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.

image

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.

image

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.

image

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.

image

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.

image

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.

image

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.

image

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.


SKINN – House of Titan Partners with Vivanta to Elevate Guest Experiences Through Fragrance

SKINN – House of Titan Partners with Vivanta to Elevate Guest Experiences Through Fragrance

By Hariharan U

Published on June 11, 2026

SKINN House of Titan, the premium fragrance portfolio from Titan Company Limited, has entered into a strategic collaboration with Vivanta, the upscale lifestyle hospitality brand of Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), to introduce a fragrance-led dimension to the guest experience.

The partnership aims to transform the arrival experience for guests through curated fragrance vials that will be offered during check-in across Vivanta properties in India. Designed as travel-friendly collectibles, the fragrance vials will feature tailored options for men and women, adding a personalised sensory touch to the hospitality journey.

The initiative reflects a growing trend in hospitality where brands are focusing on immersive and multi-sensory experiences to strengthen guest engagement. Through this collaboration, SKINN extends its presence beyond traditional personal fragrance products and into lifestyle-driven hospitality experiences.

Speaking about the partnership, Manish Gupta, CEOFragrance and Fashion Accessories, Titan Company Limited, said that fragrance serves as a powerful storytelling medium capable of creating emotions and lasting memories. He noted that the collaboration with Vivanta allows the brand to integrate fragrance into a meaningful guest touchpoint and transform a routine arrival into a memorable sensory experience.

For Vivanta, the initiative aligns with its continued focus on creating differentiated experiences for guests. The hospitality brand believes thoughtful collaborations can help redefine everyday moments and make hotel stays more engaging and memorable.

Taljinder Singh, Senior Vice President, IHCL, said the partnership introduces a carefully crafted sensory element into the guest journey. He added that such collaborations enable the brand to continuously enhance guest experiences while staying true to Vivanta’s contemporary identity.

The fragrance vials will be made available across Vivanta hotels nationwide, reinforcing both brands’ shared emphasis on innovation, design, and customer-centric experiences. The collaboration also highlights the increasing convergence of hospitality, lifestyle, and sensory branding as companies seek new ways to connect with consumers.

As hospitality continues to evolve beyond accommodation and service, initiatives such as this demonstrate how brands are leveraging experiential elements to create stronger emotional connections with guests and leave a lasting impression long after their stay.


ROHL Strengthens Gujarat Presence with Launch of Z by Regenta City Centre Ahmedabad

ROHL Strengthens Gujarat Presence with Launch of Z by Regenta City Centre Ahmedabad

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 11, 2026

Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL), through its subsidiary Regenta Hotels Private Limited, has announced the launch of Z by Regenta City Centre Ahmedabad, further strengthening its presence in Gujarat. The opening marks another step in the group's expansion plans and is aimed at serving the growing demand from both business and leisure travellers visiting Ahmedabad.

Part of Royal Orchid's lifestyle brand portfolio, Z by Regenta is designed for Gen Z and millennial travellers, offering contemporary design, digital-first conveniences, functional comfort, and affordable stays, backed by the group's hospitality standards.

The hotel is strategically located in the Vastrapur area at Sunrise Park, between Himalaya Mall and Vastrapur Lake. Its location provides convenient access to major business hubs, shopping destinations, and popular attractions across Ahmedabad. The property is situated approximately 15 km from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, 10 km from Ahmedabad Railway Station, and 7 km from the State Transport Bus Stand.

Guests can explore nearby attractions including Sabarmati Ashram, Kankaria Lake, Riverfront, Akshardham Temple, Ahmedabad One Mall, and Himalaya Mall.

The property features 43 accommodations, including 42 deluxe rooms measuring 180 square feet and one suite spanning 250 square feet. Rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, ergonomic workstations, tea and coffee makers, LED televisions, minibars, electronic safes, and the brand's signature Z Hug Pillows.

Dining at the hotel is led by Neighbourhood, an all-day dining restaurant operating from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The restaurant serves an extensive vegetarian menu featuring soups, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, comfort foods, Indian dishes, Oriental cuisine, bowls, and a variety of beverages. Guests can also access a lobby vending machine offering premium snacks and beverages throughout the day.

