Reflections and Future Prospects: F&B Leaders Share Their Year-End Insights

Reflections and Future Prospects: F&B Leaders Share Their Year-End Insights

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 19, 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, key figures from the food and beverage sector reflect on the milestones and challenges of the year. From growth and innovation to sustainability, it’s been a year of exciting transformations. Here's what some prominent F&B leaders had to say about their experiences.

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Vikesh Shah, Founder of 99 Pancakes, expresses immense pride in his company’s growth, calling 2024 a transformative year. “Reflecting on this year, I couldn't be prouder of the growth and evolution we've experienced as a company. We set ambitious goals, many of which we surpassed, while others have provided us with invaluable lessons. Our team's relentless dedication to pushing boundaries and adapting to new challenges has made this year one of our most transformative yet. As we enter the New Year, our commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and operational excellence remains stronger than ever. The journey is only just beginning, and I'm excited for what lies ahead,” he shares.

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For Simranjeet Singh, Director of CYK Hospitalities, 2024 was the year of concept-driven dining. "We saw a shift towards unique dining experiences that resonated with evolving consumer preferences. At CYK Hospitalities, we specialized in crafting bespoke concepts, blending innovation with authenticity. This year highlighted how a strong concept can turn a restaurant into a destination," he notes.

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On the other hand, Nidhi Singh, Co-founder of Samosa Singh, reflects on the year's focus on innovation and sustainability. “2024 has been a year of innovation and growth, as the industry embraced digital transformation and a return to roots with authentic yet healthier offerings. While we anticipated a focus on sustainability and consumer-centric solutions, the surge in global interest for Indian cuisine reaffirmed the timeless appeal of our culinary heritage. It’s an exciting time for the industry, with tradition and innovation coalescing like never before,” she says.

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Shikhar Veer Singh, Co-founder of Samosa Singh, shares his excitement about the company’s significant milestones. “2024 has been a defining year for Samosa Singh. We revamped our manufacturing capabilities, scaling production capacity by 5x to meet growing demand. Entering global markets and continuing our expansion, fueled by growth and customer love, are some of the major milestones that underscore our mission to bring India’s beloved snacks to a global stage. These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our team and the trust of our customers. As we gear up for 2025, we are excited to build on this momentum and continue to innovate in the food industry,” he adds.

With 2024 behind them, the F&B industry’s leaders are eager to take their success forward into 2025, embracing both tradition and innovation as they continue to shape the future of the sector.


Bluebop Subs: Mumbai’s New Gourmet Sandwich Delivery from The Bluebop Café

Bluebop Subs: Mumbai’s New Gourmet Sandwich Delivery from The Bluebop Café

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 31, 2025

Craving a sandwich that truly hits the spot? Bluebop Subs, the latest venture from the team behind Mumbai’s beloved Bluebop Café, is here to transform your sandwich experience. Now available for delivery on Swiggy, Bluebop Subs brings handcrafted, chef-driven sandwiches right to your doorstep — all made with in-house baked breads, premium ingredients, and a generous dollop of soul.

Where Craft Meets Craving

Bluebop Subs is not just another sandwich brand; it carries forward the Bluebop Café’s legacy of quality, creativity, and flavour. Each sandwich is crafted with care, featuring breads baked fresh in-house, including hearty rye and gluten-free options for mindful eaters. Whether you’re a vegetarian, meat lover, classic fan, or flavour adventurer, there’s a sandwich here made just for you.

Eesha Sukhi, Director of The Bluebop Café, shares, “We’ve poured the same care and craftsmanship into Bluebop Subs that made The Bluebop Café what it is today. This launch is a celebration of flavour, convenience, and creativity. We wanted to bring restaurant-quality sandwiches to your homes without compromise.”

A Menu That Sparks Joy

Expect a lineup of sandwiches that go beyond the ordinary:

  • The OG Fried Chicken sub with slaw and house sauce

  • Bright, creamy Egg & Avocado delight

  • Indulgent Pepperoni Melt

  • Spicy, satisfying Peri Peri Cottage Cheese

  • Crisp and creamy Caesar Chicken Salad

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  • Classic favourites like Caprese, Ham & Cheese, and BLT

  • Wholesome vegan options like Tofu Green Delight

And for the sweet tooth, don’t miss their decadent dessert sandwiches:

  • Lotus Cheesecake Sub

  • Oreo Cheesecake Sub

From gourmet to comfort, health-conscious to hearty, Bluebop Subs is designed to deliver happiness, whether you’re working late, binge-watching your favourite series, or just really hungry.

