinciding with India's 75th Republic Day celebrations, Swiggy is now debuting its food delivery services in the island city of Agatti in Lakshadweep. 

As the first online food delivery platform to enter Lakshadweep, Swiggy will be introducing the convenience of food delivery to the locals while also ensuring tourists can experience food from the best local restaurants just the way they do back in their hometowns. 

A culinary paradise at your doorstep

For an island that is very attractive to tourists, Swiggy’s arrival opens new avenues for local businesses to thrive and for visitors to explore local flavours. Agatti, known for its delectable tuna and seafood delicacies, is set to become a culinary paradise at your fingertips with Swiggy. The island is dotted with lively beachside shacks that serve mouth-watering food, making it an unmatched destination for culinary enthusiasts. From partnering with island's local favourites to bringing the Lakshwadeep’s delectable seafood, Swiggy promises a seamless food ordering experience for islanders and tourists alike. 

“Swiggy has consistently strived to deliver unmatched convenience to its users. This expansion marks a significant milestone for us, as we become the first online food delivery service to make a foray in Lakshadweep. We are excited to partner with local restaurants and support them in expanding their businesses, while also creating income opportunities for the local youth,” shared Sidharth Bhakoo, National Business Head, Food Marketplace, Swiggy.

Beyond its culinary delights, Agatti Island exudes the warmth of its friendly locals and is celebrated as a prime destination for scuba enthusiasts for an immersive experience. Acknowledging the unique ecological landscape of Lakshadweep, Swiggy has taken a conscious step towards eco-friendly practices in the region ensuring all deliveries are made only using bicycles. This initiative enables efficient and timely delivery while also preserving the ecological balance of the region. 

Celebrating the launch

First-time Swiggy users in Agatti can savour a special launch offer of 50% discount up to INR 100 and free delivery on first orders.
Expressing his delight, Fazal Rahman, Swiggy Restaurant Partner and Head of City Hotel Lakshadweep, said, “We are thrilled to team up with Swiggy as they launch in Lakshadweep. This partnership is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the unique flavours of our island to a broader consumers. With Swiggy's expansion, we are looking forward to reaching more customers, tourists, increasing our sales, and gaining national recognition for our culinary offerings than ever before.”

Mohammed Hamlersha, Swiggy Restaurant Partner and Head of AFC Lakshadweep, said,We are excited to welcome a culinary revolution as Swiggy launches in Agatti Island, bringing a feast of flavors to the doorsteps. I am sure it is going to elevate our delivery experience with the convenience of Swiggy – where every bite is a celebration!

With a phased expansion across key islands among the 36 islands that make up Lakshadweep, Swiggy aims to empower local culinary talents and enrich experiences for residents and visitors alike.

According to a Reuters report, Butter chicken, a globally renowned Indian dish, is not only delicious but also the center of a legal dispute between two Indian restaurant chains, each asserting ownership claims over its origins.

The legal battle, gaining significant attention in India was initiated by the family associated with Moti Mahal, a renowned Delhi restaurant brand that has hosted notable figures such as late U.S. President Richard Nixon and India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

The lawsuit alleges that the founder of the restaurant, Kundan Lal Gujral, crafted the curry in the 1930s during the initial opening of the restaurant in Peshawar, before later relocating to Delhi.

In a comprehensive 2,752-page legal document, the Moti Mahal family has filed a lawsuit against the rival chain Daryaganj, accusing it of making false claims about inventing both the butter chicken and dal makhani, a well-liked lentil dish rich in butter and cream.

The Gujral family is pursuing $240,000 in compensation, claiming that Daryaganj not only imitated the layout of Moti Mahal's website but also replicated the overall ambiance of its restaurants, alleging infringement on both digital and physical aspects.

You cannot diminish someone's legacy. The dish was created during our grandfather's time in Pakistan," stated Monish Gujral, who serves as the managing director at Moti Mahal.

Daryaganj, a relatively new establishment founded in 2019, rebuts the claims by asserting that their late family member, Kundan Lal Jaggi, collaborated with Gujral to launch the Delhi restaurant in 1947, and it was at that location that the dish was originally created. This, according to Daryaganj, provides them with the legitimacy to stake a claim to the invention of the dish.

