Coffee consumption in the US to fall at 23.7 mn bags

Bastian Hospitality unveils Blondie, a thoughtfully designed café in Khar, Mumbai, marking the group’s entry into the specialty coffee space. 

Led by Natasha Hemani and Chef Shreya Aggarwal, Blondie brings a refined yet approachable take on coffee, matcha, and all-day dining, with a focus on ingredients, consistency, and a deep sense of community.

At its core, Blondie is about coffee done right. The menu moves beyond the expected, featuring everything from a classic cortado to more inventive offerings that will be highlighted on their monthly specials menu like Mango Sticky Rice Latte, The Blondie Sunrise and Vietnamese Coconut Coffee. 

The Slow Bar caters to purists, offering hand-brewed V60, French Press, and AeroPress options, with beans sourced from Chikmagalur, including Cask-Aged Whiskey Barrel Brew and Fruit Funk Anaerobic Naturals, alongside standout single origins from Ethiopia and Costa Rica.

Equally considered is Blondie’s dedicated matcha bar—the first of its kind in Mumbai—sourcing ceremonial-grade matcha from Kagoshima, Japan. Guests can opt for a traditional Matcha Latte or explore bolder interpretations like the Dreamy S’mores Matcha, layered with house-made chocolate and marshmallow cream, or the Mango Matcha Latte, a seasonal and refreshing nod to local flavors.

The food menu, crafted by Chef Shreya Aggarwal, balances comfort and creativity. The gluten-free Benne Dosas come with unexpected pairings like bacon & sunny-side-up eggs or prawn thecha, while all-day breakfast classics—Eggs Kejriwal, Akuri, and Carbonara Scramble— thoughtfully crafted with bold and balanced flavours. 

The pastry case highlights a modern take on French techniques, while desserts range from vegan tiramisu to an indulgent eggless tres leches.

“Blondie is about bringing people together over exceptional coffee, bold flavors, and a space that feels both aspirational and welcoming,” says Ranjit Bindra, Founder & CEO, Bastian Hospitality.

The space itself—bathed in natural light and softened with warm blue tones and textured finishes—is designed to transition seamlessly from a quiet morning retreat to a lively evening hangout. Beyond the café experience, Blondie will host an evolving lineup of events celebrating music, art, and wellness, reinforcing its role as a community-driven space. The place is pet friendly.

Blue Tokai, one of India's leading well thought of coffee brand, has announced the appointment of Nikki, an AI-powered chatbot from Umwelt.AI, as its Chief Listening Officer (CLO) to elevate employee engagement and workplace culture through real-time analytics and proactive insights.

With a rapidly expanding team across multiple locations, Blue Tokai recognized the need for a scalable solution to maintain employee engagement and address concerns in real time. The partnership with Umwelt.AI will help the company foster a workplace where employees feel heard, valued, and empowered, enabling HR teams to make data-driven decisions that enhance employee satisfaction and retention.

Umwelt.AI’s intelligent platform will provide Blue Tokai with deeper workforce insights, enabling timely actions based on employee feedback. By streamlining HR processes, measuring engagement more effectively, and personalizing employee interactions, the collaboration aligns with Blue Tokai’s commitment to building a high-performance, people-first work environment.

“Our vision has always been to create a workplace that fosters growth, inclusivity, and well-being. Partnering with Umwelt.AI gives us the opportunity to take a much more proactive and tech-driven approach to employee experience, ensuring our teams really feel valued and empowered. This will reflect our commitment to innovation not only in coffee but also in our workplace culture,” said Sujit Bose, Chief Human Resources Officer at Blue Tokai.

“At Umwelt.AI, we believe that AI-driven insights play a crucial role in building a positive and thriving workplace culture. With Nikki, our AI chatbot, Blue Tokai can leverage real-time sentiment analysis to gain deeper insights into employee experiences, proactively address concerns, and create a supportive work environment where engagement improves, attrition decreases, and business performance strengthens. By integrating AI-powered solutions, organizations can make more informed decisions that enhance employee well-being and drive long-term success,” shared Vishal Chopra, Founder and CEO of Umwelt.AI.

Through this collaboration, Blue Tokai aims to drive key outcomes such as higher employee satisfaction, improved retention rates, reduced attrition, and more data-driven HR decisions. The AI-powered analytics from Umwelt.AI will help cultivate a culture of transparency, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.

Butterfly Ayurveda, a woman-led brand recognized for its Ayurvedic teas, cookies, and medicines, has recently opened Café Swasthya at Sector 49, Eros City Square, Gurugram, on January 16, 2025. The café combines Ayurveda-inspired menu offerings with a contemporary, cozy atmosphere. Focused on holistic well-being, the café serves herbal teas, unique coffees, fresh juices, herb-infused lattes, and a range of wholesome meals and Ayurvedic-inspired bakery items. Every dish is made with natural ingredients designed to balance the body’s tridosha.

The concept for Café Swasthya was developed to promote healthy eating and living while bridging generational gaps and fostering a deeper understanding of Ayurveda in everyday life. The café’s name is derived from the Ayurvedic term ‘Swasthya,’ which translates to a state of being rooted in oneself.

Akshi Khandelwal, Founder and CEO of Butterfly Ayurveda said, "Metabolic dysfunction, often unnoticed by many, is one of the most prevalent health issues across the world today. It can lead to a variety of serious conditions, such as cardiovascular problems, liver disorders, and general weakness. Our goal is to help individuals become more aware of their unique body-mind constitution and make mindful eating choices to improve their overall well-being. Through this, we aim to bring the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda into daily life."

The design of Café Swasthya reflects Ayurvedic principles in a visually striking manner. Its interiors feature handcrafted bamboo ceilings, Rajasthani upholstery, teak wood furniture, and a classic mud wall display of Butterfly Ayurveda’s products. This sustainable decor promotes a serene atmosphere, complemented by artwork detailing Ayurvedic principles such as Panchamahabhut (five great elements) and tridoshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), enriching the visitor experience.

A unique feature at Café Swasthya is the ‘Prakriti Quiz,’ where customers can scan a QR code on the menu to learn about their body-mind constitution. This tool helps patrons make informed menu choices suited to their specific needs.

Khandelwal commented, “Café Swasthya is carving out a niche for itself in Gurugram. We are happy with the positive response to our menu and ambiance, and we look forward to growing this space into a hub of wellness and community.”

Looking ahead, Café Swasthya plans to host workshops and events focused on wellness and holistic living, furthering its commitment to enhancing daily life through Ayurveda.

Paw Petisserie has launched their first café in the center of Gurgaon, providing a unique experience for both pet owners and their animals. Paw Petisserie sets the standard higher with a sophisticated cuisine designed to please both animal patrons and their human counterparts, in contrast to other pet-friendly cafés. The bakery caters to both dogs and cats.

The recently opened café offers a wide range of choices to suit every taste. While humans can savor the food, canines can indulge in gluten-free treats. Pets can eat anything on the human menu, including sandwiches, eggs, tiny plates, and huge, hefty meals. You can now enjoy eating meals with your pet in a cozy, pleasant setting.

Paw Petisserie is introducing special Christmas-themed menu items and baked goods to make this joyous time of year even more memorable. These will be accessible on December 25th, guaranteeing the customers and your cherished dogs a joyous, loving, and delectable holiday encounter.

Commenting on the launch, Yashika Arora founder of Paw Petisserie, said, “We’ve created a space where pets and their parents can bond over great food, comfort, and an unparalleled sense of community. This café is all about celebrating the special relationship between humans and their pets, and we can’t wait to welcome you all."

Novotel Goa Candolim has opend ‘The Little Place’, a lively new cafe that promises to be a culinary delight for coffee aficionados and food lovers alike. 

This exciting addition to the property offers an exceptional menu featuring a fusion of flavours and an inviting atmosphere perfect for socializing or unwinding.

