QSR Chain 99 Pancakes Raises INR 200 Million for Nationwide Growth

QSR Chain 99 Pancakes Raises INR 200 Million for Nationwide Growth

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on August 28, 2024

99 Pancakes, a popular quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain in India, has successfully raised INR 200 million in a recent Series A funding round. The investment, provided by a family office, will support the brand’s ambitious plans to expand across the country, particularly in Tier 1 cities and beyond.

With this fresh capital, 99 Pancakes aims to significantly boost its presence nationwide by opening 50 new outlets by the end of the year and reaching a total of 200 outlets by December 2025. The expansion will cover 50 cities across India, making 99 Pancakes a household name. The company plans to achieve this growth through a combination of company-owned outlets and partnerships with master franchisees in various regions.

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August has already been a busy month for 99 Pancakes, with four new outlets opening. The momentum is expected to continue in September, with eight additional outlets scheduled to launch. The current expansion efforts are concentrated in Gujarat, with new locations planned in cities such as Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Anand, Surat, and Vapi.

Founder Vikesh Shah expressed his enthusiasm for the company's growth, stating, “With the support and trust of our team, we embark on this exciting phase of growth. This funding will enable us to enhance our operations and accelerate our expansion plans, bringing the unique pancake experience to more cities and more customers across India and become a household name.”

As 99 Pancakes continues to grow, the company remains committed to providing exceptional dining experiences and expanding its menu offerings, solidifying its place as a leader in the Indian café sector.


PizzaExpress Opens 38th India Restaurant at 5 Worldmark Aerocity

PizzaExpress Opens 38th India Restaurant at 5 Worldmark Aerocity

By Hariharan U

Published on August 11, 2026

PizzaExpress, the UK-based pizza and casual dining brand, has opened its newest restaurant at World St. at 5 Worldmark, Aerocity, New Delhi, marking its 38th outlet in India.

Located within one of Delhi's prominent business, hospitality and lifestyle destinations, the new restaurant brings PizzaExpress' signature handcrafted pizzas, relaxed dining experience and warm hospitality to a growing community of professionals, travellers and diners in Aerocity.

Designed as a contemporary and relaxed dining space, the restaurant offers a selection of PizzaExpress classics alongside seasonal offerings. The menu includes the brand's popular Dough Balls, gourmet pizzas starting at INR 495 for two, summer specials, salads, appetisers, pastas and desserts, including Tiramisu and Baked Vanilla Cheesecake.

The restaurant also features PizzaExpress' Romana pizzas, known for their larger, thinner and crispier bases inspired by the pizzas of Rome.

Reflecting the brand's "Only For Everyone" philosophy, the menu caters to a variety of preferences and occasions. Options include the Piccolo menu for children, Leggera range for lighter choices and Soho Bowls for wholesome meals. Guests can also choose from a selection of mocktails and signature desserts.

Speaking on the launch, Ramit Bharti Mittal, Founder & Director, Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), said, “5 Worldmark at Aerocity is one of Delhi's most exciting and relaxed dining spaces, bringing together travellers, young professionals and consumers who actively seek quality dining experiences. PizzaExpress fits naturally into this environment because the brand has always stood for great food served in a relaxed, welcoming setting.”

Rohan Pewekar, CEO, Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), added, “The launch of our 38th PizzaExpress restaurant in India is in line with our steady growth and long-term commitment in India. 5 Worldmark at Aerocity continues to evolve as a premium lifestyle and food destination, making it an important location for us strategically.”

SK Sayal, MD & CEO, Bharti Real Estate, said, “We're delighted to welcome PizzaExpress to World St. at 5 Worldmark, Aerocity. Good food has a unique way of bringing people together, and that's exactly the kind of experience we want to create at World St.”

The culinary offering is built around PizzaExpress' focus on fresh ingredients and handcrafted preparation. Each pizza is made with freshly prepared dough and the brand's signature tomato passata, produced using San Marzano tomatoes sourced from Parma, Italy.

Among the menu highlights is the Calabrese pizza, created by Michelin-starred chef Francesco Mazzei and inspired by the bold flavours of Southern Italy.

