Jerk Junction to Open First Shopping Centre Location at Trafford Centre

Jerk Junction to Open First Shopping Centre Location at Trafford Centre

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 7, 2024

Trafford Centre is thrilled to announce the opening of Jerk Junction, Manchester's beloved Caribbean street food brand, this September. Renowned for its authentic and flavourful Caribbean cuisine, Jerk Junction will occupy a 917 sq ft space in The Orient, located next to HOP Vietnamese.

Born in Chorlton, the new eatery marks Jerk Junction’s first venture into a shopping centre setting, bringing a vibrant taste of the Caribbean to Trafford Centre’s diverse culinary landscape. The menu will feature signature dishes such as jerk chicken, curried goat, and vegetarian options like Ital stew, all served with rice and peas and prepared with traditional spices and ingredients that have made Jerk Junction so popular.

Jerk Junction’s expansion into Trafford Centre underscores the growing demand for diverse and high-quality dining options within the retail sector. As consumer preferences evolve, shopping centres like Trafford Centre are transforming into vibrant lifestyle destinations, offering more than just retail experiences.

Russell Loveland, Managing Director, Pradera Lateral – Trafford Centre’s Asset Managers, commented: “Jerk Junction’s arrival not only enhances our food offering but also highlights our commitment to supporting local businesses. Their unique and authentic Caribbean flavours will undoubtedly be a major draw for both our existing visitors and new customers.”

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Jerk Junction Founder Jake Shaffi added: “The Trafford Centre is iconic, especially its food court, but there’s a huge gap for authentic Jamaican food, so we are super proud to be a homegrown brand that can really bring that heat and represent the island! Opening at the Trafford Centre is a huge achievement for us, the fact that we will be positioned next to so many global brands, it really sets the tone for the levels we are taking Jerk Junction to. We cannot wait to reach new customers and continue our mission to make authentic Jamaican food more accessible in the UK.”

Trafford Centre continues to enhance its portfolio of dining options, providing visitors with a variety of cuisines that cater to all tastes and preferences. Jerk Junction’s presence is expected to attract a diverse clientele, further solidifying the centre’s reputation as a premier destination for both shopping and dining.


Novotel Mumbai International Airport Appoints Deepika Jatwani as Guest Experience Manager

Novotel Mumbai International Airport Appoints Deepika Jatwani as Guest Experience Manager

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 27, 2025

Novotel Mumbai International Airport is pleased to welcome Ms. Deepika Jatwani as its new Guest Experience Manager. In her role, Deepika will spearhead initiatives to elevate guest satisfaction, service excellence, and personalized hospitality, ensuring every visitor enjoys a seamless and memorable stay.

A Seasoned Hospitality Professional

With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Deepika brings a strong foundation in guest experience management and operational excellence. Her expertise in curating personalized experiences and deep understanding of guest expectations make her an invaluable asset to the team.

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Speaking about the appointment, Rachita Sood, General Manager at Novotel Mumbai International Airport, stated:
“We are pleased to welcome Deepika to Novotel Mumbai International Airport. Her dedication to elevating guest engagement and commitment to service excellence will play a pivotal role in enhancing our brand’s hospitality standards.”

A Commitment to Exceptional Hospitality

Deepika’s passion for creating meaningful guest interactions and her innovative approach align perfectly with Novotel Mumbai International Airport’s vision of delivering exceptional service. Her leadership will further strengthen the hotel’s reputation as a preferred destination for both business and leisure travelers.

With Deepika at the helm of guest experience, visitors can look forward to an even more refined, guest-centric hospitality experience at Novotel Mumbai International Airport.


Zibraan Kazi Joins JW Marriott Kolkata as Director of Operations

Zibraan Kazi Joins JW Marriott Kolkata as Director of Operations

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 26, 2025

JW Marriott Kolkata is proud to announce the appointment of Zibraan Kazi as its new Director of Operations. With an impressive career spanning over 15 years, Zibraan brings a deep understanding of luxury hospitality, operational excellence, and guest-centric leadership to his new role.

A Journey of Leadership & Excellence

Prior to joining JW Marriott Kolkata, Zibraan played a pivotal role in leading some of the most prestigious luxury hotels. Most recently, he was associated with Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, where he successfully drove guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and team management. His career also includes leadership positions at St. Regis Mumbai and Grand Mercure Bengaluru Gopalan Mall (Accor Group), where he was instrumental in elevating service standards and optimizing operations.

