Tattva Wellness Spa opens first Jalandhar destination at Radisson Hotel

July 23, 2026

Tattva Wellness Spa has expanded its footprint in North India with the launch of its first outlet in Jalandhar at Radisson Hotel Jalandhar on GT Road. The new wellness destination brings the brand’s holistic approach to wellness to one of the city’s leading hospitality addresses, catering to hotel guests, business travellers and local residents.

The opening strengthens Tattva Wellness Spa’s presence in India’s growing wellness hospitality sector while adding a dedicated space where visitors can complement their stay or daily routine with relaxation, rejuvenation and self-care experiences.

The newly opened spa features three single-therapy rooms and one couple therapy room, with each room equipped with attached steam and shower facilities. Guests also have access to an on-site salon, allowing them to combine beauty and grooming services with their wellness sessions during a single visit.

Designed to complement the elegant ambience of Radisson Hotel Jalandhar, the spa blends refined interiors with warm finishes and timeless design elements. The carefully curated setting creates a calming atmosphere while reflecting a subtle sense of regal sophistication.

Tattva Wellness Spa draws inspiration from the five tattvas—Prithvi, Agni, Jal, Vaayu, and Aakash. These guiding elements shape every stage of the guest experience, from the consultation process and spa environment to the delivery and completion of each therapy.

The spa offers an extensive range of massage therapies designed to address varying wellness needs. Guests seeking gentle relaxation can opt for the Swedish Massage, priced at INR 3,500 for 60 minutes, while those dealing with muscle stiffness, body fatigue or deeper tension can choose the Deep Tissue Massage.

The treatment menu also includes Indian Abhyanga Massage, Jet Lag Massage Therapy, Ayurvedic Potli Massage, Sports Massage, and several other therapies focused on relaxation, recovery and overall well-being.

Beyond massage therapies, the spa offers body treatments and skincare rituals that help exfoliate, nourish and refresh the skin. Options include the Radiance Body Scrub, Detox Body Polish, and Illuminating Face & Body Mask, each designed to support hydration and skin renewal.

Guests can also choose from facial therapies such as the Rejuvenate Facial, Shine Facial, and Pure Facial.

To further personalise each visit, Tattva Wellness Spa offers a variety of service enhancements, including yoga stretch, foot reflexology, head massage, back massage, LymphoGlow rejuvenation, potli therapy, and steam bath. These add-on services allow guests to tailor treatments according to their individual wellness goals.

Commenting on the launch, Shipra Sharma, Co-Founder, Tattva Wellness Spa, said, “We are thrilled to launch Tattva in Jalandhar in partnership with Ms Divya Kapoor Sardana, Director, Radisson Hotel Jalandhar. Her vision and passion for bringing a professional wellness spa to the city of Jalandhar inspired us to bring the best of what Tattva has to offer to the city. The spa has been designed to serve different guest needs, from deep relaxation and muscle recovery to grooming and beauty care. We aim to make wellness spa experiences a matter of regular lifestyle for Jalandhar.”

Commenting on the partnership, Divya Kapoor Sardana, Director, Radisson Hotel Jalandhar, said, “Radisson Hotel Jalandhar has long stood for gracious hospitality, refined experiences, and a deep understanding of what today’s travellers value. The introduction of Tattva Wellness Spa is a natural extension of this philosophy, bringing personalised wellness and expert-led therapies within the convenience of the hotel. It gives our guests, as well as the people of Jalandhar, an opportunity to make well-being a more accessible and meaningful part of their lifestyle. We are delighted to welcome Tattva Wellness Spa and invite residents and travellers alike to experience this new expression of wellness at Radisson Hotel Jalandhar.”

The launch of Tattva Wellness Spa at Radisson Hotel Jalandhar marks an important milestone in the brand’s expansion strategy while enhancing the hotel’s wellness offerings. By combining therapeutic massages, beauty services and personalised wellness experiences under one roof, the new destination aims to meet the evolving expectations of modern travellers and local guests seeking premium wellness services in Jalandhar.