Daryaganj provided Reuters with a weathered, handwritten partnership document dated 1949 as evidence supporting its stance.

The controversy has seized the nation's interest, with Indian television channels featuring segments on the dish's history and discussions raging across social media platforms.

Ameet Datta, an intellectual property lawyer at Saikrishna & Associates in India, commented, "It's an unusual and distinctive case. Determining the originator of the first serving of butter chicken is quite challenging. The court will face difficulties and may have to depend on indirect evidence."

Datta emphasized that testimonies from individuals who can establish a connection between the restaurant brand and the dish they consumed many years ago could serve as crucial evidence.

Rebel Foods, the world’s largest internet restaurant company, has joined the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), an initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. 

Customers can now order from 9 customer-first Rebel Foods brands through the Open Network. 

Through this pioneering move, Rebel Foods stands as the only world's largest internet restaurant company to have its brands integrated into the Network.

“Rebel Foods' presence on the ONDC Network represents another crucial touchpoint in our journey. We are leveraging cutting-edge technology for faster market access and increased flexibility. As the first cloud kitchen company of its magnitude to join the ONDC Network, it seamlessly aligns with our mission to establish an open, unbundled, and interoperable Open Network that fosters innovation, inclusion and accessibility,” shared T Koshy, MD & CEO, ONDC.

The cloud kitchen company will directly extend its own D2C platform EatSure to bring its multiple restaurant brands on the ONDC Network including Behrouz Biryani, Oven Story Pizza, Faasos, Sweet Truth, LunchBox, The Good Bowl, Firangi Bake, The Biryani Life and Wendy’s®. Through Open Network, Rebel Foods’ customer-loved brands aim to create multiple consumer touchpoints through disruptive innovations.

“Our collaboration with ONDC marks a pivotal moment, elevating our footprint and introducing EatSure’s trusted restaurants to a wide customer base. By being the only internet restaurant company at this scale to integrate on the ONDC seller app, we're innovating with new touchpoints to create extraordinary customer experiences. Rebel Foods going live on ONDC not only unlocks new business opportunities but reiterates our commitment to bringing our customer-loved brands across food missions in multiple geographies,” added Sagar Kochhar, Co-Founder, Rebel Foods.

India's tech stack is growing rapidly, and initiatives like the ONDC Protocol are playing a crucial role in driving innovation and growth for brands across the country. With ONDC, Rebel Foods brands will benefit from the network’s extensive accessibility.

Conrad Pune, Hilton Worldwide's premier luxury hotel has announced the appointment of Ramandeep Singh Kapur as the Director of Operations.

With an impressive 16-year tenure in the realm of luxury hospitality, Ramandeep brings extensive experience and expertise to his recent position.

Ramandeep Singh Kapur is a highly experienced professional with a notable career, having held key positions at renowned entities like Hyatt hotels, Marriott International, DLF Super Luxury real estate developer, and the Oberoi Group.

His broad expertise encompasses leadership roles in top-tier business hotels, luxury real estate, and resort properties.

Ramandeep Singh Kapur achieved significant success in his latest role as the Operations Manager at Plaza Premium Lounge, Heathrow Airport, London, starting in January 2023.

In this position, he showcased his proficiency in managing operations within a dynamic international airport setting, ensuring the delivery of exceptional services.

Before that, Ramandeep held the position of Director of Operations at Hyatt, Andaz, Delhi, from January 2022 to November 2022.

During this period, he played a crucial role in shaping business strategies, boosting revenue, and overseeing various aspects of hotel operations in a competitive market.

Across his professional journey, Ramandeep has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership attributes by effectively guiding teams, implementing successful business strategies, and swiftly adapting to evolving market dynamics.

His talent for recognizing and leveraging opportunities has been a substantial factor in the achievements of the organizations he has been associated with.

“We're excited to have Ramandeep Singh Kapur join us as the Director of Operations. Given his pivotal contributions to shaping business strategies, driving revenue, and adeptly adapting to changing market conditions, there's no doubt he's going to bring a lot to the table. With his leadership, we're eager to uphold our commitment to delivering unforgettable customer experiences for all our guests.” said Abhishek Sahai, General Manager, Conrad Pune.

