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By Hariharan U
Published on November 13, 2025
FES Cafe, India’s first 100% eggless dessert-led cafe chain, has raised close to $1 million in a pre-Series A funding round led by 12 Flags, a global consumer fund founded by Rakesh Kapoor, former Global CEO of Reckitt Benckiser. Existing investor Wolfpack Labs, the venture studio co-founded by Aakash Anand and Prerna Gupta, has also increased its investment in this round.
The fresh capital will support FES Cafe’s expansion across Delhi NCR, enhance its central kitchen and delivery operations, and help the brand bring in key leadership talent for its next growth phase.
Since its launch, FES Cafe has become a cult-favourite destination for desserts, best known for its New York-style chunky cookies, rotating dessert drops, and lively community-driven formats. The brand has captured the imagination of Gen Z and millennial audiences who see FES not just as a cafe, but as a vibrant hangout spot that blends indulgence with connection.
“FES Cafe started with a simple belief: desserts deserve to be celebrated,” said Vidur Mayor, Founder & CEO, FES Cafe. “With 12 Flags' and Wolfpack's support, we're ready to take that vision to more neighborhoods, creating dessert-first cafes that double as community spaces. This next phase is about scaling with intention, expanding footprints while retaining the craft, culture, and consistency that make FES special.”
Rajat Agarwal, Partner and MD at 12 Flags, shared, “We’re excited to partner with FES, a distinctive neighborhood dessert cafe that brings together indulgent combinations like cookies and ice cream. With a sharp focus on consistency, quality, and execution, we’re confident this proposition will scale successfully across the country.”
Adding to that, Aakash Anand, Co-founder and Partner, Wolfpack Labs, said, “FES is building what India’s been waiting for: a true community cafe brand with the buzz of a Central Perk and the business rigour to back it up. From coffee raves to cult desserts, FES has all the right ingredients, a relatable brand, loyal following, solid unit economics, and a founder with the hustle to scale nationwide.”
Prerna Gupta, Founder, Wolfpack Labs, added, “We’re backing FES because it understands what the next generation wants: a space that’s inclusive, indulgent, and social. This is a brand that can grow fast and still feel personal, a rare and powerful combination.”
In addition, FES Cafe has onboarded Amit Nagpal, former CFO of Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, as Strategic and Financial Advisor to guide its expansion and financial strategy.
“FES has demonstrated strong early-stage store economics backed by a highly effective brand marketing strategy,” said Nagpal.
Founded by Vidur Mayor, FES Cafe is redefining the cafe experience for young India. Built around the idea of “desserts, connection, and community,” its cafes serve freshly baked cookies, puddings, alternative-ingredient cakes, and seasonal desserts, alongside savoury bites and unique events like Coffee Raves. Each outlet is designed as a “modern third space”—a spot to relax, connect, and indulge.
FES Cafe is India’s first 100% eggless dessert cafe chain, blending indulgence with innovation. The brand has created a unique dessert culture through its handcrafted offerings and community-driven cafe experience.
12 Flags is a global consumer investment firm founded by Rakesh Kapoor, former Global CEO of Reckitt Benckiser—the company behind household brands like Dettol, Harpic, and Durex. The fund partners with early-growth consumer businesses, offering capital along with strategic and operational expertise to help founders build category-leading, sustainable brands.
Wolfpack Labs is a venture studio and startup lab co-founded by Aakash Anand and Prerna Gupta, focused on supporting India’s next generation of founders. With deep involvement across product, design, and brand strategy, Wolfpack Labs helps early-stage startups build culturally relevant and enduring companies from the ground up.
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Published on April 26, 2026
403 Forbidden Bar is set to host a two-day Chef Takeover as part of its 403 OVERRIDE FIREWALL X series, featuring Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal on April 25 and 26.
Positioned as a high-intent, limited-period dining experience, the collaboration brings together two distinct culinary perspectives, blending heritage-driven narratives with contemporary interpretation. Designed as an immersive format, the takeover moves beyond conventional dining to present a structured and non-replicable culinary journey.
Chef Priyam Chatterjee, known for his progressive approach to modern Indian cuisine, brings a style shaped by classical technique and global exposure. His cooking focuses on elevating familiar flavours through precision and refined execution.
Chef Rishabh Seal complements this with a culinary philosophy rooted in cultural memory and subtle innovation, presenting dishes that balance regional influences with a contemporary lens.
Together, the chefs introduce a bespoke menu built around the theme “From Heritage to Haute Cuisine Reimagined”, where traditional flavours are reinterpreted using modern techniques. The experience unfolds as a layered, sensory journey, encouraging guests to engage with each course as part of a larger narrative.
The culinary offering is paired with the bar’s technique-driven cocktail programme, where methods such as distillation, clarification, and infusion are used to create drinks that align closely with the menu, enhancing the overall experience.