Daksh Hotels & Resorts signs The Classio Hotel in Rishikesh, expands spiritual tourism portfolio

BRL Editor

July 23, 2026

Daksh Hotels & Resorts has expanded its presence in India’s leisure and spiritual tourism segment with the signing of Daksh The Classio Hotel, Tapovan, in Rishikesh. The latest addition aligns with the company’s strategy of strengthening its footprint in destinations that attract wellness, pilgrimage and leisure travellers.

Situated on Badrinath Road in Tapovan, the hotel features 36 premium rooms, an Ayurvedic spa, a multi-cuisine café and dedicated event spaces designed for leisure guests, wellness seekers, families and corporate travellers.

The property enjoys a well-connected location, approximately 7 km from Rishikesh Railway Station and 18 km from Jolly Grant Airport, offering convenient access for both domestic and international visitors.

The hotel signing agreement was formalised by Sanjiv Pandit, Business Development Officer, Daksh Hotels & Resorts; and Umesh Singh, Owner of The Classio Hotel, Rishikesh.

Commenting on the signing, Kaushal Raichura, Founder of Daksh Hotels & Resorts, said Rishikesh continues to attract travellers seeking spirituality, wellness and leisure. He added that the new hotel reflects the company’s focus on expanding into destinations with growing tourism demand while offering hospitality experiences inspired by the Indian philosophy of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’.

The addition further strengthens Daksh Hotels & Resorts’ presence in Uttarakhand while expanding its portfolio of destination hotels across Sasan Gir, Dwarka, Saputara, Pavagadh and Udaipur. The company is also preparing to launch upcoming projects in Vrindavan and Ayodhya, reinforcing its growth strategy in key religious and leisure destinations across India.

With the Rishikesh signing, Daksh Hotels & Resorts continues to build a diversified hospitality portfolio focused on high-demand tourism markets. The expansion reflects the group’s ongoing emphasis on combining destination-led growth with guest experiences tailored to wellness, leisure and spiritual travel.

Uber cuts 10% of customer service jobs as AI reshapes operations

BRL Editor

July 23, 2026

Uber Technologies has reduced 10% of roles within its customer service operations, becoming one of the latest technology companies to directly attribute workforce reductions to artificial intelligence as businesses increasingly automate operations.

The company confirmed the job cuts within its community operations team. According to sources, an Uber spokesperson said in an emailed statement that the company is working “to simplify operations, strengthen in-person collaboration, and continue to embrace AI.”

As part of the restructuring, employees in the affected team who were previously working remotely have also been directed to relocate to one of Uber’s hub offices in accordance with the company’s return-to-office policy, the spokesperson added.

The latest workforce reduction is significant because it is the first time Uber has explicitly linked layoffs to productivity improvements enabled by AI. It also marks the company’s second round of job cuts in less than two months as it continues efforts to streamline its organisational structure.

“Our organization has become too complex and siloed,” Megha Yethadka, Uber’s vice president of global community operations, said in a memo to employees.

The executive added that the department “has made some strides” in using AI; she said, “but to unlock this potential, we need an effective organization to layer AI on. We cannot scale frontier technology on top of fragmented processes.”

The announcement follows another restructuring initiative in June, when Uber reduced its people division by 23%. That exercise affected fewer than 1% of the company’s approximately 34,000 global employees after a new president assumed leadership of the division. Uber has not disclosed the size of its customer service operations.

Earlier in May, the company had already indicated that it planned to slow hiring as its internal adoption of AI expanded. Despite that approach, Uber continues to recruit talent, with more than 500 vacancies currently listed on its careers website, including engineering positions supporting its growing robotaxi partnerships.

Uber’s latest decision reflects a broader trend across the technology sector, where companies are increasingly identifying artificial intelligence as a major factor driving organisational restructuring and workforce optimisation rather than weaker demand or slowing business performance.

As AI adoption accelerates across the industry, companies are continuing to reassess workforce requirements while investing in roles that support future technology initiatives, highlighting the changing balance between automation and talent deployment.

Royal Orchid Hotels expands Iconiqa Collection with Laxminarayan Palace Resort in Vadodara

BRL Editor

July 22, 2026

Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL), through its subsidiary Royal Orchid Goa Private Limited, has signed a revenue-sharing agreement for the launch of Laxminarayan Palace Resort – Iconiqa Collection. The signing marks the next phase in the evolution of the Iconiqa Collection, transforming it from a standalone hotel brand into a curated portfolio of distinctive upscale hotels while reinforcing the group’s asset-light expansion strategy.