"Food has the power to bring people together. At The Little Place, we are committed to providing freshly baked goods and breads that are sure to enhance the overall experience, making it a perfect spot for both casual meet-ups and special occasions,” shared Chef Aishwarya Chougale.

The Little Place spans 750 sq ft, designed with a casual theme that encourages guests to relax and enjoy their time. The cafe in a collaboration with The Coffee Co as their coffee partner offers impressive selection of coffee beverages, including classics like Espresso, Cafe Mocha, and South Indian Filter Coffee, as well as creations such as the Ferrero Rocher Iced Latte, Tiramisu Frappe, and many more.

In addition to its standout coffee offerings, The Little Place boasts a delectable range of bakery items such as croissants, cupcakes, and cookies, curated by Chef Aishwarya, the Pastry Bakery In-charge, for those looking to satiate sweet cravings, flavourful choices of gelatos and flavoured paans complement the cafe's beverage selection. Chef Aishwarya is renowned for her excellent creations of high-quality bakery items and her dedication to only using fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

With its vibrant atmosphere and an enticing menu featuring signature drinks and delectable pastries, The Little Place at Novotel Goa Candolim is set to become a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a delightful cafe experience.

FashionTV, a global leader in fashion and lifestyle media with a 27-year presence across 196 countries and over 2 billion viewers, has expanded its hospitality footprint with the launch of its first F Cafe by FashionTV in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The new café, located in the lively Domlur area, promises to offer a unique blend of sophisticated ambience, high-quality food, and an exceptional coffee experience.

Michel Adam, Founder and Chairman of FashionTV said, “It personally gives me immense joy to behold yet another opening in India, thus continually enhancing the very special relationship FashionTV has with its people and further cementing India as the country of the greatest hope and prosperity for the FashionTV brand.”

The café aims to attract Bengaluru’s fashion-forward community with its stylish design, luxury atmosphere, and top-tier offerings, including premium coffee and mocktails. It is positioned as a destination for coffee lovers and those seeking a fashionable environment. "We are extremely pleased to announce our very first F Cafe by FashionTV in the city of Bengaluru. We are more than thrilled to partner with Chef Inn Deluxe for the launch of F Cafe by FashionTV. Through this partnership, our goal is to bring an unparalleled, ultra-stylish café experience to the vibrant people of Koramangala," said Kashiff Khan, DM of F Cafe.

FashionTV’s hospitality division, F Hospitality by FashionTV, is expanding rapidly across India. The brand’s goal is to establish more than 100 outlets across the country by the end of 2025. "Bengaluru is one of the fastest-growing and most exciting cities with enormous market potential. This is our first F Cafe by FashionTV in the city, and it is just the beginning," added Kashiff Khan.

Akshay Kumar, Franchisee Owner, highlighted the café’s vision to combine food, fashion, and high-quality coffee in a community-oriented space. “Our vision for F Cafe by FashionTV was to create a space where coffee connoisseurs and food enthusiasts can come together to enjoy food, fashion, and great coffee. We’ve worked tirelessly to ensure that everything, from the quality of our brews to the comfort of our guests, meets the highest standards. We also want to tap into the nostalgia this generation feels towards a brand like FashionTV, and we hope to unlock some core memories for everyone who walks in here,” he said. The café aims to foster a sense of community, encouraging self-expression and positioning itself as a go-to venue for gatherings beyond just coffee meet-ups.

Tokyo Matcha Bar, Mumbai's first matcha bar, has made a name for itself and is now credited with starting the matcha movement in the city known for its diverse culinary offerings. As Tokyo Matcha Bar opens its first-ever dine-in location, their matcha revolution is now getting more traction.

Started as a small specialty coffee hideaway, Ritual Daily Coffee, the dynamic team of Michelin-starred Chef Rahul Ramnani, an ex-NOMA chef, and coffee lover Meher Kohli, set out on a culinary journey. Their love of unusual drinks inspired them to open Tokyo Matcha Bar, a cool take on Mumbai's widely accepted tea and coffee culture. Tokyo Matcha Bar rose to fame rapidly, aiming to introduce the invigorating world of matcha to those who did not consume coffee. The two took the risk and launched a brick-and-mortar establishment after a successful year and many cups of matcha and Kon'nichiwa. They delighted customers with their creative menu that featured premium products, unique teas, and superfoods from all over the world.

The Wabi-Sabi concept served as the inspiration for Tokyo Matcha Bar's new dine-in area, which features a contemporary yet minimalist design evoking tranquil Japanese teahouses.

“We've been dreaming of this day for a long time! Our new dine-in space is more than just a place to grab a matcha drink. It's a sanctuary where you can escape the hustle and bustle of Mumbai and truly immerse yourself in the world of matcha. From the moment you step inside, you'll be transported to a chic Japanese homestyle. We can't wait to welcome you into our new home,” said Meher Kohli, Founder of Tokyo Matcha Bar.

Avocado Cafe has recently opened its doors in Vagator, Goa, providing a coffee shop and all-day cafe that highlights food that has avocado as its central ingredient. The crew behind Miss Margarita by Arriba, lead by Chef Noah Barnes, is behind this project as well. They emphasize a rich and inventive eating experience that represents their passion for premium products and culinary talent. Avocado Cafe represents a dedication to healthful cuisine, not just a fad.

Avocado Cafe offers both small and large plates for breakfast and lunch, so patrons may enjoy a wide variety of alternatives. Premium ingredients and careful attention to detail are used to create a symphony of tastes in each meal. The menu offers a delicious selection of avocado dishes to suit different palates.

Not only that, but there is also a special area dedicated to sandwiches and pizza. Avocado Cafe is the ideal place for any time of day because it also serves a carefully chosen assortment of beverages, 
cool slushies, and delicious desserts. 

"We are thrilled to bring Avocado Cafe to Goa,” said Chef Noah Barnes, Chef Partner who added that "Our mission is to offer a space where people can savor wholesome food, enjoy amazing coffee, and have an unforgettable experience. We believe that good food should be celebrated, and at Avocado Cafe, we have made it our goal to do just that."

One of India’s fastest-growing coffee chain, Nothing Before Coffee (NBC) has announced the launch of its 64th store in Pune.

NBC currently has 64 outlets throughout India; wherein the company added 17+ new outlets in Q2 offering an exclusive opportunity for people across regions to enjoy high-quality, flavorful brewed coffee & beverages at economical prices.

The Pune store, situated in the upscale Viman Nagar neighborhood, exemplifies Nothing Before Coffee's dedication to quality and community. This sleek and modern outlet offers a diverse menu featuring organic coffee, shakes, mocktails, hot chocolate, shrappe, and a wide range of delectable snacks, sandwiches, noodles, and cookies, carefully crafted to cater to the refined tastes of its discerning customers. 

“As we continue to expand our footprint across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities in India, our goal remains to make Nothing Before Coffee a household name synonymous with authentic and affordable coffee experiences. Our plan to launch over 30 new stores in the next 3 months. Furthermore, we are determined to achieve a 100 Cr revenue run rate by March 2025,” said Akshay Kedia, Founder & COO, Nothing Before Coffee.

Nothing Before Coffee has expanded its footprint across both Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities in India, currently operating in 26 cities across 13 states and has successfully opened 20+ new outlets in H1 of the year, marking the “highest-ever store addition”. 

Additionally, it has extended its presence to 8 new cities including Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka throughout the year.

NBC is rapidly expanding its presence in the coming years with a plan to open 35+ stores in India over the next three months, further expanding its footprint and solidifying its position in the market. 

Roastea, India’s one of the fastest-growing beverage brand, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its second café in the vibrant IT hub of Bengaluru. 

Located at 80ft Road, Koramangala, Bengaluru, this is the newest addition to the Roastea family that promises to delight patrons with a lifestyle ecosystem redefining Bengaluru's dining experience.

