Ghost Kitchens India Expands with Acquisition of Shy Tiger Brands in Gujarat

Ghost Kitchens India Expands with Acquisition of Shy Tiger Brands in Gujarat

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on April 13, 2024

Ghost Kitchens India, a leading food-tech platform, has acquired Shy Tiger Brands, a prominent cloud kitchen company headquartered in Ahmedabad. This acquisition follows Ghost Kitchens’ recent successful fundraising round of $5 million USD in February 2024, showcasing the company's financial strength and growth trajectory.

Established in 2018, Shy Tiger operates five multi-brand cloud kitchens across Ahmedabad, boasting an impressive annualized run rate (ARR) of INR 5 crores. Notable brands under its portfolio include KBOB’s and The Black Chimney. Ghost Kitchens’ acquisition of Shy Tiger aims to integrate its own brands into Shy Tiger’s infrastructure, thereby strengthening its foothold in Gujarat.

Commenting on the acquisition, Karan Tanna, Founder & CEO of Ghost Kitchens, expressed optimism about scaling existing brands and expanding into Ahmedabad and the wider Gujarat market. Tanna highlighted the strategic benefits of leveraging brand loyalty and high customer retention rates, anticipating improved unit economics and substantial revenue growth.

Ghost Kitchens has a track record of strategic acquisitions to enhance its operational capabilities. Previous acquisitions include technology firm WTF in 2022, enabling the development of proprietary technology, and Speak Burgers, led by celebrity Chef Vicky Ratnani, in February 2023, with plans for offline retail expansion.

Milapsinh Jadeja, Director of Shy Tiger, expressed confidence in Ghost Kitchens’ operational model and technological prowess, endorsing the partnership and validating Ghost Kitchens’ business strategy.

Founded in 2019, Ghost Kitchens operates over 15 company-owned and operated cloud kitchens in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, along with 1200 internet restaurants across 40 cities in India. With a focus on expanding its company-owned footprint, launching celebrity-endorsed brands, and venturing into retail, Ghost Kitchens aims to achieve an annualized revenue of approximately 200 crores within the next 2 years.

The acquisition of Shy Tiger Brands marks another milestone in Ghost Kitchens’ growth journey, signaling its commitment to delivering innovative dining experiences and expanding its presence across India.


MakeMyTrip Records Stellar Growth in FY2024 with Significant Profit and Booking Increases

MakeMyTrip Records Stellar Growth in FY2024 with Significant Profit and Booking Increases

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 20, 2024

India’s leading travel service provider, MakeMyTrip, has reported exceptional financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024. Despite the fourth quarter typically being a slower period for leisure travel, the company experienced robust growth across its key financial metrics, reflecting the increased travel demand following the pandemic.

For FY2024, MakeMyTrip reported gross bookings of USD 7,954.4 million, marking a 24.9% increase year-over-year. The revenue, as per International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), reached USD 782.5 million, representing a 35.7% growth from the previous fiscal year. These figures showcase the company's strong recovery trajectory and its ability to capitalize on the resurgence of travel interest.

The Adjusted Operating Profit (EBIT) also saw a significant rise, reaching USD 124.2 million for the fiscal year, up from USD 70.3 million in FY23. The Profit for the Period for Q4 FY24 stood at an impressive USD 171.9 million, bolstered by a one-time credit and gain totaling USD 156.7 million.

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Rajesh Magow, Group Chief Executive Officer of MakeMyTrip, expressed his satisfaction with the results, stating, “The enthusiastic response from travelers, both leisure and business, has propelled our growth beyond pre-pandemic levels. Our strategic focus on offering a comprehensive portfolio of travel and ancillary products, tailored to the needs of millions including first-time travelers, has been instrumental in achieving these record-breaking results.”

 In addition to financial gains, MakeMyTrip has observed interesting trends in travel searches for Summer 2024. Family travel has increased by 20%, with domestic destinations like Ayodhya and Lakshadweep gaining significant interest. Internationally, destinations such as Baku, Phuket, and Abu Dhabi are seeing an uptick in search queries, reflecting the global appeal among Indian travelers.

These results not only highlight MakeMyTrip’s successful adaptation in a dynamic market but also indicate a positive outlook for the travel industry’s continued recovery and growth. As the company prepares for the upcoming travel seasons, it remains committed to enhancing its service offerings to meet the evolving preferences of its customers.

For more detailed insights into MakeMyTrip’s financial performance and future plans, visit their official website or contact their investor relations team.