The Iconiqa Collection has been created to bring together hotels that stand apart for their individuality, exceptional character and authentic destination-led experiences. Rather than following a uniform design philosophy, every property in the collection is selected for its architectural significance, cultural relevance, heritage value or extraordinary setting, making each hotel a destination in its own right.

The latest addition, Laxminarayan Palace Resort, Vadodara, reflects this philosophy by drawing inspiration from palace architecture while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat’s cultural capital. Designed to blend regal elegance with contemporary hospitality, the resort features expansive event venues, landscaped gardens, refined accommodation and immersive dining experiences, positioning it as a premier destination for weddings, celebrations, corporate events and leisure travel.

Located close to the iconic Laxmi Vilas Palace, the resort introduces a unique urban-resort concept where heritage-inspired architecture meets modern luxury. Its scale, design and thoughtfully curated guest experiences further strengthen Royal Orchid Hotels’ vision of developing hospitality destinations that reflect the unique identity of every city they operate in.

Laxminarayan Palace Resort offers 106 elegantly designed rooms and suites, spread across the Palace Wing and Heritage Wing. Each accommodation has been carefully curated with handcrafted Thikri artwork, intricately carved woodwork, authentic antiquities and sophisticated interiors inspired by royal residences while delivering modern comforts.

Guests can enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi, smart entertainment systems, premium bath amenities, luxurious bedding and personalised hospitality, reflecting the service standards associated with Royal Orchid Hotels.

The resort has been designed to host large-scale social and corporate events with one of Vadodara’s most extensive collections of event venues. Facilities include six indoor venues, expansive landscaped lawns, elegant courtyards and a grand ballroom featuring antique jharokhas, hand-painted ceilings and oversized crystal chandeliers inspired by India’s royal palaces.

Whether for destination weddings, receptions, milestone celebrations, prestigious corporate events or high-profile social gatherings, the property offers bespoke event planning, curated culinary experiences and personalised hospitality.

Beyond celebrations, the resort provides a complete lifestyle experience centred around relaxation and wellness. Facilities include a large freshwater swimming pool, a luxury spa, a salon, a yoga studio and a fully equipped fitness centre, creating an ideal retreat for leisure, wellness and business travellers alike.

The resort introduces three distinct culinary experiences designed to showcase both regional and international cuisine.

Mayur Pankh, named after India’s national bird, celebrates the culinary traditions of India’s royal palaces through timeless recipes inspired by regal kitchens alongside selected regional flavours from Gujarat. The restaurant offers an elegant setting suitable for business lunches, family gatherings and special occasions.

Cafe Nirvaan is an alfresco all-day dining venue overlooking tranquil gardens. Guests can enjoy artisanal coffees, premium teas, handcrafted desserts, gourmet snacks and international favourites in a relaxed environment ideal for casual meetings and leisurely conversations.

Little Italy, the resort’s signature vegetarian Italian restaurant, serves handcrafted pastas, wood-fired pizzas and classic Italian comfort food prepared using premium ingredients in a refined setting.

Commenting on the launch, Chander K. Baljee, Chairman & Managing Director, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd., said: “The Iconiqa Collection represents our vision of bringing together exceptional hotels that stand apart because of their individuality and the experiences they create. Laxminarayan Palace Resort is a remarkable addition to this portfolio. Its palace-inspired architecture, expansive celebration spaces, refined hospitality, and deep connection to Vadodara’s cultural identity make it far more than a hotel – it is a destination in itself. As we continue to expand across India, our focus remains on creating hospitality experiences that are authentic, differentiated, and memorable for every guest.”

Sharing a similar perspective, Arjun Baljee, President, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd, said: “Every hotel within the Iconiqa Collection is chosen because it offers something truly distinctive. The Collection is not defined by a shared design philosophy but by a shared commitment to exceptional experiences rooted in the identity of each destination. Laxminarayan Palace Resort perfectly reflects this vision. Its unique architecture, expansive event infrastructure, immersive culinary offerings, and strong connection to Vadodara’s heritage make it an ideal addition to the Collection. We believe it will redefine hospitality in the city while offering guests a destination that is equally compelling for celebrations, leisure, business, and everyday experiences.”

