Author: HBI Staff | Hyderabad

Mitsui & Co. (‘Mitsui’) has recently announced that the first local branch of the world’s largest chain of Japanese-style curry restaurants, CoCo Ichibanya, opens its doors at the DLF Cyber Hub in Gurugram, Haryana, in the Greater Delhi Capital Region. Ichibanya India is a joint venture between Mitsui (60% equity share) and Ichibanya Co. Ltd. (40% equity share). Ichibanya operates close to 1,300 outlets in Japan and another 185 restaurants across the US, UK, China, and Southeast Asia. This partnership marks Mitsui’s entry into the restaurant business in India after a long-standing presence in the country with a diversified portfolio…

Sula Vineyards, India’s leading wine producer, has announced its expansion to Singapore in collaboration with Sonnamera. Starting July 2020, Sula Vineyards, appreciated for its varietals, quality, and heritage, takes another iconic step in extending the legacy of Indian winemaking to the world. Having its presence in over 30 countries globally, Singapore joins the portfolio as another proud export destination for the brand. According to GlobalData, Singapore’s wine market will grow at a rate of 5.1% (CAGR) throughout 2016 – 2021 and would reach a market value of US$1.4 billion by 2021. Positioned as the gateway to the Southeast Asian wine…

According to PTI, The check has arrived and beleaguered restaurant owners across America are looking down on their empty wallets. Government coronavirus loans in the spring helped eating establishments rehire laid-off employees and ride out the pandemic’s initial surge and wave of shutdown orders. But that Paycheck Protection Program money has now been spent at many restaurants, leaving them in the same precarious position they were in during outbreak’s early days: Thousands of restaurants are being forced to close down again on mandates from state and local officials combating the virus’ resurgence, particularly in the South and West. And even…

According to ET, The civic body on Monday allowed reopening of shopping malls from Wednesday and set strict guidelines for the staffers and vistors at the facilities. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) stated that only those without Covid symptoms would be allowed entry to these facilities. Spitting will be strictly prohibited, while senior citizens and the unwell will be allowed in only for medical-related activities or procurement of medicines. Social distancing should be followed at shops, open spaces and on the escalators, PMC officials stated. While cinema halls will remain closed in malls, food courts can offer takeaways. Play zones…

A commercial court in Bengaluru has passed an injunction order against CureFoods, a subsidiary of health and fitness startup Curefit, restraining the company from selling any movable assets like kitchen equipment. The case was filed by CureFoods landlord who moved to court seeking interim protective measures against the firm for allegedly withholding rent and failing to honour the lock-in period in the lease. Curefoods, which operates the EatFit brand, took up office premises in Bengaluru for Rs 9.5 lakh a month through a registered lease dated January 27, 2020, with a three-year lock-in. Rent was payable from May 1 after…

McDonald’s India – North and East has introduced double patty variants in its all-time favourites McAloo Tikki, McVeggie, McChicken, McSpicy Paneer, McSpicy Chicken, Filet-O-Fish and Dosa Masala burgers, which include two patties. The company has launched the ‘Big Hug’ campaign highlighting people’s emotional desire of hugging their loved ones, something that has reduced in the recent times. Keeping the same in mind, the new burgers are named as ‘Big Hug’ burgers. Starting at INR 59 (plus applicable taxes), the double patty variants are surely every burger lover’s delight. With ‘Big Hug’ burgers, McDonald’s is offering its customers double the pleasure…

According to HT, The Pune Municipal Commissioner (PMC) is likely to allow hotels and lodges to resume operation as the civic body has scheduled a meeting with hoteliers to discuss a plan to restart businesses. While the state government allowed reopening of hotels with 33 per cent capacity on July 8, the PMC had not issued orders at the local level. Now with the government looking at another round of relaxations, the Pune civic body has scheduled meeting with representatives from the hotel industry to discuss modalities of restarting the business. According to PMC Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar, the civic…

According to ET, As people are worried about going out for lunch or dinner, many restaurants are coming to their consumer in food trucks. From Kylin and Mainland China to Domino’s Pizza, many restaurant chains are taking food trucks – where consumers can see chefs preparing foods in a safe and hygienic manner, wearing masks and face-shields – to housing societies across cities at a time when the industry has been severely hit by the long national lockdown and continued restrictions as Covid-19 continues to rage in the country. “We are saying, rather than I coming to your doorstep and…

According to TOI, Ever since they started business from June 8, Kolkata restaurants have been facing challenges one after the other. At present, one of the biggest concern for the restaurateurs is the constant rise in prices of ingredients. According to them, the cost has gone up over 20% in the last couple of months, but they are not thinking of increasing the food price to attract customers. “During the lockdown, chicken price went down to INR 80 per kilogram, but post Amphan it has again gone up to INR 200. Similarly, the cost of mutton has gone up to…

According to The Print, The Indian Government plans to increase the quality checks on milk, edible oil, honey, meat and poultry through the country’s apex food regulator, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), according to the body’s new CEO, Arun Singhal. Singhal, a 1987 batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, was appointed to the FSSAI in May as part of a bureaucratic reshuffle by the Government, having earlier served as special secretary in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The FSSAI falls within the ambit of the same ministry. In his first interview since his…