The new outlet also features contemporary interiors, comfortable seating and PizzaExpress' signature open kitchen, allowing diners to watch pizzaiolos prepare and bake pizzas in real time. The space is designed for business lunches, casual meals, family dining and evening gatherings.

PizzaExpress opened its first restaurant on London's Wardour Street in 1965 and has since grown to more than 330 restaurants in the UK, with a presence across 13 countries. In India, the brand currently operates 38 restaurants across markets including Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Pune, Punjab, Lucknow and Hyderabad.

Restaurant Details

Address: Unit No. W11, Ground Floor, World St. 5 Worldmark, Aerocity, Near Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi – 110037


Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Celebrates Independence Day with Special Brunch

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Celebrates Independence Day with Special Brunch

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 10, 2026

Marking India's 80th Independence Day, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore is hosting a special Independence Day Brunch at S Café on 15 August 2026, bringing together festive flavours, cultural celebrations, and family-friendly experiences under one roof.

The brunch has been curated as a tribute to India's rich culinary heritage, offering an extensive vegetarian menu featuring regional favourites alongside international dishes. Guests can enjoy Indian specialities such as Nizami Paneer Tikka, Navratan Korma, Peshawari Paneer, and Soya Nihari, complemented by global flavours including Laksa Soup, Minestrone Genovese, Thai Corn Cake, and Spinach & Cheese Tartlets.

Adding to the experience are live cooking stations serving freshly prepared Paneer Shawarma and Chilli Paneer Bao, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy dishes made to order.

The festive atmosphere will be enhanced with tricolour-inspired décor, live music, and a dedicated Kids' Activity Zone, creating a memorable celebration for families and friends.

With a combination of authentic flavours, warm hospitality, and a vibrant setting, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore invites guests to celebrate the spirit of India's 80th Independence Day over a memorable brunch experience.

Event Details

  • Event: Independence Day Brunch

  • Venue: S Café, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore

  • Date: 15 August 2026

  • Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.


Novotel Vijayawada Varun Revives Nizami Culinary Heritage with Sixth Edition of ‘Lost Cuisine’ Series

Novotel Vijayawada Varun Revives Nizami Culinary Heritage with Sixth Edition of ‘Lost Cuisine’ Series

By Hariharan U

Published on August 10, 2026

Novotel Vijayawada Varun invites diners to embark on a culinary journey through the royal kitchens of Hyderabad with the sixth edition of its ‘Lost Cuisine’ series on 9th August 2026 at Food Exchange.

The exclusive one-day brunch experience aims to revive the forgotten flavours and timeless traditions of Nizami cuisine, offering guests in Vijayawada a rare opportunity to explore the rich culinary legacy of Hyderabad’s royal kitchens.

Rooted in a blend of Persian, Turkish, Mughlai, and Deccani influences, Nizami cuisine is celebrated for its slow-cooking methods, balanced spices, and intricate layers of flavour. Over generations, it has played a significant role in shaping Hyderabad’s food culture and remains one of India’s most cherished culinary traditions.

Curated by the culinary team at Novotel Vijayawada Varun, the specially designed menu brings back traditional recipes and iconic dishes, featuring a selection of royal delicacies including Haazma-e-Zam Zam, Lost Nizami Mutton Maraq, Asaf Jahi Shamiya Kebab, Pathar Ka Gosht, Roohani Kachhi Yakhni Biryani, Bagara Khana, Meetah Gosht, Hyderabadi Lagan Ka Murgh, and the classic Khubani Ka Meetha with Gaadi Malai.

Speaking about the initiative, Manish Pathak, Hotel Manager, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, said, “The Lost Cuisine series is our way of celebrating India's diverse culinary heritage by bringing regional food traditions to our guests. With the sixth edition, we are presenting Nizami cuisine, which continues to be recognized for its history, craftsmanship, and enduring influence on Indian gastronomy.”

A signature initiative of Novotel Vijayawada Varun, the Lost Cuisine series focuses on preserving India’s diverse regional food traditions by reviving authentic recipes and sharing the stories, techniques, and cultural significance behind them.

Event Details

Event: Lost Cuisine Series – Nizami Cuisine Brunch
Date: 9th August 2026, Sunday
Venue: Food Exchange, Novotel Vijayawada Varun

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