Unmasking Deep Discounts: The True Cost to Restaurants

Unmasking Deep Discounts: The True Cost to Restaurants

By Author

Published on December 12, 2024

The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has raised concerns about the long-term implications of in-dining deep discount programs and mandatory aggregator payment platforms, warning that they threaten the financial sustainability and independence of restaurants. While these programs may appear attractive for boosting short-term footfall, their long-term effects include eroded profit margins, disrupted pricing structures, and diminished brand value.

Small and independent restaurants are particularly vulnerable. Unlike larger chains with substantial financial backing, smaller establishments struggle to sustain operations when offering aggressive discounts. These practices risk creating an environment where customers expect unsustainable deals, undervaluing the quality of the dining experience.

Additionally, the bundling of deep discount schemes with aggregator payment platforms exacerbates the issue. Restaurants are compelled to pay commissions as high as 4–8% per transaction, far exceeding the standard 1–1.5% charged by conventional payment gateways. This adds to the financial strain while giving aggregators increased control over customer relationships.

As customers gravitate toward aggregator-driven ecosystems, restaurants face the risk of losing direct engagement with their patrons. This compromises their autonomy and hinders the development of loyal, long-term customer bases.

The NRAI urges restaurants to critically assess such programs and adopt sustainable practices that prioritize quality and independence. Deep discounting may seem like a competitive necessity, but its hidden costs make it a double-edged sword. Restaurants must instead focus on creating unique dining experiences and fostering direct customer relationships to ensure their long-term success.

Insights for this article are inspired by the National Restaurant Association of India.


PGC Presents the First-Ever HE Awards in Association with Hospitalitynews – Join Us to Celebrate Unsung Heroes on July 4th!

PGC Presents the First-Ever HE Awards in Association with Hospitalitynews – Join Us to Celebrate Unsung Heroes on July 4th!

By Author

Published on July 2, 2025

This Friday, July 4th, 2025, the Ponneri Gymkhana Club (PGC), in collaboration with Hospitalitynews, is all set to host the first-ever edition of the HE Awards (Honouring Excellence Awards)—an inspiring evening dedicated to recognizing individuals who have selflessly served society.

With the theme “They Deserve Their Moment,” the event promises to be a grand tribute to Professors, Doctors, Police personnel, Government Officials, Social Workers, and many more everyday heroes whose dedication often goes unrecognized.

The event will take place at the Ponneri Gymkhana Club, with proud support from TJS College of Arts & Science and Hospitalitynews as the official media partner.

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Event Details:

  • Date: Friday, 4th July, 2025
  • Time: Starting from 3:00 PM
  • Venue: Ponneri Gymkhana Club

This is your chance to witness an evening filled with heartfelt stories, inspiring achievements, and community appreciation. Come be part of this meaningful celebration and show your support for the people who make a real difference in our lives.

For RSVP and More Information:

+91 75502 65615 / +91 93636 32829
Follow on Instagram: @ponnerigymkhanaclub

Let’s come together to celebrate those who deserve their moment in the spotlight!


Indian Restaurant Congress & Coffee & Tea Asia 2025 Set to Transform India’s F&B Landscape

Indian Restaurant Congress & Coffee & Tea Asia 2025 Set to Transform India’s F&B Landscape

By Author

Published on June 23, 2025

This August, Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, will host the country’s most anticipated food and beverage convergence — the 14th Annual Indian Restaurant Congress & Awards 2025 (IRC) alongside the debut edition of Coffee & Tea Asia 2025 (CTA). From August 5–7, 2025, this power-packed three-day event will bring together more than 2,000 F&B stakeholders, innovators, and entrepreneurs under one roof to reimagine the future of dining, delivery, café culture, and culinary innovation.

Organized by RestaurantIndia.in and Franchise India, the event reflects a decisive moment in India’s $95.75 billion F&B industry — one that’s evolving rapidly with digital integration, premiumization, and global expansion.

Hospitalitynews India is proud to be the official media partner for this landmark dual-platform gathering, committed to bringing readers exclusive coverage, expert interviews, and post-event insights straight from the ground.

IRC 2025: Redefining India’s Culinary Identity

Under the theme “A Global Outlook,” the Indian Restaurant Congress 2025 will explore how Indian culinary brands are expanding overseas, and how global players are customizing strategies for the Indian market. Topics to watch out for:

  • Immersive dining & phygital experiences

  • 10-minute delivery and cloud kitchen evolution

  • Franchising blueprints for hypergrowth

  • Restaurant tech and AI integrations

The event will feature 150+ top voices in the industry including:

  • Udai Pinnali, Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality

  • M. Mahadevan, Advantage Foods Pvt. Ltd.

  • Sukul Kundan, PF Chang’s India

  • Tarun Jain, Tim Hortons India

  • Chef Suvir Saran, Chef Kunal Kapur, and Chef Atul Kochhar (2x Michelin-starred)

The summit concludes with the prestigious Indian Restaurant Awards and Culinary Innovation Awards 2025, honoring the most visionary F&B professionals and establishments in India.

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Coffee & Tea Asia 2025: Brewing Opportunity

Making its Indian debut, Coffee & Tea Asia 2025 is Asia’s leading B2B platform dedicated entirely to the coffee and tea value chain. Co-located with IRC, this event brings together:

  • Café and roastery owners

  • Tea estate operators

  • Equipment manufacturers

  • Sustainable packaging pioneers

  • Retail and tech disruptors

Expect live brewing demos, buyer-seller meets, product tastings, and showcases of café culture shaping urban India. Whether you're a barista, café chain, or supplier, CTA 2025 is where beverage innovation comes to life.