The addition of Laxminarayan Palace Resort further strengthens Royal Orchid Hotels’ strategy of expanding the Iconiqa Collection through distinctive, destination-led properties under an asset-light model. With its heritage-inspired architecture, luxury accommodation, extensive event infrastructure and curated dining experiences, the resort is poised to emerge as one of Vadodara’s landmark hospitality destinations while reinforcing the group’s presence in India’s upscale hotel segment.

AI-powered travel technology company ZentrumHub partners with RateGain to simplify hotel distribution

BRL Editor

July 22, 2026

AI-powered travel technology company ZentrumHub has announced a strategic connectivity partnership with RateGain, a global provider of AI-powered SaaS solutions for the travel and hospitality industry. Announced in June 2026, the collaboration aims to simplify hotel distribution while reducing integration complexity across the global travel ecosystem.

The partnership combines ZentrumHub’s connectivity infrastructure with RateGain’s Smart Distribution platform. With more than 13,000 customers, 700+ partners across 160+ countries, and relationships with 33 of the Top 40 hotel chains, RateGain significantly broadens the hotel supply network available through ZentrumHub’s platform.

As a result of the integration, travel agencies, destination management companies (DMCs), and wholesalers connected to ZentrumHub will gain quicker access to a larger hotel inventory through the single API integration they already use. At the same time, hotel suppliers within RateGain’s network will receive a simplified route to ZentrumHub’s demand ecosystem, which includes 90+ enterprise travel companies across 30+ countries, eliminating the need for repetitive one-to-one integrations.

The collaboration comes as the travel distribution landscape becomes increasingly fragmented, creating operational challenges for both suppliers and travel businesses. Together, the two companies aim to build a more connected and interoperable travel infrastructure that enables supply and demand partners to connect in weeks rather than months.

“Fragmented connectivity continues to be one of the biggest operational challenges in travel distribution,” said Bhushan Tamhankar, Co-founder & COO, ZentrumHub. “This partnership removes the barriers that traditionally slow distribution, giving connected partners faster access to broader supply and demand, in weeks rather than months.”

Highlighting the need for a more unified approach, Anurag Jain, Executive Vice President – Revenue (APMEA), RateGain, said, “Travel distribution today is still heavily fragmented, with suppliers and demand partners managing multiple integrations, onboarding cycles, and disconnected connectivity layers. Our partnership with ZentrumHub is focused on simplifying that complexity through a more unified connectivity framework that enables faster access between global supply and demand ecosystems. Together, we are building a more scalable and interoperable foundation for the future of travel distribution.”

The agreement represents another milestone in ZentrumHub’s strategy to establish itself as the connectivity backbone for global hotel distribution, strengthening collaboration between hotel suppliers and travel businesses through a unified technology platform.

Founded as an AI-powered travel technology company, ZentrumHub enables travel businesses to connect with hotel suppliers worldwide through a single universal API. Its platform links online travel agencies (OTAs), travel agencies, DMCs and wholesalers to 100+ pre-integrated hotel suppliers and more than 10 million properties, eliminating months of fragmented integrations.

The company offers two core solutions—Zentrum Connect and the Zentrum Booking Engine—which serve 90+ enterprise customers across 30+ countries while processing more than 50 million API calls daily with 99.99% uptime.

The partnership with RateGain reinforces ZentrumHub’s long-term vision of creating a seamless and scalable hotel distribution ecosystem. By combining their technology platforms, both companies aim to accelerate connectivity, simplify hotel distribution and enhance access to global travel supply and demand networks.

Bastian Hospitality explores fresh fundraising to accelerate India and Global expansion

BRL Editor

July 22, 2026

Fine-dining chain Bastian Hospitality, co-owned by restaurateur Ranjit Bindra and actor Shilpa Shetty, has initiated discussions to raise fresh capital from private equity firms and strategic investors. The company plans to use the proposed fundraising to support its next phase of expansion across India and international markets.

