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.


Crowne Plaza Greater Noida Appoints Kishor Chander Joshi as Director of Finance & Business Support

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida Appoints Kishor Chander Joshi as Director of Finance & Business Support

By Hariharan U

Published on July 22, 2026

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida has announced the appointment of Kishor Chander Joshi as its new Director of Finance & Business Support, strengthening the hotel’s leadership team with his extensive expertise in hospitality finance and strategic business management.

With over 20 years of experience across India’s hospitality sector, Kishor brings strong capabilities in financial management, strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and business performance optimisation.

Prior to joining Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, Kishor served as Assistant Director of Finance at Renaissance Goa Hotel, where he managed finance and accounting operations, supported financial planning processes, prepared budgets and forecasts, monitored business performance, and implemented initiatives to improve operational efficiency.

Kishor began his hospitality career with Dalmia Resorts International Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, and has since worked with several reputed hospitality brands, including Lemon Tree Hotels, Park Plaza New Delhi, Pride Plaza Aerocity New Delhi, Holiday Inn Kolkata, Holiday Inn Chandigarh, Morpho Hotels & Resorts India Pvt. Ltd., Novotel Guwahati, and Courtyard by Marriott Siliguri.

In his new role at Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, Kishor will lead the finance and business support function, focusing on strengthening financial governance, improving operational performance, and supporting the hotel’s strategic growth objectives.

Commenting on the appointment, Sharad K. Upadhyay, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, said:

"We are delighted to welcome Kishor Chander Joshi to the leadership team at Crowne Plaza Greater Noida. His extensive experience in hospitality finance, strategic mindset, and proven leadership capabilities make him an invaluable addition to our organisation. We are confident that his expertise will further strengthen our financial performance and support the hotel's continued growth and success. We wish him every success in his new role."

Speaking about his appointment, Kishor Chander Joshi said:

"I am excited to join Crowne Plaza Greater Noida and become part of a dynamic team committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences. I look forward to contributing to the hotel's growth by strengthening financial excellence, fostering collaboration, and supporting the organisation's long-term business objectives."

Beyond his professional journey, Kishor enjoys playing cricket and reading books, reflecting his passion for teamwork, continuous learning, and personal development.

With this appointment, Crowne Plaza Greater Noida continues to strengthen its leadership team while remaining focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences, operational excellence, and sustainable business growth.


Black Rock Hotels & Resorts Appoints Gaurav Mudgal as Managing Director to Drive Next Growth Phase

Black Rock Hotels & Resorts Appoints Gaurav Mudgal as Managing Director to Drive Next Growth Phase

By Hariharan U

Published on July 21, 2026

Black Rock Hotels & Resorts has appointed Gaurav Mudgal as Managing Director, marking a key leadership milestone as the company enters its next phase of expansion across Rajasthan and other emerging leisure destinations.

The appointment comes as Black Rock Hotels & Resorts strengthens its position as one of Rajasthan's growing hotel management companies, with a strategic focus on luxury resorts, destination hotels, experiential hospitality assets, and owner-focused management solutions.

In his new role, Gaurav Mudgal will oversee the company's strategic growth initiatives, business development, owner relations, operational performance, and expansion into larger hospitality projects. He will also focus on enhancing Black Rock's management solutions for hotel owners while driving sustainable long-term growth.

With over 22 years of hospitality experience, Mudgal brings extensive expertise in pre-opening strategy, commercial planning, revenue management, sales, distribution, marketing, and full hotel operations. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with hotel owners to develop commercially successful hospitality assets by integrating revenue strategies and operational planning from the early stages of development.

Prior to joining Black Rock Hotels & Resorts, Mudgal held leadership positions with leading hospitality organisations including Fairmont Jaipur and InterContinental Hotels Group, gaining experience across luxury hospitality operations and commercial strategy.

Commenting on his appointment, Gaurav Mudgal, Managing Director, Black Rock Hotels & Resorts, said, "Black Rock has witnessed remarkable growth over the last few years, and we are now entering a phase where scale, strategic planning and execution will define our success. Our focus will be on expanding our portfolio of luxury resorts, destination hotels and experiential hospitality assets while strengthening our management solutions for hotel owners."

