McDonald’s India Recreates Iconic Ad with Sara Arjun for Buddy Meal

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 12, 2026

McDonald’s India – North and East has announced actor Sara Arjun as its Brand Ambassador, bringing back a familiar face many viewers remember from one of the brand’s popular television commercials. Years after appearing in the ad as a child, Sara now returns in a new role, marking a nostalgic moment for both the brand and its audience.

The collaboration coincides with the launch of McDonald’s new Buddy Meal, a value offering created for friends who enjoy sharing food and spending time together. The campaign is introduced through a fresh television commercial that also revisits the playful tone of the earlier advertisement.

The Buddy Meal includes two burgers,  customers can choose between the McAloo Tikki or Veg Surprise, along with two Coke and one medium fries. The meal brings together some of McDonald’s familiar favourites in a simple combo designed for two people.

The new film recreates the well-known “girlfriend–boyfriend” banter from the earlier campaign, adding a humorous and relatable twist. In the ad, Sara jokingly talks about how relationships today can feel “too demanding,” with her buddy expecting big gestures and even a bit of “princess treatment.” The moment takes a lighter turn when he admits that all he really wants is a McAloo Tikki, reminding viewers that sometimes the simplest things bring the most joy.

The playful exchange ends with the voiceover saying, “Shukar hai McDonald’s Buddy Meal for 2 hai… starts at just ₹119.” The film concludes with the two sharing the meal together, reinforcing the campaign message “Khao Meal, Baat Ke,” which celebrates sharing food, laughter, and easy moments with friends.

Commenting on the announcement, Anant Agarwal, Vice Chairman, MMG Group and CPRL, said,

“At McDonald’s India – North and East, we have always believed in creating moments that bring people together. Sara’s return to McDonald’s is a wonderful reminder of the deep emotional connections many customers have grown up with. With the Buddy Meal, we are celebrating friendship, nostalgia and the simple joy of sharing a McDonald’s meal together at great value.”

Sharing her thoughts on the collaboration, Actor Sara Arjun said,

“McDonald’s has been a special part of my journey since childhood. Returning to the brand for this campaign feels incredibly nostalgic. The Buddy Meal captures the simple joy of sharing food and laughter with friends, and it’s wonderful to be part of a story that brings back such fond memories while creating new ones.”

By bringing back a familiar face from one of its memorable campaigns, McDonald’s India – North and East taps into the nostalgia many customers associate with the brand, while also inviting a new generation to create their own moments at McDonald’s.

The Buddy Meal is available for a limited period across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India, and can be ordered through dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, the McDonald’s App, and leading food delivery platforms.


THE Park New Delhi Launches Tyde, an Art-Driven All-Day Dining Destination

THE Park New Delhi Launches Tyde, an Art-Driven All-Day Dining Destination

By Hariharan U

Published on May 31, 2026

THE Park New Delhi has introduced Tyde, a new all-day dining destination that blends contemporary design, culinary creativity, and cultural inspiration into a single immersive experience. Positioned in the heart of Connaught Place, the restaurant is designed to evolve seamlessly through the day, offering distinct moods and dining experiences from morning to late night.

From vibrant breakfasts and business lunches to relaxed afternoon conversations, cocktail-led evenings, intimate dinners, and after-dark gatherings, Tyde has been conceptualised as a fluid space that adapts to the rhythm of its guests. The menu reflects this versatility, featuring artisanal coffee, wood-fired pizzas, Asian-inspired dishes, small plates, and a refined à la carte selection suited for both casual dining and special occasions.

The interiors draw inspiration from the geometric precision of Jantar Mantar and India’s deep cultural connection with water as a symbol of movement and transformation. Sculptural design elements, layered textures, deep indigo tones, and warm brass finishes come together to create an atmosphere that is both expressive and sophisticated.

A key highlight of the space is the installation titled “Dar Badar,” a sculptural brass artwork that introduces movement and visual rhythm into the restaurant’s design language. Complementing this are textile artworks inspired by oceanic textures, incorporating embroidery, zari, beads, mirrors, and metallic detailing to reinforce the theme of fluidity and depth.