The hotel is optimistic that his strategic insight and established history of exceptional performance will greatly contribute to enhancing the guest experience and reinforcing Conrad Pune's standing as a top-tier luxury destination.

McDonald’s Corporation and Accenture has announced an expansion of their strategic partnership to help execute McDonald’s strategy to leverage the latest edge technology and apply generative AI solutions across its restaurants worldwide to improve operations as well as customer and crew experience.

Through this work, McDonald’s also will enhance the digital capabilities of its employees.

“In order to unlock the opportunity in our ongoing digital investments, we chose Accenture, our long-time partner who has helped us build our digital foundation, to work with us on this next phase of innovation. Accenture’s deep understanding of our business, our industry, and of course technology, will allow us to leverage the full potential of the cloud and generative AI solutions by implementing advanced practices to quickly leverage those technologies as well as to nurture and empower the talent within our organization,” shared Brian Rice, executive vice president and global chief information officer, McDonald's.

This partnership will help support McDonald’s technology strategy which aims to leverage scale and unlock greater speed and efficiency for customers, restaurant teams, and employees. 

This includes the acceleration of automation innovation from equipment manufacturers, allowing restaurant general managers to quickly spot and enact solutions to reduce business disruptions, ultimately reducing complexity for restaurant crew and leading to customer benefits such as hotter, fresher food.

This phase of innovation is also designed to build an even stronger technology team at McDonald's. Accenture will help train and support McDonald’s global workforce by using Accenture’s learning and development programs, online training courses and boot camps for emerging talent to ensure the workforce has the AI, data and edge computing skills needed in the digital era.

“We are incredibly proud to continue to partner with McDonald’s as they reinvent the customer experience, stay ahead of their customers’ changing needs and reimagine what a restaurant can be. This new work will be a leading example across industries of innovating with tech data and AI at the core, across the cloud continuum, all the way to the edge. And doing so in a way that keeps their people in the forefront, building the skills they need to meet and delight their customers in new ways every day,” added Julie Sweet, chair and CEO, Accenture.

Zomato's CEO, Deepinder Goyal, responded to media speculation, stating that the company currently has no intentions of pursuing an acquisition, contrary to reports suggesting a $2 billion offer for Shiprocket.

Goyal addressed circulating mainstream media articles claiming Zomato's $2 billion offer to acquire Shiprocket, firmly denying the statement. He cautioned investors about the inaccuracies in the news and emphasized Zomato's current focus on existing ventures, confirming no immediate plans for acquisition.

Previously, certain media sources inaccurately reported Zomato's alleged offer of approximately $2 billion (about Rs 16,600 crore) to the shipping startup.

Goyal mentioned that although the company typically refrains from addressing such speculations, it's making an exception due to the substantial mentioned deal size.

Zomato's CEO, Deepinder Goyal, dismissed reports of a $2 billion acquisition offer for Shiprocket, affirming that the company currently isn't considering any acquisition.

Gauri Khan combined her skills with the vision of Co-founders Abhayraj & Simar Kohli to reimagine the Grandmama's cafe style.

“I believe in creating spaces that resonate with warmth and timeless elegance. Designing Grandmama's Cafe was a journey of weaving cherished memories into every corner, crafting an environment where nostalgia meets contemporary comfort. It was about creating a space where memories can naturally happen”. said Gauri Khan.  

Gauri Khan Designs has harmonized tradition and modern elements, creating an enchanting atmosphere. This blend ensures a timeless ambiance akin to its delectable culinary offerings.

“We envisioned a living room, a charming escape into nostalgia. Collaborating with Gauri Khan has breathed life into this vision, and we eagerly anticipate our patrons stepping into this enchanting ambience, we want to see them just as charmed and soak in the brilliance” said Simar Kohli.

The collaboration between Gauri Khan and Grandmama’s Cafe was innovatively envisioned and brought to life by Bottomline Media, led by Tanaaz Bhatia.

This agency specializes in forging strategic partnerships between celebrities and brands, crafting unique intellectual properties (IPs), and developing campaigns.

Bottomline Media focuses on luxury hospitality, film marketing, digital strategy, managing celebrities, and facilitating collaborations and promotions with international artists.

For quite some time, Grandmama's has been a haven of comfort, and now, through Gauri Khan's transformation, it adopts a fresh identity that seamlessly merging the past with futuristic elements.

