Serving Success: ITC's Cloud Kitchen Sets a New Culinary Standard

Serving Success: ITC's Cloud Kitchen Sets a New Culinary Standard

By Author

Published on January 3, 2024

ITC, a name synonymous with diverse business ventures, is set to elevate its presence in the food-tech industry by expanding its cloud kitchen business. This innovative move comes as the conglomerate identifies food-tech as a key growth vector. Currently operating in Bengaluru and Chennai, ITC's cloud kitchens have become a preferred choice for North Indian daily and gourmet cuisines, as well as bakery products.

The company's foray into the cloud kitchen landscape is marked by three distinct brands: ITC Aashirvaad Soul Creations for daily comfort food, ITC Master Chef Creations for gourmet delights, and ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations for bakery treats. With 19 cloud kitchens in Bengaluru and four in Chennai, ITC has already achieved the milestone of breaking even in these locations.

Hemant Malik, Executive Director at ITC, shares insights into the success of the venture, citing a winning formula that includes established brands, cuisine expertise from ITC Hotels' chefs, and the backing of the packaged foods business. "The tech-learning needed for the business comes from our focus on digitalization," adds Malik.

The business model involves the establishment of a central kitchen and satellite kitchens in cities where ITC operates. This strategic layout aligns with the preferences of food delivery giants like Swiggy and Zomato, who prefer kitchens every 2.5-3 km. ITC aims to replicate its success in Bengaluru by becoming a market leader in the premium space in other cities.

"We are already the market leader in Bengaluru in the premium space within two years of operation and will now scale up in other cities," says Malik. The cloud kitchen central kitchen in Bengaluru has the capability to service both Chennai and Hyderabad, showcasing ITC's commitment to operational efficiency.

Going beyond its current offerings, ITC plans to diversify its cloud kitchen menu by evaluating the addition of breakfast and oriental cuisines. Malik emphasises the company's strategy to introduce new cuisines and meals alongside expanding its presence in metro cities.

Noteworthy is the fact that ITC's cloud kitchens boast an average order value of Rs 900, double that of the industry average. The key differentiators from ITC Hotels' kitchens include a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) compared to 18% for hotel restaurants, and a focus on quick service.

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In an investor presentation, ITC highlighted the institutional synergies between its cloud kitchen business and other segments, such as packaging solutions, digital-first approaches, and culinary expertise. With over one million orders already delivered, ITC aims to capitalise on the 10% market share occupied by cloud kitchens in the food delivery platform landscape.

However, the presentation also acknowledged challenges, particularly the scalability issues associated with North Indian cuisine due to its dependency on chef skills and the lack of standardisation. Nevertheless, ITC's strategic approach and commitment to innovation position it as a formidable player in the evolving landscape of the food-tech industry.


Babai Hotel Opens First Outlet in Bengaluru

Babai Hotel Opens First Outlet in Bengaluru

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 27, 2024

Babai Hotel, a legendary name in authentic Andhra cuisine with over 80 years of heritage, has opened its first outlet in Bengaluru. Located on ITPL Main Road, this new establishment is set to bring the timeless flavors of Andhra Pradesh to the vibrant culinary landscape of Bengaluru.

The grand launch was a remarkable event, graced by Telugu superstar Sreeleela as the guest of honor. Guests enjoyed a live inauguration and an exclusive tasting session featuring Babai Hotel’s renowned dishes, including its signature pure ghee idlis and pesarattu with upma.

Speaking at the event, Sudheer Gundu, CEO of Babai Hotel, shared his excitement:

“We are proud to bring Babai Hotel’s legacy of authentic Andhra cuisine to Bengaluru. This city has always been a melting pot of cultures, and we are excited to add our rich heritage and flavors to its vibrant food scene. The response so far has been truly heartwarming, and we look forward to serving Bengaluru with the same passion and quality that has defined us for decades.”

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The Bengaluru outlet is designed to offer an unparalleled culinary experience for food enthusiasts, blending the rich cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh with Babai Hotel’s legacy of excellence. From its timeless dishes to the warm hospitality, this iconic brand is ready to make its mark in Bengaluru.


Urban Square Mall Welcomes Udaipur's First McDonald's with Alfresco Dining

Urban Square Mall Welcomes Udaipur's First McDonald's with Alfresco Dining

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 26, 2024

Urban Square Mall, Udaipur's ultimate shopping and leisure destination, has added yet another highlight to its offerings with the grand opening of the city’s first McDonald’s. Spanning an impressive 3,000 sq. ft., this McDonald's outlet features a delightful alfresco dining space, a McCafé, and self-check-in and checkout counters, making it a standout addition to the city’s dining scene.

