Mast Banarasi Paan, one of India's largest organised tobacco-free paan café chains, has crossed the milestone of 400 outlets nationwide and is now aiming to expand its footprint to 600 outlets over the next two years. To support this next phase of growth, the company is exploring strategic growth capital that will help strengthen its expansion plans, technology infrastructure, supply chain and franchise ecosystem.

The expansion comes at a time when India's food services industry is seeing rising demand for organised, hygienic and experience-led formats, particularly in categories that have traditionally remained unorganised. Mast Banarasi Paan aims to bring greater consistency and standardisation to one of the country's oldest culinary traditions.

India's paan market is estimated to be worth over ₹5,000 crore, but organised retail still accounts for only a small portion of the sector. The proposed investment will be used to support geographical expansion, improve technology infrastructure, strengthen central sourcing and supply chain capabilities, and enhance brand-building efforts. The company also plans to deepen its presence across metropolitan cities as well as Tier II and Tier III markets.

With a network of more than 400 outlets across 20+ states and over 320 cities, Mast Banarasi Paan has established one of India's largest organised tobacco-free paan retail chains. It is also evaluating opportunities to expand into international markets with a significant Indian diaspora.

The company's growth aligns with the renewed recognition of Banarasi Paan at the policy level. The Uttar Pradesh Government recently included Banarasi Paan under its One District One Cuisine (ODOC) initiative, which aims to promote regional cuisines through branding, entrepreneurship and improved market access.

At the heart of Mast Banarasi Paan's business is its commitment to offering 100% tobacco-free paan. By separating the traditional culinary experience from tobacco consumption, the brand seeks to present paan in a modern, hygienic and family-friendly format.

Commenting on the milestone, Panchanand Thakur, Founder & CEO, Mast Banarasi Paan, said:

"Paan has long been an integral part of India's culinary and cultural heritage, but the category has remained largely unorganised. We see a growing preference for trusted brands that offer quality, consistency and hygiene while preserving authenticity. Our focus is on expanding responsibly, strengthening our operating capabilities and making the Banarasi paan experience accessible to consumers across the country."

Along with popular varieties such as meetha and sada paan, the company continues to introduce new offerings to meet changing consumer preferences. Its franchise-led model has also created opportunities for entrepreneurs across Tier I, Tier II and Tier III cities by providing standardised operating systems, technology-enabled processes and central sourcing support.

Looking ahead, Mast Banarasi Paan plans to continue its focus on disciplined expansion, operational excellence, product innovation and strengthening its franchise partner network as it grows across existing and new markets.

Bikanervala, one of India's most recognised heritage brands in sweets, snacks, and traditional vegetarian cuisine, is strengthening its presence in Bengaluru as part of its ambitious South India expansion strategy. With a legacy spanning more than 115 years, the brand continues to expand its footprint by introducing authentic North Indian flavours to one of India's most dynamic and cosmopolitan food markets.

Founded in 1905 in Bikaner, Rajasthan, and expanding to Delhi in 1950, Bikanervala has evolved into a global food and hospitality brand with more than 270 outlets across India and international markets, including the USA, Canada, UAE, Qatar, the UK, Australia, Singapore, Nepal, and New Zealand. The company operates under three verticals Bikanervala Restaurants, Bikano Packaged Foods, and Bikano Chat Cafes, while maintaining its commitment to authentic recipes, quality ingredients, and traditional Indian hospitality.

Bengaluru represents a strategic milestone in the company's nationwide growth roadmap. The city's diverse consumer base, expanding middle-class population, thriving corporate ecosystem, and appreciation for regional Indian cuisines have positioned it as an important destination in Bikanervala's South India expansion plans.

The brand currently operates from Jayanagar, offering dine-in, takeaway, pickup, delivery, and catering services. Operating daily from 7:30 AM to 11:30 PM, the outlet caters to breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner while serving both individual diners and corporate customers.