Nestled in the heart of the city, our sprawling real estate invites patrons to unwind amidst the tranquillity and verdant landscapes synonymous with Bengaluru. Its crafted offerings ranging from hand-made pastas to live craft bakery ensures an unparalleled culinary experience.

Following the remarkable success of its first outlet in Bengaluru, Roastea is expanding its footprint in the city, bringing its signature blend of quality and innovation to even more customers. 

Roastea has 14 outlets in India and this one marks a significant milestone for the brand as it celebrates its growing presence. What sets this café apart is its unique setting – a 37-year-old mansion converted into a beautiful lifestyle café with gorgeous Dhone marble patterns procured for the famous district of Dhronachalam, AP; that adds a distinctive charm to the Roastea experience. 

“We are incredibly excited to announce the launch of our newest store—a lifestyle ecosystem redefining Bengaluru's dining experience. Nestled in the heart of the city, our sprawling real estate invites patrons to unwind amidst the tranquility and verdant landscapes synonymous with Bengaluru,” shared Chaitanya Bhamidipaty of Roastea.

Started in 2019, by Lawyers turned entrepreneurs Anurag and Chaitanya Bhamidipaty, Roastea is the answer in waiting to India's yearning for a good cup of tea and coffee with a homemade taste. 

Roastea currently operates around 2,500 vending machines in 35 Indian cities and has ten outlets/cafes in Ahmedabad, Mangaluru, and Bengaluru.

Union Artisan Coffee, the internationally acclaimed artisanal coffee chain hailing from Malaysia, proudly unveils its inaugural café in India, situated in the prestigious locale of Worldmark, Aerocity, New Delhi. 

Spearheaded by Village Food Concepts as the master franchise, this momentous launch marks a significant milestone for the brand as it extends its reach into the vibrant Indian market.

"The journey of Union Artisan Coffee from Malaysia to India is a testament to our dedication to sharing our love for coffee with diverse communities around the world. We are thrilled to partner with Union in this venture, bringing their unparalleled expertise and commitment to quality to the Indian market,” shared Suraj Arora, Managing Partner, VFC.

Embodying the core values of Union Artisan Coffee, the new outlet in Aerocity epitomizes the brand's commitment to excellence in coffee craftsmanship and fostering a sense of community. With a dedication to sourcing the finest beans and showcasing the artistry of coffee making, each cup tells a story of passion and expertise.

In addition to its signature artisanal coffees, Union Artisan Coffee in Aerocity introduces a delectable array of culinary offerings, spanning from breakfast to dinner. From a live pasta bar to freshly made sandwiches, patrons are invited to embark on a gastronomic journey curated to tantalize their taste buds. Collaborating with Le Clairé Patisserie, the café presents an assortment of exquisite pastries and desserts, further elevating the culinary experience.

"Our entry into India marks an exciting chapter in the Union Artisan Coffee story. We are delighted to introduce the Indian community to our unique blend of coffee culture, complemented by an inventive and diverse menu of culinary delights, enriching every experience for you,” added Tham Lih Chung, Group CEO of Incite Innovations.
 

CYK Hospitalities Pvt. Ltd has played a pivotal role in the establishment of Sassy Desserts in the center of Panipat.

CYK Hospitalities has been instrumental in supporting Sassy Desserts at every stage, offering a diverse array of services such as graphic design, branding, business strategy, operational planning, menu development, chef recruitment, and the creation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

"We've closely collaborated with the Sassy team to ensure that their brand reflects passion and dedication across all areas, including graphic design, packaging, brand identity, and store operations." said Pulkit Arora, Director, CYK Hospitalities.

Sassy Desserts presents a varied menu introducing internationally inspired treats such as churros and bubble pop stick waffles.

However, Sassy Desserts extends beyond just churros and waffles, offering a diverse assortment of waffles, crepes, mini pancakes, and ice cream sundaes.

"We wanted to bring something truly special to Panipat. We aimed to cater to every taste. Whether you're in the mood for a refreshing cold coffee or a creamy shake, we have something to satisfy every craving. With CYK's expertise and our shared commitment to innovation, we've been able to introduce exciting new flavors and concepts that have captured the imagination of our patrons".  said VedantHasija, Director, Sassy Desserts.

Alongside the introduction of Sassy Desserts, CYK Hospitalities Pvt. Ltd. has recently introduced Nagari restaurant in Agra.  With a track record of over 150 thriving ventures both at home and abroad, spanning destinations like Sri Lanka, Dubai, and Canada.

After taking the entire country on an unparalleled coffee journey and putting Indian specialty coffee on the global map, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, India’s largest specialty coffee brand, has opened the doors to its 100th café in the country. 

With its latest cafe in Kolkata, the company has achieved its target of hitting the milestone before FY24 and is well on its way to curating a pan-India coffee experience that brings people together over shared interests.

“With the increasing affinity for high-quality coffee, consumers are now actively seeking out-of-home coffee experiences that extend beyond just transactions and focus on the need for inclusive, safe spaces. Such experiences, when paired with a thoughtfully curated food menu and experiential offerings like workshops, have transformed the way people see coffee shops. Our growth in the last 12 months reflects the impending demand for go-to coffee spots and increasing brand loyalty. Our aim is to take this count closer to 200 by the end of the coming fiscal year,” shared Shivam Shahi, Co-Founder and COO, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters.

For Blue Tokai, while it started as a small roastery experience centre in the lesser-known neighbourhood in Said-ul-ajaib in Delhi, these cafés have proved to be an instrumental channel in shaping India’s coffee preferences across demographics. The brand has witnessed a 2x growth in its café presence since FY23, mirroring the ever-increasing demand for specialty coffee - a segment popularised by Blue Tokai’s inception in 2013.  

Blue Tokai’s cafés are located at places of convenience like premium markets, corporate parks, malls, and residential neighbourhoods - an organic extension of the consumers’ daily schedule. Echoing the aim of making great tasting Indian coffee more accessible across the country, Blue Tokai’s 100th café is strategically located in the bustling neighbourhood of Ballygunge and brings together the soulful aroma of freshly brewed coffee, an extensive range of artisanal bakes, delicious food options and a perfect spot for readers, with a bookstore by Bahrisons Booksellers on the first floor. 

The Ballygunge outlet will be home to several hot and cold brews like Espresso, Pourover, Americano, Cappuccino, Flat White, Trioccino, Vietnamese-style iced coffee amongst many others - all brewed using Blue Tokai’s high-quality roasted beans. Customers will be in for a treat with food preparations ranging from healthy to indulgent and a wide variety of sweet and savoury options, baked to perfection by Suchali’s Artisan Bakehouse. This café will also be home to a compelling collection of roasted coffee beans, fresh breads and other coffee and bakery retail offerings.

Scuzo Ice 'O' Magic is a dessert café in India known for its innovative live popsicle concept, experienced significant development led by Founder and Director, Mr. Gagan Anand.

In line with its expansion strategy, the company eagerly embraces Mr. R.P. Mishra, an experienced professional, as its Chief Executive Officer.

Scuzo Ice 'O' Magic sets itself apart by prioritizing high-quality desserts suitable for various age ranges, ensuring delightful sweet moments without compromising on health.

The company prides itself on creating gelatos, waffles, sundaes, and dessert cakes meticulously, using only natural fruits and nuts, emphasizing purity and wholesomeness in their preparation.

"Scuzo Ice 'O' Magic has always been committed to delivering the best desserts to our customers. With Mr. R.P. Mishra joining us as the CEO, we are confident that his extensive experience and strategic vision will further propel the company towards greater heights. We are thrilled to have him on board." said Gagan Anand, Founder and Director Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic.

R.P. Mishra is a notable graduate in BCA and a Microsoft Certified Professional, holds a successful career of over twenty years in the Information Technology (IT) realm, specifically within the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) domain.

