Loca Loka Secures $12.5 Million to Drive Global Expansion & Innovation

Loca Loka Secures $12.5 Million to Drive Global Expansion & Innovation

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 11, 2025

Loca Loka, the Singapore-based AlcoBev company, has secured $12.5 million from undisclosed investors in a Singapore-based family office. This funding marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey, fueling research and development for new product innovations, expanding its global presence, and solidifying its position as a pioneering tequila brand.

A Visionary Team Behind Loca Loka

Loca Loka is the brainchild of a dynamic trio:

  • Harsha Vadlamudi, a seasoned AlcoBev entrepreneur and CEO & Founder of Loca Loka
  • Rana Daggubati, renowned Indian actor and entrepreneur
  • Anirudh Ravichander, celebrated music composer and creative force

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Together, they have disrupted the tequila industry by merging craftsmanship, storytelling, and innovation to create a brand that resonates with global consumers.

Blending Mexican Heritage with Indian Flavors

Loca Loka made its debut in 2024 across the USA and Southeast Asia with two flagship products:

  • Tequila Blanco
  • Tequila Reposado

The brand quickly gained traction among tequila enthusiasts, blending the rich agave essence of Mexico with sweet and spicy notes inspired by Indian cuisine.

Investor Confidence & Market Potential

Harsha Vadlamudi, Founder and CEO of Loca Loka, emphasized the significance of the investment:

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"This funding round represents a pivotal moment in our journey at Loca Loka. As we navigate the dynamic and rapidly evolving global tequila landscape, this strategic investment validates our vision and the incredible potential of our brand portfolio."

With the global tequila market projected to grow from $14.13 billion in 2024 to $15.83 billion in 2025, and an anticipated CAGR of 5.26% through 2030, Loca Loka is well-positioned to tap into this growth. In India, the market is expected to grow at an even faster rate of 12.69% from 2025 to 2033, highlighting immense potential for premium tequila brands.

A Symphony of Craft, Music & Art

Rana Daggubati, Co-Founder of Loca Loka, reinforced this vision:
"At Loca Loka, our journey transcends traditional business metrics. Our success is a symphonic collaboration—driven by the brilliant minds shaping our brand every day. This funding brings in investors who share our passion for reimagining the global tequila landscape and turning market potential into tangible success."

Echoing the brand’s creative philosophy, Anirudh Ravichander, Co-Founder of Loca Loka, added:

"Money talks, but we're making it sing. With this infusion, we're turning up the volume on storytelling—where craft, music, and art collide to create something the world won't just watch, but feel."

Expanding Global Presence

Since launching in the USA in August 2024, Loca Loka has seen strong demand, expanding from its initial launch in Los Angeles, New York, and New Jersey to additional cities, including:

  • Dallas
  • Chicago
  • San Diego
  • Tampa
  • Jacksonville

In Southeast Asia, the brand made its entry through Singapore, where the rising demand for premium spirits presents a promising opportunity for growth.

Strategic Expansion Plans for 2025

Loca Loka is set to expand further in 2025, entering key international markets, including:image

  • UK
  • India
  • Dubai
  • Philippines
  • Indonesia
  • London

Additionally, the brand will deepen its presence in the USA, targeting Las Vegas, Miami, and Washington DC. Loca Loka is also making strides into global Travel Retail (Duty-Free), aligning with its vision of becoming a widely recognized tequila brand worldwide.

About Loca Loka

Loca Loka is a joint venture between:

  • Rana Daggubati (Indian film actor)
  • Anirudh Ravichander (music composer)
  • Harsha Vadlamudi (Managing Partner – Ironhill India)

The brand brings together tradition and innovation, offering handcrafted tequila that celebrates its Mexican roots while appealing to global palates. With a focus on quality, authenticity, and cross-cultural storytelling, Loca Loka is redefining the tequila industry.


Monkey Bar Bengaluru Refreshes Menu with Comfort Classics and Global Twists

Monkey Bar Bengaluru Refreshes Menu with Comfort Classics and Global Twists

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 12, 2025

Bengaluru’s favourite urban hangout just got tastier:

Monkey Bar on Museum Road has introduced a new menu — staying true to its spirit while dishing out bold flavours, comfort bites, and international flair. From bar snacks to hearty mains, this refreshed menu adds new favourites to an already vibrant food scene.

Still housed in its signature high-ceilinged space with warm lighting and a buzz of familiar playlists, Monkey Bar remains a go-to for casual lunches, spontaneous dinners, and those long evenings that stretch into the night.

New on the Menu

The update brings a mix of old-school comfort and fresh global flavours. Whether you're into small plates or classic mains, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

Some of the new highlights include:

  • Tuna Cutlet and Classic Paneer Tikka – starters with nostalgic appeal.

  • Chicken Tsukune – Japanese-style skewers that bring izakaya charm.

  • Cheese Burger – a timeless favourite done right.

  • Hariyali Fish Tikka – herb-marinated, perfectly grilled and fresh.

  • Hummus & Pita – a Mediterranean must-have.

