In a significant development for India's casual dining landscape, Hard Rock International has formally terminated its agreements with JSM Corporation Pvt Ltd and related entities. The termination covers the rights to operate all Hard Rock Cafes and Rock Shops across India, affecting ten locations in some of the country's biggest cities.

The outlets impacted by this decision include Hard Rock Cafe Bengaluru, Bengaluru International Airport, Bengaluru Whitefield, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Hyderabad Hitech City, Kolkata, New Delhi, and Pune. These locations, which have been operated by JSM Corporation under a licensing arrangement with Hard Rock International, will no longer function under the Hard Rock brand following the termination.

One important clarification has been made alongside this announcement. The Hard Rock Hotel in Goa remains open and is entirely unconnected to this operator or the termination. Guests at that property are unaffected by this development.

Hard Rock International and JSM Corporation have not publicly detailed the reasons behind the termination, and no timeline has been shared regarding the future of the affected locations.

For diners across India who have been regulars at these outlets, the news marks the end of what has been a long-running presence of the Hard Rock Cafe brand in the country. JSM Corporation had operated Hard Rock Cafes in India for a significant period, building a loyal customer base across its multi-city portfolio.

This is a developing story and further details are expected as both parties address the transition.

Mumbai's love for Korean food isn't slowing down, and Seoul Dak is making sure Andheri doesn't miss out. The Korean-founded QSR brand has opened its newest outlet in Oshiwara, bringing its cult-favourite Korean Fried Chicken and Seoul-style street food to one of the city's busiest hubs.

The star of the menu is Seoul Dak's signature Korean Fried Chicken, and it earns every bit of attention it gets. Deeply marinated for flavour and double-fried for that ultra-light, shatteringly crispy coating, it's the kind of fried chicken that makes you understand immediately why South Korea turned it into a cultural institution. The sauce lineup runs from smoky K-BBQ and garlicky Ganjang (soy garlic) to Sweet and Spicy and the aptly named Volcano, which does exactly what it promises.

Beyond the chicken, the menu covers the kind of Korean street food favourites that have been building loyal followings far beyond Seoul. Tteokbokki, the chewy rice cakes in a sweet and spicy sauce, are a comfort food staple. Soupy K-Ramen brings warm, satisfying bowl energy to the spread. Cheese corn dogs round things out with the indulgent, crowd-pleasing energy that's made them a street food phenomenon.

What keeps Seoul Dak honest is its approach to authenticity. Most key ingredients are sourced directly from South Korea, and the recipes follow traditional Korean flavour profiles. The only concession made for local diners is spice level adjustment. The core flavours stay exactly as they should be.

Recent menu additions including Potato Cheese Corn Dog, Seoul Cheese Bombs, Onion Rings, and Matcha-based beverages show the brand evolving in a measured, consumer-led way without drifting from what makes it special.

The Oshiwara opening is also part of a bigger plan. Seoul Dak is working towards 10 outlets by early 2026 and 50 locations over the following three years, operating across Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru as it builds towards its goal of becoming the largest and most loved Korean QSR brand in the region.

Mumbai's Korean food movement keeps growing, and Seoul Dak is here to keep it crispy

Nestlé India has expanded the footprint of its premium coffee brand Nespresso with the launch of a new boutique at Ambience Mall in Gurugram. The opening marks another step in the brand’s growing presence in India and aims to bring its signature coffee experience closer to consumers.

The new boutique has been designed as an immersive experiential space where visitors can explore Nespresso’s range of coffee machines and exclusive blends across its Original and Professional systems. The store allows coffee enthusiasts to discover different flavour profiles, receive personalised consultations, and participate in curated tasting experiences that enhance both at-home and workplace coffee rituals.

The launch builds on the successful debut of Nespresso’s first boutique in India at Select City Walk in Saket, which opened in 2025. With the addition of the Gurugram location, Nestlé India continues to strengthen Nespresso’s retail presence and expand access to its premium coffee offerings.

Gurugram has emerged as a significant market for the brand due to the growing demand for high-quality coffee experiences among urban consumers. The city’s expanding base of coffee connoisseurs and professionals seeking premium in-home coffee solutions makes it an important destination for Nespresso’s next phase of growth in India.

The new boutique at Ambience Mall provides a dedicated space for customers to experience the brand’s craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability-focused approach to coffee. By offering hands-on engagement with its machines and blends, Nespresso aims to create a deeper connection between consumers and its coffee culture.

Commenting on the launch, Manish Tiwary, Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé India, said, “Indian consumers have long appreciated premium coffee experiences, and that affinity continues to grow. When we launched our flagship store in Saket, we recognised the potential of this evolving relationship. With Nespresso’s presence in Gurugram now, we are one step closer to extending that experience further, whether it is through an everyday household ritual or part of a larger cultural narrative.”

M/s Thakral Innovations Pvt. Ltd serves as the official distribution partner for Nespresso and Nestlé India in the country, managing the full range of Nespresso coffee products across various channels.

With this expansion, Nestlé India continues to bring Nespresso’s globally recognised coffee culture to Indian consumers while strengthening the brand’s retail footprint in key metropolitan markets.