Japanese tech-giant SoftBank’s venture capital fund SVF Growth, Singapore, is planning to sell 1.1% stake in Indian food delivery firm Zomato for 10.24 billion rupees ($123.24 million).

According to the reports, SVF Growth will sell the stake at an offer price of 109.4 rupees to 111.65 rupees per share, a 2% discount to its current market price at the lower end, the report added.

In August, SoftBank’s Vision Fund sold a 1.17% stake in Zomato in a deal valued at 9.47 billion rupees at 94.7 rupees apiece in bulk deals.

Similarly, private equity firm Tiger Global, also sold its remaining 11.24 billion rupees stake in the company after cutting 2.34% stake last year.

Zomato shares have gained 88.3% so far this year and closed 1.4% lower on Thursday.

A majority of Zomato shares are owned by just three venture capital investors, namely, Softbank, Sequoia, and Tiger Global.

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC) has partnered with Zomato to offer a broader array of food options for rail travelers through its E-Catering segment.

“This is to inform that in view of widening the range of options available to rail passengers for ordering food of their choice under IRCTC’s E- Catering segment, IRCTC has tied up with M/s. Zomato Limited for supply and delivery of preordered meals through IRCTC’s E-catering portal as a Proof of Concept (PoC) in the first phase at five Railway stations i.e. New Delhi, Prayagraj, Kanpur, Lucknow & Varanasi," shared IRCTC in a statement. 

As part of this collaboration, IRCTC has initiated a Proof of Concept (PoC) at five prominent railway stations: New Delhi, Prayagraj, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Varanasi. 

Under this PoC, passengers can conveniently order and receive preordered meals via the IRCTC E-Catering portal with the assistance of Zomato.

This strategic alliance is set to provide rail passengers with more choices and convenience when it comes to their culinary preferences, making their travel experience more enjoyable and comfortable.
 

Rebel Foods, world’s largest internet restaurant company, after following the resounding success of its first smart foodcourt at Law College Road, has launched EatSure’s second smart foodcourt at Baner, Pune. 

The foodcourt will offer 15+ iconic brands across food categories under a single roof. Located near Balewadi High Street, this unique store is spread across 1000 sq ft, offering a complete digital customer experience. 

“With the aim of building EatSure as a category creator and bringing multiple category leading brands together, we are re-imagining the conventional offline F&B experience. The launch of our second smart food court in Baner represents a significant step forward towards EatSure’s overarching mission of bringing the foodcourt experience to high-streets,” shared Sagar Kochhar, Co-Founder, Rebel Foods.

The Baner foodcourt aims to redefine dining with seamless, digitally-driven ordering experience, offering convenience and diverse culinary choices all under one roof. 

This is in line with EatSure's commitment to open 100 offline stores in different categories in the next two years.

The Baner Foodcourt will feature EatSure’s USP of ordering from multiple brands in a single order and will carry forward the tradition of a queue-less, completely digital ordering experience. In addition to this, customers can place orders from iconic brands together through kiosks and ipads or by scanning QR codes on the table. The order once prepared will be notified to customers through the digital screens in store or through a WhatsApp message. Apart from the unique digital ordering experience, the EatSure foodcourt will be home to brands across food missions. 

Customers can indulge in a wide range of culinary delights, whether craving the rich flavours of Behrouz Biryani, the delectable wraps from Faasos, the mouth watering pizzas from Ovenstory, or the indulgent desserts from Sweet Truth, you can enjoy it all in a single order. Apart from these, the foodcourt will also feature iconic brands such as Wendy’s, Lunchbox, SLAY Coffee, Firangi Bake, and many others. This innovative approach ensures that friends, families, and groups can enjoy their favourite dishes without the hassle of ordering separately or waiting in long queues. This is one of its kind venture that is presented by any QSR or food-tech player in India. 

On-demand convenience delivery platform Swiggy has announced that it has facilitated disbursal of over 450 crores as part of its capital assist program. 

Swiggy’s Capital Assist Program which was launched in 2017 is a first-in-the-segment solution designed to bridge the financing gap and empower restaurant owners. 

Over 8,000 restaurants have availed loans so far, of which 3000 availed loans in 2022 alone. 