According to people familiar with the matter, Bastian Hospitality is looking to divest a 20-25 percent minority stake in the business and has already approached potential investors. However, the sources did not disclose the proposed fundraising amount or the valuation the company is seeking.

The company currently operates a portfolio of premium restaurants and luxury dining destinations. As part of its long-term growth strategy, Bastian also plans to diversify beyond restaurants by launching bars, cafes, bakeries, members’ clubs and all-day social spaces.

Shareholding data from Tracxn shows that Shilpa Shetty and Ranjit Bindra each hold a 45.87 percent stake in the company through Shilpa Yog Pvt Ltd and Aallia Hospitality Pvt Ltd, respectively. Krystal Family Holdings owns the remaining 8.2 percent stake.

Bindra confirmed the fundraising exercise and said the company is actively assessing opportunities with prospective investors while remaining focused on long-term expansion.

“We expect to evaluate opportunities to bring on the right strategic and financial partners who can accelerate our long-term vision,” he said. “We are also actively evaluating opportunities with strategic partners in international markets.”

Founded in 2014 by Bindra, Bastian Hospitality, formerly known as Aallia Hospitality, currently operates eight outlets across Mumbai, Goa, Bengaluru, Pune and Ahmedabad. Its portfolio includes brands such as Bastian At The Top, Bastian Beach Club, Bastian Garden City, Bastian Empire, Bastian Riviera and Maison Twenty-Seven.

Bindra, who also serves as the company’s Chief Executive Officer, said Bastian Hospitality aims to generate ₹1,000 crore in revenue in FY27 while continuing to expand its hospitality offerings.

“Over the next 12-18 months, alongside the launch of Maison Twenty-Seven in partnership with the Adani group, we are introducing multiple new concepts,” he said, responding to an email query.

The company’s fundraising plans come at a time when private equity firms and strategic investors are showing growing interest in India’s food services sector. Investors continue to back businesses that are benefiting from a younger consumer base, increasing demand for dining out, and the rapid expansion of food delivery platforms into Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.

Bastian Hospitality’s proposed capital raise reflects its ambition to strengthen its presence in the premium hospitality segment while expanding into new lifestyle formats and overseas markets. If successful, the fundraising aims to support the company’s broader growth strategy and help scale its portfolio of dining and social experiences.

Ananta Hotels & Resorts signs 116-Key Ananta Spa & Resort in Ujjain

BRL Editor

July 22, 2026

Ananta Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of Ananta Spa & Resort, Ujjain, marking the hospitality group’s entry into Madhya Pradesh. Situated on Ratadiya Main Road, Bada Nagar Road, the upcoming resort strengthens the company’s presence in one of India’s most prominent spiritual destinations.

The resort is planned as a phased development. The first phase, featuring 51 keys, expects to open shortly, while the second phase will add another 65 keys. Once fully operational, the property will comprise 116 keys across a cottage-style layout designed to cater to pilgrims, leisure travellers, families and event guests.

The project has been developed by Holyland Holidays and will operate under Ananta Hotels & Resorts’ management partnership model. The arrangement aligns with the group’s asset-light expansion strategy as it continues to grow its hospitality portfolio across India.

The signing also reflects the growing demand for quality hospitality infrastructure in Ujjain, a city that continues to witness rising visitor numbers driven by religious tourism. As one of India’s most sacred destinations, Ujjain is home to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the country’s twelve revered Jyotirlingas.

Located on the banks of the Shipra River, the city attracts millions of devotees every year. Its strategic location along the Ujjain-Indore-Omkareshwar corridor positions it within one of central India’s busiest pilgrimage and cultural circuits. In addition, Indore, the commercial hub of Madhya Pradesh, is located approximately 55 kilometres away, offering significant business and events potential for the upcoming resort.

Commenting on the development, Rupam Das, Chief Operating Officer, Ananta Hotels & Resorts (Ananta Global), said: “Ujjain is a city of deep spiritual significance and growing visitor numbers, yet it remains underserved by organised hospitality. The cottage format gives us a distinctive offering in this market, combining the comfort and service standards of a branded property with a setting that allows guests to stay at a relaxed pace. We are delighted to bring Ananta Spa & Resort to one of India’s most revered destinations.”

