GVQ Time Cafe: Where Time Takes Center Stage

GVQ Time Cafe: Where Time Takes Center Stage

By Author

Published on December 11, 2023

In the heart of Kerala, a unique cafe is rewriting the rules of traditional dining. Welcome to GVQ Time Cafe in Kalamassery, Kochi, where time becomes your currency, and the culinary experience knows no bounds.

Inspired by the anti-cafe movement in Europe, GVQ Time Cafe brings a fresh perspective to the cafe scene. Founded by Aathira Mohan and Allen K Kurian, this cafe introduces the innovative concept of paying for the time spent rather than a traditional food bill.

For just ₹150 per person in the first hour, patrons can enjoy unlimited beverages, freshly baked cookies, and an exclusive GVQ Crepe. The unique twist? After the initial hour, customers pay only ₹1 per minute, allowing them to relish the relaxed ambiance, engage in conversations, and indulge in endless coffees and cookies.

image

GVQ Time Cafe boasts a thoughtfully curated menu featuring sandwiches, omelettes, and short eats like French fries, potato wedges, and chicken nuggets. The dessert menu includes tempting treats like chocolate cookies and chocolate brownies, with the most expensive item priced at just ₹199.

What sets GVQ apart is its commitment to simplicity. Aathira emphasizes that the focus is on the space itself, providing a welcoming environment. One standout feature is the flexibility for customers to bring their own food or order from outside, allowing for a personalized dining experience.

Aathira's dream cafe, GVQ (Jeevikku, meaning to live), has been three years in the making. The location, once described as a 'dump yard,' now stands as a testament to thoughtful transformation. The cafe is surrounded by ample space, featuring a herb and vegetable garden whose produce is used in the kitchen. The property preserves existing trees, enhancing the cafe's eco-friendly ethos.

Choosing Kalamassery as the location may seem unconventional, but Aathira notes the changing dynamics and connectivity, with the Metro station in close proximity.

GVQ Time Cafe has garnered a positive response since its recent opening. The founders envision taking this unique concept to major cities, with plans for an app to seamlessly book tables across multiple locations. Step into GVQ Time Cafe, where time becomes a cherished commodity, and the dining experience transcends the ordinary. It's not just a cafe; it's a celebration of time, freedom, and a new way to savor every moment.


Spanish Frozen Yogurt Brand smöoy Enters India with First Flagship Store in New Delhi

Spanish Frozen Yogurt Brand smöoy Enters India with First Flagship Store in New Delhi

By Hariharan U

Published on August 8, 2026

Spanish frozen yogurt brand smöoy has officially entered the Indian market with the launch of its first flagship store at Greater Kailash-I, New Delhi, marking the beginning of its expansion journey in India.

Established in Spain in 2010, smöoy has built a global presence across more than 15 countries by offering a unique concept of functional frozen yogurt that combines taste, customisation, and mindful indulgence.

The new outlet introduces Indian consumers to smöoy’s signature frozen yogurt experience, featuring a wide selection of flavours and serving options. Guests can enjoy the brand’s popular Frozen Yogurt Cone and personalise their dessert with an extensive range of toppings, including sauces, fresh fruits, chocolate, nuts, and other creative additions.

Adding to its healthier dessert portfolio, smöoy also offers +protein yogurt, combining the indulgence of frozen yogurt with added protein. The brand focuses on products that are low in fat, high in fibre, and gluten-free, providing consumers with a lighter alternative without compromising on flavour.

Beyond frozen yogurt, the menu also includes freshly prepared waffles, crêpes, and complementary dessert offerings, catering to dessert enthusiasts of all age groups. The store reflects smöoy’s global philosophy of quality, creativity, and personalised experiences.

image

Speaking on the India launch, Jose Manuel Guillen Martinez, CEO, smöoy International, said, “We are delighted to begin this journey in New Delhi, as India is an exciting market for smöoy's global expansion. We look forward to introducing our signature frozen yogurt to Indian consumers.”

Sangeeta Nagar, Director, smöoy India, added, “The launch of our first-ever outlet is the beginning of a very exciting journey for smöoy in India. We are sure that the present-day consumers in India want experiences that combine quality with premium customisation. We are extremely thrilled to introduce a concept popular across the globe.”

The launch comes at a time when Indian consumers are increasingly exploring premium and healthier dessert alternatives. With changing lifestyle preferences driving demand for better-for-you indulgence, smöoy aims to offer a dessert experience that blends international expertise with evolving consumer expectations.

Through its focus on fresh preparation, customisation, and healthier formulations, smöoy brings a new frozen dessert experience to India, offering consumers a balance of taste, innovation, and mindful choices.


Feast at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Presents a Festive Sunday Brunch Line-Up This August

Feast at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Presents a Festive Sunday Brunch Line-Up This August

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 8, 2026

This August, Feast at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway is bringing together a festive line-up of Sunday brunches, with each weekend offering a different culinary theme. From Karnataka's traditional flavours to Independence Day, Onam and Raksha Bandhan celebrations, the brunches are designed around food, festivities and togetherness.

Malgudi Brunch | 9th August

The celebrations begin with the Malgudi Brunch on 9th August, inspired by the traditional flavours and nostalgic charm of Karnataka.

Guests can enjoy regional favourites such as Neer Dosa with Chicken Gassi & Vegetable Saagu, Benne Dosa with Chutneys, and Ragi Mudde with Bassaru. The brunch brings together flavours inspired by old Karnataka, offering families and friends an opportunity to enjoy a relaxed Sunday meal while exploring the region's culinary heritage.

Independence Day Brunch | 15th & 16th August

Feast will celebrate India's Independence Day with a special brunch on 15th & 16th August, featuring flavours from different parts of the country.