Across his professional trajectory, Mr. Mishra held key positions at prominent establishments like Domino’s Pizza, Barista Coffee, Baskin Robbins, and Maroosh, culminating his tenure as the Chief Operating Officer.

About eight years ago, Mr. Mishra showcased his strategic skills by venturing into operations and infrastructure enhancement, expanding his expertise.

This initiative led to the creation of cloud-based brands such as Biryani Tales, Veg Meal Express, and Mediterranean Delights.

These ventures were efficiently managed from Maroosh's kitchen, emphasizing Mr. Mishra's adaptable leadership in navigating changing industry dynamics.

"I am excited to join Scuzo Ice 'O' Magic, a brand that is synonymous with quality and innovation in the dessert industry. I look forward to contributing to the company's growth and helping it achieve its ambitious goals of opening 100+ outlets across PAN India.. Together, we will continue to delight customers with the best desserts while upholding the values that define Scuzo Ice 'O' Magic.” said Mr. R.P. Mishra, CEO, Scuzo Ice ‘O’ Magic.  

Scuzo Ice 'O' Magic believes that Mr. R.P. Mishra's leadership will be instrumental in guiding the company toward sustained success and realizing its expansion objectives.

EatFit is a healthy food platform under Curefoods, and HRX, the pioneering fitness brand co-founded by Hrithik Roshan and Exceed Entertainment, have jointly introduced an innovative offering: the HRX Cafe.

Cafe is situated strategically at Palladium, Lower Parel, Mumbai.

Following the debut of the HRX Cafe in Mumbai, the HRX brand plans to extend the reach of these cafes to a broader audience.

"I am thrilled to collaboratively introduce HRX by EatFit Cafe in Phoenix Palladium, Mumbai. At HRX Cafe, we aim to nourish both body and soul, bringing together the energy of fitness with the delight of great food. It's a step towards redefining wellness, and we can't wait to share this exciting journey with everyone in Mumbai." said Ankit Nagori, Founder of Curefoods.

The opening of the Mumbai outlet signals the start of an initiative to establish HRX Cafes in multiple locations by the year's close.

This expansion reflects the brand's commitment to fostering a community of health-focused individuals searching for wholesome nourishment in every dining experience.

"I am thrilled to introduce the HRX Café, an extension of the HRX brand's philosophy. It's more than just food; it's a movement to empower people with choices that align with their fitness aspirations and goals. The HRX Cafe is a testimony to our commitment to supporting everyday athletes in becoming the best version of themselves." said Afsar Zaidi, CEO at HRX.

Cafe menu includes high-protein breakfast options, personalized salads, nourishing super bowls, and convenient, healthy snacks, appealing to health enthusiasts and regular fitness enthusiasts. Prioritizing protein-rich choices, the cafe aims to motivate and assist people in sustaining a well-balanced and energetic way of life.

The HRX Cafe stands out for its dedication to integrating diverse millets such as Quinoa, Millet, and Black Rice into its recipes, encouraging customers to make mindful dietary selections that align with their fitness objectives.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Costa Coffee, coffee brand under Coca-Cola in India's commercial beverage sector has declared the inauguration of its 150th store in Rajouri Garden, New Delhi.

In 2005, Costa Coffee marked its entry into the Indian market by inaugurating its very first café in Connaught Place, New Delhi, marking the initiation of its Indian journey.

In the past year, in collaboration with Devyani International, Costa Coffee embarked on a substantial expansion initiative in India, introducing around 60 new stores.

Brand’s ongoing objective is to establish new outlets in the top 8-10 cities in India, with a particular focus on specialized locations such as airports, highways, and healthcare facilities.

India's coffee sector is undergoing a fascinating transformation, with a growing emphasis on specialty coffee and premium offerings, particularly driven by urban millennials who have transformed coffee shops into vibrant social spaces.

This shift is particularly noteworthy in a nation traditionally associated with tea culture.

The 150th Costa Coffee outlet exemplifies Costa Coffee's dedication to offering artisanal coffee crafted from locally sourced ingredients. 

“India is a key market for us globally and we are proud to commemorate the opening of our 150th store. This milestone truly highlights the overwhelming love and support we have received from coffee enthusiasts across India. Our aim is to extend our presence to every corner of the nation, and we remain committed to achieving this vision through our continuous expansion efforts, ensuring remarkable coffee experiences for all." said, Vinay Nair, General Manager, India & Emerging Markets, Costa Coffee.

Costa Coffee offers a diverse menu featuring a selection of distinctive coffee creations, including popular choices like the Flat White, Classic Corto, Café Caramela, and more, all prepared using locally-sourced coffee beans.

abCoffee, the inaugural tech-driven and cost-effective specialty coffee chain in India, has unveiled its entrance into Gurgaon.

It is situated in DLF Cyber Greens, Cyber City Gurgaon, this expansion signifies a move in consolidating the brand's footprint in Northern India, delivering an extensive selection of freshly brewed specialty coffees at highly competitive rates.

The distinctive grab-and-go style of the chain enables customers to swiftly order a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Starting at INR 77, which is one-third of the cost of coffee at other high-end specialty coffee chains.

"We're pleased to open our first deck (outlet) in Gurgaon. It's an important step as we expand across India. Our goal is simple: to offer customers a great coffee experience at honest prices. We genuinely believe that everyone should savour a great cup of coffee without breaking the bank. We stick to our commitment to our guests: Brew India’s best grown coffees at honest prices making specialty coffee accessible to all of India.” said, Abhijeet Anand, the founder of abCoffee.

The recently opened Gurgaon branch will present a wide-ranging menu of freshly brewed coffee options, encompassing popular choices such as espresso, cappuccino, cortado, mocha, iced Americano, and Frappuccino.

Additionally, customers will have the option to pick from an assortment of pastries and snacks to enhance their coffee enjoyment.

The company's main headquarters are situated in Mumbai.

Matcha based cloud kitchen opens in the neighborhood of Bandra, Mumbai.

This new venture follows the triumph of their initial project, Ritual Daily Coffee, and is notable for being exclusively centered around the ingredient of Matcha.

It marks the first instance where this delivery brand has chosen to focus entirely on a single ingredient for its menu.

Over time, it has transformed into an irresistible connection with drinks infused with matcha, drawing inspiration from Japanese influences. The delivery kitchen has been introduced on the Swiggy platform.

The core essence of Tokyo Matcha Bar revolves around delivering matcha products of the utmost quality.

Meher Kohli and Rahul Ramnani, a dynamic duo, have taken the initiative to directly import ceremonial grade matcha from Tokyo, renowned for its unmatched superiority.

This meticulous approach guarantees customers an authentic and memorable matcha encounter, a sentiment that becomes particularly pronounced with the impending rainy season.

Tokyo Matcha Bar's menu presents an array of teas and lattes infused with matcha including Matcha Vanilla Bean Latte, Matcha Honey Latte, Matcha Milk Tea, and Himalayan Pink Salt Matcha. For those in pursuit of chilled delights, the selection of Frappes encompasses Matcha Frappuccino, Sea Salt Matcha Frappuccino, and Salted Caramel Matcha Frappuccino.

They also accommodate individuals seeking refreshing beverages by offering choices like Valencia Orange Matcha, Tropical Matcha, Wild Berry Matcha Iced Tea, and Fresh Lime Matcha.

Furthermore, those who appreciate coffee can indulge in timeless favorites such as Tokyo's Americano, Tokyo's Cappuccino, and Tokyo's Latte.

Matcha is renowned for its multitude of health advantages, and Tokyo Matcha Bar guarantees the preservation of these benefits in every item they offer.

By utilizing ceremonial grade Matcha, the brand crafts a daily practice that promotes holistic health while maintaining an uncompromised flavor experience.

Tokyo Matcha Bar is creating a genuine source of joy for aficionados of matcha and enthusiasts of fine teas throughout India.

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.