Explore 4 Specialized Power Pavilions

The expansive trade floor will be divided into four curated zones:

  • ReStart – Disruptive F&B startups and franchise trailblazers

  • ReSupply – Kitchen tech, packaging, and supply chain innovations

  • ReSoft – Restaurant-focused tech solutions and digital tools

  • ReSpaces – Interiors, design, and hospitality real estate concepts

With 200+ speakers, 2,000+ premium attendees, and participation from across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East — this convergence is set to be an unparalleled platform for networking, lead generation, and trend forecasting.

Why Attend?

India’s F&B market is expanding at 10%+ annually, driven by evolving consumer preferences and smart technology. IRC & CTA 2025 offer an unmatched lens into:

  • New business models in dining and delivery

  • Hospitality technology and sustainability

  • Global franchise scaling and investments

  • Coffee and tea retail innovations

  • End-to-end visibility of the foodservice ecosystem

Whether you're a restaurateur, café entrepreneur, chef, investor, or food tech leader — this is your opportunity to engage with the brightest minds and most influential brands in the industry.

Book Your Spot Now

Dates: August 5–7, 2025
Venue: Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
Register: www.restaurantindia.in/congress | www.coffeeandtea.asia
Follow: #IRC2025 #CTA2025

Early bird rates end soon. Save more on combined passes and group registrations.

Official Media Partner: Hospitalitynews India

As the official media partner, Hospitalitynews India is thrilled to support this extraordinary initiative and will bring exclusive updates, speaker highlights, and thought leadership articles to its extensive network of hospitality professionals across the country.

Join us as we witness the future of food and beverage — live in action.


Government Likely to Terminate IndiGo-Turkish Airlines Deal Over Security Concerns

Government Likely to Terminate IndiGo-Turkish Airlines Deal Over Security Concerns

By Shreenidhi Jagannathan

Published on May 20, 2025

The future of IndiGo’s high-profile wet lease partnership with Turkish Airlines hangs in the balance as the Indian government reconsiders aviation ties with Turkey in light of recent geopolitical developments and national security priorities. With the lease set to expire on May 31, 2025, sources close to the Ministry of Civil Aviation indicate that an extension is now “highly unlikely.”

Pahalgam Attack Sparks Diplomatic Recalibration

The turning point came after the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which left several Indian personnel dead. In the aftermath, India's diplomatic community reached out to several countries for support and solidarity. Turkey’s tepid response—marked by silence and the absence of a firm condemnation—was seen as a failure to stand with India during a moment of national grief.

This perceived lack of cooperation has since become a key driver behind the government's broader reassessment of ties with Turkish entities, including in sectors like civil aviation and ground operations.

Government Unlikely to Renew IndiGo-Turkish Pact

According to government sources cited by The Hans India, there is little appetite to continue the existing arrangement, which allows IndiGo to operate wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft from Turkish Airlines on long-haul routes like Delhi-Istanbul and Mumbai-Istanbul. The aircraft, crewed and maintained by Turkish Airlines personnel, operates under a wet lease model—raising concerns among Indian authorities over foreign-controlled operations within national airspace.

"The government is unlikely to renew the pact with Turkish Airlines," a senior official told The Hans India, underscoring the security-first approach currently guiding aviation policy.

Celebi Aviation’s Clearance Revoked

Adding to the signal was the recent revocation of security clearance for Celebi Aviation—a Turkish ground-handling services provider operating at key Indian airports. Though no formal statement outlined the exact rationale, officials suggest it is part of a broader effort to minimize operational exposure to foreign entities from diplomatically sensitive nations.

Hospitality and Travel Sector Implications

The potential non-renewal of the IndiGo-Turkish Airlines pact could ripple across the hospitality and tourism sectors. The collaboration had allowed seamless long-haul travel for Indian flyers to Europe and beyond via Istanbul, boosting footfall for both countries. Several Indian travel companies and hotels had aligned their outbound packages and B2B arrangements with the increased frequency and capacity.

A pause or termination of the agreement could result in short-term disruptions—particularly for outbound travel to Turkey and connecting European markets. Several tour operators have already begun revisiting their routing and promotional strategies in anticipation of reduced seat availability.

IndiGo’s Contingency Plans

IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has acknowledged the strategic utility of the wet lease, especially amid aircraft delivery delays. However, the airline appears prepared for a pivot.

“The Turkish Airlines lease helped bridge our long-haul service gap during a crucial recovery period,” an IndiGo spokesperson stated, “but we are aligned with the government’s vision and are ready with alternate strategies.”

The airline is reportedly accelerating deployment of its own wide-body fleet and increasing frequencies on other international routes to ensure uninterrupted global connectivity.

Conclusion: Strategic Priorities Reshaping Air Alliances

As India sharpens its focus on aviation independence and security, the likely termination of the IndiGo-Turkish Airlines pact underscores the delicate balance between commercial partnerships and national interests. For the travel and hospitality ecosystem, the development is a strong reminder of the importance of diversification and agility in an evolving geopolitical landscape.

HospitalityNews will continue to provide timely updates and expert coverage at the intersection of aviation, travel, and hospitality.

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