Speaking on the launch, Priya Paul, Chairperson, highlighted that the restaurant reflects the group’s philosophy of creating spaces where art, design, music, culture, and cuisine converge to deliver distinctive hospitality experiences. She emphasised that Tyde continues the brand’s vision of offering experiences that go beyond traditional dining.

Parag Sahwney, General Manager of THE Park New Delhi, added that "Tyde is designed as a dynamic gathering space for both discerning diners and global travellers, with a strong focus on curated menus and thoughtful execution across every detail of the experience."

With Tyde, THE Park New Delhi strengthens its position as a pioneer in boutique hospitality, bringing together design-led storytelling and modern culinary expression in a vibrant urban setting.


Sri Narasu’s Coffee Expands Across South India with New Growth Push

Sri Narasu’s Coffee Expands Across South India with New Growth Push

By Hariharan U

Published on May 30, 2026

Sri Narasu’s Coffee Company Pvt. Ltd. is accelerating its expansion plans across South India, strengthening its retail and distribution presence in Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh after building a strong foothold in Tamil Nadu.

The century-old coffee brand has opened its first store in Bengaluru and is preparing to launch another outlet in Amaravati within the next two to three months. The move marks the beginning of a larger strategic expansion aimed at growing the company’s footprint across key coffee-consuming markets in southern India.

Currently, the company operates 78 company-owned stores and offers more than 180 SKUs across coffee, tea, and FMCG categories. Its stores feature a range of products including premium coffee blends, instant coffee, and freeze-dried variants.

As part of the expansion strategy, Narasu’s Coffee is also strengthening its distribution network, with plans to increase its distributor base from 42 to 150 by the end of the current fiscal year.

The company believes the southern market presents strong growth opportunities due to increasing coffee consumption trends across Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. Salem’s strategic location is also expected to support efficient supply chain and distribution operations across these neighbouring states.

P Sivanantham said the company’s long-standing growth has been built on values such as quality, reliability, and consumer trust. He added that while the company continues to expand, maintaining consistent standards and delivering value to consumers remain central to the brand’s identity.

Meanwhile, Srudheep S highlighted that the company sees significant potential in the southern Indian coffee market and aims to bring authentic South Indian coffee experiences to modern households across India.

According to the company, its expansion roadmap over the next three years includes strengthening retail visibility and supply chain operations across the country. The Bengaluru and Amaravati stores are expected to play an important role in driving this larger growth strategy.

Narasu’s Coffee also sees its instant coffee range as a major growth driver. Its portfolio includes products such as Pure Instant Coffee, Master’s Extra Strong, Insta Strong Coffee, and freeze-dried coffee variants catering to different consumer segments and price points.

The company added that its focus on maintaining blend consistency, operational efficiency, and quick product dispatch systems has helped strengthen consumer trust over the decades.


Glazed at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Hosts ‘Open Toast’ This June

Glazed at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Hosts ‘Open Toast’ This June

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 30, 2026

Glazed at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal is introducing “Open Toast,” a month-long culinary experience celebrating artisanal open toasts crafted with premium ingredients and flavourful combinations. Running throughout June, the special menu brings together simple yet elevated creations designed to suit every palate.

The Open Toast menu features five gourmet varieties, each layered on perfectly toasted grain bread with thoughtfully selected toppings. Guests can choose from creations such as Avocado & Chili Crumble, Mushroom & Truffle Butter, Smoked Salmon & Dill Cream, Burnt Garlic & Chicken Keema, and Fig, Honey & Burrata.

Each toast has been carefully curated to balance textures and flavours, combining crunch, creaminess, savoury richness, and subtle sweetness in every bite. The experience highlights fresh ingredients and contemporary flavour pairings while keeping the concept approachable and comforting.

Set within the warm and stylish ambience of Glazed, the offering is ideal for relaxed breakfasts, casual catch-ups, and easy mid-day dining moments. With its inviting atmosphere and gourmet-focused menu, Open Toast aims to bring a fresh and creative dining experience to Bengaluru’s café scene this June.

Details:

  • What: Open Toast
  • Where: Glazed, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal
  • When: Throughout June

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