F&B Leaders Share Budget 2025 Expectations

Saurabh Wadkar and Teja Chekuri Talk Reforms for Sustainable Growth in F&B

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 23, 2025

As the Union Budget 2025 approaches, prominent voices in India’s Food & Beverage (F&B) sector have highlighted key reforms that could transform the industry. Leaders Saurabh Wadkar, Founder of Rooted, and Teja Chekuri, Founder of Full Stack Ventures, shared their insights on the policies they believe are crucial for the sustainable growth of the F&B, restaurant, and food delivery sectors.

Saurabh Wadkar, Founder of Rooted: A Call for GST Reforms and Support for Small Businesses

"The Union Budget 2025 offers a golden opportunity to uplift India’s restaurant and food delivery sector, especially for small businesses that are the heart of this industry," says Saurabh Wadkar.

He emphasizes the following:

Reinstating Input Tax Credit (ITC): This could significantly lower operational costs and improve profitability for restaurants and cloud kitchens.
GST Rate Reduction to 12%: Aligning GST rates with global standards would enhance competitiveness, benefiting both restaurants and food delivery services.
Infrastructure Status for Ghost Kitchens: Recognizing ghost kitchens and food delivery ventures could pave the way for affordable loans and tax benefits, enabling entrepreneurs in smaller cities to thrive.
Incentives for Technology Adoption: Encouraging the use of technology would help small players streamline operations, reduce costs, and achieve sustainable growth.
Culinary Tourism Initiatives: Promoting regional cuisines would not only boost local restaurants but also spotlight India’s rich food heritage.

"With thoughtful measures like these, the Budget could transform the sector, creating opportunities for small businesses to flourish and strengthening their role as drivers of jobs, culture, and economic growth," he concludes.

Teja Chekuri, Founder of Full Stack Ventures: A Need for Licensing Simplification

Echoing the importance of reforms, Teja Chekuri emphasizes the F&B sector’s critical contribution to the economy, stating:
"The F&B, Restaurant, and Alco-Bev sectors are among the highest employment creators in India, promoting consumption, tourism, and economic growth across connected industries."

Chekuri highlights the urgent need for pro-public reforms, such as:

Simplifying Licensing Systems: The current multi-layered process creates roadblocks that hinder growth. A single-window process would streamline approvals and foster a more vibrant business environment.
Encouraging Investment: Actionable reforms would attract investments, promote innovation, and drive long-term economic growth.
Leveraging Technology: With the world becoming increasingly interconnected, technology-driven solutions would support the sector’s sustained growth and improve global competitiveness.

"A futuristic approach to licensing and reforms will not only boost growth but also expose the vibrancy of India’s thriving F&B sector to the world," Chekuri affirms.

A Vision for Sustainable Growth

As leaders like Wadkar and Chekuri voice their expectations, it’s clear that the Union Budget 2025 has the potential to address key challenges in the F&B sector, from simplifying compliance to incentivizing sustainable practices. With these reforms, the industry could unlock its full potential, contributing to India’s economic growth while preserving its rich culinary heritage.

IPO-bound Brigade Hotel Ventures Raises ₹126 Crore from 360 ONE, Cuts IPO Size

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Brigade Hotel Ventures Limited, the second largest owner of chain-affiliated hotels and rooms in South India, has raised ₹126 crore in a pre-IPO placement round, bringing a strategic investor on board ahead of its planned initial public offering.

The company issued 1.4 crore equity shares to 360 ONE Alternates Asset Management Limited (360 ONE) at ₹90 per share (including a premium of ₹80) in consultation with lead bankers. This placement, representing 4.74% of Brigade Hotel Ventures’ pre-offer share capital, effectively trims the IPO size announced in the DRHP from ₹900 crore to ₹774 crore.

