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.

image

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.

image

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.


Third Wave Coffee Enters Andhra Pradesh with Two Cafés in Visakhapatnam

Third Wave Coffee Enters Andhra Pradesh with Two Cafés in Visakhapatnam

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 31, 2026

Third Wave Coffee has entered Andhra Pradesh with the opening of two new cafés in Visakhapatnam, marking another step in the brand's South India expansion.

The new cafés are located at Waltair Road and Inorbit Mall, taking Third Wave Coffee's South India footprint to over 100 cafés. With these additions, the brand's national network has also grown to 240+ cafés.

The new Visakhapatnam cafés have been designed around the city's coastal character and growing urban community. The spaces bring together specialty coffee, food, comfortable work-friendly settings and a relaxed environment for customers to meet and spend time. The menu features Third Wave Coffee's signature brews, specialty single-origin coffees, artisanal bakes, quick bites and curated food offerings. Customers can also access a tech-enabled café experience through the Third Wave Coffee app.

image

Speaking on the launch, Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee, said:

“We're excited to bring the Third Wave Coffee experience to Andhra Pradesh with the launch of our cafés in Visakhapatnam. The city's vibrant culture, expanding IT and academic ecosystem, and growing appreciation for specialty coffee make it a compelling destination as we deepen our presence across South India. As we look ahead, the South will remain a key pillar of our expansion strategy. Backed by our Food Innovation Lab and state-of-the-art roastery, we remain committed to offering our signature food and beverage experience as we scale into new markets and serve more coffee lovers across the country”.

Third Wave Coffee continued its expansion across South India during FY26, adding to its presence in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Mysuru. The brand also entered new markets including Ahmedabad, Agra and Kolkata, further extending its reach across India. Building on this growth, Third Wave Coffee plans to open 100 additional cafés by FY27, with an aim to take its national store count to 320.

As the brand continues to grow, it remains focused on product innovation, operational excellence and creating café spaces built around local communities. The latest launch in Visakhapatnam adds another destination to its growing network while strengthening its position in India's specialty coffee and QSR market.


Momoka Brings the Spirit of a Japanese Kissaten to Pune

Momoka Brings the Spirit of a Japanese Kissaten to Pune

By Hariharan U

Published on August 31, 2026

Momoka has brought the spirit of a traditional Japanese kissaten to Pune, offering guests a contemporary interpretation of Japanese café culture through Yoshoku cuisine, desserts, coffee, tea and an intimate neighbourhood-inspired setting.

Founded by Chef Brainard Colaco, Momoka draws inspiration from the culture of Japan's traditional kissatens, neighbourhood cafés that have long been associated with coffee, tea, comforting meals and a familiar, relaxed atmosphere.

The concept brings together these elements under one roof, creating a dining experience that explores a more everyday and approachable side of Japan.

A key part of Momoka's culinary identity is Yoshoku, a Japanese tradition influenced by Western cooking techniques while incorporating Japanese ingredients, flavours and sensibilities. Through this approach, the restaurant presents familiar food forms through a distinctly Japanese perspective.

At the heart of the menu is Chef Brainard's interest in Japan's everyday food culture. His travels across the country and fascination with the dishes found in Kissatens and Konbinis have influenced the restaurant's culinary direction.

Rather than focusing solely on formal Japanese dining, Momoka explores the comforting and casual foods associated with everyday life in Japan, translating those influences into a contemporary dining format for Pune.

The experience extends beyond food, with a beverage programme inspired by Japanese café culture. Coffee and tea are positioned alongside the restaurant's food and dessert offerings, creating a cohesive experience that reflects the slower, more relaxed rhythm of a traditional kissaten.

Desserts form another key element of the concept, with Momoka featuring a dedicated dessert offering designed to complement its Japanese-inspired café experience.

Speaking about the launch, Chef Brainard Colaco, Founder, Momoka, said, "Momoka has always been about sharing a more everyday side of Japan—the warmth of a modern kissaten, comforting food and desserts, and flavours that feel familiar yet exciting. With our new flagship on Prabhat Road, we wanted to create a space where guests can experience Japan through soulful food, a dessert bar like no other and thoughtfully crafted beverages."

Located on Prabhat Road, the new flagship aims to offer Pune diners an experience that goes beyond conventional Japanese cuisine by bringing together food, beverages and atmosphere in a format inspired by one of Japan's distinctive café traditions.

With its focus on Yoshoku cuisine, Japanese café culture and everyday food experiences, Momoka adds a new interpretation of Japanese dining to Pune's evolving restaurant landscape.


Sheraton Grand Bangalore Introduces FOMO Sunday Brunch at Horizon

Sheraton Grand Bangalore Introduces FOMO Sunday Brunch at Horizon

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 30, 2026

Sundays at Horizon, the Pan-Asian rooftop restaurant at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, now come with a new reason to stay a little longer. The hotel has introduced FOMO, its signature Sunday brunch experience, bringing together Pan-Asian flavours, free-flowing pours, commercial retro music and panoramic views of Bengaluru.

Located 31 floors above the city, FOMO is designed as a relaxed afternoon where guests can enjoy good food, drinks and music while taking in the changing cityscape. The experience revolves around four elements — Flavour. Overpour. Music. Over the City.

The food offering features a curated Pan-Asian set menu served to the table, with sushi, sashimi, dim sum, bao, Asian grills and wok-fired specialties. Alongside the food, guests can enjoy unlimited champagne and cocktails, while the music gradually picks up through the afternoon. As the afternoon moves towards sunset, Horizon's rooftop setting adds another part to the experience, with wide views across Bengaluru and the city skyline providing the backdrop.

FOMO is positioned for different kinds of Sunday plans, whether it is a birthday celebration, a long lunch with friends, a family gathering, a girls' afternoon or simply a relaxed Sunday spent over good food and drinks. The four-hour brunch runs from 1 pm to 5 pm, giving guests the freedom to settle in and enjoy the menu and free-flowing pours at their own pace.

For guests who want to continue into the evening, FOMO: Sky After Dark offers an extended experience from 5 pm to 7 pm. The sundowner brings together cocktails, sparkling pours, music and the city lights at Horizon.

  • FOMO Brunch: 1 pm – 5 pm
  • FOMO: FOMO Sundowner: 5 pm – 7 pm.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.