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.


Spezia Bistro Opens Doors in Gurugram with People-First Hospitality

Spezia Bistro Opens Doors in Gurugram with People-First Hospitality

By Hariharan U

Published on February 16, 2026

Gurugram’s dining scene has a new addition with the launch of Spezia Bistro at Magnum Global Park. The new outlet brings together soulful food, thoughtful design, and a hospitality philosophy that places people at the centre of the experience.

Set against a charming alfresco, fountain-side dining area, the restaurant combines relaxed outdoor seating with Parisian-inspired interiors. The ambience is warm and inviting, making it ideal for early brunches, leisurely lunches, and unhurried evenings filled with conversation.

Founder Abhishek Verma shared the brand’s journey, saying, “From a single inspired moment to a growing brand with multiple locations, Spezia Bistro began with a clear vision to serve an underserved market through people-first hospitality and elevated, experience-driven dining. The idea was validated early on when a guest visited us for brunch, returned later that day with colleagues, and came back again for dinner with family. That moment reinforced everything we stood for.

At its core, Spezia Bistro believes that while food matters, people matter more. The team draws inspiration from the hospitality philosophy of Danny Meyer, focusing on warmth, consistency, and genuine care for both guests and staff. This approach is supported by operational systems influenced by The E-Myth Revisited, ensuring a seamless and high-quality experience across locations.

With its Gurugram launch, Spezia Bistro continues its mission to create spaces where good food meets meaningful connection - offering diners a place to slow down, savour, and stay a little longer.


Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse Relaunches Glass Bar & Kitchen with ‘A Coast Apart’

Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse Relaunches Glass Bar & Kitchen with ‘A Coast Apart’

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 16, 2026

Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse has announced the relaunch of its specialty restaurant, Glass Bar & Kitchen, unveiling a renewed culinary direction under the concept ‘A Coast Apart.’ The refreshed identity draws inspiration from the diverse heritage of India’s southern coastline, offering a contemporary take on coastal flavours.

The reimagined menu presents a thoughtful reinterpretation of coastal gastronomy through a modern lens. By blending culinary traditions from India’s coastal regions with seasonal ingredients and slow, traditional cooking techniques, the restaurant creates a dining narrative that is both nostalgic and progressive. The concept honours regional authenticity while embracing refined presentation and contemporary sensibilities.

Shiv Bose, General Manager of Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, noted that ‘A Coast Apart’ positions Glass Bar & Kitchen with a distinctive culinary identity aligned with evolving guest preferences. Signature elements of the new menu include Tender Coconut Payasam Ice Cream, a curated ‘Amma’s Corner’ section celebrating comforting regional classics, and Glass Special Starter Platters designed for shared dining experiences. The concept has been spearheaded by Chef Tirupathi and Chef Ajit, who have crafted a cohesive menu showcasing nuanced coastal flavours.

Ajit Tiwari, Executive Chef at the hotel, highlighted regional favourites such as Lobster Mappas, Meen Pollichathu, Kuttu Paratha and Gongura Mamsam as standout dishes expected to resonate strongly with guests. The menu reflects a balance of bold flavours and thoughtful contrasts, delivering an immersive coastal dining journey.

Complementing the cuisine is a newly introduced cocktail programme titled “Madya Mix.” Led by Kuldeep Bhure, Food & Beverage Manager, the beverage selection is designed to pair seamlessly with the coastal menu. Signature creations such as Coorg’s Paradise, Bangalore Blossom and Memories by Glass feature botanicals commonly found along India’s coastal belt, layered with tropical infusions and citrus-forward notes to enhance the cuisine’s vibrant flavours.

With this relaunch, Glass Bar & Kitchen reinforces its positioning as a destination for contemporary Indian coastal cuisine in Bengaluru. Offering extended service across lunch and dinner, the restaurant invites guests to explore an expansive coastal repertoire in a modern, sophisticated setting.


Globally acclaimed, Time Out Market Makes India Debut at Worldmark, New Delhi

Globally acclaimed, Time Out Market Makes India Debut at Worldmark, New Delhi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 14, 2026

Time Out Market, the globally acclaimed food and cultural market concept, is all set to make its India debut at 5 Worldmark in Aerocity, New Delhi. Announced by Bharti Real Estate, the real estate arm of Bharti Enterprises and owner of the Worldmark brand, this marks a significant addition to the country’s hospitality and retail landscape. The launch is planned for the second half of 2026.

Spanning approximately 24,500 square feet, Time Out Market Delhi will house 11 kitchens, two full-service bars, a private events room, a stage for live performances, and seating for around 500 guests. The space is designed to bring together the city’s leading chefs, restaurants, bars, and cultural experiences under one roof, offering visitors a curated taste of what Delhi has to offer.

Globally, active Time Out Markets operate in Lisbon, New York (Dumbo & Union Square), Boston, Chicago, Montreal, Dubai, Cape Town, Porto, Barcelona, Bahrain, and Osaka. With its entry into India, the brand adds New Delhi to its growing international portfolio of landmark destinations.

Curation at Time Out Market Delhi will focus on craft, legitimacy, and cultural relevance. The aim is to showcase chefs and concepts that truly define the city’s food identity. From award-winning chefs and established institutions to emerging talent and local favourites, the platform will bring together a diverse mix of culinary and cultural voices. It also presents a valuable opportunity for restaurateurs to be part of a globally recognised brand that celebrates the best of each city it enters.

The new market will be part of the upcoming phase of Worldmark’s development, which spans about 17 million square feet and is positioned as a leading Global Business District in the country. The area will include destination retail, premium hotels, modern office spaces, and thoughtfully planned hospitality and retail experiences. Located next to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Worldmark sits within one of the busiest ecosystems in the world and is expected to attract both international travellers and urban professionals. India Sotheby's International Realty facilitated the lease deal for Time Out Market Delhi.

"Time Out Market's opening in India at 5 Worldmark in Aerocity, New Delhi, adds to Worldmark's reputation as the country's most comprehensive business and lifestyle destination." "Time Out Market's internationally known concept would be beneficial for the city's international visitors, business people, and urban community. This association shows that we are committed to our long-term aim of making Worldmark as India's best business district to work, meet, eat, and do business." stated S K Sayal, MD and CEO of Bharti Real Estate.

Chris Ohlund, CEO of Time Out Group plc, added: "We expanded our growing Time Out Market portfolio by opening three new sites each in 2024 and 2025, with an additional five currently under development. Since the first Time Out Market launched in 2014, we have created, rooted in our iconic Time Out brand, a leading global food and cultural market."

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