Chennai-based Adyar Ananda Bhavan (A2B), one of India's established South Indian vegetarian food chains, has sold a majority stake to Bodhi Tree Systems for $180 million, marking a significant ownership transition for the family-run business. The transaction values A2B at approximately $350 million, according to an industry source cited by The Hindu.

Bodhi Tree Systems is backed by James Murdoch's Lupa Systems and was co-founded by Murdoch and former media executive Uday Shankar. Following the investment, Shankar will take over as chairman of A2B's board, signalling a move towards a professionally managed corporate structure as the company prepares for its next phase of growth.

The investment, valued at more than ₹1,600 crore, is expected to support A2B's expansion across India and international markets, modernisation of its manufacturing infrastructure and preparations for a potential public listing. VedaCorp, also known as Veda Corporate Advisers, advised on the transaction.

K T Srinivasa Raja, co-founder of A2B, said the business had grown from a single sweet shop established with his brother 50 years ago into a brand serving millions of families. He said the partnership with Bodhi Tree would help prepare the company for public markets and create an opportunity for customers, employees and investors to participate in its future.

Expansion Across India and Overseas

A2B is looking at opportunities in western India and Europe as it seeks to widen its geographical presence. The company also plans to expand its retail business, building on its existing network of restaurants, sweet shops and savouries outlets.

According to Vishnu Shankar of the promoter family, the investment will support the modernisation of A2B's factories in Chennai and Bengaluru. The company is also considering another manufacturing facility to cater to retail and export markets.

Founded in Chennai in the late 1970s, A2B began with a single shop in Washermanpet. Its subsequent outlet in Adyar became central to the brand's identity. Over the years, the company expanded across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, including through highway outlets that became familiar stops for travellers.

A2B now operates around 160 outlets in India and more than 30 overseas, with a workforce of over 15,000 employees. Its international markets include Singapore, the United States, Australia, Malaysia and the United Kingdom.

Alongside its restaurants serving South Indian vegetarian cuisine, A2B has developed a retail business offering sweets and savouries through physical stores and online channels.

Bodhi Tree's Investment in India's Food Sector

Murdoch and Shankar said A2B had built considerable consumer trust over five decades and that its international operations offered an opportunity to take the brand to a wider global audience. They also acknowledged co-founders K T Srinivasa Raja and K T Venkatesan for partnering with them in building the business.

A2B marks Bodhi Tree's third investment, following its investments in ALLEN Career Institute and JioStar. The transaction also highlights the growing interest of institutional investors in established regional food and restaurant brands, particularly those with strong consumer recognition and opportunities for organised expansion.

Balachandar R, Director of Junior Kuppanna, said brands such as A2B and Haldiram's had only begun to explore the potential of India's food and beverage sector. He predicted that at least 100 food and beverage brands could be listed over the next decade.

Balachandar had previously advised on the 2019 investment in Dindigul Thalappakatti, which raised ₹260 crore from private equity firm CX Partners.

For A2B, the Bodhi Tree investment marks a transition from a family-built regional food business towards a larger, professionally managed enterprise, with expansion, manufacturing capacity and public-market readiness forming key priorities

The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace is marking Children's Day with 'Carnival of Smiles', a special family brunch at Seasonal Tastes on November 15, 2026, featuring playful activities, interactive food experiences and entertainment for young guests.

Centred on the spirit of childhood, the Sunday brunch will combine a dedicated children's food fiesta with creative experiences and carnival-inspired entertainment. The menu will include familiar favourites such as mini burgers, pasta and pizzas, alongside a live pancake and waffle counter and a selection of specially curated desserts.

Children will also have the opportunity to get hands-on with food through pizza-making and cupcake art activities, where they can create their own treats as part of the afternoon's programme.

Beyond the dining experience, the celebration will feature face painting, balloon art, magic shows, mascot appearances and interactive games. A themed Little Stars Photo Booth, complete with props, frames and a Children's Day backdrop, will give families an opportunity to capture moments from the celebration.

Young guests will also receive giveaways to take home as keepsakes. The programme is intended to give children space to play, create and explore, while parents enjoy a relaxed Sunday afternoon with family.

With its combination of food stations, creative activities and carnival entertainment, Carnival of Smiles offers families an opportunity to celebrate Children's Day through a shared dining and leisure experience at the hotel.

Experience Details

• Event: Carnival of Smiles – Children's Day Brunch

• Venue: Seasonal Tastes, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, Hyderabad

• Date: Sunday, November 15, 2026

• Time: 12:30 PM–4:00 PM

Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad welcomed the Christmas season with a traditional Cake Mixing Ceremony at Mazzo, bringing together guests, hotel associates and children from Aashri Society for an afternoon of festive activities and shared celebrations.

Held on November 13, the gathering centred on the familiar Christmas tradition of mixing fruits and other ingredients in preparation for the festive season. Participants joined in the ritual, creating a lively atmosphere that combined seasonal traditions with opportunities for community participation.

The celebrations extended beyond the cake-mixing activity, with a festive spread featuring spiced mulled wine, rich hot chocolate, freshly prepared cakes and pizzas. The food and beverages added to the seasonal atmosphere, giving guests and participants an opportunity to enjoy the occasion together.

For the children from Aashri Society, the afternoon included a range of interactive activities. A dedicated juice-mixing station allowed them to create their own fruit-based blends, while pottery and hand-painting sessions encouraged creativity and hands-on participation.

Freshly spun cotton candy and popcorn added to the excitement, while the children also took part in the cake-mixing ceremony, becoming an integral part of the hotel's festive gathering.

The celebration marked the beginning of the Christmas season at Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad, with a focus on bringing people together through familiar traditions, food and shared experiences.

By including children from Aashri Society in the festivities, the hotel extended the occasion beyond a conventional seasonal gathering, creating an opportunity for participation, creativity and moments of connection.