Avartana at ITC Maratha: Mumbai's Newest Destination for Haute Cuisine

Avartana at ITC Maratha: Mumbai's Newest Destination for Haute Cuisine

By Author

Published on February 8, 2024

ITC Hotels proudly announces the opening of the third outlet of its iconic restaurant, Avartana, at ITC Maratha, Mumbai, marking a significant expansion of its culinary repertoire to the western part of India. Following the resounding success of its predecessors at ITC Grand Chola and ITC Royal Bengal, Avartana continues to redefine Southern Indian cuisine with its innovative and pioneering approach, now bringing its legacy to the vibrant city of Mumbai

Avartana has not only shone brightly among Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2023 but has also established itself as a beacon of culinary innovation, showcasing the depth and diversity of Indian ingredients and culinary techniques. Anil Chadha, Chief Executive of ITC Hotels, shares the excitement and vision behind the brand, "Brand Avartana, just seven years young, has carved a niche for itself by demonstrating the strength and prowess of Indian ingredients and culinary techniques to the world. We endeavor to share the reimagined renditions of Avartana with diners across various cities, crafting moments that resonate long after the dining experience."

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At its core, Avartana is an ode to the rich tapestry of Southern Indian culinary traditions, seamlessly blending these with modern interpretations to create an unparalleled dining experience. The restaurant's name, derived from the Sanskrit word for rhythm, mysticism, and magic, perfectly encapsulates the essence of its offerings - magical dishes that are a modernist take on traditional flavors, each telling a unique story.

The menu at Avartana is a testament to the culinary team's dedication to exploring and innovating within the realm of Southern Indian cuisine. Ingredients such as Ghee from Kerala, Uthukuli Butter and Mango Ginger from Andhra Pradesh, Sago and Jaggery from Chennai, Mochai Beans from Tamil Nadu, and Tamarind from Telangana are deconstructed and reimagined into dishes that engage the senses and captivate the diner's imagination.

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Among the standout offerings are the Spiced Aubergine and Sago with a Byadagi chilli emulsion, Sago Yogurt reinterpreting the classic Bagala Bath with an exotic dried berry tamarind sauce, and the visually striking Fennel Pannacotta egg dessert, presented in a bird's nest with a mini hammer for an interactive dining experience.

Avartana at ITC Maratha promises to be a culinary destination where magical flavors meet twenty-first-century technology, reinventing haute cuisine fine dining into an evolved art form. As it opens its doors in Mumbai, Avartana is set to offer diners a unique journey through the vibrant and diverse mosaics of Southern Indian cuisine, creating unforgettable moments that resonate with the magic of dining at its finest.


McDonald’s Returns to Sales Growth with Pop Culture Tie-ins and Budget Meals

McDonald’s Returns to Sales Growth with Pop Culture Tie-ins and Budget Meals

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 10, 2025

McDonald’s has bounced back to growth, reporting a 3.8% rise in global same-store sales for the second quarter of 2025, driven by smart value-driven offerings and creative pop culture collaborations. The uptick marks a positive shift for the brand after four quarters of sluggish or declining growth, helped along by consumer-focused strategies aimed at easing economic concerns.

International markets led the charge, while sales in the US rose by 2.5%, reversing the downward trend seen in previous quarters. The brand’s strong quarter was supported by promotions tied to pop culture, such as limited-time offers linked to the Minecraft movie and Squishmallows collectibles, which drew attention from younger audiences and families alike.

Alongside the promotions, the launch of a $5 meal bundle and the introduction of new chicken items helped McDonald’s connect with budget-conscious customers seeking both value and variety. These strategies appear to have paid off, positioning McDonald’s for continued momentum.

“The overall second-quarter results show that McDonald's strategy is working and could lead to sustained same-store sales outperformance compared to the rest of the industry,” noted Jon Tower, analyst at Citi.

The rebound in the US is particularly notable, especially when compared to competitors like Chipotle Mexican Grill and Pizza Hut, which continue to face challenges in communicating value to consumers. McDonald’s blend of affordability and fun has given it a clear edge, demonstrating how well-timed promotions and accessible pricing can win over today’s cautious diners.


Popeyes Launches in Mumbai with Four New Outlets

Popeyes Launches in Mumbai with Four New Outlets

By Hariharan U

Published on August 10, 2025

Popeyes, the globally loved brand known for its Louisiana-style fried chicken, has officially arrived in Mumbai with the launch of four restaurants across the city. The new outlets are located at Inorbit Mall, Vashi, Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla, and Viviana Mall, Thane, with a fourth store opening soon at Terminal 2 of Mumbai Airport.

Operated in India by Jubilant FoodWorks Limited, Popeyes is celebrated for its juicy, 12-hour marinated fried chicken infused with bold Cajun spices and hand-battered for a crispy, flavour-packed bite.

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Sameer Khetarpal, CEO and MD of Jubilant FoodWorks Limited, said, “We are thrilled to bring Popeyes to Mumbai, a city renowned for its love for vibrant and diverse flavours. The brand has received an incredible response across India, and we are confident that Mumbaikars will embrace our signature offerings with the same enthusiasm.

Gaurav Pande, Executive Vice President & Business Head of Popeyes India, added, “Mumbai is a key market for us, and we are delighted to make a grand entry in the city with four stores at prime locations. We’re excited for our Gen Z and millennial audiences to experience everything from the Chicken Sandwich that broke the internet to new flavours in our wings range”.

With its mix of bold flavours, quality ingredients, and global appeal, Popeyes aims to offer Mumbai diners a unique fried chicken experience that stands apart in a competitive market.


Serve Robotics and Little Caesars Introduce Autonomous Pizza Delivery in Los Angeles via Uber Eats

Serve Robotics and Little Caesars Introduce Autonomous Pizza Delivery in Los Angeles via Uber Eats

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 9, 2025

Little Caesars customers in Los Angeles might soon find a robot at their doorstep delivering HOT-N-READY® pizzas, thanks to a new collaboration between Serve Robotics Inc. (Nasdaq: SERV), the nation’s third-largest pizza chain, and Uber Eats (NYSE: UBER).

The partnership introduces autonomous sidewalk delivery robots into Little Caesars’ Los Angeles delivery operations via Uber Eats, enhancing service speed, convenience, and sustainability. This move builds on Serve’s existing footprint in Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, and Atlanta, with additional U.S. cities expected soon.

Ali Kashani, CEO of Serve Robotics, said: “Delivering for a beloved national chain like Little Caesars is another opportunity for us to show how we help merchants grow and give consumers a better delivery experience. Seeing a Serve robot at your door will soon become as much of a weekly tradition as pizza night.”

Serve’s third-generation robots are designed with pizza delivery in mind, featuring an expanded cargo bin that can hold four 16-inch pizzas plus sides and drinks, all while maintaining optimal temperature and quality en route.

Trish Heusel, Vice President of Innovation at Little Caesars, added: “Little Caesars is always looking for ways to be innovative in the restaurant industry, and we are proud to partner with Serve Robotics and Uber Eats to deliver our delicious pizzas to our customers in Los Angeles. Partnering with Serve allows us to deliver a solution that aligns with our commitment to better service and technology-forward solutions while reducing our environmental footprint.”

Megan Jensen, Head of Autonomous Delivery Operations at Uber Eats, noted: “By combining smart technology with everyday convenience, we’re making delivery easier, more reliable, and more sustainable.”

Customers in Serve’s Los Angeles delivery zone can now opt for autonomous delivery when ordering Little Caesars through the Uber Eats app.

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