Minimalist Hotel Set to Open a Second Property in Varanasi by March 2025

Minimalist Hotel Set to Open a Second Property in Varanasi by March 2025

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 20, 2024

Minimalist Hotels has announced the launch of its second property in Varanasi, set to welcome guests in March 2025. Located in DIG Colony, just 2 km from the existing Minimalist Hotel, the new 25-key property aims to meet the growing demand for premium accommodations in the city, driven by both domestic and international travelers.

Speaking on the expansion, Gautam Munjal, founder of Minimalist Hotels, shared, “We recognised the pressing need for more rooms in Varanasi, especially with the growing number of visitors being attracted to experience the rich culture of the city. Our new property not only addresses the upsurge in demand but also solidifies our position as an upcoming hospitality brand in the region.”

Strategically positioned close to Varanasi's iconic attractions, the new Minimalist Hotel combines modern infrastructure with minimalist design, offering guests a tranquil and functional retreat. The property features 25 elegantly designed rooms and an on-site casual dining restaurant and pizzeria with a seating capacity of 50. Guests can look forward to curated dining experiences and personalized services that align with the brand’s ethos of understated luxury.

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The decision to open a second hotel reflects Minimalist Hotels’ commitment to expanding its presence in key markets. With the city preparing for landmark events like the Kumbh Mela, this property is poised to cater to the anticipated surge in demand for high-quality stays.

“The signing comes at a pivotal time as Varanasi prepares for the Kumbh Mela every year, a landmark event that draws countless pilgrims and travelers to the city every year. We are opening the doors to our new property ahead of this occasion, positioning ourselves to accommodate the increased demand for high-quality stays,” Munjal added.

Minimalist Hotels’ new venture aims to redefine hospitality in Varanasi, offering a seamless blend of comfort, style, and convenience. As the brand continues to grow, this addition will play a crucial role in enhancing its footprint and setting new benchmarks in the industry.


Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Expands with 6 New Properties in 2025

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Expands with 6 New Properties in 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 15, 2025

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, one of India's rapidly expanding hospitality chains known for its boutique and experiential stays, is set for a significant expansion in 2025. The brand has announced plans to launch six new properties, further solidifying its presence across key destinations. Notably, three of these new additions will be in premium leisure locations in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana -two states known for their scenic beauty, rich culture, and growing demand for luxury stays.

Reflecting on this expansion, Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, shared, "At Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, our commitment to exceptional hospitality drives us to expand into new destinations. Our focus remains on offering unique and enriching experiences for travelers while maintaining our asset-light strategy. The upcoming properties will further enhance our ability to cater to the evolving needs of modern travelers."

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Strategic Growth & Investment

The brand’s 2025 expansion aligns with its ambitious growth strategy, adding six new hotels, including key properties in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Currently operating 16 properties across six states and 11 cities, the group will boost its inventory beyond 500 rooms. With this expansion, Stone Wood Hotels projects a minimum 10% increase in top-line revenue in 2025, alongside a rise in Average Room Rate (ARR) and Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR).

Stone Wood Hotels will continue leveraging an asset-light model focusing on lease and revenue-share partnerships, ensuring sustainable and flexible growth. The investment for these new properties will be backed by strategic collaborations.

MICE & Wedding Segment: A Key Growth Driver

The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector and destination weddings have emerged as major revenue contributors for the brand. The success of its current 16 properties across six states and 11 cities—boasting over 500 rooms—has further fueled its ambitious expansion roadmap.

In addition to its existing portfolio, the upcoming properties will feature dedicated event spaces, catering to the growing demand for MICE and wedding venues. Stone Wood Hotels is also known for its vibrant F&B concepts and immersive hospitality experiences, making it a preferred choice among travelers seeking unique getaways.

With these six new additions, the brand aims to enhance its top-line revenue by at least 10% in 2025 while introducing guests to offbeat destinations like Jawai, Tadoba, and Coorg. The group is now on course to redefine boutique luxury with personalized experiences, aligning with the growing demand for nature-centric retreats in India.

Expansion Year: 2025
New Properties: 6 across multiple locations
Current Portfolio: 16 properties, 500+ rooms, 6 states, 11 cities
Upcoming Locations: Jawai, Tadoba, Godavari, Coorg & more
Growth Focus: Luxury boutique stays, MICE & wedding segments, asset-light expansion
Projected Growth (2025): Minimum 10% revenue increase, rising ARR & RevPAR
Website: Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts


Rebel Foods Opens 200th Wendy's Restaurant in India at Elan Miracle Mall, New Delhi, Kicking Off Month-Long Celebrations

Rebel Foods Opens 200th Wendy's Restaurant in India at Elan Miracle Mall, New Delhi, Kicking Off Month-Long Celebrations

By Author

Published on March 14, 2025

Rebel Foods has reached a significant milestone with the launch of its 200th Wendy's restaurant in India, located at Elan Miracle Mall, Sector 82, Gurugram. This achievement highlights the brand’s rapid growth, as it has expanded to 200 locations in just 40 months, making India one of Wendy’s fastest-growing markets. The new restaurant, covering 1,142 square feet and seating over 30 customers, offers a premium quick-service dining experience featuring Wendy’s signature hamburgers, chicken burgers, nuggets, Hot & Crispy fries, and the beloved Frosty dessert. With a presence across more than 50 cities, including 15 dine-in locations, Wendy’s continues to strengthen its footprint in India, particularly in the Delhi NCR region, with its Global Next Gen restaurant design.