The spread includes a Grand Tandoor Station, Regional Indian Bread Station and Chaat Chowk, bringing together a selection of Indian favourites. Guests can gather with family and friends for a festive meal filled with traditional flavours and warm hospitality.

Onam Brunch | 23rd August

On 23rd August, Feast will celebrate Kerala's harvest festival with a specially curated Onam Brunch.

The experience combines the flavours of a traditional Sadya with regional favourites, seafood, live cooking stations, festive desserts and refreshing beverages.

The vegetarian feast will be served on a fresh banana leaf, featuring classics such as Parippu Curry, Kerala Sambhar, Avial, Pachadi, Parippu Pradhaman, and more.

Inspired by the legendary homecoming of King Mahabali, the Onam celebration brings together Kerala's food traditions, hospitality and spirit of togetherness.

Raksha Bandhan Brunch | 30th August

The August brunch series will conclude with a special Raksha Bandhan Brunch on 30th August, celebrating the bond between siblings and families.

The elaborate buffet will feature Indian favourites, live cooking stations and festive sweets. Interactive experiences will include the Popcorn Station and Bond of Love Sweet Shop, with treats such as Rasmalai and Angoori Gulab Jamun.

Whether guests are celebrating with siblings or the whole family, the brunch is planned as an afternoon of food, celebration and shared moments.

A Month of Festive Flavours

With its August line-up, Feast at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway brings a different culinary theme to every weekend. The series combines regional flavours, interactive dining and the hotel's hospitality, creating an occasion for families and friends to come together and celebrate.

  • Where: Feast, Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway
  • Time: 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM


Emami Agrotech Launches WeMe With Rs 750 Crore Investment Plan

Emami Agrotech Launches WeMe With Rs 750 Crore Investment Plan

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 8, 2026

 Emami Agrotech Limited (EAL), the branded foods business of the Rs. 30,000 crore Emami Group, has entered India's growing packaged snacking market with the launch of WeMe, a digital-first snacking brand aimed at changing consumer lifestyles and eating habits.

The company plans to invest nearly Rs 750 crore to build WeMe into a future-ready snacking business and is targeting Rs 1,000 crore in revenue within 5-7 years. The venture is also expected to create around 4,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

The launch marks a new step in Emami Agrotech's plans to expand beyond edible oils and pantry staples under its Emami Healthy & Tasty portfolio. WeMe will serve as a dedicated platform focused on new products and opportunities in the snacking category.

India's Growing Snacking Market

India's packaged snacking market was valued at Rs 50,000+ Cr in 2025 and is expected to cross Rs 1.03 Lakh Cr by 2034, growing at around 8.3% CAGR. Chips remain the leading category, contributing nearly 42% of total snack sales.

The market is also seeing changes in how consumers snack. People are increasingly choosing smaller meals and multiple snacking occasions during work, travel, entertainment and other daily activities.

Gen Z and Millennials are also looking for products that offer a mix of convenience, indulgence, quality and authenticity. Regional flavours, premium products and cleaner ingredient declarations are gaining attention, while quick-commerce platforms are making it easier for consumers to discover and try new brands.

WeMe Enters the Snacking Space

Built around the philosophy "Togetherness Always Tastes Better," WeMe launches with three main product categories.

The portfolio includes Choco Hazelnut Spread, including India's first portable chiplet-format offering, Jhuri Aloo Bhaja, bringing a popular Eastern Indian favourite into the organised packaged foods segment, and Potato Chips in flavours tailored to evolving consumer tastes.

image

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Aditya Vardhan Agarwal, Director, Emami Group said, " At Emami Agrotech, we have always believed food is about more than satisfying hunger, it is about earning consumer trust through quality, relevance and innovation. Having built a strong foods portfolio under Healthy & Tasty, WeMe marks our strategic entry into one of India's most exciting food categories. Backed by a planned investment of nearly Rs 750 crore, we aim to build WeMe into a Rs 1,000 crore brand over the next 5-7 years while generating over 1,000 direct and nearly 3,000 indirect employment opportunities in sales and other support services. This is an important milestone in our vision of building Emami Agrotech into a comprehensive food company.”

image

Mr. Manish Goenka, Director, Emami Group added, " As consumers increasingly seek products that combine taste, convenience and innovation, WeMe reflects our confidence in the long-term growth of India's snacking market. Backed by our trusted food credentials and deep understanding of Indian consumers, we see WeMe as a long-term growth platform of our foods business with a broader pipeline of more products planned across multiple snacking categories in its innovation journey."

Digital First Approach

WeMe has been planned as a digital-first brand, using creator-led content, social media and quick commerce to connect with younger consumers.

The brand will be introduced through quick-commerce channels across major cities including Kolkata, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. While quick commerce will lead the initial rollout, WeMe will also begin its general trade expansion from Kolkata before entering other markets.

"The new generation doesn't simply buy products, they discover them through conversations, creators and communities. That's why WeMe has been built as a digital-first brand where content, commerce and consumer engagement come together seamlessly. This distribution strategy will enable us to make WeMe instantly accessible across key cities while allowing us to continuously learn from consumers, innovate faster and respond to emerging trends. We want WeMe to become much more than a snacking brand, we want it to become part of the everyday moments that bring people together," said Ms. Vidula Agarwal, Director, Emami Group.

Building a Rs 1,000 Crore Brand

Emami Agrotech expects WeMe to reach approximately Rs 1,000 crore in revenue within the next 5-7 years. The company plans to continue investing in product innovation, brand building, digital capabilities and distribution as the business expands.

With WeMe, Emami Agrotech aims to create another major growth platform in its foods business by combining its manufacturing capabilities and understanding of Indian consumers with a digital-first approach to the country's changing snacking habits.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.