The company intends to use approximately ₹481 crore from the IPO proceeds for debt repayment, including ₹412 crore for Brigade Hotel Ventures and ₹69 crore for its subsidiary, SRP Prosperita Hotel Ventures. Additionally, around ₹108 crore is earmarked to purchase an undivided share of land from its promoter BEL, while the remaining funds will support acquisitions, other strategic initiatives, and general corporate purposes.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Brigade Enterprises Limited, one of India’s leading real estate developers, Brigade Hotel Ventures owns and develops hotels across key Indian cities, with a strong focus on South India. The company operates nine hotels with 1,604 keys, holding the second largest portfolio of chain-affiliated hotels and rooms in South India, spanning Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and the Union Territories of Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Pondicherry.

With this pre-IPO boost from 360 ONE, Brigade Hotel Ventures is better positioned to move forward with a leaner public offering, a sharper focus on debt reduction, and strategic expansion in India’s growing hospitality sector.

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From Hospitality Heritage to Retail Hotspots: NCR Malls Ride High on H1 2025 Footfall

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 19, 2025

The first half of 2025 has seen an impressive rise in footfall across the National Capital Region's leading malls. From luxury retail to street-style heritage, and from lifestyle destinations to modern entertainment hubs, these malls have emerged as more than just shopping spaces—they’re cultural and experiential hotspots.

Ambience Malls: Curated Luxury Meets Everyday Delight

Both Ambience Malls in Vasant Kunj and Gurugram have recorded a 10% rise in footfall compared to the same period in 2024. According to Arjun Gehlot, Director, this growth is the result of a carefully curated brand mix and consistent innovation in guest experience.

In Gurgaon, the addition of brands like Dior, JJ Valaya, Lego, True Religion, and Kalyan Jewellers has expanded the mall’s premium and family-friendly footprint. Meanwhile, Vasant Kunj welcomed PF Chang’s, Blue Tokai, New Balance, and Domino’s, blending global dining with casual fashion and everyday favourites. Together, these additions are positioning Ambience as a space for both indulgence and accessibility.

Omaxe Chowk: Old Delhi’s Soul in a Modern Shell

Bringing order to the charming chaos of Chandni Chowk, Omaxe Chowk continues to gain momentum by modernising heritage retail. Executive Director Jatin Goel says their success comes from "respecting traditional shopping culture while offering modern conveniences."

New launches in 2025 include House of Surya, Twamev, PALMONAS, Khan Baba, KD Salon, and more—each contributing to a rich mix of ethnic fashion, regional food, and wellness. Anchors like Tanishq, Kalyan Jewellers, Imperfecto Mehfil, and Ghoomar remain crowd-pullers, enhancing the mall’s appeal among families and culturally curious tourists.

Vegas Mall, Dwarka: A Full Lifestyle Ecosystem

Vegas Mall in Dwarka has expanded significantly in H1 2025 with an intentional focus on fashion, wellness, and lifestyle experiences.
According to Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President, their goal is to create a “lifestyle ecosystem” where every visit feels immersive.

Recent additions include Bewakoof, Libas, AND, Being Human, and Centre for Sight, making the mall a well-rounded destination for shopping, dining, and wellness—all under one roof.

Gaur City Mall: Premium Retail in Greater Noida West

Positioned as the go-to lifestyle hub for Greater Noida West, Gaur City Mall is redefining destination shopping. With eight major jewellery stores including Candere by Kalyan and CaratLane, it has firmly staked its claim as a jewellery hotspot.

The addition of Van Heusen Women, Libas, Theobroma, Starbucks, and the soon-to-launch Funcity enhances the mall’s family-friendly image. As Sarthak Gaur, Director, Gaurs Group, shares, “We’re creating more than a shopping centre—we’re building a community destination.”

What’s Driving This Footfall Surge?

Balanced brand mix: Premium, mass, and experiential
Dining & entertainment: A focus beyond retail
Cultural relevance: Especially evident in malls like Omaxe Chowk
Accessibility: Catchment areas are expanding
Repeat engagement: Via events, promotions, and seasonal campaigns

Looking Ahead: Festive-Ready for H2 2025

With the festive and wedding seasons around the corner, these malls are gearing up for even stronger footfall and premium brand launches. The focus remains on curating holistic, culturally connected experiences—where shopping meets community, tradition meets innovation, and every visit brings something new.