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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 6, 2026
Brigade Hospitality has relaunched its flagship bakery brand, The Baking Company (TBC), introducing a refreshed concept tailored for today’s fast-paced, quality-conscious urban consumers.
Currently operating from two key locations - World Trade Center Bengaluru and The Woodrose Club JP Nagar — the brand continues to focus on premium quality and freshly baked offerings within high-end commercial and lifestyle spaces.
Strengthening its footprint further, The Baking Company is set to open its third outlet in late April at Brigade Tech Gardens Whitefield, with plans to launch three additional outlets across Bengaluru within the year. This expansion reflects the brand’s strategic growth approach in one of India’s most dynamic urban markets.
At the core of this growth is a central kitchen model supported by a hub-and-spoke distribution system, ensuring consistency, operational efficiency, and freshness across all outlets. This structured approach enables the brand to scale while maintaining quality standards.
Commenting on the relaunch, Gurmeet Singh said, “The Baking Company holds a special place in our portfolio, and this relaunch reflects our effort to reimagine the brand for today’s fast-paced, quality-conscious consumer. With a strong focus on freshness, convenience, and design, we aim to create a bakery experience that fits seamlessly into everyday urban life.”
The refreshed menu features an extensive range of bite-sized offerings, including sandwiches, sliders, doughnuts, macarons, tartlets, and gourmet cakes, along with a curated selection of beverages. The brand is also expanding its focus on healthier options, incorporating fresh ingredients and select superfoods to align with evolving consumer preferences.
By combining Brigade Hospitality’s industry expertise with a contemporary product approach, the relaunch positions The Baking Company as a scalable and modern bakery concept. The move marks a new phase for the brand as it aims to become a preferred destination for premium bakery experiences in urban India.
Punjab Grill has unveiled its refreshed avatar in the city with a relaunch at Phoenix Marketcity Chennai, marking a new chapter in its culinary journey.
Previously located on the ground floor, the restaurant now reopens on the first floor with a renewed concept designed to offer a more immersive and contemporary dining experience. The relaunch reflects a strategic move by Lite Bite Foods to strengthen its presence in Chennai while aligning with evolving consumer expectations.
The new space brings together timeless elegance and modern design sensibilities, creating an ambience that feels both familiar and refreshed. With enhanced interiors, a reimagined layout, and a sharper focus on guest experience, the restaurant aims to elevate indulgent North Indian dining in the city.
Staying true to its roots, Punjab Grill continues to celebrate the rich culinary heritage of undivided Punjab. The menu retains its focus on robust flavours, time-honoured recipes, and signature dishes, while introducing a renewed emphasis on presentation, innovation, and storytelling.
Commenting on the relaunch, Rohit Aggarwal, Founder and Managing Director, Lite Bite Foods, said, “Chennai has always been a significant market for us, and Phoenix Mall holds a special place in our journey. With this relaunch, we wanted to go beyond just a new location within the mall. We've reimagined the entire dining experience. From the ambiance to the menu curation, every element has been thoughtfully elevated to resonate with today’s diners while staying true to our rich culinary legacy.”
The reopening signals more than just a change in location within the mall—it reflects the brand’s intent to offer a more refined and memorable dining journey. With its updated identity, Punjab Grill invites Chennai’s diners to rediscover its iconic offerings in a setting that blends tradition with contemporary appeal.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on April 5, 2026
Sanjay Dutt has introduced Alta Stella, a new rooftop restro-bar in Andheri West that brings a fresh perspective to Mumbai’s nightlife scene. Located 30 floors above the city, the space offers a setting where the pace slows down, allowing guests to ease into the evening rather than rush through it.
Meaning “closest to the star,” Alta Stella is built around an idea that goes beyond just being a rooftop destination. The experience here changes with time. Afternoons are calm and relaxed, perfect for long conversations, while evenings gradually build in energy with warmer lighting and music that evolves naturally with the mood.
Spread across 12,000 sq. ft. and designed to host up to 250 guests, the space balances openness with a sense of comfort. The design features layered textures, sculpted lighting, and subtle celestial elements that tie the theme together. One of its most striking features is the mirrored rooftop, which reflects the night sky and creates a unique visual effect where the stars seem to surround you.
Sharing his thoughts, Sanjay Dutt said, "Being a celebrity comes with a lot of noise and chaos around you, so I've learned to appreciate spaces that feel calm and real. Alta Stella has that feeling. You're up close to the sky, you see the stars above, and somehow everything slows down - aur phir bas dil karta hai thoda aur ruk jaayein. There's a quiet strength here, and that's what makes the place special for me."
The concept is led by founder Abhimanyu Jakhar, who envisioned the space as more than just a nightlife spot. "Alta Stella was born from a very personal belief that when you place yourself under the stars, you naturally begin to look inward. The idea of being 'closest to the star' isn't about height or grandeur for us; it's about creating a space where people feel aligned with themselves. We wanted to design an experience guided by the universe, through constellations, light, and atmosphere, where the sky becomes part of the journey. The space is meant to move with you, slowly and intuitively, allowing moments of reflection before the energy builds. Every night feels different, because every mood and every person brings something new. Alta Stella isn't about spectacle; it's about presence, and the quiet connection you feel when you look up and feel exactly where you're meant to be."
In the kitchen, Chef Manoranjan presents a menu that blends global influences with Indian flavours. The dishes are familiar yet creatively reworked, offering a balance between comfort and newness. Highlights include Beetroot & Whipped Feta Croquettes, Tangra Chicken Pops, and Podi Butter Prawns, along with options like Chicken Thecha Kulcha and Chicken Parmesan Milanese. Desserts such as the Chenna Pod Cheesecake round off the experience with a unique twist.
Behind the bar, Mixologist Sidharth has curated a cocktail menu inspired by zodiac signs and celestial themes. Each drink is crafted to reflect a mood or personality, with options like Enki (Aquarius), Jasper (Aries), Chimera (Leo), Themis (Libra), and Ebisu (Pisces), making the bar experience both personal and expressive.
Blending thoughtful design, curated food and drinks, and a setting that evolves through the evening, Alta Stella positions itself as a distinctive addition to Mumbai’s hospitality landscape. It’s a space that encourages guests to slow down, connect, and enjoy moments that unfold naturally.
Alta Stella is located at 30th Floor, Parinee I, Shah Industrial Estate, Veera Desai Area, Andheri West, Mumbai 400053, and is open from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
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