Available now for delivery across Mumbai on Swiggy.
Follow them on Instagram: @bluebopsubs
Contact: 093722 02586


Novotel Vijayawada Varun Celebrates Andhra’s Culinary Heritage with Avakaya Mixing Ceremony

Novotel Vijayawada Varun Celebrates Andhra’s Culinary Heritage with Avakaya Mixing Ceremony

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 29, 2025

Novotel Vijayawada Varun recently brought the city’s culinary heritage to life with a vibrant Avakaya Mixing Ceremony, honouring the age-old Andhra tradition of mango pickle preparation. Held on May 25th, the immersive event welcomed chefs, food enthusiasts, and guests to celebrate the arrival of the mango season through this beloved cultural ritual.

Hosted at The Terrace, the event was a beautiful blend of heritage and hospitality. Attendees gathered around freshly chopped raw mangoes, gingelly oil, and traditional spices, joining hands to prepare Avakaya in a communal spirit. The evening began with refreshing local drinks like Mango Ice Apple Smoothie and Watermelon Mint Mojito, followed by a spread of nostalgic handcrafted snacks including Mamidi Tandra, Tati Tandra, and Kobbari Mamidikaya Mukkalu.

Hotel Manager Manish Pathak shared, “This event beautifully bridges local culture with contemporary hospitality, embodying the core ethos of Novotel Vijayawada Varun. The Avakaya Mixing Ceremony offers our guests an authentic taste of tradition, reflecting our unwavering commitment to community engagement and preserving Andhra’s rich regional flavours within a refined setting.”

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The culinary journey continued with a curated menu featuring regional specialties such as Korrala Gunta Puli Bongaralu, Kotha Avakaya Mudda Pappu Dumplings, Metha Chekkalu, Mamidikaya Bhajji, and Perugu Awada. Guests also enjoyed an Araku Filter Coffee and Masala Tea Bar, paired with local snacks, as live instrumental music elevated the immersive experience.

To mark the occasion, guests received handcrafted jars of Avakaya—a delicious takeaway that not only symbolised the start of the pickle season but also served as a flavourful reminder of Andhra’s gastronomic roots.


Rajasthali Resort & Spa Introduces Royal-Inspired Culinary Journey at Jharokha

Rajasthali Resort & Spa Introduces Royal-Inspired Culinary Journey at Jharokha

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 28, 2025

Rajasthali Resort & Spa has unveiled an inspired culinary journey at Jharokha, its signature fine-dining restaurant, through a reimagined menu that pays tribute to Rajasthan’s royal culinary heritage. The refreshed offerings honour time-honoured flavours while welcoming a contemporary twist that caters to modern tastes.

Crafted by the resort’s culinary experts, the menu showcases a thoughtful fusion of traditional Rajasthani recipes and global cuisine, bringing together rich flavours and refined presentation. Signature dishes include Dal Bati Churma, Ker Sangri, Laal Maas, and Jungli Maas, all prepared with authenticity and care, reflecting the grandeur of Rajputana feasts.

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Vegetarian favourites like Gatta Curry, made from gram flour dumplings in a tangy yogurt gravy, continue to reflect the essence of Marwari home kitchens. Highlights from the new menu also include the aromatic Gosht Dum Biryani, and Chicken Parmigiana, where Western comfort food is infused with Indian warmth.

For those preferring plant-based indulgence, the Subz Khubani Kofta Curry, combining apricots, vegetables, and a nutmeg-spiced tomato velouté, stands out as a blend of heritage and imagination. Fresh offerings like the Rajasthali Garden Bowl and Mediterranean Quinoa Mix bring light, refreshing balance to the rich main course selections.

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No royal feast is complete without dessert, and Jharokha’s sweet offerings—such as Kesari Rasmalai and Moong Dal Halwa—bring a luxurious close to the meal, embracing India’s love for soulful, traditional sweets.

“This new chapter at Jharokha is a culinary tribute—crafted not just for the appetite, but for the soul,” said Mr. Vichin Sehgal, Vice President, Rajasthali Resorts and Spa. “Every dish is a celebration of legacy, reinterpreted with artistic finesse and global elegance.”

Located on the Jaipur Expressway in Kukas, Jharokha at Rajasthali Resort & Spa invites food lovers, cultural explorers, and connoisseurs of regal flavours to indulge in a royal gastronomic experience that is both timeless and contemporary.

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