Set within a space inspired by the concept of a digital 403 access denied code, the venue is designed to encourage guests to disconnect from external distractions and immerse themselves fully in the experience. From lighting and sound to service, every element is curated to create a cohesive and engaging environment.
Speaking on the collaboration, Chef Priyam Chatterjee noted that the experience focuses on storytelling through food, presenting familiar flavours in a way that feels both intuitive and unexpected. Chef Rishabh Seal added that the menu aims to respect traditional roots while allowing flavours to evolve naturally.
Aman Dua, Co-Founder of 403 Forbidden Bar, highlighted that the series is designed as a platform for chefs with distinct culinary voices to engage with the space in a meaningful and immersive format.
With limited seating, the takeover offers a rare, experiential dining format, bringing together craft, creativity, and narrative-led cuisine in one of Bengaluru’s most conceptually distinctive venues.
Lyla Bombay continues to strengthen its position as a neighbourhood favourite with its weekend brunch experience, designed as a relaxed and social affair in the heart of Bandra Kurla Complex.
Known for its easy, unhurried format, the brunch brings together a generous grazing table, an interactive DIY burger station, and live performances, creating an atmosphere that is both indulgent and laid-back. The experience is crafted to encourage guests to linger, making it ideal for casual catch-ups as well as longer, leisurely gatherings.
Over the past two years, Lyla has built a strong following, driven by its globally inspired menu and warm, inviting space. The restaurant strikes a balance between comfort and refinement, offering a setting that feels approachable yet thoughtfully curated.
The brunch format reflects the growing demand for experiential dining, where food, ambience, and social interaction come together seamlessly. By combining interactive elements with live entertainment, Lyla continues to create a weekend offering that resonates with Mumbai’s evolving dining preferences.
With its consistent focus on quality and atmosphere, Lyla’s weekend brunch remains a go-to destination for those seeking a relaxed yet engaging dining experience in the city.
Details:
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Third Wave Coffee is stepping into a new space with the launch of ‘Third Rush’, a dessert-focused concept that is all about giving in to cravings without waiting for a reason. Built around the idea of being “Made for the Mood”, the brand brings a fresh take on how desserts are enjoyed today, more spontaneous, more social, and driven by the moment.
With café culture evolving, especially among younger consumers who now prefer cafés as places to relax and connect, Third Rush positions itself as a go-to spot after 7 PM. It is designed as a space where plans take a backseat, and conversations, sharing, and repeat orders take over naturally.
Speaking on the launch, Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee, said, “With Third Rush, we’re building something that goes beyond dessert as a category and instead focuses on dessert as an experience. Third Wave Coffee has always been envisioned as a young, fun brand, one that understands how our consumers like to spend time, connect, and unwind. With Third Rush, we’re extending that philosophy into a new space, continuing to build concepts that feel relevant to their evolving lifestyles and social habits. The way consumers engage with cafés today is changing; it’s more social, more spontaneous, and deeply rooted in emotion. Third Rush is our response to that shift. It’s designed to be high-energy, welcoming, and a little indulgent, a space where people can come together, unwind, and fully lean into the moment, whatever that mood may be.”
At the centre of Third Rush is a menu that blends familiar favourites with fresh twists. One of the highlights is the Tres Leches range, including a fun, nostalgia-inspired Jim Jam version and the Third Wave Tres Leches infused with the brand’s signature cold brew. The idea is simple, come for one, and you’ll likely end up trying more.
The menu also features layered cakes where classics like Chocolate Cake and Pineapple Cake are reimagined in log-style formats, making them more visual and easy to share. Alongside these are options like Chocolate Pistachio, Carrot & Cream Cheese, and Passionfruit Vanilla, offering a mix of comfort and new flavours.
Adding more variety are the ‘Stacks’, layered desserts that bring together textures and flavours in one bite. Options like Banana Custard, Strawberry Hazelnut, and Biscoff sit alongside nostalgic picks such as the Parle-G Stack and Bombay Cassata. For coffee lovers, the Third Wave Stack adds a strong coffee touch to the mix.
The dessert spread continues with tarts and pies like Banoffee, Lemon, Raspberry Pistachio, Matcha White Chocolate, and Chocolate Caramel. There is also a range of mousses and cheesecakes, including Triple Chocolate Mousse, Basque Cheesecake, Blueberry Lemon, and Biscoff Basque Cheesecake. For those who enjoy warm desserts, options like molten skillet cookies, brownies, including a Pistachio Kunafa Brownie, and freshly baked cookies complete the experience.
Third Rush is launching first in Bangalore and will gradually expand to Third Wave Coffee cafés across the country. It adds a new layer to the brand’s community-driven approach, turning cafés into spaces where people can come together, unwind, and enjoy simple moments.
Address: Third Wave Coffee outlets: Koramangala 4th Block, Sadashivnagar, Indiranagar (CMH Road) & Vijaya Bank Layout
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