Loading...
You have Successfully logged In !
Already have an account? Login
By clicking Register you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Don't have an account?Register
Enter your E-mail address below, We will send the verification code
Please enter the code send to
Didn't receive the email?Click to resend
Your password has been successfully reset!.
Please login again to access your account.
An OTP has been sent to
Enter the 4-digit code
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.
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.
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.
Celebrate Sibling Love with Banaraswala’s Rakhi Hampers & Gi...
As the festival of Rakhi nears, Banaraswala, Ghat Se Ghar Ta...
Haldiram’s Launches ‘Do Dooni Mithaas’ Campaign with Special...
As Raksha Bandhan approaches, Haldiram’s, one of India’s mos...
Celebrate Rakshabandhan in Royal Style with The LaLiT Hospit...
This Rakshabandhan, skip the usual and embrace a festive exp...
Sibling Goals: 6 Fun-Filled Spots to Celebrate Rakhi in Delh...
This Rakshabandhan, ditch the dinner-and-done vibe. Whether ...
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on August 10, 2025
McDonald’s has bounced back to growth, reporting a 3.8% rise in global same-store sales for the second quarter of 2025, driven by smart value-driven offerings and creative pop culture collaborations. The uptick marks a positive shift for the brand after four quarters of sluggish or declining growth, helped along by consumer-focused strategies aimed at easing economic concerns.
International markets led the charge, while sales in the US rose by 2.5%, reversing the downward trend seen in previous quarters. The brand’s strong quarter was supported by promotions tied to pop culture, such as limited-time offers linked to the Minecraft movie and Squishmallows collectibles, which drew attention from younger audiences and families alike.
Alongside the promotions, the launch of a $5 meal bundle and the introduction of new chicken items helped McDonald’s connect with budget-conscious customers seeking both value and variety. These strategies appear to have paid off, positioning McDonald’s for continued momentum.
“The overall second-quarter results show that McDonald's strategy is working and could lead to sustained same-store sales outperformance compared to the rest of the industry,” noted Jon Tower, analyst at Citi.
The rebound in the US is particularly notable, especially when compared to competitors like Chipotle Mexican Grill and Pizza Hut, which continue to face challenges in communicating value to consumers. McDonald’s blend of affordability and fun has given it a clear edge, demonstrating how well-timed promotions and accessible pricing can win over today’s cautious diners.
By Hariharan U
Popeyes, the globally loved brand known for its Louisiana-style fried chicken, has officially arrived in Mumbai with the launch of four restaurants across the city. The new outlets are located at Inorbit Mall, Vashi, Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla, and Viviana Mall, Thane, with a fourth store opening soon at Terminal 2 of Mumbai Airport.
Operated in India by Jubilant FoodWorks Limited, Popeyes is celebrated for its juicy, 12-hour marinated fried chicken infused with bold Cajun spices and hand-battered for a crispy, flavour-packed bite.
Sameer Khetarpal, CEO and MD of Jubilant FoodWorks Limited, said, “We are thrilled to bring Popeyes to Mumbai, a city renowned for its love for vibrant and diverse flavours. The brand has received an incredible response across India, and we are confident that Mumbaikars will embrace our signature offerings with the same enthusiasm”.
Gaurav Pande, Executive Vice President & Business Head of Popeyes India, added, “Mumbai is a key market for us, and we are delighted to make a grand entry in the city with four stores at prime locations. We’re excited for our Gen Z and millennial audiences to experience everything from the Chicken Sandwich that broke the internet to new flavours in our wings range”.
With its mix of bold flavours, quality ingredients, and global appeal, Popeyes aims to offer Mumbai diners a unique fried chicken experience that stands apart in a competitive market.
By Nishang Narayan
Published on August 9, 2025
Little Caesars customers in Los Angeles might soon find a robot at their doorstep delivering HOT-N-READY® pizzas, thanks to a new collaboration between Serve Robotics Inc. (Nasdaq: SERV), the nation’s third-largest pizza chain, and Uber Eats (NYSE: UBER).
The partnership introduces autonomous sidewalk delivery robots into Little Caesars’ Los Angeles delivery operations via Uber Eats, enhancing service speed, convenience, and sustainability. This move builds on Serve’s existing footprint in Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, and Atlanta, with additional U.S. cities expected soon.
Ali Kashani, CEO of Serve Robotics, said: “Delivering for a beloved national chain like Little Caesars is another opportunity for us to show how we help merchants grow and give consumers a better delivery experience. Seeing a Serve robot at your door will soon become as much of a weekly tradition as pizza night.”
Serve’s third-generation robots are designed with pizza delivery in mind, featuring an expanded cargo bin that can hold four 16-inch pizzas plus sides and drinks, all while maintaining optimal temperature and quality en route.
Trish Heusel, Vice President of Innovation at Little Caesars, added: “Little Caesars is always looking for ways to be innovative in the restaurant industry, and we are proud to partner with Serve Robotics and Uber Eats to deliver our delicious pizzas to our customers in Los Angeles. Partnering with Serve allows us to deliver a solution that aligns with our commitment to better service and technology-forward solutions while reducing our environmental footprint.”
Megan Jensen, Head of Autonomous Delivery Operations at Uber Eats, noted: “By combining smart technology with everyday convenience, we’re making delivery easier, more reliable, and more sustainable.”
Customers in Serve’s Los Angeles delivery zone can now opt for autonomous delivery when ordering Little Caesars through the Uber Eats app.
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.
A platform dedicated to showcase the skills and creativity of hospitality professionals. Share your articles, videos and other content related to the industry and get recognized for your unique perspective and expertise. By posting your content and gaining likes from your own community, we'll categorize your talents and expose them to the hospitality world. Join our community of passionate hospitality professionals and let your talent shine!.
Already have an account?Login
By clicking you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Subscribe for ₹2,000 and receive our monthly magazine for one year (12 months) from the coming month and save 2 months cost.