He added, "We also want to partner with owners from the earliest stages of development, helping them create commercially successful hospitality assets through strong planning, revenue strategy and operational excellence. I look forward to working closely with our team to create long-term value for our owners, guests and stakeholders."

Anshul Bhargava, Founder & Chairman, Black Rock Hotels & Resorts, said that Mudgal's understanding of commercial strategy, hotel operations, and owner expectations makes him the ideal leader to guide the company through its next phase of growth.

He added that as Black Rock continues to expand its portfolio with larger hospitality assets and destination-led developments, Mudgal's leadership will play an important role in delivering value for partners and strengthening the company's market position.

The company is expected to continue its growth across Rajasthan and other high-potential leisure destinations, with a focus on luxury resorts, destination wedding venues, wildlife hospitality, and large experiential properties.

With an expanding portfolio, strong development pipeline, and experienced leadership team, Black Rock Hotels & Resorts is positioning itself for the next chapter of growth in India's evolving hospitality sector.


Leads Brand Connect Appoints Raksha Narayan Kotian as Business Head for Coração Do Vale India

Leads Brand Connect Appoints Raksha Narayan Kotian as Business Head for Coração Do Vale India

By Hariharan U

Published on July 21, 2026

Leads Brand Connect has appointed Raksha Narayan Kotian as Business Head for Coração Do Vale India, strengthening the leadership team behind Portugal’s luxury extra virgin olive oil brand as it focuses on premium market expansion and brand building in India.

In her new role, Kotian will lead the brand’s business growth, strategic partnerships, premium distribution, luxury positioning, corporate gifting initiatives, and expansion across key consumer and hospitality segments.

With over 15 years of experience across hospitality, wellness, beauty, lifestyle, and luxury consumer sectors, Raksha brings expertise in business development, commercial strategy, premium brand building, customer engagement, and operational leadership. Throughout her career, she has contributed to the growth of organisations including Panache, Jean Claude Biguine, Kaya, Chrysalis Home Needs, and Fairmacs Diplomatic Supplies, among others.

At Leads Brand Connect, Kotian will spearhead Coração Do Vale’s growth strategy across luxury hospitality, premium retail, corporate and bespoke gifting, influencer collaborations, experiential marketing, embassy relations, diplomatic engagement, and high-value partnerships.

As Leads Brand Connect holds the exclusive sales, marketing, and distribution rights for Coração Do Vale in India, Kotian will also focus on strengthening the brand’s distribution ecosystem and building strategic relationships across hospitality, wellness, lifestyle, and luxury business networks.

Commenting on the appointment, Richa Khandelwal, Founder and Managing Director, Leads Brand Connect, said that Raksha’s combination of commercial leadership, luxury brand expertise, and relationship-building capabilities aligns strongly with the company’s vision for Coração Do Vale.

She added that as India’s luxury and wellness-focused consumer segment continues to grow, Kotian’s experience in creating strategic partnerships and premium business opportunities will play an important role in accelerating the brand’s growth journey.

Speaking about her appointment, Raksha Narayan Kotian said, "Coração Do Vale represents far more than a premium olive oil brand; it embodies heritage, craftsmanship, authenticity, and a lifestyle centred around wellness and refined living. Indian consumers today are increasingly seeking products that offer quality, provenance, and meaningful experiences."

She added that she looks forward to expanding the brand’s market presence, building strong partnerships, and connecting Indian consumers with the rich Portuguese legacy behind Coração Do Vale.

Founded in Portugal, Coração Do Vale is an ultra-premium extra virgin olive oil brand known for its focus on quality, authenticity, and craftsmanship. Rooted in Portuguese heritage, the brand offers a curated collection of premium olive oils designed for consumers seeking gourmet excellence, wellness, and elevated lifestyle experiences.

Leads Brand Connect, established in 2022 by Richa Khandelwal, has evolved from an integrated advertising and communications agency into a growing consumer brands company focused on helping brands scale and establish their presence across India.

The Noida-based company has expanded its consumer brand portfolio with premium international brands including Coração Do Vale and Amazonika Mundi, a 100% plant-based Brazilian food brand, while continuing to introduce global lifestyle and gourmet brands to the Indian market through structured go-to-market and brand-building strategies.

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