Comfort Bakehouse, a branch of the popular Café Delhi Heights brand, has announced the inauguration of its standalone store in Gurgaon.

Brand offers a nourishing menu that combines a wide array of dishes such as variety of freshly baked bread, delectable croissants, and creamy cakes.

The menu has choices such as pastas, noodles, burgers, pizzas, Pao Bhaji, Makhani Maggi, and bread pakoda.

The main course offers popular favorites like Dal Makhanwala, Yellow Dal Tadka, Punjabi Kadhi Chawal, and many other enticing options.

"We are delighted to introduce Comfort Bakehouse to the city. Our goal is to create a haven where people can find solace in the simple pleasures of fresh and delicious comfort food. With our exclusive outlet, we hope to bring joy and satisfaction to even more individuals and continue to be their preferred choice for delightful culinary experiences." said, Vikrant Batra, Owner.

Comfort Bakehouse not only offers its own dishes but also allows visitors to indulge in the signature delicacies of Café Delhi Heights.

These include the Juicy Lucy Burgers, the famous ISBT Makhani Maggi, the Mom's Buttered Chicken Tikka Masala, as well as a variety of pizzas and pastas.

The menu represents a fusion of traditional recipes such as Nutella Brownies and Motichoor Ladoo Cheesecake, showcasing the culinary team's passion and dedication in crafting each dish in-house.

The opening of its exclusive outlet brand is elevating the concept of comfort food, providing a cozy and inviting sanctuary for food lovers.  

Café chain Starbucks is planning to develop a new sustainability learning and innovation lab at Hacienda Alsacia – the company’s global agronomy headquarters for research and development, located in Costa Rica.

The lab will serve as a hub for hands-on and virtual learning opportunities for Starbucks partners (employees), students, researchers and industry leaders to innovate and scale sustainable solutions for some of the world’s most challenging environmental and social issues, including climate adaption and agricultural economics.

“This is an opportunity for us to advance Starbucks environmental promise to give more than we take and our farmer promise to ensure the future of coffee for all. We know we cannot do this important work alone, and the possibilities in front of us to scale solutions, partner with thought leaders and serve as a global hub for innovation are limitless,” shared said Laxman Narasimhan, CEO, Starbucks.

Starting this fall, the lab will offer the first wave of educational programming to select Arizona State University (ASU) students and Starbucks partners. The first wave will leverage ASU’s leading educational technology and world-class faculty to enrich the student experience, including study abroad opportunities tied to existing ASU degree programs, such as Sustainability, Sustainable Food Systems, Global Agribusiness, Environmental and Resource Management, among others. Starbucks lab is expected to physically open within the next three years. 

“This is an exciting new chapter in our nearly decade-long partnership with Starbucks. The new sustainability learning and innovation lab will expand on our collaboration together, working closely to tackle critical challenges with a collective commitment to seek new and sustainable approaches that impact global communities,” added said Arizona State University President Michael Crow.

Tata Starbucks Private Limited has launched its first-ever 24-hour stores (Non-Airport) in Chennai and Calicut.

The new stores are a testament of Tata Starbucks’ commitment to the Indian market where it currently operates across 341 stores in 4 cities.

Adding to the company’s existing portfolio, the new format offers an added convenience to customers where they can pick their orders any time of the day. Highlighting the company’s long-term commitment in one of Starbucks fastest-growing markets globally, the 24X7 stores will offer customers a safe, convenient and a familiar third place experience.

“Tata Starbucks has had an incredible journey in India since its inception in 2012 and we are proud to have achieved yet another milestone. The opening of our first 24X7 stores showcases our commitment to evolving our brand and business in India and providing new and meaningful experiences to our customers,” said Sushant Dash, CEO, Tata Starbucks Pvt. Ltd.

The stores are a fusion of the signature Starbucks warm and welcoming design and the city’s local culture and craftsmanship, serving as an extension of the neighborhoods served.

The Calicut store translates as a beach house integrating into the Calicut Beach. The classic Starbucks Siren represents bringing coffee life from the ocean to this location, adapting to the local culture by presenting elements like Kerala-style mural and metallurgy.

Taking cues from the local culture and nuances, the Chennai store brings a home-like feeling to the consumers. The new 24-hour store uniquely features traditional Chettinad architecture with big spaces and stunning ceramic tiles. The space is an indigenous blend of traditional, intricate Indian architecture and stunning European artwork.

Tata Starbucks is also bringing a new cup size to these stores with Picco, giving new and first-time coffee drinkers a chance to sip and savor their favorite beverage along with local additions such as the all-new filter coffee, masala chai, cardamom chai, milkshakes, freshly assembled sandwiches, bite-sized and shareable food items. The all-new food menu will feature Pesto & Mozzarella Sandwich in Panini, Bhuna Chicken Puff, Hazelnut Triangle, Chocolate Éclair, Egg White & Chicken in Multigrain Croissant, Red Velvet & Orange Cake, Chilli Cheese Toast, Butter Croissant.

Starbucks merchandise and free Wi-Fi are available at these stores. In addition, the company will also bring the My Starbucks Rewards™ loyalty program to the cities, introducing members with attractive benefits and become a part of the Starbucks India community.

Tata Starbucks had also introduced contactless order and payment methods, such as Mobile Order and Pay through the Starbucks India mobile application, for customers to indulge in a safe, familiar and convenient Starbucks Experience at the comfort of their home.

Yogurt brand MyFroyoLand has launched its Metaverse store at Interality - ‘MyFroyoLand World’.

Interality is the go-to Metaverse as a service platform that helps brands launch their own virtual worlds, where their users can connect, shop and play.

The MyFroyoLand World is a 24x7 globally accessible virtual experience for customers and visitors, and provides access to a wide range of attractions and games that are designed to increase in-person store visits, boost fandom and sales.

Additionally, MyFroyoLand's Metaverse store is integrated with Interality's rewards and loyalty program which utilizes blockchain-powered collectible rewards, encouraging customers to visit the brand's physical stores and share their experience on social media.

“We are happy to explore this new way of connecting with our MyFroyoLand fans and to grow that community,” shared Avinash Dowlwani the Founder at MyFroyoLand.

The world consists of a park, the MyFroyoLand Store, a flywheel with some exciting flavours and toppings, a maze with a ‘Free-to-claim’ collectible reward and a “Build your own Froyo” section keeping with the brand's signature style.
Visitors can easily join along with their friends and explore with just an Interality web link through a desktop, smartphone or VR headset.

One of the standout attractions at MyFroyoLand's Metaverse store is the maze, which not only provides an entertaining challenge for visitors, but also offers a free collectible reward that unlocks a range of special perks and offers exclusive to the brand.

Once logged in, visitors can explore the world, complete the maze and claim their Collectible Reward just like the Starbucks Odyssey Program which is an engage-to-earn blockchain-based rewards program created by Starbucks.

The MyFroyoLand collectible allows any participant to unlock access to a coupon code right from within the world that can be redeemed at a nearby MyFroyoLand physical store. This adds an extra layer of excitement and engagement especially going from online activities to offline perks and drives an uptick in in-person store visits and sales.

Myfroyoland is a Premium Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt Chain with 20+ stores in India, Malaysia and U.K.
 

As the scale of the food delivery industry magnifies, especially since the advent of companies like Swiggy & Zomato, brands are continuously looking for sustainable alternatives for packaging. This is because with increasing convenience for consumers, there is also a looming danger of exponential increase in non-biodegradable waste as the commonly used materials for delivery are plastic, thermocol, aluminum, etc. However, there are a number of challenges being faced by such brands in terms of availability of effective alternatives to single-use plastic.

CHUK, an initiative of Yash Pakka Limited (YPL), has launched compostable delivery containers.

The brand already supplies compostable tableware to brands like Haldiram’s, Bikanervala, Chaipoint.

