Tadka Rani Owner Claims Zomato Marked Restaurant “Unavailable” to Increase Commissions

Business

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November 26, 2025

Image of zomato — Tadka Rani Owner Claims Zomato Marked Restaurant “Unavailable” to Increase Commissions

Delhi restaurant owner Gagandeep Singh Sapra has publicly accused Zomato of manipulating rider allocations, claiming his outlet, Tadka Rani in Greater Kailash 1, is repeatedly marked as “unavailable” on the platform during peak hours despite being fully operational. Sapra shared a screen recording on X showing his restaurant listed as unavailable while several nearby eateries continued to receive delivery partners, raising questions about platform fairness and transparency.

The issue, according to Sapra, has persisted for more than 30 days despite multiple escalations to Zomato’s support teams. “Here’s video proof of how rider allocation is being manipulated,” he wrote, noting that neighboring restaurants within a 50-meter radius were receiving orders without disruption.

The complaint quickly went viral, sparking industry debate about the power and control large food delivery platforms hold over partner restaurants. Responding publicly, Zomato’s food delivery CEO Aditya Mangla acknowledged the concern and said the company would investigate. “Thank you for sharing this. I’m getting this checked,” Mangla wrote in response to Sapra’s post.

Sapra expressed cautious appreciation for the CEO’s engagement but reiterated frustration with the lack of resolution. “I have written to all your team members and have several meetings. Yesterday was the 31st day, and no one seems to see a resolve,” he commented.

In subsequent posts, Sapra alleged that the platform’s actions could be motivated by commission strategies. “It’s all a game to increase their commission, from the current 52% on sales to potentially as high as 99% of each transaction. The greed is not ending,” he wrote, adding that internal mismanagement may have contributed to what he described as a “rigged system.”

While Zomato has not provided a detailed public explanation beyond the CEO’s statement, the incident highlights growing concerns among restaurant partners about operational transparency, algorithmic control, and the financial pressures imposed by platform-driven commission models in India’s highly competitive food delivery ecosystem.

The case continues to unfold as both the restaurant owner and the platform navigate public scrutiny and attempts at resolution.

MW Eat Acquired by Fairfax, Set for Global Expansion of Iconic UK Indian Restaurant Brands

Hotels & Restaurants

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SnackTeam

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November 26, 2025

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London-based Indian restaurant group MW Eat has entered a new phase of international growth following its acquisition by affiliates of Canada’s Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited. The deal is aimed at supporting MW Eat’s global expansion while strengthening the financial and operational backing for its portfolio of iconic Indian dining brands.

MW Eat operates marquee names including Chutney Mary, Amaya, Masala Zone, and Veeraswamy, one of London’s oldest Indian restaurants located on Regent Street. Founded in 1990, the group has built a reputation for fine-dining Indian cuisine and for blending heritage with contemporary dining experiences. Fairfax’s acquisition will provide “significant investments” to accelerate international growth, explore new restaurant formats, and reinforce brand values, the company said.

Camellia Panjabi, MW Eat’s Group Director, highlighted the strategic alignment between Fairfax’s global outlook and MW Eat’s heritage. “This acquisition marks a transformative chapter for MW Eat,” she said, noting that the leadership team—including her sister Namita and brother-in-law Ranjit—will support Fairfax in taking the group’s brands global. Panjabi emphasized that staff and operational continuity remain central to the expansion strategy.

Fairfax Financial, chaired by Prem Watsa, brings experience in hospitality through its Recipe Restaurant Group subsidiary in Canada and has prior Indian investments including Bangalore International Airport, Thomas Cook India, and Sterling Holiday Resorts. Watsa said, “We are delighted to welcome MW Eat into the Fairfax family. The leadership team has done a terrific job building iconic restaurant brands, and we look forward to supporting their long-term potential.”

The acquisition also intersects with Veeraswamy’s ongoing lease situation. The Regent Street location, leased from the Crown Estate, requires refurbishment to meet modern standards. Despite the lease expiry in June, legal protections allow the restaurant to continue operations until a court hearing next year, ensuring the legacy of nearly 100 years of culinary history remains intact.

With Fairfax’s backing, MW Eat aims to transform from a leading UK Indian restaurant group into a global player, leveraging brand strength, operational expertise, and strategic capital to tap new international markets.

Advantedge Scores 30X Returns as Early Bet on Rapido Pays Off Big

Business

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SnackTeam

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November 26, 2025

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Rapido’s growth story has handed one of its earliest backers a windfall. Delhi-based venture investor Advantedge has recorded a striking 30 times return on the capital it originally put into the mobility platform, after completing a significant partial exit. The firm first invested in Rapido during its seed round in 2016, writing a cheque of roughly 2.5 to 3 million dollars. Its recent sale, valued at about 28 million dollars, comes as Rapido moves toward closing a 550 million dollar fundraising round led by Prosus and WestBridge Capital.