For meetings and events, the hotel offers two flexible venues. Conference Hall 1 spans 2,500 square feet and can accommodate up to 200 guests in theatre style and 150 guests in classroom style. Conference Hall 2 covers 1,085 square feet and can host up to 100 guests in theatre style and 65 guests in classroom style.

Commenting on the launch, Chander K. Baljee, chairman & managing director, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd, said, “The introduction of Z by Regenta City Centre Ahmedabad marks another important step in our Vision 2030 growth strategy. Ahmedabad's unique blend of cultural heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, and rapidly growing millennial traveler base makes it an ideal destination for our Z by Regenta brand. We are delighted to partner with PrimeStay Hospitality on this project and are confident that the hotel will offer guests a fresh, vibrant, and contemporary hospitality experience while maintaining the trusted service standards associated with Royal Orchid Hotels.”

In a statement the ownership group of PrimeStay Hospitality said, “We are delighted to partner with Royal Orchid Hotels to introduce Z by Regenta City Centre Ahmedabad. PrimeStay Hospitality is the first hospitality venture founded by four partners, including three promoters of Wireless Teleinfra Private Limited and a seasoned hotelier with over 15 years of industry experience. Wireless Teleinfra, headquartered in Ahmedabad, is a leading telecom infrastructure and network services company serving major telecom operators and global network vendors across India. Combining strong business expertise with hospitality excellence, our vision is to develop and operate quality business hotels across key commercial destinations in the country. This property has been thoughtfully designed to offer contemporary comfort, convenience, and accessibility, making it an ideal choice for business travelers, families, and leisure guests exploring Ahmedabad and Gujarat. The launch of this hotel marks the beginning of our journey towards building a strong and growing presence in India's hospitality sector.”


ibis India Launches Beach Clean-Up Drive Across Four Coastal Cities

ibis India Launches Beach Clean-Up Drive Across Four Coastal Cities

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 11, 2026

ibis India, part of the Accor brand, has launched a nationwide beach clean-up initiative across Mumbai, Goa, Chennai, and Kochi as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and responsible hospitality. The campaign brought together hotel teams, local NGOs, civic authorities, and community volunteers to support cleaner coastlines and encourage greater environmental awareness.

Through coordinated clean-up drives, participants collected plastic waste, litter, and other pollutants from beaches and shoreline areas. The initiative aimed not only to improve the condition of these coastal spaces but also to promote responsible waste disposal practices and marine conservation among local communities.

image

The campaign comes at a time when plastic pollution continues to pose a growing challenge to India's beaches, rivers, and marine ecosystems. With increasing pressure on urban waste management systems and coastal destinations, especially in popular tourism hubs, community-driven environmental action has become more important than ever.

By organising the clean-up drive across multiple coastal cities, ibis India reinforced its broader sustainability vision of supporting environmental awareness and encouraging collective action for conservation. The initiative also highlighted the importance of preserving shoreline ecosystems that play a key role in supporting local communities, livelihoods, tourism, and biodiversity.

“India’s vast coastline is not only an important ecological asset but also supports millions of livelihoods, communities, and tourism destinations across the country. With a presence across several coastal cities, ibis recognizes the importance of preserving these environments and promoting responsible practices that contribute to their long-term sustainability. Through the beach clean-up drive, the brand brought together employees, local partners, and community members to undertake meaningful action on the ground while fostering greater awareness around responsible waste management and marine conservation. The initiative reflects ibis’ belief that collective action can play a vital role in protecting coastlines and advancing more sustainable destinations for future generations,” said Vineet Mishra, Vice President - Premium, Midscale & Economy Hotels, India & South Asia.

In addition to the clean-up activities, participating ibis hotels conducted community engagement and volunteer-led initiatives to encourage greater public participation in maintaining and protecting waterfront areas. With several properties located near coastal and waterfront destinations, ibis continues to support sustainability-focused programmes that contribute to responsible tourism and environmentally conscious travel experiences across India.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.