With the launch of delivery containers, the company aims to put a stop to the use of single-use plastic for food delivery, thereby strengthening its resolve of working towards a cleaner planet.

“Our delivery containers have been launched after rigorous research, multiple trials, and customer feedback, as a reliable and sustainable alternative to other available products. Having already launched and raised awareness around compostable tableware products, foraying into the food delivery packaging space was the next natural progression for us,” shared Satish Chamyvelumani, Business Head - Compostables, Yash Pakka Ltd.

These newly introduced delivery containers will be available in four different sizes - 350 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml, and 1000 ml. All the containers come with snug-fit lids, and are therefore spill-proof and leak-proof.

In addition, these are also microwavable, freezable and ovenable. Some of these attributes add to the utility of CHUK delivery containers as opposed to regular plastic containers.

Another extremely important characteristic of the newly-launched containers is that these are free of artificial chemicals, making them food-safe, furthering the purpose of CHUK to help you ‘eat safe’.

The delivery containers have already found some takers in brands such as Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board, FabCafe, Salad Point, Greenit, and Basil Box. Further on, CHUK will cater to quick service restaurants (QSR), cloud kitchens and takeaway restaurants with its latest range.

Bengaluru-based NGO Solidarity Foundation in partnership with Amadeus is launching the ‘Pride Café’. This first-of-its-kind initiative in India aims to empower the LGBTQIA+ community with livelihood opportunities. As a part of the initiative, Amadeus is sponsoring two mobile food trucks that employ 12 members from the LGBTQIA+ community, seven of whom have already been recruited.

The community members have been trained and equipped in culinary and customer service skills to successfully manage food truck operations.

 The official launch of the café was inaugurated by acclaimed actress and theatre personality, Ms. Arundhati Nag, and renowned activist, singer and drag queen Mr. Alex Mathew, popularly known as Maya the Drag Queen.

This unique initiative is supported by many organizations including WeWork (Location partner), Agape Hospitalities Consultants (Operations Partner), and the Aravani Art Project and Desavous (Design Partner) who joined the Solidarity Foundation, and Amadeus to launch Pride Café.

The food trucks, which began operations on January 9th, 2023, were painted by the Aravani Art Project and will continue to offer breakfast, lunch, snacks, and tea/coffee services at the WeWork Galaxy on Residency Road, Bengaluru. Additionally, Jogappas, a traditional transgender community shared their most revered and beloved music for the festivities, while Maya performed at the launch event.

The project’s vision is to facilitate an enriched dialogue between community members and society. The exclusion of the community from the workforce stands as the primary reason for these low economic gains.

Pride Café is thus an innovative initiative to create a platform that aims to garner visibility and help these members with the opportunity to overcome key obstacles they confront on a day-to-day basis.

Furthermore, every member received training in English, computers, financial literacy, mental wellbeing, and the hospitality skills needed to operate and own a mobile kitchen vehicle. With a motive to make a real difference, the initiative has an equal pay policy for all employees, including those serving in the kitchen, truck, cleaning, cooking and service roles, as a first and promising step towards an inclusive future.

Kanthi Dutt, co-founder of SustainKart, has invested Five crores in Naomi Patisserie & Bakehouse.

Chef couple Nikitha & Akash founded Naomi Patisserie & Bakehouse, an artisanal patisserie brand aiming to combine Indian ingredients with the best cooking techniques globally.

The funding will enable Naomi to launch its first retail outlet in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. The Patisserie and Cafe will serve some delectable pastries, entremets, sourdough pizzas, gourmet food, amongst many others.

"I have always had a fondness towards the food and beverage industry, more so for baking. I am excited to collaborate with Nikitha & Akash to help strengthen their positioning. They have created a top-notch product line that blends seamlessly into the growing gourmet market. My investment will allow Naomi Patisserie to increase production capacity and expand distribution nationwide immediately,” shared Dutt.

Naomi was born out of the enthusiasm and zest of its ardent founders and chefs, Nikhitha & Akash, who are former chefs at ITC Group. Together the founders hope to revolutionize the baking industry by fusing state-of-the-art global cooking techniques with Indian ingredients.

“Words cannot express the joy this new milestone brings me. I have gratitude towards everyone involved in bringing what Chef Akash and I once envisioned to life. A big part of the thank you goes to Kanthi, and I believe in serendipity now. We can't wait to welcome you all into Naomi soon,” added Chef Nikitha, Co-founder and Head Baker at Naomi Patisserie and Bakehouse.

Nikitha, with a brewing passion for baking and in complete awe of Masterchef Australia since childhood, went on to represent India at Bocuse'dor (a world-renowned Chefs competition in Singapore). On the other hand, inspired by many International Chefs, Akash followed his grandfather’s footsteps. With professional mentoring from veterans, he developed a zest for the art of culinary.

Naomi Patisserie & Bakehouse is a young brand led by ex-ITC sous chefs -Nikitha & Akash. Naomi is now building an experiential place for pastries, viennoiserie, bread and gourmet food. Naomi attempts to redefine the essence of world-class delectables with complete Indian ingredients. They envision the brand Naomi becoming synonymous with superior taste and quality.

NRI Chaiwala has announced plans to enter the FMCG sector by launching flavoured tea packets in a variety of flavours such as ginger, lemon, and elaichi, as well as some of his own special flavoured teas.

The team also intends to expand and enter the markets of London and Dubai.

Along with this, they intend to introduce 50 new tea flavours, with the goal of reaching a revenue of 100 crore by 2026.

“Entering the FMCG sector is a big step because it will be done in a different way, and if it is well received, we will be expanding our company even more, adding more flavours and opening up more outlets. I'm grateful to those who value tea as much as I do, and their belief inspires me to serve more,” shared Jagdish Kumar, Founder of NRI Chaiwala.

With an active database of over 50000 customers, the company currently employs 35 people and has a turnover of Rs 1.2 crore in less than a year.

NRI Chaiwala, a tea shop that serves 35 different types of tea, is known for his innovative ideas and distinct taste. Started from scratch by selling usual tea, he then started a brand named Chotu Chaiwalah serving 35 variants of tea like Adrak Elaichi Vali chai, Cutting chai, Kadak chai, tandoori chai, etc and their most popular varieties with quirky names like- Mummy Ke Hath Wali Chai, Mardo Wali Chai, Corporate Wali Chai and Dosto Wali Chai are what makes it a unique point of attraction.

If you’ve been manifesting good energy, good food and like-minded people to share a space with, it’s time to reap the fruits.

Mumbai is all set to welcome The Moon Village – a café, yoga studio and co-working space that incorporates the pillars of a healthy lifestyle under one roof.

Founded by celebrity fitness instructor and mental health advocate Samiksha Shetty along with Aditya Damani, a daytime trader and full-time yogi, together they aim to create a safe space for meaningful connections through yoga and food.

“Holistic wellness can lead to true healing and good health,” shared Shetty who At Moon Village brings her expertise and love for all things healthy into creating a space for like-minded wellness seekers.

The space also has a café that is spread over 1500 square ft., modeled as an urban oasis, with raw, whitewashed walls and lush greens.

The walls of the cafe are adorned with art that pay tribute to energies of the moon and the universe; celestial-themed geometrical ceramic tiles offset earthy tones running through the space, welcoming you to rest, relax and rejuvenate. As you soak in the good vibes, you can also soak your gluten-free Dosas in a Mangalorean style curry and other delicacies from the eclectic, nutritious, primarily aiming at gluten-free and sugar free menu, heavily influenced by different parts of Southern India.

For those who want their dose of daily bread, the menu also offers a selection of Sandwiches & Pizzas. Some ‘must-trys’ from the section include the Gun Powder & Stewed Shiitake Steak Sandwich, the Pulled Jackfruit and the Chettinad & Sriracha Pulled Kathal Pizza.

Everything at The Moon Village is created mindfully with the vision to form deep connections, whether it is through yoga, meditation, food or exchanging ideas.

