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.


Conrad Pune Appoints Subhadeep Saha as Rooms Division Manager

Conrad Pune Appoints Subhadeep Saha as Rooms Division Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on April 27, 2026

Conrad Pune has announced the appointment of Subhadeep Saha as Rooms Division Manager, reinforcing its leadership team in operations and guest experience.

With over 12 years of experience across multiple properties within Hilton, Subhadeep brings deep expertise in guest services, team leadership, and operational excellence. In his most recent role, he managed front office and health club operations in a high-volume MICE environment, where he drove improvements in loyalty engagement, guest satisfaction scores, and online reputation rankings.

His career includes key roles at leading Hilton properties such as DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru, Hilton Garden Inn Trivandrum, and Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks, building a strong foundation in operational standards and cross-functional leadership.

In his new role at Conrad Pune, Subhadeep will oversee Rooms Division along with Wellness and Leisure operations, focusing on strengthening day-to-day efficiencies and enhancing guest satisfaction. His responsibilities will span the hotel’s 351 rooms, dining outlets, meeting spaces, and lifestyle facilities, ensuring seamless and consistent service delivery.

Sharing his thoughts, Subhadeep expressed enthusiasm about joining the property, highlighting his focus on collaboration, empathy, and team-driven leadership to create meaningful guest and colleague experiences.

Commenting on the appointment, Abhishek Sahai, General Manager, Conrad Pune, noted that Subhadeep’s operational expertise and people-first approach will play a key role in further elevating the hotel’s service standards.

This appointment reflects Conrad Pune’s continued focus on strengthening leadership capabilities while delivering refined and consistent luxury hospitality experiences.


Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Appoints Vikas Thakre as Assistant Manager – Reservations

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Appoints Vikas Thakre as Assistant Manager – Reservations

By Hariharan U

Published on April 27, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar has announced the appointment of Vikas Ravi Thakre as Assistant Manager – Reservations, further strengthening its operational leadership.

With over six years of experience in the hospitality industry, Vikas brings a strong mix of reservations expertise, operational efficiency, and guest-focused service. In his new role, he will oversee the hotel’s reservations function, focusing on optimising booking channels, improving forecasting accuracy, and enhancing overall reservation performance.

Commenting on the appointment, Rahul Janve, General Manager, highlighted that Vikas’s understanding of reservation systems and ability to drive efficiency make him a valuable addition to the team.

Prior to joining the Mahabaleshwar property, Vikas was associated with Fairfield by Marriott Calangute, where he served as Assistant Manager – Reservations. During his tenure, he managed individual and group bookings, monitored room inventory, and collaborated closely with sales and front office teams. He also contributed to reservation reporting, booking trend analysis, and revenue optimisation strategies.

He began his journey at the same property as a Reservation Executive, where he played a key role in streamlining processes and improving operational efficiency. His earlier experience includes roles at The Fern Residency and Le Méridien Nagpur, where he developed a strong foundation in front office operations and guest relations.

Speaking on his new role, Vikas expressed enthusiasm about joining the team and contributing to seamless reservation experiences while maintaining high service standards.

Recognised for his consistent performance, he has received multiple accolades, including Employee of the Month and Associate of the Month awards. With proficiency in systems such as Opera, Marsha, and HPP, along with a strong analytical approach, he is well-positioned to further enhance the hotel’s reservations operations.


Foodlink Global Appoints Jayved Kumar as Head Chef in Dubai

Foodlink Global Appoints Jayved Kumar as Head Chef in Dubai

By Hariharan U

Published on April 27, 2026

Foodlink Global has announced the appointment of Jayved Kumar as Head Chef, reinforcing its culinary leadership in the Middle East region.

With over 15 years of experience, Chef Jayved brings a strong foundation in modern Indian cuisine, kitchen operations, and team leadership. Known for his ability to blend traditional flavours with contemporary techniques, he has built a reputation for delivering consistent quality across large-scale operations.

Prior to this role, he served as Unit Chef at PINCODE Restaurant by Chef Kunal Kapur, where he played a key role in menu innovation and guest satisfaction. His professional journey also includes tenures with Azure Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. and Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels, where he gained extensive experience in menu development, vendor management, and operational efficiency.

In his new role at Foodlink Global, Chef Jayved will oversee kitchen operations across Dubai, focusing on menu innovation, maintaining global hygiene and safety standards, and enhancing overall dining experiences. His expertise spans curry and tandoor specialities, fusion cuisine, and large-scale kitchen administration, supported by strong knowledge of HACCP compliance and quality audits.

Speaking on his appointment, Chef Jayved expressed enthusiasm about joining the brand, highlighting his intent to create innovative dining experiences that combine traditional Indian flavours with modern presentation and techniques.

This strategic appointment underscores Foodlink Global’s commitment to strengthening its culinary excellence and expanding its presence in the competitive Middle East hospitality landscape.

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