The Bengaluru menu showcases an extensive selection of traditional North Indian favourites, including signature sweets, Bikaneri namkeens, chaats, North Indian curries, breads, and festive delicacies. Guests can enjoy classics such as Raj Kachori, Chole Bhature, Jalebi, Khandvi, Handvo, Dhokla, Kachori, Dal Dhokli, Paneer specialities, and a wide range of authentic regional recipes. The menu also includes South Indian dishes, Indo-Chinese offerings, refreshing beverages, desserts, corporate meal boxes, and customised thalis.

Beyond restaurant dining, Bikanervala offers catering solutions for weddings, birthday celebrations, corporate events, family gatherings, and festive occasions. The brand also provides specially curated festival sweet assortments, premium gift hampers, and customised bulk orders for celebrations and corporate gifting.

Maintaining high standards of food quality and safety remains central to Bikanervala's operations. The Bengaluru outlet operates under FSSAI License No. 11225334001195 and follows the company's standardised quality protocols. Bikanervala was also the first Indian sweets and namkeen brand to receive ISO 9001 certification, reflecting its longstanding commitment to quality assurance, hygiene, and operational excellence.

The company's South India strategy forms part of a broader national expansion plan that aims to add more than 70 new outlets across India during FY2025–26. Looking ahead, Bikanervala plans to establish over 700 stores globally by 2030 while targeting revenue of ₹7,000 crore. The company is also investing in new manufacturing facilities, including a ₹400 crore plant near Jewar Airport and a ₹50 crore facility in Hyderabad, to strengthen production capacity and support future growth.

Within Bengaluru, Bikanervala intends to further expand into major commercial and residential corridors, including HSR Layout, Indiranagar, Koramangala, Whitefield, MG Road, Kalyan Nagar, airport zones, premium shopping malls, and key IT hubs. The expansion will be supported by an enhanced delivery network and specialised catering services tailored for the city's corporate ecosystem.

Customers can also access Bikanervala's complete menu through its official online ordering platform, along with Swiggy and Zomato, offering convenient ordering, multiple payment options, and real-time delivery tracking.

With more than a century of culinary heritage, an expanding global footprint, and a growing presence in South India, Bikanervala continues to blend traditional Indian flavours with modern convenience, reinforcing its position as one of India's most trusted names in authentic vegetarian cuisine and sweets.

Gaur City Mall has achieved a significant milestone by consistently recording over ₹1 billion in monthly retail sales throughout FY 2025-26. The achievement comes as the mall celebrates its seventh anniversary with 'The Billion Celebration,' marking its growth journey alongside retail partners and shoppers.

Spread across 8 lakh sq. ft., Gaur City Mall is part of the larger Gaur City Township and was developed to provide residents with a convenient destination for shopping, entertainment, and lifestyle experiences. Over the years, it has grown beyond serving the local community to become a major retail and lifestyle hub for the Noida-Greater Noida region.

The milestone places Gaur City Mall among a select group of high-performing retail destinations in India, driven by strong consumer demand, a carefully curated brand mix, and consistent operational performance.

The mall currently operates at 100% occupancy and is home to more than 150 national and international brands, including Shoppers Stop, Lifestyle, Marks & Spencer, Decathlon, Adidas, Skechers, Tanishq, Kalyan Jewellers, MAX, Hamleys, PVR, Croma, and Reliance Digital, among others. Its balanced retail mix, growing footfall, and understanding of the local market have played an important role in its continued success.

Speaking on the occasion, Sarthak Gaur, Director, Gaurs Group, said, "This milestone is a testament to the integrated township vision, where retail plays a central role in enhancing everyday life. We are thankful to our brand partners and shoppers for their continued association. We also extend our gratitude to the Noida and Greater Noida administration for their consistent support in building the infrastructure backbone that enables such ecosystems to thrive."

To mark the occasion, the mall hosted 'The Billion Celebration', featuring a large-scale balloon shower and retailer recognition awards that brought together brand partners, shoppers, and stakeholders.

Building on this achievement, Gaur City Mall plans to further enhance its experiential offerings while improving retail productivity, strengthening its position as a leading retail destination in the evolving NCR market.