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.


Smarter Hotel Communication with Samsung Signage by Palaniappa electronics

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 17, 2026

Clear and timely communication plays a key role in shaping a guest’s experience at any hotel. Samsung Signage Displays: QB, QM, and QH series, that are designed to make this communication smarter, faster, and visually refined. Presented by Palaniappa electronics, these displays help hotels showcase information, promotions, and event updates in a seamless and professional manner, while also easing the workload for marketing and IT teams.

Built for flexibility, Samsung Signage supports both horizontal and vertical orientations, allowing hotels to design content based on the space available. With Samsung’s Content Management Software, teams can schedule content in advance, update displays instantly, and control everything remotely with just a system and internet access. This eliminates the need for manual updates and reduces operational effort.

Marketing and IT teams no longer have to redesign layouts repeatedly, carry pen drives to each screen, or depend on unstable third-party media players with complex wiring. With ready-made templates, centralized control, and reliable built-in media players, the system ensures consistent branding across the property while saving time and reducing errors.

Across hotels, Samsung Signage Displays serve multiple touchpoints. In lobby areas, they can display banquet schedules, welcome messages, and promotional offers. At banquet hall entrances, they guide guests with event names and agendas. Fine-dine restaurant entrances can highlight menus, offers, and timings. Lift lobbies can share hotel information and in-house promotions, while spa and pool areas can present service details, safety information, and operating hours. Each display can run location-specific content, scheduled according to time or event, ensuring that guests always receive relevant updates.

For spaces where wall mounting may not be feasible, Palaniappa electronics provides elegant integration solutions. These include floor-standing kiosks, A-type kiosks, and K-type kiosks that enhance visibility while adding a modern and fashionable touch to hotel interiors. Ideal for lobbies and high-traffic areas, these solutions combine stability with strong brand presence.

With long years of expertise in hospitality based electronics and bringing quality products that define long lasting function for years, Palaniappa electronics continues to be trusted by many customers for reliable and durable solutions.

For hotel owners, GMs, and marketing teams, Samsung Signage Displays offer a clean, scalable, and professional communication platform without unnecessary complexity. Hotels still relying on pen drives or third-party media players can now consider upgrading to a more streamlined system.

For more details, contact Palaniappa Electronics | Mr. Muthu at 9003045685 or muthu@palaniappagroup.com.


Boost to India’s Hospitality Sector: JK Lakshmipat University Students Honoured for ITDC Systems Design Project

Boost to India’s Hospitality Sector: JK Lakshmipat University Students Honoured for ITDC Systems Design Project

By Author

Published on February 17, 2026

In a moment of pride for design-led education in India, five students from the Institute of Design at JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU) were felicitated for their Systems Design project developed for the Taj Restaurant under the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC). The honour was conferred by Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on 13 February at The Ashok Hotel, New Delhi.

The recognition highlights the growing importance of industry-linked academic projects and the role of design thinking in addressing complex, real-world systems within India’s hospitality and tourism sector. The project reflects how academic institutions are increasingly contributing practical solutions to public-sector organisations.

The interdisciplinary student team included Harsh Warrier, Susnitha Sivaraju, Yashika Bhatt, Rashi Bhagre, and Ritika Malik. The project was carried out under the mentorship of Binil Mohan, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Design, JKLU. The team conducted extensive initial research for both the Taj Mahal and ITDC, which formed the foundation for the systems design interventions proposed.

The final presentation was divided into three well-defined segments. The first segment focused on research related to the Taj Mahal, followed by the development of a solution framework led by Harsh Warrier, Rashi Bhagre, and Susnitha Sivaraju. The second segment presented research and detailed solutions for India Tourism Development Corporation, developed by the same team members. The final segment showcased the specific solution work and contributions undertaken by Ritika Malik.

“The felicitation is a proud moment for the university and underscores the impact of industry-linked, research-driven design education in addressing complex systems,” said A Balasubramaniam, Director, Institute of Design, JKLU.

The recognition reinforces JKLU’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, academic excellence, and meaningful engagement with industry partners. It also stands as a testament to the quality of work being produced by students at the Institute of Design.

The students were felicitated during a double commemoration event celebrating 60 years of ITDC and 70 years of the Ashok Hotel. Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram also graced the ceremony with his presence.


Novotel New Delhi City Centre Completes a Successful First Year

Novotel New Delhi City Centre Completes a Successful First Year

By Hariharan U

Published on February 17, 2026

Novotel New Delhi City Centre marked its first anniversary, celebrating a year since commencing operations in the heart of the capital. The occasion was attended by Ranju Alex, Chief Executive Officer, Accor South Asia; Vineet Mishra, Vice President – Premium, Midscale & Economy, South Asia; and Saumitra Chaturvedi, General Manager, reflecting on a year defined by operational excellence, guest satisfaction and strategic market positioning.

Over the past year, the hotel successfully completed its launch phase, beginning with a grand press conference and media showcase that supported strong corporate onboarding. A key highlight was the introduction of The Flying Trunk, a distinctive food and beverage concept that enhanced the hotel’s culinary portfolio and broadened its appeal among resident and non-resident guests alike.

Since opening, the property has positioned itself as a preferred choice for both business and leisure travellers, supported by its central location, contemporary accommodations and thoughtfully curated dining and wellness facilities. During its pilot phase, the hotel also received early industry recognition, underscoring its consistent service standards and operational performance.

Speaking on the milestone, Saumitra Chaturvedi said the inaugural year focused on building strong operational foundations and fostering a service culture aligned with Accor’s people-centric hospitality values. He added that the encouraging response from guests and partners continues to drive the team toward delivering refined and consistent experiences.

As it steps into its second year, Novotel New Delhi City Centre aims to deepen guest engagement, expand its food and beverage offerings and further strengthen its standing as a leading hospitality destination in central New Delhi.

Part of Accor, Novotel operates over 600 hotels across more than 60 countries and participates in the ALL Accor loyalty programme, offering guests access to a wide range of rewards and experiences worldwide.

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