Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters Hits 100-Store Milestone in India

Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters Hits 100-Store Milestone in India

By Author

Published on March 15, 2024

Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, India's leading specialty coffee brand, has marked a significant milestone with the opening of its 100th café in Kolkata. Known for its exceptional coffee and vibrant café experiences, Blue Tokai continues to shape India's coffee culture with its expansion across the country.

Starting as a small roastery in Delhi in 2013, Blue Tokai has rapidly grown into the largest specialty coffee brand in India, catering to diverse demographics and preferences. The company’s cafés have played a pivotal role in introducing specialty coffee to Indian consumers, reflecting a 2x growth since FY23.

Shivam Shahi, Co-Founder and COO of Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, highlighted the increasing demand for high-quality coffee and the shift towards inclusive out-of-home experiences. He expressed the company’s commitment to expanding its café network, aiming to reach 200 stores by the end of the next fiscal year.

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The newly opened café in Ballygunge, Kolkata, offers an array of premium coffee options, including espresso, pourover, and Vietnamese-style iced coffee. Additionally, it features a bookstore by Bahrisons Booksellers, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for coffee enthusiasts and readers alike.

With its strategic locations in premium markets, corporate parks, malls, and residential neighborhoods, Blue Tokai aims to make specialty coffee accessible to consumers across India. The brand's dedication to quality is evident in its sourcing of the finest Indian beans and expert roasting techniques.

Blue Tokai’s expansion efforts have been supported by recent funding, including a $30 million Series B round in January 2023. With investors backing its growth initiatives, the company is poised to further enhance its café footprint, develop its B2B channel, and explore new opportunities in India’s coffee market.

As Blue Tokai celebrates its 100th café, it continues to redefine the coffee experience in India, bringing people together over shared interests and a love for great coffee.


Woodside Inn Bengaluru Marks World Pizza Day with Its Signature Bar-Style Pizzas

Woodside Inn Bengaluru Marks World Pizza Day with Its Signature Bar-Style Pizzas

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 30, 2026

World Pizza Day is around the corner, and Woodside Inn Bengaluru is gearing up to celebrate it in its own relaxed, no-fuss style. Known for understanding what a good bar-style pizza should be, Woodside Inn continues to serve thin-crust pizzas that are crisp, indulgent, and perfect for sharing over long conversations and cold beers.

Staying true to the brand’s easygoing pub culture, these pizzas are designed for the table, order once, keep reaching back, and let the flavours do the talking. Among the clear crowd favourites is the Bacon Brie Melt, where smoky bacon pairs with gooey brie and a drizzle of maple chilli oil. Rich, bold, and packed with flavour, it’s the kind of pizza that vanishes sooner than expected.

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Other popular picks include the Truffle 4 Cheese for those who enjoy indulgent comfort, the classic Pepperoni Delight, and the bold Lamb-a-licious topped with lamb bolognese, Kalamata olives, and feta. Vegetarian options are equally well represented, with favourites like Margherita, Primavera, and Southwest Sunset offering balance, comfort, and flavour without compromise.

Located in Indiranagar, Woodside Inn brings together warm hospitality, great music, and a steady flow of beers, making it a go-to neighbourhood pub. This World Pizza Day, the Bengaluru outlet offers the perfect excuse to drop in for good pizzas, easy vibes, and bar food that keeps guests coming back for more.


The Drexel at Esmé Hotel Unveils a Coastal Italian–Inspired Culinary Chapter on Española Way

The Drexel at Esmé Hotel Unveils a Coastal Italian–Inspired Culinary Chapter on Española Way

By Hariharan U

Published on January 30, 2026

The Drexel, the well-known Miami Beach restaurant housed within Esmé Hotel on Española Way, has unveiled a refreshed culinary direction, marking a new chapter defined by clarity, craft, and a stronger sense of identity. The restaurant now presents a Coastal Italian, inspired menu that places handmade pastas, wood-fired cooking, and hyper-seasonal ingredients at its core.

The new culinary programme is led by Chef Jarrod Huth, COO of Culinary at Think Hospitality, who guided the development of the menu and kitchen philosophy. Working closely with him is Chef de Cuisine Derek Carressi, the day-to-day culinary lead who brings the vision to life through hands-on execution rooted in Italian technique. Together, the chefs have shaped a menu inspired by Italy’s coastal regions, focused on simplicity, balance, and deep respect for ingredients.

