Women Who Lead: Trailblazing Entrepreneurs in the Food & Beverage Industry

Women Who Lead: Trailblazing Entrepreneurs in the Food & Beverage Industry

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 5, 2025

The food and beverage industry has long been a challenging space, yet these remarkable women have broken barriers to carve their own path. As International Women's Day draws near, we recognize and celebrate the achievements of women who have not only established thriving culinary businesses but have also inspired countless others with their entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.

Divya Kadam – Baliboo

Mumbai’s Baliboo is the brainchild of Divya Kadam, a passionate entrepreneur who transformed her love for travel and food into a vibrant dining experience. Launched in 2023, Baliboo quickly became a hotspot for those seeking a tropical escape within the city. Despite having no background in hospitality, Divya’s global culinary explorations inspired her to create a space that blends exotic flavors, immersive ambiance, and a unique dining culture.

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Geeta Amin – Amelia

With over three decades in architecture, Geeta Amin’s expertise goes beyond structures—it extends into crafting experiences. As the visionary behind Amelia, a contemporary European dining destination in Mumbai’s OneBKC, Geeta merges her passion for design and fine dining. Drawing inspiration from her travels across 75+ countries, she has created a space that is both culturally rich and architecturally stunning. Beyond hospitality, she is also a celebrated wildlife photographer with her work published in the official book of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.

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Bobby Patel – Thyme & Whisk and Mad Doh

A certified culinary and baking chef, Bobby Patel has redefined the vegetarian and plant-based dining experience. As the Culinary Director of Thyme & Whisk and Mad Doh, she has championed sustainability and innovation in food. Her flagship brand, Thyme & Whisk, launched in Vadodara in 2018, has expanded to 16 locations. Mad Doh, a Mumbai-based venture, is on the path of rapid expansion into major Indian cities. With expertise certified by City & Guilds London, Bobby is at the forefront of creating delectable and mindful culinary experiences.

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Eesha Sukhi – The BlueBop Cafe

From the corporate world to the culinary stage, Eesha Sukhi’s journey has been one of passion and transformation. In 2019, she launched The BlueBop Cafe in Mumbai’s Khar, a space known for its exceptional cuisine and live jazz performances. Her commitment to quality food and immersive entertainment has earned the cafe multiple accolades, including the Times Food & Nightlife Award for three consecutive years. Eesha’s story is a testament to how passion and strategic vision can create a successful brand.

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Rinka Jha & Rashmi Mehra – Two Gud Sisters

From friendship to entrepreneurship, Rinka Jha and Rashmi Mehra co-founded Two Gud Sisters with a mission to create a space where food fosters connections. Their venture reflects their shared love for quality products, homemade flavors, and meaningful experiences. Whether through handcrafted meals, artisanal coffee, or innovative culinary offerings, they have cultivated a brand that resonates with people seeking warmth and authenticity in their dining experiences.

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Aayusha Joshi – ZAKÌ

Taking over a 25-year-old Mumbai bakery and transforming it into a contemporary brand, Aayusha Joshi is redefining tradition with a fresh perspective. Armed with a BA (Hons) in Entrepreneurship from NMIMS and a design certification from ISDI Mumbai in collaboration with Parsons School of Design, Aayusha blends aesthetics with culinary expertise. Her passion for exploring global cuisines and desserts fuels the evolution of ZAKÌ, creating a brand that respects its roots while embracing innovation.

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Neha Chowdhury – Courtyard by Marriott

With nearly 20 years in luxury hospitality, Neha Chowdhury, Director of Sales & Marketing at Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, is a force to be reckoned with. Her deep understanding of business strategy and human connection makes her a leader who not only drives revenue but also shapes guest experiences. Neha’s success reinforces the belief that women can excel in leadership roles, inspiring the next generation of female professionals in the industry.

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These women have redefined the food and beverage industry with their dedication, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. Their journeys serve as a beacon of inspiration, proving that passion and perseverance can transform dreams into thriving businesses.


Mahindra Holidays Expands Portfolio with New Jim Corbett Resort

Mahindra Holidays Expands Portfolio with New Jim Corbett Resort

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 21, 2026

Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited (MHRIL), India’s leading leisure hospitality company, has announced the launch of Club Mahindra Nadiya Parao Resort in Jim Corbett, further strengthening its footprint in Uttarakhand. This marks the brand’s second resort in the region, reinforcing its focus on expanding across high-demand leisure destinations.

The launch is part of the company’s accelerated expansion strategy and aligns with its ambition to become India’s #1 leisure hospitality player. The growth plan is driven by steady resort additions, portfolio premiumisation, and disciplined capital allocation. With Jim Corbett emerging as one of India’s most preferred destinations for immersive, nature-led travel, the new property adds depth to the brand’s presence in the region.

