Shankar Distillers Opens High-Tech Distillery in Troy, Michigan

Shankar Distillers Opens High-Tech Distillery in Troy, Michigan

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 28, 2024

Shankar Distillers, the latest venture by tech entrepreneur Varchasvi Shankar, has officially opened in Troy, Michigan. This advanced distillery features a state-of-the-art 45-foot continuous distillation column, so large that the distillery's roof had to be modified to accommodate it. Located in an industrial park, the distillery's glass ceiling is a distinctive landmark visible from I-75, just north of the 14 Mile exit near Oakland Mall.

Varchasvi Shankar, the first Indian immigrant to open an American whiskey distillery, celebrated the grand opening of Shankar Distillers on Friday, July 12. Shankar has also expanded into international markets, making the Varchas Whiskey line the first American craft bourbon exported to India. The distillery team includes master distiller Kylash Sivakumar and senior advisor Dennis Archer Jr., who have together crafted several award-winning spirits. Among their accolades is the Varchas Reserve 102 Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which won gold at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its smooth, earthy flavor profile featuring notes of wood, leather, tobacco, and caramel.

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Shankar expressed his enthusiasm for sharing these whiskeys directly with the public. “This is a dream come true for me. I never imagined that I would open a distillery in the USA. I came here for a technology career, but whiskey has always been my passion, and I'm thrilled to bring this unique cultural experience to the people of this country,” he said. “I'm excited to see visitors experience in person the fusion of Eastern and Western traditions in our spirits.”

Shankar Distillers offers a range of spirits, including Varchas Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Varchas Straight Rye Whiskey, Dasara Gin, and Varchas Vodka. Visitors can purchase these products along with branded merchandise like whiskey glasses, flasks, and T-shirts. The tasting room features plush lounge seating and a premium atmosphere, with a diverse cocktail menu that includes classics like Manhattans and barrel-aged sazeracs, as well as a unique gin and tonic made with Indian tonic. House specialties also include the “Gimme Some More,” made with Varchas Vodka, cucumber, and elderflower liqueur.

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Shankar Distillers stands out not just for its story of transitioning from tech to distilling but also for the beauty of its bottles. The 750 ml glass bottles feature a two-headed eagle on the label, a symbol of Shankar’s home state of Mysore in southern India, and a 3D eagle on the cork, highlighting Shankar’s accomplishments in the United States. The distillery is proud of its Michigan roots, using locally sourced water and corn in its products.

For those interested in visiting, Shankar Distillers at 1030 Chicago Road in Troy is open from 3-10 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday, 3 p.m.-midnight on Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight on Saturday, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday. Tours are available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. 

For more information, visit shankardistillers.com.


Cream Centre Launches Second Bengaluru Outlet at Forum Mall

Cream Centre Launches Second Bengaluru Outlet at Forum Mall

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 13, 2026

Cream Centre has expanded its footprint in Bengaluru with the launch of its second outlet at Forum Mall. The new opening marks another important milestone for the iconic vegetarian restaurant brand as it continues to strengthen its presence in South India following the positive response received from customers in the city.

Founded in Mumbai in 1958, Cream Centre has built a strong legacy over the past 65 years with its well-known vegetarian dishes, warm hospitality, and family-friendly dining experience. The brand is widely recognized for introducing Mumbai to its first plate of Nachos and for creating signature favourites such as The Original Channa Bhatura™, World’s Best Nachos™, and the popular Sizzling Brownie Fundae™.

The newly launched Forum Mall outlet brings the brand’s signature dining experience to one of Bengaluru’s busiest and most loved lifestyle destinations. Designed with Cream Centre’s familiar blend of contemporary style and nostalgic warmth, the space aims to offer guests a welcoming atmosphere suited for families and casual dining alike.

The outlet will serve the brand’s complete menu featuring classic favourites including Chole Bhature, World’s Best Nachos™, and Sizzling Brownie Fundae™, along with several other signature dishes that have remained popular across generations.

Adding to the launch celebrations, the new outlet will also host Cream Centre’s much-loved Aamras Festival, a seasonal offering featuring a specially curated selection of Aamras-inspired dishes and desserts available for a limited period.

Under the leadership of Sanjiv Chona, Cream Centre has grown into one of India’s most recognized vegetarian restaurant brands. Rishi Chona continues to drive the brand forward by introducing modern innovations while preserving the flavours and values that have defined Cream Centre for decades.

Expressing his thoughts on the launch, Rishi Chona, CEO, Cream Centre, shared, “Bengaluru welcomed us with so much love at our first outlet, that coming back felt like a natural next step. Forum Mall is home to so many memories for this city, and we are truly delighted to now be a part of that story. This second outlet is a reflection of the warmth Bengaluru has shown us, and our commitment to bring the very best of Cream Centre to every corner of this wonderful city.”

Over the years, Cream Centre has evolved into a leading vegetarian dining destination known for balancing classic comfort food with innovative menu creations. The brand continues to focus on high-quality food, inviting ambience, and memorable dining experiences for guests across all age groups.


Amrut Distilleries Launches Amrut Pravas at TFWA Singapore

Amrut Distilleries Launches Amrut Pravas at TFWA Singapore

By Hariharan U

Published on May 13, 2026

Amrut Distilleries has officially unveiled Amrut Pravas at TFWA Singapore, marking a major milestone in the brand’s expanding global travel retail journey. Crafted exclusively for duty-free and travel retail markets, the new single malt expression celebrates the spirit of travel, discovery, and Indian craftsmanship on an international stage.