Even after the sale, Advantedge continues to hold a substantial position in the company. Its remaining stake is valued between 60 and 65 million dollars, giving the fund one of the strongest performances in its portfolio. Founder Kunal Khattar said the overall outcome from Rapido, including the unrealised gains, has pushed the total multiple on invested capital from this single bet to 30 times.

Rapido’s success significantly lifted the performance of Advantedge’s first fund, which was launched in 2015 with a corpus of 10 to 11 million dollars. The fund has now delivered about 30 million dollars back to its limited partners, translating to a distribution-to-paid-in ratio of three times and total returns of 11.5 times on invested capital across all portfolio moves. The first fund is on track to be closed within the next year, with only a few positions left to exit.

Beyond Rapido, Advantedge notched earlier exits through its stakes in Wigzo, which was bought by Shiprocket in 2022 for 25 million dollars, and iimjobs.com, acquired by Info Edge in 2019 for 12 million dollars. Rapido, however, remains its standout performer, delivering an internal rate of return of 67 percent and a 111 times multiple on the earliest tranche of capital.

The firm, backed by the family offices of Motherson and the Hero group, has already deployed its 30 million dollar second fund and is now raising a third, targeting a 60 million dollar corpus. With the new fund, Advantedge plans to double down on early-stage mobility and infrastructure bets, writing cheques in the half-million to 1.5 million dollar range while continuing to support winners from its existing portfolio.

GO DESi Doubles Down on Made Daily Sweets as Vinay Kothari Mobilises a 70 Hour Workweek Team for Citywide Expansion

Food

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SnackTeam

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November 26, 2025

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Vinay Kothari, Founder of GO DESi and a well known voice in the Indian packaged food space, has announced the company’s formal entry into the fresh sweets category. In a detailed LinkedIn post, Kothari shared how the move has already turned into one of the brand’s strongest growth experiments.

GO DESi currently manufactures every sweet it sells and operates more than sixty kiosks across key arterial routes leading into Bengaluru. According to Kothari, the team relied on startup style calculations and a fair amount of bold optimism to take a bet on fully fresh Indian sweets.

The company’s first sweets and snacks kiosk opened at Forum Falcon City on Kanakapura Road. Kothari said the aim is to romanticise and elevate the traditional Indian sweet experience. He added that classics like Mysore Paak deserve to be placed alongside global favourites like the French macaron.

All sweets are prepared fresh each day using in-house recipes. The menu features staple classics such as Kalakand and Mysore Paak, along with new age offerings including Blueberry Barfi, Motichoor Cheesecake, Gulkand filled Laddoo, and chocolate stuffed Besan Laddoo. The sweets range is supported by GO DESi favourites like POPz along with new launches in Bhelpuri and fruit bars.

Kothari credited a large internal team for bringing the project to life. The team led by Manpreet Singh Raghavendra Kumar worked seventy hour weeks to set up operations. Gowda Sharat Manjunath established the daily supply chain system. Rahul Sheelavantara and the design team ensured the kiosk and packaging retained GO DESi’s signature identity. Product specialists including Romi Ningombam and Priya Rani Omana refined recipes through multiple rounds of testing.

Kothari invited customers to visit the kiosk and share feedback as GO DESi scales this new vertical.

PepsiCo Expands Portfolio in India with Global Gourmet Chips Brand Red Rock Deli

Food

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SnackTeam

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November 26, 2025

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PepsiCo India has widened its presence in the premium snacking segment with the introduction of Red Rock Deli, a global gourmet chip brand that has built a strong following across Australia and several international markets. The brand has now been adapted and produced locally for Indian consumers, marking a notable addition to PepsiCo’s growing food portfolio.

Red Rock Deli’s India rollout begins with a lineup of flavours that draw from global cuisines and culinary trends. The products are made using sunflower oil and rely on three production formats, which include kettle cooking, baking and popping. PepsiCo executives said the combination is designed to deliver distinct textures and flavours for consumers who are looking for more layered snacking experiences.

The company noted that the launch sits at the intersection of two major shifts in India’s food landscape. On one hand, consumers in metro cities are increasingly gravitating toward international-style snacks. On the other, the rise of quick commerce has accelerated the discovery and trial of new brands, allowing products like Red Rock Deli to reach households faster and with greater visibility.

PepsiCo India’s Chief Marketing Officer for its foods division, Saakshi Verma Menon, said the new portfolio responds directly to this demand for “premium, chef-led” flavours and a growing appetite for speciality chips that appeal to a more experimental audience. She added that the company aims to create a balance between global inspiration and local taste expectations as it builds the brand’s presence across India.

