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.


Boston Pub Introduces a Five-Floor Nightlife Experience in Bengaluru's RR Nagar

Boston Pub Introduces a Five-Floor Nightlife Experience in Bengaluru's RR Nagar

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 9, 2026

Bengaluru's dining and nightlife scene welcomes Boston Pub, a new destination in Rajarajeshwari Nagar (RR Nagar). Spread across approximately 12,000 sq. ft. and five floors, the venue brings together vintage-inspired interiors, global cuisine, signature cocktails, music and entertainment.

Located on 80 Feet Road, Kempegowda, RR Nagar, Boston has been designed as more than a conventional pub. Its five-floor concept offers different settings for guests, whether they want to enjoy a meal, catch up with friends, celebrate an occasion or spend an evening on the dance floor.

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Designed by Vinay Agnelo F. D'Almeida, the interiors combine vintage aesthetics, warm textures and contemporary elements. The basement features a dance floor, while the indoor dining and pub spaces provide settings for relaxed gatherings. The rooftop seating adds another option for guests looking to unwind.

With a seating capacity of approximately 400 guests, Boston can accommodate casual outings, group gatherings, birthdays, corporate events and private celebrations. DJ performances, live music and specially curated events will also form part of its entertainment programme.

The food menu brings together contemporary global cuisine, comfort food and sharing plates suited to a pub setting. It features Asian and Chinese favourites, Korean-inspired dishes, Indian appetisers, Italian-style pizzas and Continental selections. Some of the dishes that have received positive customer feedback include Korean Chicken Bao, Classic Chicken Tikka, Chilli Garlic Chicken Noodles, Wild Mushroom Dumplings and Fish Fingers. The pizza selection offers familiar favourites, while Tres Leches Cake and New York Cheesecake provide dessert options. The menu also includes vegetarian dishes for guests with different preferences.

The beverage programme features signature cocktails and non-alcoholic creations. Signature cocktails include Mushroom & Oak, Titaura, Crimson Passion, Golden Orchard, The Tea Garden, Boston Bloom, Baklava Old Fashioned, Bitter Bloom, Spiked Milkshake, Midnight Malt and Berry & Brine. The non-alcoholic selection features Ruby Fizz, Baklava Brew, Tropical Herb Garden, Heatwave, Indigo Tropica, Paradise and Garden Mist.

Boston also recommends pairing its craft beer selection with dishes such as Classic Chicken Tikka, Nimboo Chicken Tikka and Nimbu Murgh Tikka. The smoky and tangy flavours of these preparations complement the beer selection.

Founded by Subbaiah, Preetham, Hem and Ashwin, Boston draws inspiration from vintage culture while embracing contemporary nightlife. The brand's vision focuses on character, experience, culture and lifestyle, aiming to create a destination that goes beyond food and beverages.

Sharing the idea behind the concept, the founding team said, "Boston was envisioned as more than just another place to eat, drink and party. We wanted to create a destination where every visit tells a different story. With five floors, each offering its own character and experience, Boston brings together the charm of a bygone era and the excitement of contemporary nightlife. Our vision is to build a space where people connect, celebrate and create memories. Ultimately, we want Boston to be remembered not just for the place it is, but for how it makes people feel."

With its five-floor layout, varied dining options and entertainment spaces, Boston aims to establish itself as a social and nightlife destination in Bengaluru's RR Nagar.


Om Sweets Brings Its Signature Mithai and Vegetarian Food Experience to Golf Course Road

Om Sweets Brings Its Signature Mithai and Vegetarian Food Experience to Golf Course Road

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 7, 2026

Om Sweets has introduced its premium retail concept on Golf Course Road, Gurugram, expanding its presence in one of the city's prominent commercial and residential destinations. The new outlet brings together the brand's traditional Indian mithai, savouries and vegetarian food offerings in a contemporary setting.

The outlet caters to customers looking for everyday dining, festive purchases and gifting options under one roof. Beyond its range of Indian sweets, Om Sweets offers savoury preparations and a wider selection of vegetarian food, making it a destination for different occasions and dining preferences.

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The new retail format reflects the changing expectations of urban consumers, who increasingly look for quality, variety and thoughtful presentation alongside familiar flavours. While the outlet offers a contemporary environment, it retains the traditional appeal that has shaped the brand's identity. Its Golf Course Road location also improves accessibility for residents and professionals in the surrounding neighbourhood.

Om Sweets' journey began in the early 1940s, when Shri Hari Chand Kathuria Ji started a family sweets business. Following Partition, the family rebuilt its business in India. In 1960, Shri Om Prakash Kathuria Ji established a shop in Arjun Nagar, Gurugram, laying the foundation for the brand's growth. Over the years, the business expanded its offerings and customer base, developing into an established food brand with a presence across Gurugram, Faridabad, Delhi, Sohna and Palwal.

Commenting on the launch, a spokesperson for Om Sweets said, “At Om Sweets, our focus has always been on serving food that people can associate with their everyday lives and special occasions. Mithai remains an important part of what we do, but our offering today extends to savouries and a wider range of vegetarian food. With our Golf Course Road outlet, we are bringing this variety to customers in a contemporary setting, making it convenient for them to explore our offerings for different occasions while continuing to enjoy the flavours they know and trust.”

With this launch, Om Sweets continues to expand its retail presence and introduce its broader food portfolio to a new customer base. The outlet brings together the brand's established culinary offerings and evolving retail format, catering to everyday meals, celebrations and gifting occasions.


Wendy's India Launches Five Global Burger Flavours Under 'The Great Burger Scam'

Wendy's India Launches Five Global Burger Flavours Under 'The Great Burger Scam'

By Hariharan U

Published on November 7, 2026

Wendy's India has introduced five globally inspired burger flavours under its new campaign, 'The Great Burger Scam', with prices starting at ₹59. Launched in November 2026, the range brings international flavour profiles to the value burger segment, offering both vegetarian and chicken options priced between ₹59 and ₹99.

The new selection features five flavours: Chipotle, Chimichurri, Korean, Teriyaki and Makhani. The range combines smoky, herbaceous, sweet and savoury profiles with a familiar Indian-inspired option, giving customers a wider choice beyond conventional value burger offerings.

The campaign plays on the idea of a 'scam' by presenting a range of distinct flavour experiences at prices that may seem unexpectedly affordable. Wendy's positions the launch as an effort to challenge the perception that lower-priced burgers need to offer limited variety.

Commenting on the campaign, Mohit Mahajan, AVP – Marketing, Rebel Foods, said, "Consumers today are looking for more than just a good deal. They want variety, exciting flavours and experiences that feel worth trying. With 'The Great Burger Scam', we wanted to turn the usual value burger narrative on its head. Five distinct flavours, globally inspired choices and prices starting at ₹59, it almost sounds too good to be true! Through this campaign, we want to make flavour exploration accessible to everyone while bringing a little fun and surprise to the everyday burger experience."

The launch targets consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, who are interested in exploring new food options while keeping spending in check. By bringing flavours associated with different cuisines into an affordable format, Wendy's aims to make experimentation more accessible to everyday burger customers.

The campaign also adds to the brand's efforts to differentiate its offering in India's competitive quick-service restaurant market, where value pricing and menu variety remain important considerations for consumers.

The new burgers are available at Wendy's India dine-in restaurants and through online delivery platforms.

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