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.


Burger King India Launches Doomsday Whopper and Avengers: Doomsday Collection

Burger King India Launches Doomsday Whopper and Avengers: Doomsday Collection

By Hariharan U

Published on November 4, 2026

Burger King India has unveiled its limited-edition Avengers: Doomsday Collection, bringing Marvel-inspired flavours, character-themed packaging and collectible merchandise to its restaurants across the country ahead of the film's theatrical release on December 17, 2026.

As the Official Restaurant Partner for Avengers: Doomsday in India, Burger King has introduced a special menu that gives its signature flame-grilled offerings a superhero-inspired twist. Available from November 3, the collection features burgers, sides and a beverage, with burger prices starting at ₹199.

Doomsday Whopper Takes Centre Stage

The highlight of the collection is the Doomsday Whopper, available in two variants: Doomsday Whopper Extra Crunch Veg and Doomsday Whopper Flame-Grilled Chicken.

Inspired by the film's antagonist, Doctor Doom, the signature Whopper features a striking black glazed bun and a bold spicy garlic flavour. The brand says the distinctive bun colour is achieved using plant-derived natural food colour, aligning with its stated commitment to avoiding synthetic colours and artificial flavours in its menu.

The collection also draws inspiration from other Marvel characters, with a selection of premium burgers and sides named after familiar superheroes and villains.

What's on the Avengers: Doomsday Menu?

The limited-edition collection includes:

  • Doomsday Whoppers: Doomsday Whopper Extra Crunch Veg and Doomsday Whopper Flame-Grilled Chicken

  • Premium Burgers: Loki Molten Cheese Burger, Cyclops Soft Paneer Burger and Magneto Crunchy Chicken Burger

  • Sides: Shuri Vibranium Fries, Falcon Fearless Chicken Wings, Magneto Boneless Chicken and Thor Thunder Nuggets

  • Beverage: Fantastic Fizz

The menu follows Burger King's signature dunking platform, with spicy garlic flavour cues and bold sauces featuring across the offerings.

Themed Packaging and Collectible Merchandise

The collaboration extends beyond the menu through special-edition packaging featuring Avengers: Doomsday-themed burger boxes and a Doctor Doom-inspired crown. The packaging draws on the film's visual identity, turning the meal into a themed experience for fans.

Select meals from the collection also come with opportunities to access Marvel-themed merchandise. The campaign begins with a limited-edition collectible tumbler, with further merchandise planned to be introduced in phases.

Burger King has also opened a pre-booking window through its app, featuring a limited-edition Doomsday Meal bundled with a collectible Avengers: Doomsday tumbler at a special price.

Speaking about the launch, Kapil Grover, Chief Marketing Officer, Burger King India, said the collaboration brings together the Marvel fandom and Burger King's signature Whopper experience. He added that the menu, themed packaging and merchandise are intended to extend the excitement of the film beyond the cinema.

Nationwide Availability and Campaign

The launch is supported by a 360-degree marketing campaign spanning digital promotions, in-restaurant activations, outdoor advertising and influencer partnerships. The strategy aims to engage both food enthusiasts and Marvel fans ahead of the film's release.

Guests can access the Avengers: Doomsday Collection through dine-in, takeaway and home delivery at Burger King restaurants across India. Orders are also available through the BK App and leading food delivery platforms.

With its character-inspired menu, distinctive black-bun Whopper and collectible merchandise, Burger King India is bringing the Marvel universe into its quick-service restaurant experience for a limited period.


The Masala Story Opens First Dine-In Outlet on Golf Course Road, Gurugram

The Masala Story Opens First Dine-In Outlet on Golf Course Road, Gurugram

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 4, 2026

Gurugram-based food brand The Masala Story has opened its first dine-in outlet on Golf Course Road, Sector 54, marking a new phase in its journey since its establishment in 2020. Known for its North Indian and Mughlai offerings through delivery and catering, the brand is now welcoming guests to a dedicated dining space while continuing its existing operations.

Spread across approximately 1,000 sq. ft., the new outlet has been designed as a small, intimate space with soft lighting and music. Its location in Sector 54 offers access to a mix of commercial offices, residential towers and an established food and café scene, allowing the brand to serve walk-in diners as well as nearby households.

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At the heart of the brand's culinary operations is Vatsala Khanna, Founder and Head Chef of The Masala Story. Having previously worked as an academician, she pursued her interest in food through national and international culinary programmes. She now oversees the kitchen's day-to-day operations and personally develops the dishes and recipes featured on the menu.

The menu brings together several of the brand's signature preparations. Its Butter Chicken, named among Zomato's Top 10 in Gurgaon in 2025, is one of the highlights. Other offerings include slow-cooked Dal Makhani served in a clay handi, Paneer Lababdar, high-protein non-fried Paneer Cigar Rolls and Chicken Tikka.

The dessert selection includes the signature Gulab Jamun Nut, which presents the familiar flavours of gulab jamun in a doughnut shape, along with Phirni.

Speaking about the expansion, Vatsala Khanna, Founder and Head Chef, The Masala Story, said, “Our guests have trusted us with their meals at home, and this space lets us welcome them to our table for the first time. Every dish we serve carries a story written in spice, from our Butter Chicken to our slow-cooked Dal Makhani, and Golf Course Road, with its energy and love for good food, felt like the perfect place to share it.”

Beyond its dine-in and delivery operations, The Masala Story also caters to private and corporate gatherings. Its catering portfolio includes grazing tables, charcuterie and cheese boards, Mediterranean mezze, Mexican spreads, executive lunch combinations, and customised Jain, vegan and vegetarian menus.

With its first dine-in outlet, The Masala Story is expanding its presence in Gurugram while bringing its North Indian and Mughlai offerings to guests in a new setting.

Outlet Details:

  • Location: Golf Course Road, Sector 54, Gurugram, Haryana

  • Format: Dine-In, Cloud Kitchen and Catering

  • Cuisine: Mughlai and North Indian

  • Timings: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM


Tipsy Tiger Introduces Five New Ramen Preparations

Tipsy Tiger Introduces Five New Ramen Preparations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 4, 2026

Tipsy Tiger has introduced a new ramen menu featuring five distinct preparations, bringing together Japanese influences and Himalayan-inspired flavours. The selection explores different broths, ingredients and textures, offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options for diners.

The vegetarian selection includes Katsu Tofu Ramen, which pairs crispy katsu tofu with a rich, umami-packed miso broth. Another option is Thukpa Ramen, combining ramen noodles with a fragrant Himalayan broth and seasonal vegetables.

The non-vegetarian offerings bring together bolder flavour combinations. Bacon Ramen features crispy bacon and ramen noodles served in a rich teriyaki broth, balancing sweet and savoury notes. Yakitori Ramen takes inspiration from Japanese-style yakitori flavours, with a chashu-style milk broth finished with crispy chilli oil.

Completing the five-bowl selection is Gyoza Ramen, which combines delicate gyoza dumplings and ramen noodles in a savoury Kikkoman-infused broth. The preparation brings two popular Asian favourites together in one bowl.

With these five options, Tipsy Tiger's new menu offers diners different interpretations of ramen, from miso-based and teriyaki flavours to a Himalayan-inspired broth. The selection adds another Asian comfort food offering to the restaurant's menu.

Restaurant Details:

  • Tipsy Tiger, Hotel Peninsula Redpine, Andheri-Kurla Road, Marol, Andheri East, Mumbai – 400059
  • Timings: 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM.

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