STAR Refined Oil Wins ‘Rising Star of India’ Award

STAR Refined Oil Wins ‘Rising Star of India’ Award at Pride of India Awards 2024-25

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 1, 2025

Ghodawat Consumer Limited (GCL), the FMCG arm of the Sanjay Ghodawat Group, has once again proven its industry leadership with its flagship product, STAR Refined Oil, being recognized with the ‘Rising Star of India’ Award at the Pride of India Awards and Leadership Summit 2024-25. Held in Goa, this prestigious honor acknowledges brands that demonstrate remarkable growth, innovation, and the potential to drive positive change in society.

STAR Refined Oil has earned consumer trust through its high-quality formulation, enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that promote lightness and fortified with vitamins A, D, and E for added nutrition. Ideal for various cooking styles, from deep-frying to sautéing, the oil continues to set new benchmarks in the industry.

Salloni Ghodawat, Director & COO, Ghodawat Consumer Ltd, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating:
"Trust is the foundation of every great brand, and for us, that trust is built on uncompromising quality and a commitment to consumer well-being. This award is a reflection of STAR Refined Oil’s promise to deliver purity, innovation, and sustainability—values that are increasingly shaping the choices of today’s informed consumers. As we look ahead, our focus remains on setting new industry standards that inspire confidence and contribute to a healthier future for all."

Building on its legacy, STAR Refined Oil launched the ‘Barso Ka Bharosa, Ab Nayi Pehchan Ke Saath’ campaign last year, reinforcing its commitment to quality and modernity. Featuring Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon, the campaign adopted a multi-channel approach, spanning TV, digital ads, and social media, to strengthen brand awareness and connect with evolving consumer preferences.

About Ghodawat Consumer Limited (GCL):

Founded in 2003, GCL is a leading player in the Indian FMCG sector, operating under the umbrella brand ‘STAR’. Its diverse product portfolio includes refined oils, atta, rice, beverages, and snacks, catering to everyday consumer needs. The company also owns premium brands like TBH (100% real vegetable snacks) and Coolberg (India’s leading non-alcoholic beer brand). With a presence in over 250,000 outlets across 120 cities, GCL continues to expand its reach, including exports to 17+ countries worldwide.

About Sanjay Ghodawat Group (SGG):

Established in 1993, SGG is a diversified conglomerate with a strong presence across multiple sectors, including Aviation, Consumer Products, Education, Energy, Realty, and Retail. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees and a student base exceeding 21,000, the group is dedicated to transforming lives through innovation and excellence.

Congratulations to STAR Refined Oil and Ghodawat Consumer Limited for this remarkable achievement!

Thamel Opens in Gurugram: A Fusion of Western Elegance and Himalayan Warmth

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 12, 2025

CYK Hospitalities, a leading F&B consultancy firm, has announced the grand opening of Thamel, a new Western and Himalayan fine-dining restaurant at AIPL Joy Central, Sector 65, Gurugram. This launch reflects CYK’s philosophy of creating beautiful F&B spaces that bring together authentic culture, aesthetic design, efficient operations, and thoughtful brand identity.

Founded by Piyush Agrawal, Thamel is a tribute to his deep admiration for the diversity of Himalayan cuisine and the sophistication of Western dining. The restaurant aims to bridge the soulful warmth of Himalayan flavors with the contemporary flair of global cuisine. CYK Hospitalities partnered with Agrawal throughout the journey, from conceptualization and design to menu planning, training, and location scouting—ensuring a seamless execution of his culinary vision.

Rooted in the philosophy of using locally sourced ingredients, Thamel stays true to Himalayan authenticity while embracing modern culinary techniques. Its extensive menu features a wide selection of Himalayan and Continental dishes, from momos and laphing to elegant Western specialties, complemented by artisanal coffee and an array of beverages. The dining experience captures the essence of Himalayan hospitality in a refined, modern setting.

Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Piyush Agrawal, Founder of Thamel, said, “Thamel is more than a dining establishment; it mirrors my emotions and passion for my roots. I want guests to experience the comforting essence of Himalayan cuisine served with elegance. CYK Hospitalities helped turn that dream into a reality, crafting a brand that feels both authentic and timeless.”

Adding to this, Pulkit Arora, Director and Culinary Expert at CYK Hospitalities, commented, “Every brand tells a story waiting to be unveiled. At Thamel, we’ve created a space that blends authenticity with flexibility, a destination that celebrates the legacy of cuisines while embracing their evolution.”

Further, Simran Jeet Singh, Director of CYK Hospitalities, said, “Thamel reflects the changing F&B landscape in India, where local identity meets global curiosity. Choosing AIPL Joy Central as the venue was a strategic move to attract the right audience and ensure strong visibility.”

With its blend of Himalayan soul and Western sophistication, Thamel promises to offer guests an unforgettable culinary journey and an elevated dining experience in the heart of Gurugram.

