Bhaichung Bhutia Enters the Culinary World with GOAT Dining and Cocktail Restaurant in Siliguri

By Author

Published on October 30, 2023

Renowned Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia has made a remarkable leap from the football field to the world of culinary arts. He's joined hands with GOAT Dining and Cocktail Restaurant to introduce an upscale dining experience in the bustling heart of Siliguri. This collaboration marks Bhutia's first venture into the culinary world, delivering a delectable fusion of culture and culinary passion.

GOAT, an elevated dining and cocktail restaurant brand, captures the essence of Siliguri's diverse cultures, celebrating their harmonious blend through a vibrant ambiance. From the moment you step into GOAT, you're greeted by an opulent setting that perfectly combines sophistication with excellence. It offers patrons a tranquil dining experience, providing an exquisite escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.

Bhaichung Bhutia, who has always been a fervent advocate of immersive dining experiences, expressed his vision for GOAT. He aimed to create a gastronomic journey that transcended the ordinary. GOAT caters to culinary connoisseurs, where they can relish finely crafted culinary delights while soaking in the sumptuous ambiance and luxurious service. Ultimately, GOAT is set to elevate Siliguri's dining landscape to extraordinary heights.

What sets GOAT apart is its diverse and carefully curated menu. This menu reflects the artistry of culinary experts and promises a burst of unique flavors to tantalize your palate. Complementing this dining experience is GOAT's Speakeasy Bar, a haven of sophistication, offering an elite and intimate setting for patrons to unwind.

Nitin Aggarwal, the Managing Director at GOAT, emphasized the need for a culinary establishment that embodies luxury in the city. With Bhutia's vision, GOAT fills this void, delivering a dining haven characterized by eminence, exclusivity, and extravagance. It transforms the traditional restaurant concept into an unforgettable dining experience, revolutionizing Siliguri's premium dining scene.

The culinary journey at GOAT is further enriched by an expert team led by Swaraj Singhi, a prominent name in the hospitality industry. The combination of the culinary team's expertise and Bhutia's vision promises a remarkable dining experience in the heart of Siliguri.

Bhaichung Bhutia's venture into the culinary world with GOAT marks a significant addition to Siliguri's dining scene, elevating the city's cultural and culinary tapestry to create a delightful experience for all.

Ashis Chattopadhyay Appointed Cluster Director of Finance for Eight Marriott Hotels under Chalet Hotels

By Author

Published on December 27, 2025

Chalet Hotels Limited has announced the appointment of Ashis Chattopadhyay as Cluster Director of Finance, with responsibility for leading the finance function across eight Marriott hotels within its portfolio. In this role, he will oversee financial strategy, governance, compliance, and performance management across a large and diverse multi-property operation.

Ashis brings with him over two decades of extensive experience in finance leadership, having worked with Deloitte and held senior finance roles across globally renowned hospitality brands including Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, COMO Group, and Marriott International. His professional journey has been marked by a strong focus on finance transformation, strengthening internal controls, and driving operational efficiencies within complex hotel environments.

Prior to this appointment, Ashis served as Multi-Property Director of Finance for Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway and Four Points by Sheraton Kochi, Infopark, where he played a key role in financial governance and strategic decision-making across properties.

With increasing emphasis on governance frameworks, technology-led finance systems, and disciplined financial management across large hotel clusters, this appointment reflects a strategic strengthening of leadership within Marriott’s India portfolio under Chalet Hotels Limited. Ashis Chattopadhyay’s expertise is expected to further enhance financial resilience, operational transparency, and long-term value creation across the group’s growing hospitality footprint.

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty Appoints Vikash Kumar as Assistant Director of Food & Beverage

By Hariharan U

Published on December 25, 2025

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty has announced the appointment of Vikash Kumar as its new Assistant Director of Food & Beverage, further reinforcing the hotel’s focus on operational excellence and elevated guest experiences across dining and events.

In his new role, Vikash will oversee food and beverage operations, banquet performance and service delivery, supporting the hotel’s continued emphasis on consistency, quality and guest-focused innovation. With over a decade of experience across F&B service, banquet operations and large-scale event planning, he brings a strong blend of operational depth and people-led leadership.

Vikash began his hospitality journey in 2014 with Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Center and Courtyard by Marriott, where he developed a solid foundation in food and beverage service and guest engagement. Over the years, he progressed through several leadership roles, gaining hands-on experience in managing high-volume operations and complex event environments.

He joined the Hyatt family in September 2022 as Events Planning Manager at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, where he played a key role in executing high-profile events and strengthening banquet operations. He later moved to Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center as Banquet Manager and was promoted to Assistant Food & Beverage Manager in March 2025.

A graduate in Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Vikash is known for his disciplined, collaborative approach and his commitment to building high-performing teams. His return to Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty reflects the hotel’s continued focus on nurturing internal talent and developing leaders aligned with Hyatt’s values of care, consistency and service excellence.

About Grand Hyatt

Around the world, Grand Hyatt hotels bring travel dreams to life by celebrating the iconic in small details and magnificent moments. Located at the crossroads of local culture and global business within major gateway cities

Hospitality in 2026: Nksha’s Growth Plans and Key Dining Trends to Watch

By Hariharan U

Published on December 20, 2025

As the hospitality industry in India prepares to step into 2026, operators are reflecting on a year marked by recovery, refinement, and renewed ambition. According to Pranav Rungta, Co-Founder & Director of Nksha Restaurant and Vice President of NRAI Mumbai, 2025 proved to be a strong year both for his brand and for the wider dining ecosystem.

“Nksha had a strong 2025, earning high praise for its modern North Indian cuisine, elegant ambience, and innovative cocktail programme,” Rungta shared. “Our patrons truly valued the overall experience, from exceptional service to thoughtful presentation, even within the premium dining segment.”

Operating in Mumbai’s highly competitive fine-dining space, Nksha’s ability to deliver consistent quality and value helped it stand out as a destination restaurant. The positive response has also encouraged the brand to look beyond its current footprint.

Looking ahead, Rungta revealed that Nksha is actively exploring expansion plans for 2026. “We are evaluating a new location in Mumbai and also studying opportunities in the GCC region, where we have received very encouraging feedback for the concept,” he said.

From an industry standpoint, Rungta believes 2026 will be shaped by a clear shift in demand patterns. Tier II and Tier III cities such as Pune, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Raipur, and Indore are emerging as strong growth markets. “The demand in these cities is growing faster, and there is a massive appetite for established metro brands, provided menus are localised,” he noted.

Premiumisation is expected to continue, particularly in fine dining and craft cocktails, as Indian diners increasingly seek elevated, experience-led outings. At the same time, Gen Z-driven personalisation is set to play a larger role. “AI-powered chatbots, customised health-focused menus such as low-carb or vegan options, and immersive experiences like virtual tastings will become more common,” Rungta added.

As restaurants balance expansion with innovation, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where thoughtful growth, technology-led personalisation, and premium experiences define the next phase of India’s hospitality journey.

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