McDonald’s Returns to Sales Growth with Pop Culture Tie-ins and Budget Meals

McDonald’s Returns to Sales Growth with Pop Culture Tie-ins and Budget Meals

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 10, 2025

McDonald’s has bounced back to growth, reporting a 3.8% rise in global same-store sales for the second quarter of 2025, driven by smart value-driven offerings and creative pop culture collaborations. The uptick marks a positive shift for the brand after four quarters of sluggish or declining growth, helped along by consumer-focused strategies aimed at easing economic concerns.

International markets led the charge, while sales in the US rose by 2.5%, reversing the downward trend seen in previous quarters. The brand’s strong quarter was supported by promotions tied to pop culture, such as limited-time offers linked to the Minecraft movie and Squishmallows collectibles, which drew attention from younger audiences and families alike.

Alongside the promotions, the launch of a $5 meal bundle and the introduction of new chicken items helped McDonald’s connect with budget-conscious customers seeking both value and variety. These strategies appear to have paid off, positioning McDonald’s for continued momentum.

“The overall second-quarter results show that McDonald's strategy is working and could lead to sustained same-store sales outperformance compared to the rest of the industry,” noted Jon Tower, analyst at Citi.

The rebound in the US is particularly notable, especially when compared to competitors like Chipotle Mexican Grill and Pizza Hut, which continue to face challenges in communicating value to consumers. McDonald’s blend of affordability and fun has given it a clear edge, demonstrating how well-timed promotions and accessible pricing can win over today’s cautious diners.


Brix & Barrells Craft Brewery Opens in Whitefield, Blending Beer, Food, and Music

Brix & Barrells Craft Brewery Opens in Whitefield, Blending Beer, Food, and Music

By Hariharan U

Published on August 30, 2025

 Whitefield has a new hotspot for beer lovers and food enthusiasts with the opening of Brix & Barrells Craft Brewery. Spread across 30,000 square feet and designed to seat 500 guests, the two-story venue combines craft brewing, global dining, and live performances, setting a fresh standard for Bengaluru’s ever-evolving beer scene.

At the heart of the brewery lies a 3,500 sq. ft. microbrewery serving six in-house brews  from Hefeweizen and Stout to IPA, Wheat, Lager, and American Pilsner. Each beer is crafted with precision to cater to both casual drinkers and true connoisseurs.

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The design of Brix & Barrells draws heavily from nature and international inspirations. Light-filled interiors, water walls, and lush greenery indoors and outdoors create an inviting escape from the bustle of the city. A sprawling central bar anchors the space, encouraging conversations and social connections. Adding to its charm, the brewery is pet-friendly and even features a curated menu for furry companions.

The vision behind Brix & Barrells comes from its founders and managing directors, Mr. Arvind Murthy, Mr. Daksh Vedanth Gowda, and Ms. Renuka Limbavali, supported by business partners Mrs. Beena Arvind and Ms. Pragna Saahithya. Leaving behind their professional careers to follow their passion for brewing and hospitality, they’ve created a community-first destination.

Sharing his excitement, Arvind Murthy said, “Brix & Barrells is our vision of a space where people come together to share conversations, good food, and great beer. Whitefield has such a dynamic beer culture”.

Adding to this, Daksh Vedanth Gowda noted, “We’re excited to add our own signature brews to it, each crafted with passion and detail. At the same time, we wanted to go beyond the pint, offering a global culinary experience and a welcoming atmosphere that makes Brix & Barrells a true destination for the community”.

The culinary offerings match the ambition of the brewery. With over 200 dishes, the menu draws from Asian, South Indian, Italian, and continental influences. Highlights include smoky tandoori platters like Achari Mushroom Tikka and Malai Broccoli, fiery delights such as the Naga Ghost Seekh, and comfort classics like the Chicken Smash Burger.

The drinks list extends beyond beer, with a range of innovative cocktails. Guests can sip on the tropical richness of Mango Madness or enjoy the tangy kick of Tonic Twist, alongside craft beers like the smooth Heavenly Suspension (Hefeweizen), the refreshing Wit Wall (Wheat), and the crisp Punch Line (Pilsner).