Tata Starbucks is partnering with celebrated Indian designer and couturier, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, this spring for a limited-edition collection, available exclusively in India.

The Sabyasachi + Starbucks® collection will feature a range of lifestyle drinkware including ceramic mugs and stainless-steel tumblers.

“We are delighted to partner with an archetypal Indian brand like Sabyasachi. As part of Tata Starbucks commitment to empowering girls and young women, we have a rich relationship with Educate Girls, and I am thrilled our work has resonated with Sabyasachi,” shared Sushant Dash, CEO, Tata Starbucks Private Limited by adding that this collaboration will give customers a chance to experience two of their beloved brands coming together to make a difference and actively support education for girls.

The Sabyasachi X Starbucks® collection showcases an idea of Indian art, rooted in its multi-cultural heritage and celebrating the power of cross-cultural storytelling.

As part of the partnership, Tata Starbucks and Sabyasachi will come together to support ‘Educate Girls’—a non-profit organization with a focus on working towards improving girls and young women’s education across rural India providing the support they need to develop their skills and find careers.

“I am honoured to collaborate with an iconic global brand like Starbucks to help amplify a cause so dear to my heart. I hope this collaboration sparks hope, creates change and helps give back to a most worthy cause,” added Sabyasachi Mukherjee, luxury Indian designer and couturier.

The limited-edition collection, priced from INR 1600 to INR 2500, will be available starting April 12 at all Starbucks® stores across the market while supplies last.

Hospitality chain VRO Hospitality is on an expansion drive with its iconic and popular French café brand Café Noir across the country.

The Bengaluru headquartered group, which owns around 10 popular fine-dining brands and cloud kitchens, is planning.

The group is targeting markets like Kochi, Chennai, and Kolkata and create its first international imprint in Dubai.

“This year we are embarking on an exciting journey to take our iconic French café brand Café Noir to new markets, including an international destination. This is in line with our ambition of making VRO Hospitality a pan-India brand,” shared Dawn Thomas, CEO & Co-Founder, VRO Hospitality.

Synonymous with French cuisine in Bengaluru, Café Noir’s first outlet came up in the city’s posh shopping destination UB City more than a decade ago.

Café Noir currently boasts five outlets in Bengaluru and one in Mumbai, which was opened late last year.

“The expansion of Café Noir will allow us to offer a diverse set of food connoisseurs some of the best in French cuisines. Café Noir has already set a benchmark in the dining experience, and we will continue to do so in the new markets where we would be setting up our outlets,” added Sharath Rice, Director & Co-Founder, VRO Hospitality.

After brewing delicious artisan coffee and disrupting the coffee market in Bengaluru and Delhi, the cafe chain plans to open 30 cafes in Mumbai within a year and 150 cafes in over 20 Indian cities by March ’23.

Premium artisan café chain Third Wave Coffee, which has built a popular and loyal community of coffee lovers in Bengaluru, Pune, and Delhi since its launch in 2016, has opened its flagship outlet in Mumbai at Lokhandwala.

With this new cafe, the brand currently clocks a total of 43 cafes in India - 28 in Bengaluru, 11 in Delhi NCR, 2 in Mumbai, 1 each in Pune and Coonoor with plans to expand to over 150 cafes in over 20 cities by March ’23.

“Like all urban cities, Mumbai has the kind of crowd that loves to experiment with and enjoy different brews of premium artisan coffee. Since its inception, Third Wave Coffee has been at the forefront of the coffee and cafe experience in India,” shared Sushant Goel, Co-Founder & CEO, Third Wave Coffee.

Third Wave Coffee is the brainchild of three young founders - Sushant Goel, Ayush Bathwal and Anirudh Sharma, who have spent the past several years disrupting the coffee-drinking experience.

Third Wave Coffee’s flagship outlet at Lokhandwala, spread across 2000 sq. ft., welcomes you into its cozy, warm interiors done up in hues of beige and off white and the most welcoming appetizing aroma of coffee. The cafe offers a personal, inclusive space that allows customers to build relationships over a perfectly brewed cup of coffee.

“Innovation lies at the heart of everything we do. We also take pride in our ability to pair familiar Indian flavors in a more cafe friendly format. Mumbaikars will have their own local favs including the Chipotle-flavored Paneer Pao or the spicy shredded chicken pao in all our Mumbai cafes. Third Wave Coffee has always introduced new coffee and food experiences that are wholesome, comforting and satiating, and we can't wait to share our offerings with the world,” said Anirudh Sharma, Co-Founder, Third Wave Coffee.

By March next year, Third Wave Coffee will have captured the largest market share for offline coffee consumption in Bengaluru and Delhi. The brand aims to replicate its model across India.

While Juhu Tara Road is dotted with hotels and designer boutiques, a casual café with high-quality food and drinks makes for a great addition to the popular area.

Helmed by two young women entrepreneurs, Ashna Mehta and Nitisha Mehta, Café 49 is all set to add an easy-breezy vibe to The Emerald Hotel.

“Café 49 has all the elements to make Mumbai's very own Central Perk – an iconic, cozy little spot where all of life’s events can unfold in the form of stories told over shared plates, lots of laughter and warm cups of coffee. I look forward to good times here,” said Ashna.

The cafe is all set to launch tomorrow on 16th February 2022. 

An all-day space, Café 49 is apt for animated coffee dates, intimate group dinners and cozy catch-ups over cocktails.

Designed to put customers at ease, the interiors reflect warmth and personality. Off-white brick walls provide the perfect canvas to highlight the salmon and teal coloured seating along with a bright and colourful photo-op wall with wings.

Flanked by tasteful display shelves on one side and an open kitchen up ahead, Café 49 is all about comforting guests with openness and quality assurance.

The all-vegetarian menu focuses on a mix of cuisines with a heavy Mediterranean-European influence.

Andrea Pauro, the restauranteur behind Amici, Andrea’s Eatery, Andrea’s Bar & Brasserie opens a global themed Bistro in Delhi’s Vasant Kunt at DLF Promenade Mall.

With Andrea’s Bistro, he now brings this universal experience to Delhi that is a true reflection of his love for travels and many global food adventures.

“The Bistro is the culmination of many experiences with food on my travels. And the new Andrea’s bistro is an epitome of my love for fine cuisine,” he shared.

Curated with his signature philosophy of authenticity, the menu includes amalgamation of prominent cuisines such as Thai, Italian & Japanese dishes prepared with fresh and high-quality ingredients.

The bistro also boasts of a bar for guests to pair their food with crafted drinks, cocktails and wines.

Amrita Pauro, Andrea’s sister and his design partner for all his earlier projects has done the interiors. Andrea’s Bistro offers a serene oasis in a busy mall where one can enjoy the vibe and great food.

Chef Mohit Jaggi has curated the menu along with Andrea’s.

The centre of attention is on serving thoughtful, fun-loving and scrumptious meals.

As part of its continued expansion plans in the market, SouthRock – the licensed operator of Starbucks retail stores in Brazil announced the opening of eight stores in Minas Gerais.

Store locations include Aeroporto Internacional de Belo Horizonte and Boulevard Shopping, opened on November 18 and 27, respectively, and BH Shopping, Minas Shopping, Shopping Cidade BH, two more stores at the airport and Uberlândia Shopping, in Uberlândia, which will all open in the coming weeks.

“It is with great excitement that we announce our arrival in Minas Gerais with eight unique store locations offering high quality arabica coffee from Brazil and around the world. As we celebrate our 15^th anniversary in Brazil,” said Claudia Malaguerra, MD, Starbucks Brazil.

Boasting one of the strongest coffee cultures of all Brazilian states, Minas Gerais was chosen earlier this year as the destination of Starbucks first Farmer Support Center in the country. Located in Varginha, this new Center extends the company’s presence in the region and aims to provide valuable resources to local coffee communities as part of Starbucks commitment to source coffee responsibly, for the betterment of people and the planet.