The addition of Club Mahindra Nadiya Parao Resort supports MHRIL’s near-term goal of adding 1,000 rooms by FY26 and contributes to its longer-term vision of scaling to 10,000 keys under Club M and 12,000 keys overall by FY30.

Commenting on the launch, Manoj Bhat, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited, said, “Our ambition is to lead leisure hospitality in India, with families at the heart of everything we do. The launch of Nadiya Parao is another step forward in our expansion journey, in a destination where demand is strong and growing. As we expand, we’re not just adding resorts; we’re delivering superior experience, sharpening execution, and building for the future”.

Spread across approximately 10 acres, the 57-room resort blends premium leisure stays with extensive event infrastructure. The property features large landscaped lawns, a banquet hall, and riverfront access, allowing it to cater to a wide range of guests. From holidaying families to destination weddings and corporate offsites, the resort is designed to serve multiple demand segments within a single asset.

With this launch, Club Mahindra continues to strengthen its portfolio while responding to the growing demand for experiential and nature-centric travel across India.


Seclude Willows, Ramgarh Opens as a Pet-Friendly Mountain Retreat

Seclude Willows, Ramgarh Opens as a Pet-Friendly Mountain Retreat

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 21, 2026

Nestled in the calm hamlet of Ramgarh on the edge of the Kumaon range, Seclude Willows, Ramgarh invites travellers to slow down and enjoy a serene mountain escape along with their beloved pets. Surrounded by nature and away from the rush of city life, the retreat offers a setting where both humans and animals can truly unwind.

Spread across 2.5 acres of lush hillside, the boutique property features 11 uniquely themed rooms, wide open outdoor spaces, and an atmosphere that encourages mindful and relaxed travel. As pet companionship becomes an important part of longer and more immersive holidays, the retreat has formally transitioned into a fully pet-friendly destination. While pets have always been welcome at Willows, the experience has now been thoughtfully enhanced to focus on comfort, convenience, and care for four-legged guests.

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The property offers two specially curated stay options: Paw Premium Package and Royal Woof Package, designed to suit different travel preferences. Both packages include pet-friendly accommodation along with essentials such as cosy pet beds with disposable covers, nutritious meals, fresh drinking water, bowls, leashes, towels, napkins, toys, and welcome kits filled with treats to make pets feel at home from the moment they arrive.

To further elevate the experience, guests can opt for guided pet walks, grooming and bathing accessories, pet-safe shampoos, and additional care amenities. These offerings ensure pets are well looked after while preserving the calm and peaceful vibe of the retreat.

Speaking on the initiative, Rohit Sethi, Founder of Seclude Hotels, added, "A vacation feels complete only when the family is together, The pet parents and their babies". With this initiative, we aim to ensure that pets are not just accommodated but truly welcomed and pampered.

With more travellers choosing meaningful and extended getaways with their pets, Seclude Willows, Ramgarh offers a space where guests and their furry companions can relax, explore the mountains, and reconnect with nature together, making it a thoughtful choice for modern pet-friendly travel.


SpiceJet Receives MoU for 10 Aircraft, Targets Major Expansion

SpiceJet Receives MoU for 10 Aircraft, Targets Major Expansion

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 20, 2026

SpiceJet has received a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the induction of 10 aircraft, marking another key step in its ongoing capacity expansion and network restoration programme. The move aligns with the airline’s broader strategy to steadily rebuild operations while maintaining cost discipline and operational stability.

The development follows SpiceJet’s Board-approved plan announced last week to progressively scale its fleet to 60 aircraft. This growth will be driven through a mix of wet and damp leases, along with the phased reactivation of grounded aircraft. The latest MoU further strengthens the airline’s intent to accelerate expansion in a measured and structured manner.

SpiceJet’s recovery has gathered pace in recent months, supported by wider network coverage and sharper capacity optimisation. During the last quarter, the airline doubled its capacity, with Available Seat Kilometres (ASKMs) increasing from around 55 crore to 105 crore. This growth reflects improving demand across both domestic and regional routes.

Building on this momentum, the airline plans to more than double its capacity during 2026. By the Winter 2026 schedule, SpiceJet is targeting 220–225 crore ASKMs while operating over 300 daily flights. The expanded capacity is expected to strengthen connectivity across key metro and tier-II markets, improve schedule reliability, and cater to sustained passenger demand.

Commenting on the development, Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer, SpiceJet, said: “Doubling our capacity in the last quarter has been a significant milestone, and the plans we have in place to more than double it further this year reflect growing confidence in the business and strong demand across the network. The receipt of this MoU is an encouraging development as we continue to rebuild and expand our operations in a measured manner. Our focus remains on restoring capacity, strengthening connectivity and improving reliability for our passengers.”

As part of its long-term roadmap, SpiceJet will continue to follow a balanced fleet strategy. By combining the return of grounded aircraft with selective capacity additions, the airline aims to position itself for sustainable growth as the aviation market continues its recovery.

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