With its blend of craft brewing, diverse food, and live music, Brix & Barrells positions itself as more than a brewery, it’s a destination where Bengaluru’s community can connect, celebrate, and unwind.


Cellar & Cup Debuts at AIPL Joy Central, Offering a Premium Café Experience in Gurugram

Cellar & Cup Debuts at AIPL Joy Central, Offering a Premium Café Experience in Gurugram

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 30, 2025

AIPL Joy Central in Sector 65, Gurugram, has welcomed Cellar & Cup, a 2,250 sq. ft. European-inspired café on its first floor, blending European elegance with Northeastern warmth. The café-restaurant is designed as a haven for coffee connoisseurs, food lovers, and wine enthusiasts, offering an eclectic mix of global flavors and curated experiences.

Sourcing its coffee from the lush estates of Meghalaya, Cellar & Cup highlights a rich, earthy brew that pairs seamlessly with fine Italian dishes, handcrafted sourdough pizzas, and an exclusive range of Georgian wines, a rare indulgence for wine enthusiasts in the city. The interiors reflect a contemporary European charm with wooden accents, warm lighting, artistic wall murals, and cozy seating, creating a welcoming yet vibrant ambience.

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Speaking on the new addition, Ishaan Singh, Director at AIPL, said, “With this new addition, our endeavour is to craft experiences that go far beyond dining. AIPL Joy Central has already emerged as a perfect F&B hub with multiple options and some of the finest brand names, making it a destination in itself. Our vision is to create spaces where people can connect, unwind, and celebrate life in settings that are vibrant, welcoming, and memorable.”

Adding his perspective, Aman, Founder of Cellar & Cup, shared, “Having ventured into the restaurant space earlier, Cellar & Cup marks my second step in this exciting journey. With this concept, I wanted to create something more immersive where specialty coffee, eclectic cuisine, and fine wines come together under one roof. It’s about building a place that not only serves but also inspires people to connect, unwind, and celebrate life in a vibrant yet welcoming ambience.”

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The opening of Cellar & Cup reflects AIPL’s vision of developing lifestyle-centric destinations that go beyond dining to foster culture, community, and meaningful experiences. With its unique combination of artisanal coffee, global cuisine, and fine wines, the café is poised to become Gurugram’s latest go-to spot for those seeking refined flavours and a relaxed yet lively atmosphere.


Butter Story Blends Tradition and Modernity to Redefine Mithai Experiences

Butter Story Blends Tradition and Modernity to Redefine Mithai Experiences

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 30, 2025

Founded by Harsh Batham, Butter Story brings together the timeless richness of India’s mithai heritage and a modern sense of artistry. Born in the cultural city of Lucknow, the brand is redefining how people celebrate life’s sweetest moments.

The repertoire of Butter Story is as indulgent as it is innovative. From velvety brownie bites and cashew brew (a blend of cashew and coffee) to ghee-laden motichoor laddoos, indulgent barfis, and unique signature creations like Pineapple and Strawberry kaju katli, every sweet is a celebration in itself. Each piece is crafted with fine ingredients and meticulous detailing, ensuring it not only delights the taste buds but also elevates the art of presentation.

For Butter Story, mithai is more than just a delicacy, it is a language of love, joy, and togetherness. Be it a grand wedding, festive occasion, milestone achievement, or a simple moment of happiness, the brand believes that every celebration deserves the perfect mithai companion.

Taking this experience a step further, Butter Story also unfolds as a warm and inviting café. Guests can indulge in freshly prepared savouries and signature coffee blends in an ambience designed for comfort and connection. By pairing handcrafted mithai with a café-style dining experience, Butter Story seamlessly bridges tradition with modern lifestyles.

Guided by the vision of Harsh Batham, the brand aims to rekindle cultural pride in mithai while making it a part of everyday celebrations. With ambitious plans to expand across North India, Butter Story aspires to become the go-to destination for anyone seeking not just premium sweets but meaningful experiences.

At Butter Story, every bite is a memory in the making, and every celebration finds its sweetest companion.

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