The new stores will feature a warm and comfortable atmosphere for customers to enjoy handcrafted beverages prepared by passionate baristas. Menu options range from the Starbucks® Brasil Blend – a unique coffee made with 100% Brazilian beans from the regions of Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Bahia – to other locally relevant offerings, such as an exclusive “mineira” recipe of the traditional Pão de Queijo, a bestselling item only offered by Starbucks in Brazil and developed in partnership with Forno de Minas.

To ensure a consistent Starbucks Experience, the company is opening a Starbucks Training Center in Minas Gerais, located inside the Confins Airport. At this facility, Starbucks Brazil store baristas can participate in training programs covering barista certifications, customer service practices, operational routines, and courses on the coffee industry, quality, and food safety. Learnings acquired at the Center will also be shared with the teams located at future stores in the state.

With the Minas Gerais store openings, Starbucks Brazil will have 142 stores and around 1,600 partners (employees).

Chandigarh’s famous restaurant Finch Chandigarh that is known for exciting the senses with daily live music and a wide range of international cuisines and cocktails has announced its expansion plans.

Finch plans to expand its restaurants not just in India, but also overseas.

“We have plans for expansion in India and overseas, and Bangkok will be operational by April 2022,’ shared Sandeep Katiyar, Director Plutusone hospitality Pvt ltd.

Moreover, Sandeep Katiyar revealed the revenue projections. He stated that Finch anticipates a 20-25 per cent year-over-year increase.

Estimating commercial development and increasing business operations needs a significant amount of investment and capital, and Finch Chandigarh is no exception.

"Yes, we are open to investment funding for expansion to extend our territories as we hope to establish 20 more branches in the next two years," added Katiyar.

The Finch Chandigarh in India is elevating culinary and mixology to new heights, with an emphasis on customer discovery via ambience and cuisine. The founders of the Finch Chandigarh are expecting the same zeal and excitement from their next international growth.

Gurgaon-based coffee startup Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters has raised Rs 17 crore in pre-series B bridge round led by Anicut Angel Fund, the equity arm of Anicut Capital.

The round also saw participation from other new and existing investors.

As per the release, the brand will use the fund to launch new products, execute farm-level interventions to improve quality, expand internationally and for marketing.

“Cafes were an important part of that mission, but like many brands, Covid-19 completely upended the economics of that business. We were fortunate to already have a strong D2C (direct-to-customer) presence and by refocusing our efforts on our online sales channels, we’ve been able to grow our revenue nearly 50 per cent more than our pre-Covid peak. The funding we received demonstrates that we saw the pandemic as an opportunity to build a base for the next leg of our growth and we are grateful to partner with investors who share our vision,” said Matt Chitharanjan, Co-founder, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters.

Also Read: Blue Tokai Coffee to Open 10 more Stores in India

Started in Gurgaon in 2012 with an aim to serve speciality coffee to the customers, it started selling its coffee online and through B2B partnerships.

At present, it also operates cafes in Delhi, Gurgaon, Kolkata, Mumbai and a newly launched café in Hyderabad.

Started by Matt Chitharanjan, Namrata Asthana and Shivam Shahi, the brand refocused on their online business to reach more customers during covid by making high-quality coffee more accessible to people across the country.

They are also present in ready-to-brew and ready-to-drink products.

“We are privileged and delighted to partner with the entire Blue Tokai team as they march ahead in their mission to introduce people to great-tasting coffee grown in India and set a coffee culture through their cafes and website,” added Ashvin Chadha, Co-founder, Anicut Angel Fund.

Chennai-based tea startup Chai Waale has announced that it has received  Rs 5 crore funding from marquee angel investors.

The round saw participation from existing and new investors.

Some of the angel investors include Sunil Sethia, Sunil Kumar Singhvi, Manish Mardia, UNI-M Network, a Mumbai-based angel network and celebrities like Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan.

Additionally, private organisations such as Bengaluru's Unlisted Kart LLP (an online trading platform of unlisted shares) and Chennai-based Conscience Multi Family Office are among the other investors who have played a role in this round of funding, the company said.

“80% of the current funding will be utilized in physical store expansion. We aim to have 35 fully functioning stores by the next year,” shared Vidur Maheswari, founder, Chai Waale who wants to use the rest of the funds for marketing, expansion of back-end systems, etc.

The brand is also aiming at opening stores at malls, metro stations and also expand its menu to other snack items including; momos, sandwiches, iced tea, desserts to name a few.

"During the unlock phases, we increased our digital marketing and e-commerce budgets to acquire a new customer base online apart from our existing loyal customer base," added Maheshwari who founded the company in 2018.

Today, it operates 20 outlets in strategic locations offering a range of speciality teas, including milk, black, herbal, and iced tea variants, along with a variety of savouries such as sandwiches, noodles, poha, and khakhras.

Moonshine Food Ventures LLP (MFVL) has announced the acquisition of Café StayWoke, Gurgaon for an undisclosed amount.

The acquisition marks a step ahead in the robust growth plans of the company.

MFVL has been focused in building a professional organisation in the F&B business with the right portfolio mix of restaurants.

Also Read: Why Acquisition is the Way Forward for Restaurant Biz

“We were keen to enter the growing neighborhood cafe business & this acquisition marks our entry into the same,” shared Vishal Anand, Founder, Moonshine Food Ventures who believed that while the Covid-19 pandemic has really impacted businesses and economies across the globe, it has also created growth opportunities for the serious players. “I am bullish about the hospitality industry in the mid to longer term and it is also the right time to promote great Indian Indigenous Cafes. With this format, we are looking at opening multiple outlets of Café Staywoke & expanding our footprint across geographies,” he added.

The second outlet of Cafe Staywoke is already lined up at Worldmark, one of the finest upcoming food & entertainment destinations of Gurugram.

They also own Saints N Sinners, Gurgaon, Farzi Café: Aerocity, Delhi apart from few upcoming projects like: Saga-Cuisines of India with Michelin Star Chef Atul Kochhar, Glasshouse: World Grill & Bar, Gurgaon and Pa Pa Ya at WorldMark, Gurgaon. 

Café Staywoke acquisition marks their entry in the growing cafe business.

May Interest: This Café is Serving Fine-Dining Style Food in a Fun Environment

Cafe Staywoke is a vibrant cafe serving gourmet casual food since November 2017 and very well liked among the Gurugram consumer market. “The brand Staywoke is our first venture. It has been a memorable journey helping us meet some amazing people on the way. But as they say, sometimes you have to step back and let the dream live on. We are a hundred percent optimistic that Monshine Food Ventures would do justice to the brand and all its employees who have stuck with us since pre opening,” added Abhinav Aggarwal, Director, Yellow Lily Hospitality that owned Cafe StayWoke.

Corona pandemic has not only disrupted our livelihood but has also brought the survival of underprivileged citizens in question. People like daily wage earners, transgenders, sex workers, and other similar groups, have lost their employment are struggling for their basic requirements like food. To help these individuals cope up, Café Guftagu is aiming to help with basic and nutritious meals for all those in need.

“Through Café Guftagu’s existing infrastructure, we are starting a community kitchen, through which we aim to provide around 5000 meals to these underprivileged people who are in serious need of food during this crisis'' said Sumit Pawar, co-owner, Café Guftagu.

The cafe has estimated each meal to cost around Rs.100, which includes raw material, human resources, logistics, and other necessary steps.

To make this initiative a great success, Café Guftagu has started a fundraiser and whatever amount is contributed there, will allow them to support the ones who are in complete distress.

“To make this initiative a great success, we have budgeted the entire campaign to an estimate of 5 lac rupees and each contribution will empower us to successfully execute this much-required initiative,” added Apurva Paithane, co-owner, Café Guftagu.