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.


IHG Signs InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon, Expanding Luxury Portfolio in India

IHG Signs InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon, Expanding Luxury Portfolio in India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 7, 2026

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a management agreement with Zon Hotels (Mumbai) Private Limited for the development of InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon. Scheduled to open in Q1 2030, the new hotel will further strengthen IHG’s luxury portfolio in India and expand its presence in Mumbai, one of the country’s most important business and travel destinations.

Located in Goregaon, a rapidly growing commercial hub in Mumbai’s western suburbs, the hotel will feature 350 guest rooms, including 70 suites. Positioned between Andheri and Malad, the property will offer convenient access to key business districts, entertainment centres and transportation networks, making it suitable for both business and leisure travellers.

The signing marks another milestone for InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, the luxury brand known for delivering globally inspired experiences while connecting guests with local culture and destinations. The brand currently operates more than 237 hotels worldwide and has over 100 properties in its development pipeline.

Commenting on the development, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said:

"We are delighted to partner with Zon Hotels (Mumbai) Private Limited to bring InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon to the city. Mumbai continues to demonstrate strong demand across both business and leisure travel, and Goregaon's emergence as a growing commercial corridor makes it an ideal location to expand our luxury portfolio."

He added:

"InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is synonymous with culturally rich and globally inspired hospitality. With InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon joining our portfolio, we look forward to creating a destination that offers world-class amenities, intuitive service, and a strong sense of place, catering to the evolving needs of modern travellers."

Sandip Gupta, Director, Zon Hotels (Mumbai) Private Limited, said:

"We are pleased to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring the world-renowned InterContinental brand to Goregaon. This collaboration builds on our existing relationship with IHG and reflects our shared vision of developing landmark hospitality destinations. We are confident the hotel will set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in Mumbai. Leveraging IHG's global expertise, enterprise systems, and powerful loyalty platform, we are well positioned to deliver exceptional value to both guests and stakeholders alike."

The hotel will feature five dining venues, including an all-day dining restaurant, specialty restaurants, a bar and a lobby lounge. Guests will also have access to a range of wellness and leisure facilities, including a fitness centre, spa and swimming pool.

Designed to cater to large-scale events and corporate gatherings, the property will offer extensive meeting and event spaces, including one of the largest ballrooms in Mumbai. Additional facilities will include retail spaces and ample parking, enhancing the overall guest experience.

Commenting on the project, Ishwar Shukla, Director, DGS Group, said:

"The hotel will be a landmark destination in North Mumbai and a flagship asset for all stakeholders involved. Designed to the highest international standards, the property will feature exceptional architecture and contemporary design, setting a new benchmark for hospitality in the region. Catering to a diverse range of customer segments, the hotel will offer world-class experiences, combining luxury, comfort, and outstanding service."

As IHG continues to expand its luxury and lifestyle portfolio across India, InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon is expected to play a key role in strengthening the company’s presence in major gateway cities. The property aims to combine international hospitality standards with meaningful local experiences, creating a distinctive luxury destination in Mumbai.

IHG currently operates 52 hotels across seven brands in India, including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Six Senses, Crowne Plaza, voco Hotels, Holiday Inn Resort and Holiday Inn Express. The company also has a strong pipeline of 98 hotels planned to open across the country over the next three to five years.


IndiGo Temporarily Suspends Six International Routes Until September

IndiGo Temporarily Suspends Six International Routes Until September

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 7, 2026

IndiGo has temporarily suspended operations on six international routes between July and September 2026 as part of its network optimisation efforts. The airline said the move is aimed at aligning capacity with current market conditions amid softer seasonal demand and a challenging operating environment.

Services to Langkawi, Krabi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong and Shanghai will be suspended from 1 July 2026, while flights to Siem Reap will be paused from 3 July 2026. The temporary suspension is expected to remain in effect until 30 September 2026.

The airline has confirmed that bookings for all affected routes will reopen from 1 October 2026. However, it noted that services could return earlier if market conditions improve and operational factors become more favourable.