To support the launch, Red Rock Deli is now available on leading quick commerce platforms, placing it within the reach of consumers who are increasingly using rapid delivery services for impulse purchases and snack occasions. PepsiCo said the introduction reflects its broader strategy of leaning into premiumisation and culinary innovation to appeal to younger, urban buyers who expect novelty and quality from packaged snacks.

The company believes that Red Rock Deli’s arrival will contribute to the ongoing shift in India’s snacking behaviour, where consumers are moving beyond traditional options and seeking more flavour-focused, globally influenced products.

Sandwizzaa to Add 30 New Outlets, Shifts to PSR Format to Boost Growth and Profitability

Retail & Ecommerce

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SnackTeam

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November 25, 2025

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Mumbai based sandwich chain Sandwizzaa is gearing up for an aggressive expansion phase, setting a goal to scale from its current 20 company-owned outlets to 50 stores within the next three years. The brand’s renewed focus on scale, profitability and in-store experience marks a decisive shift in its growth playbook, founder and chief executive Pankaj Sharma said in a conversation with ETRetail.

Sandwizzaa operates entirely through a COCO model at present, with all 20 outlets located across Mumbai. This financial year, the company has opened two stores and plans to add two more by March 2025. For FY26, the pipeline includes four to six new locations. Sharma said discussions with strategic partners are underway to expand within a 300 to 400 kilometre radius of Mumbai, entering adjoining cities and states. While the company remains committed to the company-owned structure, COFO partnerships may be considered selectively for larger scale.

The chain has recently repositioned itself from a QSR to a Partial Service Restaurant format, aiming to deliver a stronger dining experience along with product quality. The new café-style outlets will range between 500 and 600 square feet and accommodate 18 to 24 covers. Capital expenditure per store is estimated between Rs 80 lakh and Rs 1 crore.

Sandwizzaa has diversified beyond sandwiches in recent years. It introduced milkshakes, mojitos and iced teas in 2021, followed by rice bowls in 2022 and hot beverages in 2023.

Consumer behaviour post-pandemic sharply shifted the business model. Prior to 2020, 80 percent of Sandwizzaa’s revenue came from dine-in. At the peak of COVID-19 disruption, delivery accounted for 90 percent. Currently, the mix is 80 percent online and 20 percent offline, although the new PSR model is moving it toward a 60:40 split.

The self-funded brand reported Rs 43 crore in revenue last fiscal and is on track to close FY25 at Rs 52–55 crore, growing at around 30 percent annually. It aims to reach Rs 125–150 crore in three years, driven by nationwide expansion and improved profitability. At present, store-level EBITDA stands at 12 percent and 3 to 4 percent at the brand level.

Indian Railways Becomes Asia’s Hottest QSR Goldmine With Three And A Half Crore Daily Passengers And Seven Thousand Stations

Business

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November 25, 2025

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Indian Railways has quietly stepped into one of the most powerful business positions in Asia, and the numbers behind it are staggering. With a daily footfall of three and a half crore passengers and a network that touches seven thousand stations, the system has now become the single biggest opportunity for quick service restaurant brands looking for scale without heavy customer acquisition costs. The Railway Board’s recent approval for premium, single brand food outlets has opened the doors for major national and international names to enter a space that was untouched for decades.

This shift is more than a policy update. It marks a transformation in how India eats while travelling. Passengers who once settled for basic meals can now look forward to familiar favourites from well known chains. For brands, the appeal is even stronger. Zero customer acquisition cost, guaranteed daily visibility, and the chance to serve millions without building expensive high street stores make railway stations one of the most desirable new frontiers.

Large QSR companies are already preparing their plans for station based formats. The concourses offer steady traffic throughout the day rather than a few peak hours, which makes the economics far more attractive. Smaller regional brands also see this as their moment to enter a national platform without massive marketing budgets.

This move is expected to lift the overall food service ecosystem inside the railways. Better hygiene standards, unified pricing, and improved customer experience can reshape how travellers interact with food on long routes and short commutes alike. With such a massive captive audience and a supportive policy environment, Indian Railways has positioned itself as the most promising QSR playground in Asia for the years ahead.

Loca Loka Tequila Launches in India, Targets Premium Spirits Market Amid Rapid Growth Trends

Beverages

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November 25, 2025

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Premium tequila brand Loca Loka has officially entered the Indian market, signaling a fresh wave in the country’s growing high-end spirits segment. Co-founded by entrepreneur Sree Harsha Vadlamudi, actor Rana Daggubati, and music composer Anirudh Ravichander, the brand launched its Blanco and Reposado expressions across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and select airport duty-free outlets.

Originally debuting internationally in late 2024 in the US and Southeast Asia, Loca Loka combines Mexico’s distillation heritage with an Indian creative touch. The brand name fuses “Loca,” Spanish for “crazy,” with “Loka,” Sanskrit for “world,” reflecting its global yet locally inspired identity. Production takes place in Jalisco, Mexico, under the guidance of third-generation distiller Willy Bañuelos Ramírez, who emphasises the maturation process and agave craftsmanship as key differentiators for the brand.