Ankush Grover, Co-founder and CEO - India and MENA, Rebel Foods, emphasized the strong consumer love for Wendy’s in India and the company’s commitment to innovation with the introduction of localized menu additions like the Korean and Chimichurri Ranges. These new offerings reflect evolving customer preferences and aim to redefine the fast-food experience in India. Chris Conway, SVP, Managing Director, APMEA for The Wendy's Company, echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the brand’s expansion reflects its success in delivering high-quality food and exceptional customer experiences. He credited the strong partnership with Rebel Foods for Wendy’s rapid growth in the country.

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To celebrate this major milestone, Rebel Foods is launching a month-long celebration starting March 15. The festivities will begin with an all-women superbike squad dressed as Wendy’s iconic red pigtailed character, delivering orders in key cities. Flagship dine-in restaurants in Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad will turn into vibrant celebration hubs, featuring high-energy hamburger parties with female DJs dressed as Wendy, entertaining customers while they enjoy an exclusive ₹200 menu. Even delivery customers will be part of the celebration, as Wendy’s packaging will feature a special limited-time milestone design on hamburger boxes, napkins, and bags.

Innovation remains at the heart of Wendy’s strategy in India, with the introduction of bold new flavors through the Korean and Chimichurri Ranges. The Korean Range brings rich, savory flavors to hamburgers and wraps, while the Chimichurri Range introduces a fresh, herb-packed twist to the classic burger. These new menu items cater to Indian customers’ growing love for global flavors while staying true to Wendy’s commitment to quality. Since entering the Indian market in 2020, Wendy’s has successfully introduced hits like the Spicy Aloo Crunch Hamburger and the Flavor Fresh Range, continuously redefining the fast-food experience.

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Rebel Foods, the world’s largest and fastest-growing internet restaurant company, continues to revolutionize the food industry with its digital-first approach. With over 450 kitchens across 70+ cities, the company operates brands such as Faasos, Behrouz Biryani, Oven Story Pizza, Mandarin Oak, The Good Bowl, SLAY Coffee, and more. Through its proprietary technology, Rebel OS, the company efficiently launches and scales multiple brands, ensuring rapid expansion across markets. Wendy’s remains a key part of this growth strategy, combining dine-in restaurants, cloud kitchens, and delivery innovations to serve a growing customer base.

Founded in 1969, Wendy’s has become a global icon in the QSR industry, known for its made-to-order square hamburgers, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Baconator, and Frosty dessert. With over 7,000 restaurants worldwide, including more than 1,300 outside the United States, Wendy’s continues to uphold its promise of “Fresh, Famous Food, Made Right, For You.” As Wendy’s and Rebel Foods celebrate this remarkable 200th restaurant milestone, they look forward to further expansion and continued success in bringing high-quality fast food to even more communities across India.


Tragic Lift Accident at Hyatt Regency Chennai: Two Arrested

Tragic Lift Accident at Hyatt Regency Chennai: Two Arrested

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 14, 2025

A tragic incident at the Hyatt Regency Chennai has raised serious safety concerns after a worker lost his life when a malfunctioning lift collapsed. The incident occurred on March 12, 2025, at the luxury hotel in Theynampet, leaving the hospitality community in shock.

According to reports, the hotel's management had arranged for the removal of a faulty lift located at the back of the premises. Abdul Khader, a scrap dealer from Periyamedu, was hired to oversee the dismantling process and brought in workers, including 34-year-old Shyam Sundar and another worker, Vinod.

During the operation, while Shyam Sundar was standing below, Vinod and others attempted to lower the lift from an upper floor. However, in a sudden and tragic turn of events, the lift collapsed, crushing Shyam Sundar on the spot. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but he was declared dead at the site due to severe injuries.

Following the incident, the Theynampet police launched an investigation and recovered Shyam Sundar’s body, which was sent to Omandurar Government Hospital for a post-mortem examination. As part of the ongoing probe, the police have arrested two individuals, including the hotel’s chief engineer, in connection with the accident.

The incident has sparked concerns regarding workplace safety and equipment maintenance in high-end hospitality establishments. Authorities are expected to scrutinize safety protocols to prevent such mishaps in the future.

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