The signing of Ananta Spa & Resort, Ujjain, represents a strategic milestone for the hospitality group as it enters Madhya Pradesh through an asset-light management model. With its phased development, cottage-style accommodation and prime location in one of India’s leading pilgrimage destinations, the resort expects to strengthen Ananta Hotels & Resorts’ footprint while catering to the growing demand from both spiritual and leisure travellers.

AI startup Ema in talks to raise $80 Mn as investor interest in AI applications grows

BRL Editor

July 22, 2026

AI startup Ema in talks to raise $80 Mn as investor interest in AI applications grows — Surojit Chatterjee, Founder & CEO, Ema

Enterprise generative artificial intelligence startup Ema is reportedly in advanced discussions to raise around $80 million in a new funding round led by Creaegis, with participation from its existing investors. The proposed investment comes as investor interest increasingly shifts toward AI application startups, reflecting growing confidence in enterprise-focused artificial intelligence solutions.

The funding round is expected to value Ema at approximately $800 million, representing a two-to-three-fold increase from its previous fundraising rounds in 2024, according to people familiar with the matter. The startup had raised $25 million in March 2024 before extending the round in July 2024 to secure an additional $36 million.

Ema and Creaegis did not respond to queries regarding the reported fundraising discussions.

If completed, the transaction would rank among the largest AI funding deals involving an India-linked startup, following Sarvam’s $300 million fundraising and Emergent’s $130 million round. The investment would also mark Creaegis’ second major AI bet within a week after the investment firm led Emergent’s $130 million financing at a valuation that increased fivefold.

The discussions highlight the accelerating momentum in India’s AI startup ecosystem, where investors are increasingly backing companies building practical AI applications for enterprises. Earlier this month, Moneycontrol reported that at least half a dozen early-stage AI startups were negotiating fresh funding rounds with investors including Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal, Eternal Group CEO Albinder Dhindsa, family offices such as Claypond Capital, and several venture capital firms amid rising enthusiasm for artificial intelligence ventures.

Founded in San Francisco in 2023, Ema is led by founder and chief executive Surojit Chatterjee, who previously served as chief product officer at Coinbase and held leadership positions at Google and Walmart-owned Flipkart. The company’s co-founder and chief technology officer, Souvik Sen, previously worked at Okta and Google.

Together, Chatterjee and Sen bring decades of expertise across machine learning, enterprise software and advertising technology, while holding more than 40 and 37 patents, respectively.

Ema develops generative AI assistants designed to help enterprises improve operational efficiency and productivity across multiple business functions. The platform enables organisations to build and deploy AI assistants for a range of enterprise use cases.

Describing the platform’s capabilities earlier, Chatterjee said, “Enterprises can build on and deploy Ema for use cases around improving efficiency and boosting productivity across organisational functions. It comes with ‘standard personas’ of customer support and data professionals apart from more complex roles with its Generative Workflow Engine.”

The startup also boasts a distinguished investor base that includes venture capital firms such as Prosus, Accel, S32, Wipro, Frontier Ventures and Firebolt. Beyond institutional investors, Ema has attracted several prominent Silicon Valley entrepreneurs as angel investors, including former Meta chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook co-founder and Asana chief executive Dustin Moskovitz, Yahoo co-founder and AME Cloud Ventures founder Jerry Yang, ICONIQ Capital founder and chief executive Divesh Makan, and Roblox co-founder and chief executive David Baszucki.

The reported fundraising underscores the growing appetite among investors for enterprise AI startups capable of delivering practical business applications. As enterprises continue adopting AI-powered automation and productivity tools, companies developing scalable enterprise AI platforms are attracting larger investments and higher valuations.

Ema’s proposed funding round, if completed, is expected to strengthen its product development efforts and expand its enterprise AI platform, enabling the company to accelerate adoption of its generative AI assistants across global businesses while capitalising on the rapid growth of the enterprise AI market.

Azure Hospitality expands Dhaba Estd. 1986 footprint with new Kanpur outlet

BRL Editor

July 21, 2026

Azure Hospitality has expanded the presence of its flagship North Indian restaurant brand, Dhaba Estd. 1986, with the opening of a new outlet in Civil Lines, Kanpur. Since its launch, the restaurant has received a strong response from diners, further strengthening the brand’s expansion across North India.