"Swiggy is constantly looking at innovative ways to help our restaurant partners succeed. The NBFCs will soon facilitate more exciting solutions like pre-approved loans to enable our partners to gain easier and quicker access to capital, driving even more growth for their businesses,” shared Swapnil Bajpai, VP - Supply, Swiggy.

Having enough working capital is vital for a restaurant's success. Swiggy’s Capital Assist program is tailored to meet the unique financial needs of restaurant owners by collaborating with lending partners such as Indifi, Incred, FT Cash, PayU Finance & IIFL. The program offers a range of financial products, including term loans and credit lines.  

Through Swiggy Capital Assist, financial institutions have been able to offer several advantages that set it apart from traditional industry offerings. From quick sign-ups to even quicker approvals, through Capital Assist program, the NBFCs take a fast, easy, and efficient approach to provide funds for our restaurant partner’s business needs. Restaurant owners can easily apply via Swiggy’s Owner App by clicking on "Get Loans". If you can't find it, don't worry – we'll get in touch with you. 

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.

Coffee Day Enterprises is considering the commencement of negotiations for a settlement with IDBI Trusteeship.

The latter has initiated bankruptcy proceedings against the struggling coffee chain to recoup outstanding payments owed to bondholders.

In a regulatory disclosure submitted to the stock exchange on September 8, Coffee Day reported that IDBI Trusteeship had initiated legal action against the company to reclaim Rs 228 crore in dues.

Subsequently, on the following Monday, the company's stock experienced a significant decline of 14.6%, trading at Rs 45 per share, in response to the news of the bankruptcy proceedings.

The stock had witnessed a surge in recent months, primarily driven by the heightened efforts of Malavika Hegde, the widow of Coffee Day's founder, Siddhartha, to revive the company.

According to information from banking insiders, Ares SSG acquired Coffee Day bonds at a reduced price through its special situation fund.

The asset reconstruction firm commenced bankruptcy proceedings via IDBI Trusteeship due to non-receipt of payment.

Lenders anticipate that the company will likely propose a settlement, as they recall a previous instance in February when Phoenix ARC had initiated insolvency proceedings but withdrew them when the company engaged in settlement negotiations.

Coffee Day subsequently forged a restructuring agreement with Phoenix ARC on April 27. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) granted permission for the withdrawal of the petition on June 19, with the provision that Phoenix ARC retains the option to submit a new company petition in accordance with the law if the restructuring agreement does not succeed.

In the preceding month, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal halted a corporate insolvency case against Coffee Day Global, a subsidiary of Coffee Day Enterprises, which was pending in NCLT Bengaluru.

The company lodged an appeal against the bankruptcy proceedings initiated by financial creditors, citing that the claims were related to a period during which the government had declared a loan repayment moratorium in response to the pandemic.

China-based smart POS hardware provider, Telpo, the leading payment platform, AliPay, and the QSR chain giant, Burger King, have jointly launched a self-ordering kiosk to streamline the self-service ordering and payment process. 

Now, the Telpo kiosks have been widely applied in Burger King’s Chinese outlets.

Customers can complete the order and check out by themselves, which will help them save queuing time and enjoy a more convenient and fast order process in a way. Second, self-order kiosks can provide customers interactive experience and enhance their order interesting.

When customer traffic is low, self-order kiosks can display restaurant dynamics and advertisements on the screen. 

In addition, the self-order kiosk K20 (Originally called TPS781) adopts a 3D structured light camera, making the accuracy of face recognition up to 99.9%. In order to further guarantee customers privacy issues, this kiosk possesses the living body recognition technology which completely eradicates fraudulent photos or videos and other beguiling behavior. 
 

McDonald's India – North and East has continuously shown its dedication to promoting sustainability within the green economy.

The company has taken various actions such as adopting renewable energy, using eco-friendly packaging, and responsibly sourcing materials to support the environment.

In alignment with this commitment, McDonald's India – North and East has formed a collaboration with NueGo, a leading electric bus service under GreenCell Mobility's umbrella.

“We are deeply committed to and invested in sustainable earth intention. We are excited about our collaboration with NueGo in jointly contributing to a carbon-neutral economy.” said, Mr. Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director, McDonald's India – North and East.