This evolution marks a shift from broader Mediterranean influences to a more focused, ingredient-driven Coastal Italian approach. The menu highlights handmade pastas, wood-fired preparations, and seasonal plates that allow quality sourcing and technique to speak for themselves. By working closely with farmers, fishermen, and trusted purveyors, the kitchen follows a philosophy built on restraint and intention, letting ingredients guide what appears on the plate.

Located at the corner of Española Way and Drexel Avenue, The Drexel was originally created by the team behind Mandolin Aegean Bistro as a restaurant “for locals, by locals,” set within a historic 1920s village. As part of Esmé Hotel, it has long played a central role in the property’s rhythm, serving both neighbourhood diners and hotel guests alike.

“As South Beach and Española Way continue to evolve, with Esmé serving as an anchor for the street, it felt like the right moment to sharpen The Drexel's culinary identity,” said Hunter Gellin, President of Think Hospitality. “Chef Jarrod's experience and skill position The Drexel to play a meaningful role within the area's intentional tenant mix - a place that thoughtfully serves both the local community and Esmé's guests. In this way, The Drexel becomes an essential piece of the carefully curated hospitality ecosystem taking shape along Española Way.”

Chef Huth brings experience from some of the world’s most exacting kitchens, including The French Laundry and Per Se, where he developed a foundation of discipline and precision. Paired with Chef Carressi’s Italian-forward execution and daily leadership, the menu remains refined yet fluid, designed to evolve naturally with the seasons rather than remain static.

Complementing the kitchen is the beverage programme led by Beverage Director Alejandro Chavarria, featuring a carefully curated wine list and cocktails designed to suit both aperitivo hour and dinner service. The restaurant’s daily “Sunset & Sip” happy hour from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM continues to position The Drexel as a relaxed, social gathering spot along Española Way.

With its renewed culinary focus and thoughtful evolution, The Drexel remains a restaurant designed for return visits, equally suited to casual weeknight dinners, sunset drinks, and celebratory evenings around the table.


Burger Singh Expands Mumbai Presence with New Andheri Outlet

Burger Singh Expands Mumbai Presence with New Andheri Outlet

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 30, 2026

Burger Singh, India’s fastest-growing Made-in-India burger chain, has expanded its footprint in Mumbai with the launch of a new outlet in Andheri. The opening marks another step in the brand’s focused growth across key urban markets, as it continues to strengthen its presence in western India.

Andheri, known for its mix of commercial hubs and residential neighbourhoods, fits well into Burger Singh’s strategy of targeting high-footfall locations. The area attracts young professionals, families, and students, making it a strong market for the brand’s flavour-forward offerings. The new outlet will serve Burger Singh’s signature desi burgers, blending familiar Indian spices and ingredients with the speed and consistency of the QSR format.

Mumbai’s fast-moving lifestyle and diverse food preferences make it a key market for Burger Singh. The brand continues to fine-tune its menu to match evolving consumer tastes in the city, combining traditional Indian flavours with modern burger formats that appeal to a wide audience.

With this launch, Burger Singh now operates 12 outlets across Maharashtra, underlining the state’s importance in its western India growth strategy. Maharashtra offers long-term potential for up to 200 additional outlets, driven by demand in both metro and non-metro markets. Within the state, Greater Mumbai remains a priority, where the brand currently has 2 outlets and sees scope to add up to 70 more across prominent neighbourhoods and high-footfall commercial zones in the coming years.

Commenting on the expansion, PV Bhargav, Chief of Staff, said, “We aren’t just bringing another burger to Mumbai; we are bringing a flavor revolution that is unapologetically and truly Indian. While the world was busy replicating the West, we doubled down on the Masala, the soul, and the spice that India loves. At Burger Singh, our products aren't just items on a menu; they are personified characters with unique names and distinct personalities that resonate with our customers.” He added, “Western India is our next big bet. We believe the potential in Maharashtra is so massive that the state alone can eventually support more outlets than our entire current national footprint. This expansion is more than just opening stores; it’s a massive opportunity for budding entrepreneurs in Mumbai to partner with a disruptive, home-grown brand and finally be their own boss in one of the world’s most vibrant food markets.”

As part of its wider plans in Maharashtra, Burger Singh is also focused on creating employment opportunities. The brand aims to hire over 1200 employees across its existing and upcoming outlets in the city, contributing to local job creation and supporting operational growth.

With the Andheri launch, Burger Singh continues to build on its momentum, backed by a strong product-market fit across tier 1 cities as well as tier 2 and tier 3 markets. Its expansion remains driven by a franchise-led model, with a clear focus on scalability and operational discipline.

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