With extensive experience in pre-opening projects, vendor management, and staff development, Zibraan is known for his hands-on approach and strategic vision in luxury hospitality.

Academic & Professional Expertise

Zibraan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from the Dadar Institute of Hotel Management Mumbai (2007) and an MBA in Sales & Marketing from Sikkim Manipal University (2012). His strong educational foundation, combined with years of experience, has equipped him to drive operational excellence and enhance guest experiences.

Setting New Benchmarks at JW Marriott Kolkata

Located in the heart of Kolkata, JW Marriott Kolkata is a symbol of luxury, elegance, and world-class hospitality. The hotel has consistently ranked #1 on TripAdvisor, reflecting its commitment to excellence. Adding to its legacy, 2:Fifty9, its signature bar, has been recognized among India’s Top 100 Bars, offering an unparalleled experience in mixology and hospitality.

In his new role, Zibraan will oversee daily operations, ensuring the highest standards of service and innovation in guest experiences. His expertise will further strengthen JW Marriott Kolkata’s position as a premier luxury destination.

Leadership Perspectives

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Zibraan Kazi shared:
"I am honored to join JW Marriott Kolkata, a hotel that stands as a benchmark of excellence in the industry. I look forward to working with the talented team here to enhance guest experiences and take luxury hospitality to new heights."

Sunil Kumar, General Manager of JW Marriott Kolkata, welcomed Zibraan, stating:
"We are thrilled to have Zibraan Kazi as our new Director of Operations. His wealth of experience, passion for hospitality, and leadership skills align perfectly with our vision. With Zibraan on board, we are confident that JW Marriott Kolkata will continue to redefine luxury experiences in India."

A New Chapter for JW Marriott Kolkata

With Zibraan Kazi at the helm of operations, JW Marriott Kolkata is set to continue its legacy of excellence, innovation, and unparalleled guest satisfaction. The hotel extends a warm welcome to him and looks forward to his leadership in shaping its future.


Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre Appoints Abishek Chandran as Cluster Director of Marketing & Communications

Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre Appoints Abishek Chandran as Cluster Director of Marketing & Communications

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 25, 2025

Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre has announced the appointment of Abishek Chandran as the Cluster Director of Marketing & Communications. With over 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including a significant tenure at Hilton, Chandran has built a reputation for successfully executing marketing strategies that enhance brand visibility and drive business growth.

Leading Marketing & Communications Across the Cluster

In his new role, Chandran will oversee marketing and communication strategies across the cluster, working closely with the cluster commercial director, general managers, and Hilton brand teams. His responsibilities include developing and executing innovative campaigns, strengthening brand positioning, and fostering relationships with key stakeholders to enhance Hilton Gurugram’s market presence.

This marks Chandran’s second pre-opening experience, adding to his expertise in launching and establishing new properties. His deep understanding of brand management, high-performing campaigns, and guest engagement strategies has played a pivotal role in strengthening Hilton’s market presence and driving revenue growth.

Driving Hilton’s Key Campaigns & Brand Presence

Chandran’s contributions extend beyond the individual property, as he actively collaborates with the Hilton corporate office to conceptualize and implement marketing rollouts across the region. Some of his notable projects include “It’s Ok” and “Wedding Diaries by Hilton”, which have reinforced Hilton’s brand identity and customer engagement.

Leadership Acknowledgment

Welcoming Chandran to his new role, Harkaran Singh, General Manager, Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre, shared:
"We are thrilled to appoint Abishek Chandran as our Cluster Director of Marketing & Communications. His passion for excellence and deep industry knowledge will be instrumental in driving our marketing initiatives and further strengthening our brand presence in the region."

Expressing his enthusiasm, Abishek Chandran said:
"I am honored to take on this role at Hilton. Hilton’s legacy of innovation and excellence inspires me, and I look forward to collaborating with our talented teams to create impactful campaigns that elevate our brand. Together, we will continue delivering exceptional guest experiences and reinforcing Hilton’s leadership in the hospitality industry."

With Chandran at the helm of marketing and communications, Hilton Gurugram Baani City Centre is poised to enhance its brand visibility and guest engagement, further solidifying its presence in the Indian hospitality landscape.

Congratulations to Abishek Chandran on this new leadership role!

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