Drawing inspiration from the nostalgic appeal of India’s traditional roadside dhabas, the new restaurant serves the brand’s signature North Indian menu. Guests can enjoy popular dishes such as Dal Dhaba, slow-cooked Balti Meat, Galouti Kebabs, tandoor specialties, handcrafted Indian breads, and a variety of regional North Indian delicacies. In addition, the outlet features Dhaba Estd. 1986’s newly launched Desi Chinese menu, which combines classic Indo-Chinese flavours with authentic recipes and the brand’s focus on consistent quality.

The Kanpur restaurant was launched under the leadership of Chef Kartik, Regional Brand Chef – Dhaba Estd. 1986, who managed the complete pre-opening process. His responsibilities included kitchen planning, menu implementation, recipe standardisation, chef hiring and training, equipment planning, operational readiness, and ensuring that the outlet met the brand’s culinary benchmarks.

Commenting on the launch, Chef Kartik said, “Kanpur has welcomed us with tremendous warmth, and the response since opening has been extremely encouraging. Our vision was to create a restaurant that stays true to the soul of India’s legendary dhabas while delivering the consistency and quality expected from a modern hospitality brand.”

He added, “Signature dishes like our Dal Dhaba, Balti Meat, and Galouti Kebabs continue to be guest favourites, while our newly introduced Desi Chinese range has also been exceptionally well received. It reflects our philosophy of preserving traditional flavours while introducing thoughtful innovation that appeals to today’s diners.”

With more than 15 years of culinary experience, Chef Kartik has played a key role in expanding Dhaba Estd. 1986 by driving menu development, recipe standardisation, restaurant launches, and culinary training across the brand’s portfolio. Moreover, his emphasis on operational excellence and authentic North Indian cuisine has helped maintain consistency across every new outlet.

The Kanpur launch forms part of Azure Hospitality’s broader growth strategy for Dhaba Estd. 1986. Going forward, the brand plans to strengthen its position in India’s casual dining segment by combining traditional North Indian flavours with contemporary dining experiences.

Kolkata Chai secures investment from Vikas Khanna, Jimmy Rizvi’s Bungalow Hospitality

BRL Editor

July 21, 2026

New York-based chai brand Kolkata Chai has announced a strategic partnership and investment from Bungalow Hospitality Investments, the newly formed venture co-founded by Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna and restaurateur Jimmy Rizvi.

The partnership includes a financial investment in Kolkata Chai and an exclusive menu integration across Bungalow Hospitality Management’s restaurant portfolio in New York City. Beginning this summer, the hospitality group will introduce Kolkata Chai’s signature Masala Chai across its existing and upcoming restaurants, including GupShup and the soon-to-open Punjab Meet House. Additionally, the collaboration will feature a series of limited-time co-created menu offerings later this fall.

Founded in 2019 by brothers Ayan Sanyal and Ani Sanyal, Kolkata Chai has expanded through a growing network of cafés and a consumer packaged goods (CPG) portfolio featuring premium chai blends. Furthermore, actor and comedian Hasan Minhaj joined the company in 2024 as an investor and business partner, helping strengthen the brand’s reach through media and cultural storytelling.

Meanwhile, Bungalow Hospitality Investments, established by Khanna and Rizvi, focuses on backing emerging food and hospitality brands. Kolkata Chai represents the venture’s first investment. Khanna said his longstanding admiration for the brand and his personal connection to chai influenced the investment decision.

“Chef Vikas Khanna is a pioneer for Indian cuisine on a global stage, and having him join the Kolkata Chai family is a genuinely exciting moment for us,” said Hasan Minhaj in a statement. He added that the partnership reflects Kolkata Chai’s role in connecting people across generations and cultures.

The collaboration comes as South Asian food and beverage brands continue to gain momentum in the United States. Rising consumer interest, coupled with the expansion of Indian restaurants and South Asian consumer packaged goods brands, has created new opportunities for businesses in the segment. Both Kolkata Chai and Bungalow Foods, the CPG venture co-founded by Khanna and Rizvi, have positioned themselves to capitalize on this growing demand.

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