According to IndiGo, the upcoming quarter typically experiences lower demand in certain international markets. This, combined with rising operating costs and ongoing airspace restrictions, prompted the airline to review and adjust its network deployment strategy.

Despite the temporary route suspensions, IndiGo will continue to operate more than 1,800 weekly international flights across its network. The airline emphasised that the changes impact only a small portion of its international operations and are intended to support operational reliability while matching capacity with demand.

The carrier said the decision forms part of its broader approach to managing capacity efficiently, maintaining network integrity and remaining flexible in response to changing market dynamics. It will continue to monitor travel demand, operating costs and airspace developments while assessing future network plans.

IndiGo also stated that affected passengers will be informed proactively and advised travellers to check the latest flight schedules and updates before planning their journeys.

The temporary suspensions come at a time when airlines across the industry are dealing with increased fuel costs, airspace constraints and broader geopolitical developments that continue to influence global aviation operations. IndiGo said the network adjustment has been planned to minimise inconvenience to customers while ensuring the airline remains ready to respond when market conditions strengthen.


Migsun Group to Invest ₹250 Crore in New Delhi’s First Luxury Serviced Apartment Development

Migsun Group to Invest ₹250 Crore in New Delhi’s First Luxury Serviced Apartment Development

By Hariharan U

Published on June 7, 2026

Migsun Group has announced plans to invest approximately ₹250 crore in the development of what is envisioned as New Delhi’s first luxury serviced apartment project, marking a significant step into the growing hospitality-led residential segment.

Located in Rohini, the upcoming development is expected to redefine premium urban living by combining the comforts of luxury residential spaces with the convenience, flexibility, and services typically associated with the hospitality sector. The project reflects changing consumer preferences as modern travellers, professionals, and long-stay residents increasingly seek managed living environments that offer both comfort and convenience.

The development is planned to feature nearly 500 premium serviced apartments designed to cater to a diverse customer base including corporate professionals, business travellers, expatriates, non-resident Indians (NRIs), medical tourists, and affluent urban residents looking for fully managed lifestyle experiences in the national capital.

One of the project's key advantages lies in its strategic location. Situated in Rohini, the development is expected to provide easy connectivity to major business districts, commercial hubs, healthcare facilities, and social infrastructure across Delhi-NCR. Its proximity to Indira Gandhi International Airport, approximately 20 minutes away, is expected to further enhance its appeal among domestic and international travellers.

The announcement comes at a time when professionally managed serviced residences are witnessing increasing demand globally. Shifts in work culture, greater mobility among professionals, the rise of extended business travel, and the growing popularity of flexible long-term stays have positioned serviced apartments among the fastest-growing segments in the real estate and hospitality sectors.

Commenting on the project, Yash Miglani, Managing Director of Migsun Group, highlighted the evolving preferences of modern consumers.

The way people live, travel, and work is evolving rapidly. There is a growing preference for premium managed residences that offer the comforts of home along with world-class hospitality and professional services. Through this development, we aim to introduce a globally benchmarked luxury serviced apartment concept in New Delhi and create a landmark destination that caters to modern lifestyle aspirations,” he said.

The project is expected to offer a comprehensive range of hospitality-inspired amenities, including wellness facilities, concierge services, business support infrastructure, lifestyle experiences, and premium resident services. These features are being designed to meet the expectations of today's discerning consumers who increasingly prioritise convenience, flexibility, and personalised experiences.

The proposed development also aligns with Migsun Group's broader growth strategy of diversifying into emerging and high-potential real estate segments. With more than 2 crore square feet delivered and under development, the company continues to expand its presence across residential, commercial, and retail real estate markets in North India.

Industry observers note that while serviced apartments have witnessed strong growth in global gateway cities, the segment remains relatively underdeveloped in the Delhi market. The Rohini project therefore has the potential to introduce a new asset category that bridges the gap between traditional residential ownership and hospitality-led living.

Further details regarding apartment configurations, design specifications, pricing, and launch timelines are expected to be announced in the coming months.

With this investment, Migsun Group aims to create a landmark development that not only strengthens its real estate portfolio but also establishes a new benchmark for luxury serviced living in the national capital.

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