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.


Chennai Gets a New Rooftop Address for Alfresco Evenings at Taj Club House

Chennai Gets a New Rooftop Address for Alfresco Evenings at Taj Club House

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 13, 2026

Taj Club House, Chennai has introduced LAVA, Grill at the Roof, a contemporary rooftop dining venue designed for relaxed alfresco evenings. Positioned as a sundowner destination, the new space brings together open-air charm, sweeping city views and a menu that celebrates bold global flavours.

Perched at the top of the hotel, LAVA, Grill at the Roof offers both an intimate air-conditioned indoor section and a breezy rooftop area. Soft mood lighting and panoramic views of the Chennai skyline set the tone for easy conversations and laid-back dining under the open sky. The alfresco section forms the heart of the venue, making it an inviting spot for after-hours gatherings and special evenings.

The menu focuses on global grilling traditions with a noticeable Asian accent. Guests can explore a range of Asian tapas, sushi, dim sum, sliders and signature grill dishes. Small bites include Edamame with Sea Salt or Pepperoncino and Marinated Gordal Olives with Beetroot Tzatziki. The selection also features Chicken Katsu Bao with Tonkatsu Sauce, Duck Rillette Sliders with Jalapeño and Mint Chutney, and sushi options such as California Roll, Spicy Tofu Roll and Crispy Prawn Uramaki.

Vegetarian diners can choose from Water Chestnut & Mushroom Dumplings and Corn & Spinach Dumplings, while grill highlights include Persian Lamb Skewers and Harissa-spiked Prawns served with Roasted Grape Salsa. The dishes are complemented by a curated list of wines, craft cocktails and premium beverages, carefully paired to enhance the grill-focused menu.

With its blend of indoor comfort and alfresco elegance, LAVA, Grill at the Roof is set to become a preferred choice for sundowners, intimate dinners and celebratory evenings in the city. At Taj Club House, Chennai, the new rooftop address promises evenings where fire-led flavours, fresh air and city lights come together effortlessly.


Celebrate Valentine’s Offline with SOCIAL’s New Campaign

Celebrate Valentine’s Offline with SOCIAL’s New Campaign

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 13, 2026

This Valentine’s season, SOCIAL is inviting guests to take love offline with its nationwide campaign, लव like the OGs, running from 10th to 28th February across all SOCIAL outlets. Inspired by the simplicity of old-school romance, the campaign encourages people to slow down, have real conversations, and reconnect without screens in the way.

At a time when love often plays out over DMs and dating apps, SOCIAL is tapping into a growing desire among Gen Z for something more intentional and personal. The idea behind लव like the OGs is not about going back in time, but about bringing back what truly matters, showing up, speaking honestly, and giving someone your full attention.

Speaking about the campaign, Divya Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer at Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., said, “Love today is fast, filtered, and often fleeting. With लव like the OGs theme, we wanted to slow things down and bring back the charm of old-school romance, where effort mattered and conversations weren’t rushed. SOCIAL has always been about belonging and real connections, and this Valentine’s, we’re inviting people to step away from screens and rediscover what love feels like offline.”

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As part of the experience, guests can write handwritten postcards while waiting for their food and exchange notes the old-fashioned way. The idea is simple, whether you’re on a first date, with your partner, or just out with friends, sit across the table and share a moment that feels real.

A major highlight of the campaign is the limited-edition Valentine’s menu titled Do Dishon Ka Mel. Celebrating cross-cultural love stories through bold food pairings, the menu blends flavours from different regions with SOCIAL’s signature twist. Dishes include Sev Puri Toastada, bringing Puraani Dilli and Mexico together; Bhuna Ghost Cheese Tart; Chicken Biryani Burrito; and Andhra Chilli Paneer & Chicken Chopsuey.

Other special creations include Krapow Aglio Olio in plant-based, chicken, and lamb options, Kebab Paella, Cheeseburst Smash Burgers, and desserts like Snicker Samosa and Gajar Halwa Sizzler. The Valentine’s special menu will be available across SOCIAL outlets from 10th to 28th February. Select dishes will also be offered for delivery through Swiggy and Zomato for those celebrating at home.

Staying true to its community-first approach, SOCIAL will also host curated in-outlet experiences and events at select locations. Designed to be inclusive and warm, the celebration welcomes everyone: single, taken, or somewhere in between.

With लव like the OGs, SOCIAL reinforces its space as more than just a café-bar. This Valentine’s, the brand reminds guests that love doesn’t need an algorithm, just a table, a postcard, and a little effort.


Third Wave Coffee Unveils Limited-Edition Valentine’s Beverages Nationwide

Third Wave Coffee Unveils Limited-Edition Valentine’s Beverages Nationwide

By Hariharan U

Published on February 12, 2026

Third Wave Coffee is marking Valentine’s Day with a limited-edition beverage lineup crafted to celebrate connection and everyday indulgence. Launched nationwide on February 11, 2026, the seasonal range features four themed creations - La Vie en Rose Frappe, La Vie en Rose Latte, Red Velvet Milkshake, and Red Velvet Mocha Frappe - each designed to bring a playful yet comforting touch to coffee breaks.

The rose-inspired offerings lead with floral, creamy notes, where the La Vie en Rose Frappe blends delicate rose flavours with whipped cream and dehydrated rose petals, while the La Vie en Rose Latte offers a smoother, mellow sip with subtle sweetness. Complementing the floral profiles are dessert-style red velvet creations: the Red Velvet Milkshake delivers a rich, thick indulgence topped with whipped cream and velvet crumbs, and the Red Velvet Mocha Frappe combines bold coffee and cocoa with a decadent finish.

Priced from ₹305 onwards, the collection is positioned as an accessible festive treat. Available across all outlets till February 22, the range reflects the brand’s structured, insight-led approach to seasonal innovation, aligning menu development with cultural moments and evolving consumer preferences. Founded in 2016 by Sushant Goel, Anirudh Sharma and Ayush Bathwal, Third Wave Coffee has grown to over 200 cafés nationwide and continues to focus on a coffee-first experience driven by quality beans, accessible locations and technology-enabled engagement.

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