The grand inauguration was attended by Shri Brijesh Kumar Ji Soni and Shri Umesh Ji Ojha, both serving as Additional SPs of Udaipur, who graced the occasion as Guests of Honour.

This new McDonald’s promises to elevate Urban Square Mall’s food and beverage offerings while enhancing the overall dining experience. In addition to the renowned fast-food chain, the mall hosts popular brands such as Burger Singh, Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan, and Chatkaz, offering a delightful mix of global and regional cuisines.

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Commenting on the opening, Uddhav Poddar, CMD of Bhumika Group, said, “We are thrilled to add McDonald’s to our diverse offerings. This addition continues to position Urban Square Mall as the ultimate one-stop destination for both shoppers and travellers. With an aim to continue offering an unmatched mix of shopping, leisure, and dining options, we look forward to more such partnerships in the near future.”

Echoing this sentiment, Siddharth Katyal, CEO of Bhumika Group, stated, “The opening of McDonald’s at Urban Square Mall is a landmark moment for us. This addition reinforces our commitment to providing visitors with an unparalleled mix of premium brands, cutting-edge amenities, and memorable experiences. We are proud to set a new benchmark for shopping and dining in the city and look forward to welcoming more iconic brands in the future.”

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Urban Square Mall is already home to a host of prestigious brands, including PVR Inox, Lemon Tree Hotels, Jusjumpin, Baggit, Vishal Mega Mart, Manbhawan Thali, and the Wooden Street store, ensuring a comprehensive and delightful experience for visitors.

With the opening of McDonald’s, Urban Square Mall continues to solidify its position as Udaipur’s premier hub for shopping, dining, and leisure, offering residents and tourists a world-class experience.


Bengaluru's Newest Microbrewery ICB-Indian Craft Brewery Sets a New Benchmark in Craft Beer and Culinary Experience

Bengaluru's Newest Microbrewery ICB-Indian Craft Brewery Sets a New Benchmark in Craft Beer and Culinary Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 25, 2024

Bengaluru’s latest addition to its vibrant beer and dining culture, ICB-Indian Craft Brewery, has opened its doors, promising to redefine the craft beer experience in India. Situated in the heart of Manyata Tech Park Nagavara, this expansive 1,500-seater microbrewery covers two acres and combines India’s ancient brewing traditions with modern, global influences.

A Unique Indian Craft Beer Experience
ICB stands out by deeply integrating India's cultural heritage, indigenous ingredients, and rich culinary flavors into its brewing process. According to Gopi Chand Cherukuri, co-founder of ICB, the microbrewery aims to reinvent craft beer in India. "With our dedicated craftsmanship and a team of seasoned brewmasters, including a master brewer from Costa Rica, and culinary experts, we’ve perfected the art of creating unique flavors that are global and deeply rooted in India’s rich history," he said.

Cultural Zones to Explore
The brewery’s architecture is designed with the COAST philosophy in mind—Culture, Opinion, Art, Sustainability, and Taste. This approach invites guests to explore different experiential spaces known as zones, each curated to reflect ICB’s Indian roots while providing a sense of belonging and cultural connection. The first zone is already open, and the second zone is scheduled to launch in January 2025.

Innovative Brews and Signature Offerings
ICB’s brewing philosophy is grounded in deep research into India’s diverse culinary landscape. The microbrewery has established a dedicated R&D center in Belgium for driving beer innovations, ensuring that every beer served is a result of global expertise and local inspiration. One of its signature offerings is Ramanujan, a range of premium non-alcoholic beers named in homage to the legendary Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan.

The Future of Indian Craft Beer
ICB’s impact goes beyond its beers. It is set to become a cultural hotspot, hosting curated pop-up experiences led by renowned chefs. Beginning next month, these pop-ups will feature royal heirloom recipes passed down by Maharajas from across India, offering diners an exclusive opportunity to savor traditional recipes from India’s royal kitchens.

The New Face of Bengaluru’s Dining Culture
ICB-Indian Craft Brewery promises to be a game-changer in Bengaluru’s beer and dining scene, offering a fresh and exciting experience for beer lovers, food enthusiasts, and cultural explorers alike.

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