Bangalore Gets a Double Shot of CBD

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 12, 2025

Bangalore’s love affair with great cocktails, bold flavours, and good times gets a stylish new address as CBD – Central Bar District, the city’s homegrown gastro-bar celebrated for its signature mixology and high-energy vibe, opens its second outlet in HAL, Bengaluru.

Set in one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, the launch drew Bangalore’s favourite faces who gathered to celebrate the next chapter of CBD’s journey. The brand, helmed by Ajit GS, Chef Gaurav Raghuvanshi, and Aman Dua under Crimson & Clover Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., continues to expand its growing portfolio which also includes Flo, Rasai, Café Del Sol, Bento Lab, Chat Chatore, and Curry Express.

Building on the success of its flagship space on Church Street, the new HAL outlet brings a renewed sense of style, sophistication, and community. Designed as a seamless blend of comfort and energy, it’s a destination that fits perfectly for both weekday unwinds and weekend celebrations.

“The love and loyalty we’ve received since opening our first outlet have been nothing short of phenomenal,” said Ajit GS, Founder of Crimson & Clover Hospitality. “From regulars who turned into friends to first-timers who became fans, it’s this community that pushed us to grow. With HAL, we wanted to bring the same soul but add a new vibe that reflects the neighbourhood’s pulse. This is just the beginning of our vision to create a CBD in every district, each with its own distinct character.”

At the heart of the new outlet lies an inventive culinary and bar program that balances familiarity with experimentation. The food menu, curated by Chef Gaurav Raghuvanshi, celebrates Indian comfort food with creative flair, featuring crowd favourites like Truffle Chicken Sliders and Korean Chilli Prawns, alongside exclusives such as Smoked Ghee Roast Tacos, Charred Burrata Flatbread, and Tandoori Quail. From Sindhi Aloo Tuk and Butter Chicken Puff to Jackfruit Biryani, each dish tells a story of innovation and nostalgia.

The bar, meanwhile, is designed as a canvas of emotion and memory. Each cocktail at CBD HAL reimagines familiar flavours in unexpected ways, from the “Revised Rasam”, a clarified reinterpretation of a South Indian classic, to bold signature creations like Kantara, CBD Gudbad, Rain Water, and Noon in Doon.

“We wanted the new CBD to be a sensory experience where every visit feels fresh and immersive,” said Aman Dua, Co-Founder and Beverage Director. “Our bar menu evolves with the food, blending timeless favourites with seasonal limited-edition cocktails that reflect Bangalore’s dynamic palate.”

Spread across three levels, CBD HAL offers a layered experience. The ground floor creates an intimate atmosphere anchored by a brass-and-wood bar; the first floor opens to breezy outdoor nooks perfect for al fresco evenings framed by a majestic Ficus Bonsai tree; while the top floor pays homage to old Bengaluru through its thotti mane-inspired architecture, seamlessly merging nostalgia with modern comfort.

The interiors balance industrial chic and warmth, featuring murals that celebrate Bangalore’s culture and humour, exposed brick walls, soft lighting, and plush seating, all adding to the relaxed yet refined vibe.

With this launch, CBD – Central Bar District continues its mission of redefining urban nightlife, merging craftsmanship with community, taste with tempo, and indulgence with intent. As the city raises a toast once again, CBD HAL promises an experience where every sip, bite, and beat captures the spirit of Bangalore.

Pricol Gourmet Enterprise Celebrates the Spirit of the Season with Its Annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony at DOU, Nungambakkam

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 12, 2025

Pricol Gourmet Enterprise ushered in the festive spirit with its much-awaited Annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony at DOU, Nungambakkam, celebrating the joyful onset of Christmas through an afternoon filled with cheer, aroma, and togetherness.

The event, aptly titled “DOU You Wanna Mix?”, brought together food enthusiasts, friends, and guests from across Chennai to partake in the age-old tradition of cake mixing, blending an assortment of dried fruits, nuts, and spirits that will soon transform into the signature Christmas confections of the season.

The afternoon radiated festive energy as Chennai’s favourite fashionistas, socialites, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate. The atmosphere brimmed with laughter, music, and the unmistakable warmth of the season, as guests enjoyed a spread of festive bites and refreshments thoughtfully curated by the talented DOU culinary team.

Speaking on the occasion, Chef Peter, Culinary Director – Pricol Gourmet Pvt. Ltd., said,

“The traditional cake-mixing ceremony marks the joyful beginning of the festive season, bringing together the rich aromas of fruits, nuts, and spirits. This cherished ritual celebrates togetherness, anticipation, and the sweet spirit of the holidays.”

With its perfect blend of flavour, camaraderie, and festive sparkle, “DOU You Wanna Mix?” beautifully set the tone for a magical Christmas season ahead, one filled with joy, unity, and the signature warmth that defines Pricol Gourmet’s celebrations.

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