Since its international debut, Loca Loka has earned recognition at top global competitions, including the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, New York International Spirits Competition, Miami World Spirits Competition, and the WSWA Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition in Denver.

The brand showcased its offerings in India through curated tasting events in Delhi and Mumbai, highlighting Blanco’s crisp agave profile and Reposado’s barrel-aged complexity suited for sipping or cocktails. Vadlamudi explained the India strategy is designed to meet the growing demand for premium spirits through carefully curated trade partnerships and measured distribution.

Industry data underlines the opportunity. India’s tequila market was valued at USD 600.1 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1.68 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 12.1%, driven by rising incomes, expanding bar culture, and premiumisation trends. Agave-based spirits alone saw a 36% volume growth in 2024, reflecting shifting consumer preferences toward craft and high-quality offerings.

Loca Loka plans to scale across premium on-trade channels, retail partnerships, and targeted brand activations in 2026, aiming to capture the attention of India’s emerging premium consumer base while blending Mexican tradition with local cultural relevance.

Travel Gear Brand Escape Plan Maps Out Two Thousand Crore Journey With A Strong National Retail Push

Retail & Ecommerce

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SnackTeam

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November 25, 2025

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Travel gear brand Escape Plan has stepped into a bold new chapter as it prepares for a major retail expansion and a more ambitious business horizon. The company has revealed plans to scale up to two hundred stores across India and has set its sights on reaching a revenue mark of two thousand crore rupees. This announcement signals a strong shift in its strategy as it moves from being a fast growing travel gear label to becoming a nationwide lifestyle presence.

Founded during a time when travel habits were rapidly evolving, Escape Plan emerged by tapping into a younger mindset that values freedom, discovery, and spontaneous journeys. With Indian consumers seeking richer and more personalised travel experiences, the brand believes there is immense opportunity in offering high quality gear that blends style with durability.

The brand’s leadership has emphasised that the next phase will focus heavily on strengthening the retail footprint. Malls, high street locations, and transit hubs are expected to play a key role. Alongside this expansion, Escape Plan is also working on widening its product range. New luggage lines, smart accessories, and upgraded packs are already in the pipeline to appeal to travellers who look for both comfort and performance.

The brand’s vision is rooted in the belief that travel has moved beyond utility. It has become a way for people to express their personalities and create meaningful memories. By aligning with this shift, Escape Plan hopes to reimagine how India plans its trips, picks its travel companions in the form of durable bags, and prepares for adventures both big and small.

LUSH Launches in India: UK-Based Ethical Cosmetics Brand Debuts Online with Plans for Physical Stores

Beauty

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SnackTeam

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November 25, 2025

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UK-based ethical cosmetics brand LUSH has officially entered the Indian market, launching its online store, Lush.in, and announcing plans for physical stores in key cities in the coming months. Known for its fresh, handmade, and cruelty-free products, LUSH’s India debut comes at a time when the country’s beauty and personal care market is expanding rapidly, driven by a rising preference for sustainable and experiential products.

The brand’s Indian operations are being led through a strategic licence agreement with Bengaluru-based Bilberry Brands India Private Limited. Rowena Bird, Co-Founder of LUSH, expressed excitement about the launch, noting that it aligns perfectly with India’s year-end festivities. She added that the brand aims to offer Indian consumers access to its signature handmade cosmetics while maintaining its global standards of freshness and quality.

Vishal Anand, Founder and CEO of Bilberry Brands India, highlighted that LUSH is more than just a cosmetics company. “It’s about crafting experiences, advocating for change, and making sustainability accessible,” he said. Anand emphasized that the India venture will focus on building a community of conscious beauty consumers who value ethical sourcing and fresh, effective products.

LUSH’s India portfolio spans skincare, haircare, bath and body, and fragrance, featuring global favourites such as fresh face masks, solid shampoo bars, seasonal limited editions, and the iconic bath bombs. Each product includes detailed labels indicating the maker, date of creation, and recommended use-by date, reinforcing the brand’s freshness-first philosophy.

Founded in 1995 in the UK, LUSH now operates more than 850 stores across 50 countries and has contributed over £100 million to grassroots environmental and humanitarian initiatives globally as of 2024. Bilberry Brands, founded in 2025, serves as LUSH’s official licensing partner in India, with plans to introduce additional global brands while maintaining sustainability, ethical practices, and strong organisational culture.

With a fully operational online platform and offline expansion underway, LUSH is positioning itself to capture India’s growing segment of ethically minded beauty consumers while reinforcing its global reputation for activism, innovation, and quality.

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