This partnership arises from a mutual goal of embracing sustainability and advocating for eco-friendly transportation choices.

With a focus on meeting the preferences of modern, environmentally aware travellers, the collaboration intends to provide effortless and convenient dining choices for those who opt for NueGo's sustainable travel alternatives.

Travelers selecting the NueGo bus service from New Delhi's Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) to well-known locations like Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Dehradun, Agra, or Jaipur, will have the option to request McDonald's meals while they wait for their departure.

An exclusive lounge will be provided for this purpose. The collaboration's reach will gradually grow to encompass more routes, and a pre-booking option for meals will also be introduced to elevate the convenience for travelers.

“We at GreenCell Mobility, are thrilled to join hands with the renowned global entity McDonald’s India – North and East, to pilot a new-age food delivery approach tailored for NueGo’s environmentally aware travelers. This unique collaboration will reinforce our commitment to sustainable mobility and our dedication to delivering inventive customer experiences.” said, Mr. Devendra Chawla, CEO and MD, – GreenCell Mobility.

Demonstrating its commitment to environmental stewardship, McDonald’s India – North and East has embraced inventive approaches to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate the environmental repercussions of waste, and safeguard natural reserves.

The company utilizes FSC-certified paper-based packaging, sourced from recycled materials or well-managed forests, as a sustainable replacement for plastic packaging.

Remarkably, the brand's French Fries are manufactured in a zero-water discharge facility situated in India, leading to a substantial reduction in water usage.

The brand's dedication encompasses conscientious sourcing of ingredients, backing supply chains that have a positive impact on nature and the farmers involved.

As an illustration, the brand acquires coffee through sustainable means, backed by Rainforest Alliance certification.

This approach empowers coffee farmers to improve productivity while adhering to sustainable methods.

Furthermore, McDonald's India – North and East's involvement in procuring local lettuce has benefited over 250 small and less privileged farmers nationwide, fostering the adoption of sound agricultural practices.

The brand's dedication to sustainability is apparent in its utilization of palm oil, which is entirely obtained through sustainable production methods and supply chains that adhere to deforestation-free standards.

These supply chains hold certifications from the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) credits and Mass Balance certification.

To reinforce their commitment to environmental responsibility, the brand transforms used cooking oil into biodiesel, offering a lower carbon emission option compared to traditional fuels.

McDonald's India – North and East and NueGo are joined by a common goal of sustainability and leading the way in environmentally conscious travel.

With a resolute aim to set innovative standards within the industry, this collaboration strives to bring about positive transformations for both travelers and the planet.

By harmonizing their values of customer contentment and ecological responsibility, these two entities aspire to forge a partnership that propels their shared objectives in a mutually advantageous manner.

The India Club in London, also known as a 'home away from home' for many Indians in the UK, will permanently shut down next month after losing a demolition case.

The charmingly eccentric India Club at 143 Strand has remained much the same since its opening over 50 years ago.

Hidden up a flight of stairs, India Club is part of London's history. It was originally set up by the India League, to further Indo-British friendship in the post-independence era, and it quickly became a base for groups serving the Asian community. The India Club at 143 Strand came to be recognised as a welcoming space where visitors could seek advice, connect culturally and speak their native language.

Proprietors Yadgar Marker and his daughter Phiroza launched a "Save India Club” appeal as they fought to keep it going but in vain, the group has announced its closure.

"It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the closure of the India Club, with our last day open to the public on September 17," they shared.

At a time when the daily lives and experiences of Asians in Britain could be difficult, 143 Strand was a significant focal point for the subcontinent diaspora communities. For a generation of pioneering migrants, it was a home away from home.

The interior of 143 Strand, particularly the characterful and distinct entrance, stairwells, reception area, first floor bar and second floor restaurant, remain in the same condition as they were during the occupation of the property by the India League.

Sharing a post on X, MP and politician Shashi Tharoor shared, I am sorry to hear that the India Club, London, is to close permanently in September. As the son of one of its founders, I lament the passing of an institution that served so many Indians (and not only Indians) for nearly three-quarters of a century. For many students, journalists and travellers, it was a home away from home, offering simple and good quality Indian food at affordable prices as well as a convivial atmosphere to meet and maintain friendships.”