Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts is bringing a new wave of energy to its dining scene with the nationwide rollout of Spice Wood Café across its hotels. By the end of 2025, guests at all 14 Stone Wood properties in India will be able to enjoy this signature café experience, which combines a rustic atmosphere with the convenience of quick-service dining.

The idea behind Spice Wood Café is simple yet powerful - an inviting space where great food and lively vibes come together. "Our goal with Spice Wood Café is to create a space where great food meets great energy, something that feels familiar yet exciting every time. It’s not just about quick service; it’s about delivering a memorable dining experience that reflects the soul of our brand," shared Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director of Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts.

Each café is designed with a cozy, rustic charm, featuring reclaimed wood elements, warm lighting, and spice-inspired touches. Open kitchens add a dynamic touch, letting guests see their meals being freshly prepared. The seating arrangement is thoughtfully planned, offering high tables for solo visitors, communal benches for groups, and comfortable booths for those wanting to relax longer.

On the menu, bold flavors take center stage. Guests can look forward to Spice Wood Bowls made with wholesome grains, wood-grilled skewers, flatbread wraps, and spiced fries. Speed and freshness are key, dishes are crafted for quick assembly and fast service without losing out on taste. Digital kiosks and QR codes make ordering smooth, with a number-call system to minimize waiting. Takeaway options are also available, packaged in eco-friendly materials and topped off with a little spice packet as a keepsake.

This expansion is a big part of Stone Wood’s growth journey. Starting from a single 34-cottage resort in Mandrem, Goa, back in 2017, the group now boasts over 16 properties across top destinations like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Looking ahead, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts has big plans, with upcoming properties in Jim Corbett, Tadoba, Chail, Mussoorie, and Coorg, and a target of reaching 50 hotels by 2030. With Spice Wood Café becoming a regular feature across its locations, the group is not only raising the bar in boutique stays but also stepping confidently into India’s fast-casual dining scene.

Aurika Group, a modern real estate development firm based in Noida, has announced a significant investment of ₹220 crore to boost its presence in Uttar Pradesh’s Tier-II cities. The expansion includes a 150-key serviced suites project in Ayodhya, developed in partnership with Best Western Hotels, and a 5.5-acre premium villa community in Bareilly.

The Ayodhya property, located strategically on the sacred 14 Koshi Parikrama Marg, will cater to the city’s thriving religious tourism sector. The hotel under the Best Western brand will feature premium serviced suites, rooftop dining, wellness amenities, and spiritual experiences—blending cultural heritage with modern comfort. Designed with sustainability and functionality in mind, the project reflects Aurika's commitment to responsible hospitality.

In Bareilly, Aurika continues to make bold moves in real estate with three key developments:

• The Residences, Bareilly – a sold-out plotted-cum-villa project.

• Aurika Avenue – an under-construction mixed-use development on Bada Bypass.

• A new luxury villa community – a low-density, gated residential enclave promising tranquillity and connectivity.

Collectively, these projects are expected to generate over ₹350 crore in revenue, further positioning Aurika as a strong player in the region.

“Our investments align with the aspirations of India's Tier-II cities,” said Prasoon Chauhan, Founder & CEO, Aurika Group. “Ayodhya's spiritual significance and Bareilly's urban potential represent dual pillars of growth. We are committed to delivering projects that balance functionality, cultural relevance, and long-term value.”

Aurika Group is also actively exploring Joint Ventures (JV) and Joint Development Agreements (JDA) with landowners across North India, with a sharp focus on premium residential offerings tailored to evolving buyer expectations.

About Aurika Group:

Headquartered in Noida, Aurika Group is a new-age developer specializing in sustainable, community-driven architecture. Its diverse portfolio includes residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, with 1.5 million sq. ft. already delivered by its leadership team.

Shark Tank India has become a household name, with its fourth season exciting aspiring entrepreneurs seeking both investment and validation. Some businesses walk away with the sharks’ money, while others—who may not get the deal—still go on to achieve great heights. Here's a look at a few startups that made it big, despite not securing funding on the show.

On2Cook

A revolutionary cooking device designed to save time, energy, and preserve nutrients, On2Cook impressed the Sharks with its ability to cook chicken in just 7 minutes while saving 70% of the cooking time and 50% of the energy. Created by inventor Sanandan Sudhir, this product gained significant traction even after failing to secure investment on the show. Post-appearance, the company raised Rs 17 crore in seed funding, hitting a valuation of Rs 100 crore. With patents in India, the USA, the UK, and Russia, On2Cook is now a trusted name in commercial kitchens across India and parts of the USA.

Twee in One

Twee in One by Niti Singhal offers reversible and convertible clothing, making it a smart, sustainable solution for travelers and fashion lovers alike. Despite mixed reactions from the Sharks, the product gained immense popularity, with one of the Sharks’ wives even spotted wearing a Twee in One dress. This brand continues to flourish by offering consumers more choices and versatility in their wardrobes.

Shades of Spring

Founded by Nidhi Gupta and Anju Bhagat in 2018, Shades of Spring is a floral gifting business offering farm-fresh flowers and bouquets. The brand's unique subscription model for regular deliveries of fresh flowers has resonated with consumers, and Shades of Spring is now valued at Rs 300 crores. Though the Sharks couldn't agree on equity, the company’s rapid growth and success post-show highlight its potential.

Moonshine

A first in India and Asia, Moonshine is a meadery producing the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage made with fermented honey, fruits, and spices. Despite a strong pitch, the founders, Rohan Rehani and Nitin Vishwas, were unable to strike a deal with the Sharks. They had sought Rs 80 lakhs for only 0.5% equity, but the Sharks wanted more. However, the brand is now valued at Rs 160 crores, proving that their innovative product has found its niche.

Kunafa World

Founded in 2019 by Jameel Ruhi and Zamzeer Ahamad, Kunafa World introduced India to the Middle Eastern dessert Kunafa, which quickly became popular for its sweet, creamy flavors. Despite a glowing reception from the Sharks, the company couldn't close a deal. Today, Kunafa World is valued at Rs 18 crores, expanding its footprint and delighting dessert lovers across Bengaluru.

These ventures highlight that success in the startup world doesn’t always depend on a Shark Tank deal. These entrepreneurs' drive, innovation, and commitment have led them to rise above the rest, proving that passion and perseverance can make all the difference.