The launch reinforces Amrut’s position as one of India’s pioneering single malt whisky brands, continuing a legacy that transformed global perceptions of Indian whisky since its international debut in 2004. Over the years, the Bengaluru-based distillery has earned worldwide recognition for its tropical maturation techniques and award-winning expressions, including the globally acclaimed Amrut Fusion.

Amrut Pravas has been designed specifically for the modern global traveller, a whisky intended to be discovered in transit and experienced across borders. Inspired by India’s cultural diversity and evolving identity, the expression reflects themes of movement, exploration, and connection through flavour and craftsmanship.

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Handcrafted by Ashok Chokalingam, COO and Master Distiller at Amrut Distilleries, Pravas is matured under India’s tropical climate using carefully selected casks that contribute to its depth, richness, and layered complexity. The whisky combines traditional Indian whisky-making with a contemporary global outlook, resulting in an expression that is both refined and distinctly Indian.

Available exclusively through global duty-free and travel retail channels, Pravas has been intentionally positioned as a rare travel-exclusive offering, creating a sense of discovery for international whisky enthusiasts.

The unveiling at the TFWA Singapore follows Amrut’s growing presence across major travel retail hubs, including exclusive launches at Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kochi airports. The company continues to expand its footprint across airports, seaports, and international duty-free destinations as demand for premium Indian single malts continues to rise globally.

Speaking on the launch, Rakshit N. Jagdale, Managing Director of Amrut Distilleries, described Pravas as a celebration of India’s evolving identity and craftsmanship. He noted that the expression was created to reflect the spirit of travel and exploration while remaining deeply rooted in Indian whisky-making traditions.

Amrut Pravas opens with bright citrus and lemon zest notes layered with subtle nuttiness, evolving into dried fruits, dark chocolate, almond brittle, and vanilla cream on the nose. The palate delivers a luxurious combination of honeyed syrup, vanilla custard, almond-infused chocolate, dried fruits, and sweet lemon tart, while the finish remains long, elegant, and clean with lingering sweetness.

With Pravas, Amrut Distilleries continues its ambition of positioning Indian single malt whisky as a globally respected category, offering travellers a distinctive expression that captures the richness, warmth, and character of India through every sip.

For more information, visit Amrut Distilleries


P.F. Chang’s Expands Delhi NCR Presence with New Restaurant at World St., Worldmark Aerocity

P.F. Chang’s Expands Delhi NCR Presence with New Restaurant at World St., Worldmark Aerocity

By Hariharan U

Published on May 13, 2026

P.F. Chang's has expanded its footprint in Delhi NCR with the launch of its newest restaurant at World St., Worldmark Aerocity, strengthening the brand’s presence in one of the capital’s most premium hospitality and lifestyle destinations.

Known globally for its signature high-heat wok cooking, bold Asian flavours, and elevated dining experiences, the new restaurant brings P.F. Chang’s celebrated American Pan-Asian culinary identity to a dynamic audience of corporate professionals, international travellers, residents, and lifestyle-driven consumers.

The launch marks another milestone for Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), the hospitality and dining arm of the Bharti Enterprises family, which continues to introduce globally recognised restaurant brands to Indian diners. Positioned within the vibrant World St. district at Worldmark Aerocity, the new outlet aligns with evolving consumer demand for globally benchmarked dining experiences paired with immersive hospitality environments.

Founded in 1993, P.F. Chang’s has spent more than three decades building its culinary identity around the traditional art of wok cooking, blending high-temperature cooking techniques, scratch-made preparations, and layered Asian flavours across more than 300 restaurants globally.

Speaking on the expansion, Rohan Pewekar, CEO – Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), said the launch reflects the group’s larger vision of bringing globally celebrated dining cultures to India’s increasingly discerning consumers. He added that Aerocity’s evolving culinary landscape makes it a strategic location for the brand’s continued growth.

Taylor Viersen, VP, Global Brand Development at P.F. Chang’s, described the Aerocity opening as an important step in the brand’s India growth journey, while reinforcing the restaurant’s long-standing focus on mastering traditional wok cooking techniques that define its global identity.

At the heart of the dining experience is P.F. Chang’s signature 700-degree wok cooking method, designed to preserve flavour intensity, texture, and ingredient integrity. Guests can enjoy internationally popular dishes such as Chang’s Lettuce Wraps, Dynamite Shrimp, Orange Chicken, and Lo Mein, alongside vegetarian offerings curated for Indian preferences. The menu also includes sushi, salads, gelatos, signature desserts like the Great Wall of Chocolate, and seasonal beverages.

The culinary programme has been carefully adapted to suit local palates while remaining true to the brand’s international identity. Jerry Thomas, Culinary Head – Restaurants at Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group, highlighted that the focus remains on achieving a balanced combination of sweet, savoury, spicy, and umami flavours through traditional wok-based cooking techniques.

Welcoming the brand to World St., S.K. Sayal, MD & CEO of Bharti Real Estate, noted that globally recognised dining concepts such as P.F. Chang’s play a significant role in shaping vibrant social and culinary destinations. He added that the restaurant further strengthens World St.’s positioning as a preferred destination for Asian fusion dining in Delhi.

Beyond its menu, the restaurant has been designed to offer a refined yet approachable atmosphere featuring contemporary interiors, versatile seating arrangements, and warm hospitality. The space caters to business lunches, social gatherings, family occasions, and evening dining experiences, reinforcing the brand’s emphasis on creating memorable moments beyond food.

As P.F. Chang’s continues its measured expansion across India, the brand remains focused on combining culinary tradition with contemporary dining experiences while delivering globally loved Asian flavours tailored to evolving local preferences.

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