  • Loaded Keema Wedges – a spiced Indian take on cheesy indulgence.

  • Military Mutton Biryani – aromatic, slow-cooked and flavour-packed.

  • Mutton Kofta & Appam – a fusion of South Indian and Mughlai richness.

These additions join Monkey Bar’s well-loved staples like comfort bowls, flatbreads, street food-inspired snacks, and its fun mix of cocktails and craft drinks.

Bengaluru’s Living Room, Now More Delicious

Monkey Bar isn’t just a gastropub, it’s a slice of Bengaluru life. It’s where old friends reunite, new plans are born, and spontaneous evenings unfold. The updated menu strengthens its status as a neighbourhood favourite that evolves with the city while keeping its soul intact.

With the right mix of nostalgia, innovation, and good food, Monkey Bar invites you to come hungry  and stay a little longer.

Fact Sheet

  • Address: First Floor, The Museum, No.1, Museum Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 56000.
  • Timings: Open Daily – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM.

Blue Tokai Teams Up with Ambrosia Gulf to Enter GCC Market, Debuts in UAE

Blue Tokai Teams Up with Ambrosia Gulf to Enter GCC Market, Debuts in UAE

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 11, 2025

India’s largest and fastest-growing specialty coffee brand, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, is making its way to the Gulf. In a strategic move, Blue Tokai has partnered with Ambrosia Gulf, which will serve as its master franchisee for the GCC, starting with a flagship launch in the United Arab Emirates. This marks the brand’s first official foray into the Middle East.

With over 175 cafés across India and an international footprint in Tokyo, this partnership is a key milestone for Blue Tokai as it looks to bring its signature farm-to-cup coffee experience to a new audience.

Ambrosia Gulf, part of the Ambrosia Foods Group and backed by mid-market investment firm Pulsar Capital, will lead the expansion. The firm is already known for operating Papa Johns in India (with its first outlet set for September 2025) and managing Biryani By Kilo in the GCC, underlining its strong cross-border brand management capabilities.

“We’re excited to bring Blue Tokai to the UAE and share its incredible coffee story with the region,” said Vish Narain, Executive Chairman of Ambrosia Gulf. “We’re focused on building brands that prioritize quality, authenticity, and customer experience — values that Blue Tokai exemplifies.”

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Echoing this sentiment, Matt Chitranjan, Co-Founder and CEO of Blue Tokai, said, “It’s an exciting time for us as we grow beyond India into a market that appreciates traceability, craft, and community. Ambrosia Gulf’s operational expertise and deep local insights make them the perfect partners for this journey.”

Adding to this, Shivam Shahi, COO of Blue Tokai, shared, “Partnering with a group that already operates leading food brands across India and the GCC gives us confidence as we scale internationally. This isn’t just expansion — it’s about building a regionally aligned presence while staying true to our values.”

Beyond launching cafés, the partnership also aims to introduce Blue Tokai’s FMCG offerings to the GCC, tapping into HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafés) and direct-to-consumer channels, thereby significantly broadening the brand’s reach.

The first Blue Tokai café in the UAE is expected to open by Q4 2025. Coffee lovers can look forward to experiencing Blue Tokai’s celebrated single-estate coffees, manual brewing styles, and a transparent, craftsmanship-driven café environment.


Namak Unveils New Menu Curated by Chef Kishor Singh, Fusing Timeless Indian Flavours with Modern Flair

Namak Unveils New Menu Curated by Chef Kishor Singh, Fusing Timeless Indian Flavours with Modern Flair

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 11, 2025

Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar, a beloved culinary spot in Greenville for soulful Indian fare, has launched an exciting new menu curated by Sous Chef Kishor Singh. The refreshed menu is a vibrant celebration of India’s rich culinary landscape, seamlessly blending traditional flavours with a touch of modern sophistication.

Chef Kishor Singh, renowned for his deep respect for regional Indian cuisine and innovative approach, has thoughtfully reimagined both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The ‘Veg Entrées’ now spotlight regional nuances with creations like Sagg Paneer Pasanda, tandoor-charred Tandoori Paneer Makhni, and the comforting Dum Aloo Banarasi. Popular classics such as Dal Makhni, Raw Mango Curry, and Malai Kofta return with subtle, refined updates, staying true to their authentic roots.

For non-vegetarian lovers, the menu doesn’t disappoint. From the universally adored Butter Chicken to the fiery Laal Maas, each dish is a testament to India’s diverse flavour profiles. Highlights include Old Delhi Mutton Nihari, Prawn Mango Curry, and the coastal-inspired Fish Moilee in a delicate coconut gravy.

“This menu is not just about food, but about storytelling—each dish reflects a part of India’s culinary journey,” shares Chef Singh, whose expertise brings together age-old techniques and contemporary tastes.

Crafted using premium ingredients and traditional spice blends, Namak’s new menu encapsulates the warmth of Indian hospitality while inviting diners to embark on a journey of culinary discovery.

With its elegant ambiance, attentive service, and now an even more enticing menu, Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar continues to solidify its place as a must-visit dining destination in Greenville.

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