This comprehensive overview of MakeMyTrip’s fiscal achievements in 2024 underscores the company's resilience and innovative approach in adapting to the post-pandemic travel landscape, setting a robust foundation for future growth.


Middle East Hotel Construction Pipeline Sees Growth in Q1 2024

Middle East Hotel Construction Pipeline Sees Growth in Q1 2024

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 19, 2024

The latest report from Lodging Econometrics (LE) provides valuable insights into the thriving hotel construction landscape in the Middle East, particularly during the first quarter of 2024. Amidst evolving trends and increasing demand, the region experienced a notable 5% increase in projects year-over-year, culminating in a total of 612 projects encompassing 144,222 rooms.

As of Q1 2024, the Middle East showcases a robust construction scene, with 302 projects actively underway. Furthermore, 133 projects are slated to commence construction within the next 12 months, indicating a 28% increase in projects year-over-year. Additionally, the early planning stage witnessed significant growth, with 177 projects in the pipeline, marking an 18% increase from the previous year.

Top Countries:

Saudi Arabia emerges as a frontrunner in hotel development, boasting a record-high of 318 projects, while Egypt closely follows with an impressive count of 103 projects. These nations demonstrate substantial investment in the hospitality sector, reflecting their commitment to meeting the growing demand for accommodations.

Major Cities:

Within the Middle East, certain cities and provincial regions stand out for their burgeoning hotel construction pipelines. Provincial areas, alongside cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Cairo, boast the largest number of projects and rooms. This concentration highlights the strategic importance of these urban centers in catering to the region's diverse tourism needs.

Future Outlook:

Looking ahead, the Middle East's hospitality sector is poised for continued expansion, with LE forecasting the opening of 107 new hotels and 26,743 rooms by the end of 2024. Furthermore, an additional 101 new hotels with 26,743 rooms are anticipated to be operational by the close of 2025. These projections underscore the region's enduring appeal as a global tourism destination and signal ample opportunities for stakeholders in the hospitality industry.

The growth witnessed in the Middle East's hotel construction pipeline reflects the region's resilience and adaptability in meeting the evolving needs of travelers. As major events and cultural attractions continue to drive demand, developers are capitalizing on these opportunities to enhance the region's hospitality infrastructure, ensuring a memorable and comfortable experience for visitors from around the world.


CYK Hospitalities Boosts QSR Expansion with Strategic Leasing

CYK Hospitalities Boosts QSR Expansion with Strategic Leasing

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 17, 2024

CYK Hospitalities, an F&B consultancy firm, is making waves in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) sector with its strategic leasing initiatives. As urbanization in India surges, the QSR industry experiences unprecedented growth, welcoming both local and international players into the market. CYK Hospitalities recognized this potential early on, positioning itself as a key player in facilitating the growth and expansion of QSR brands.

Simranjeet Singh, Director of CYK Hospitalities, emphasizes the crucial role of location in the success of QSR brands amidst India’s rapid urbanization. Specializing in location mapping, legal documentation, and lease finalization, CYK Hospitalities has enabled over 30 QSR brands to establish their presence across diverse locations, including major cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Gurugram, and Agra.

Collaborating with prominent names in the F&B industry such as The Waffle Company, Burger King, and Rage Coffee, CYK Hospitalities has solidified its reputation as a trusted partner for QSR expansion. The firm's recent venture into beauty brands, including Lovechild by Masaba, further diversifies its portfolio, showcasing its adaptability and industry expertise.

Pulkit Arora, Director of CYK Hospitalities, said “The QSR industry has come a long way in India and its remarkable 17% growth in India reflects the major shift in food trends and urban expansion. Across borders, strategic leasing remains the cornerstone for QSR success, offering prime locations that fuel profitability and customer engagement. At CYK Hospitalities, we are committed to empowering our clients with tailored leasing solutions that unlock prime locations and drive profitability. Our relentless pursuit of excellence ensures that we remain at the forefront of shaping the future of the F&B industry.”

Nidhi Singh, Co-founder of Samosa Singh, said “CYK Hospitalities’ expert service in leasing has been instrumental in identifying ideal locations for our brand in Bengaluru. Their valuable insights and thorough research is commendable. We anticipate a long and fruitful association with them!”

As CYK Hospitalities continues to strengthen its leasing portfolio, it remains at the forefront of driving QSR expansion in India, unlocking opportunities for growth and innovation in the dynamic F&B landscape.

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