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.


Lyla Bombay Launches Candlelight Singalong Wednesdays

Lyla Bombay Launches Candlelight Singalong Wednesdays

By Hariharan U

Published on April 27, 2026

Lyla Bombay marks its second anniversary with the launch of Candlelight Singalong Wednesdays, a weekly experience designed to transform midweek evenings into something more intimate and engaging.

Set in the heart of Bandra Kurla Complex, the concept reimagines the traditional dining experience by blending live music, shared moments, and ambient dining. As the evening unfolds, the space transitions into a candlelit setting where guests become part of the experience, blurring the lines between performer and audience.

Rather than a structured concert or karaoke format, the evening is designed to feel effortless and organic. Familiar songs, a relaxed atmosphere, and a sense of collective participation create an experience that is both lively and personal.

Complementing the ambiance is a curated menu featuring signature dishes such as Prawns Moilee, truffle mushroom risotto, and stuffed ravioli, offering a balance of comfort and indulgence. The culinary offering aligns with the overall experience—refined yet approachable.

The introduction of Candlelight Singalong Wednesdays is part of Lyla’s broader anniversary celebrations, which also include a refreshed globally inspired all-day menu and an expanded lineup of weekend experiences. Together, these initiatives reflect the brand’s evolving approach to experiential dining.

By combining music, mood, and cuisine, Lyla Bombay continues to position itself as a destination for immersive social experiences, where dining goes beyond the plate to create memorable, shared moments


Soraia Introduces New Summer Menu in Mumbai

Soraia Introduces New Summer Menu in Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 27, 2026

Soraia in Mumbai is welcoming the summer season with a new menu that brings together bold flavours and a thoughtfully designed dining experience. Alongside the menu, the restaurant’s signature glasshouse has been refreshed with a floral installation, creating a bright and relaxed setting for slow, easy afternoons.

Blending European finesse with Indian flavours, the menu focuses on dishes that feel both familiar and fresh. Some of the key highlights include Butter Chicken Neapolitana, Soraia Fire Chicken, Truffle Chicken Tikka, and the Tandoori Lamb Rack with Shiraz jus, each bringing a mix of comfort and creativity.

Adding a playful touch, the menu introduces a range of fusion crepes and tacos that are light yet indulgent. Dishes like the Dal Makhani & Truffle Naan Zinger and Chicken Tikka Masala Crepe stand out for their rich and layered flavours. The Mutton Sukka Taco brings in coastal spice, while the Tandoori Paneer & Pine Nut Crepe offers a balanced bite. Other options include Pao Bhaji Naan Zinger, Paneer Khurchan Kulcha Taco, Makhni Chicken Kulcha Taco, and Chicken Seekh Kebab Kulcha Taco.

For those looking for something lighter, the menu features refreshing salads and cold plates such as Shakarkandi Chaat, Avocado Chaat with Tamarind Glaze, and the Soraia Classic Caesar, keeping the flavours seasonal and easy.

The small plates section continues to focus on bold and shareable bites. Options like Crispy Thecha Potatoes, Chaat Bombs, Fire Roasted Corn Riblets, Konkani Kokum Prawns, and Ah’sam Paratha Ghee Roast Chicken are designed for casual, flavour-packed dining.

The mains bring together comfort and technique, with dishes like Prawn Balchao Linguine offering a strong Goan touch. The Soraia BBQ Grilled Chicken and Grilled Salmon with beurre blanc add a refined element, while the Soraia Lobster Roll with togarashi mayo in a housemade brioche brings in a touch of indulgence. Vegetarian dishes such as Nadru Makhni Pappardelle, Tofu Ghee Roast, and Veg Dhansak round out the selection.

Desserts continue the mix of nostalgia and indulgence, featuring Soraia Trifle, Skillet Crack Pie, Kulfi Baked Alaska, Rasmalai Tres Leches, and Tiramisu Bomboloni, offering something for every kind of sweet craving.

The new summer menu is now available at Soraia, bringing together food, design, and seasonal elements into one seamless experience.

  • What: Soraia’s New Summer Menu & Floral Glasshouse Experience
  • When: Throughout the Summer Season
  • Where: Soraia, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai

403 Forbidden Bar Hosts Chef Takeover with Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal

403 Forbidden Bar Hosts Chef Takeover with Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal

By Hariharan U

Published on April 26, 2026

403 Forbidden Bar is set to host a two-day Chef Takeover as part of its 403 OVERRIDE FIREWALL X series, featuring Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal on April 25 and 26.

Positioned as a high-intent, limited-period dining experience, the collaboration brings together two distinct culinary perspectives, blending heritage-driven narratives with contemporary interpretation. Designed as an immersive format, the takeover moves beyond conventional dining to present a structured and non-replicable culinary journey.

Chef Priyam Chatterjee, known for his progressive approach to modern Indian cuisine, brings a style shaped by classical technique and global exposure. His cooking focuses on elevating familiar flavours through precision and refined execution.

Chef Rishabh Seal complements this with a culinary philosophy rooted in cultural memory and subtle innovation, presenting dishes that balance regional influences with a contemporary lens.

Together, the chefs introduce a bespoke menu built around the theme “From Heritage to Haute Cuisine Reimagined”, where traditional flavours are reinterpreted using modern techniques. The experience unfolds as a layered, sensory journey, encouraging guests to engage with each course as part of a larger narrative.

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The culinary offering is paired with the bar’s technique-driven cocktail programme, where methods such as distillation, clarification, and infusion are used to create drinks that align closely with the menu, enhancing the overall experience.

Set within a space inspired by the concept of a digital 403 access denied code, the venue is designed to encourage guests to disconnect from external distractions and immerse themselves fully in the experience. From lighting and sound to service, every element is curated to create a cohesive and engaging environment.

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Speaking on the collaboration, Chef Priyam Chatterjee noted that the experience focuses on storytelling through food, presenting familiar flavours in a way that feels both intuitive and unexpected. Chef Rishabh Seal added that the menu aims to respect traditional roots while allowing flavours to evolve naturally.

Aman Dua, Co-Founder of 403 Forbidden Bar, highlighted that the series is designed as a platform for chefs with distinct culinary voices to engage with the space in a meaningful and immersive format.

With limited seating, the takeover offers a rare, experiential dining format, bringing together craft, creativity, and narrative-led cuisine in one of Bengaluru’s most conceptually distinctive venues.

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