Friday, December 19, 2025
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Rakesh Ranjan, Former Zomato Food Delivery Head, Joins Allen Online as CEO

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Allen Career Institute has named Rakesh Ranjan, the former chief of Zomato’s food delivery business, as Chief Executive Officer of Allen Online, its digital-first education arm. The appointment comes soon after Abha Maheshwari, a former Meta executive who had been steering the business since 2023, stepped down earlier this month.

Ranjan brings more than a decade of experience in scaling technology-driven businesses. At Zomato, he led the company’s flagship food delivery division during a crucial phase, driving the push to profitability while maintaining market leadership. He also built Hyperpure, Zomato’s B2B supply chain vertical, into a significant revenue stream within two years. Prior to his time in the food-tech space, he worked with the Boston Consulting Group, advising Indian conglomerates on digital strategy and operational transformation.

Confirming the appointment, Nitin Kukreja, CEO of Allen Career Institute, said Ranjan’s ability to scale consumer internet businesses would strengthen Allen Online’s position as a leader in test preparation. “With his leadership, we will blend Allen’s 37 years of academic excellence with advanced technology to deliver reliable, outcome-driven education at scale,” Kukreja said.

Allen, founded in 1988 in Kota by Rajesh Maheshwari, began with just eight students and has grown into one of India’s largest coaching networks. Today, it runs more than 300 centres across 66 cities, serving aspirants of NEET, JEE Main, and JEE Advanced. The company entered the edtech sector in April 2022, shortly after securing a $600 million investment from Bodhi Tree Systems, led by James Murdoch and Uday Shankar.

Based in Bengaluru, Allen Online is developing AI-driven assessments, content, and student support. Ranjan said the focus will be on building personalised and accessible learning platforms that can serve millions of students nationwide.

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15 Social Media Marketing Tips to Make Your Restaurant Go Viral on Instagram & Facebook

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In today’s digital-first world, running a restaurant isn’t just about serving delicious food—it’s about serving stories, visuals, and experiences online. With over 150 million foodies scrolling Instagram and Zomato every month in India, your social media strategy can make the difference between an empty table and a waiting list. If you’re wondering how to stand out, here are 15 actionable tips for restaurant social media marketing that actually work.

1. Showcase Your Menu Like a Story

Don’t just post your dishes—tell their backstory. Share how your signature biryani is made or why your cheesecake is special.

2. Invest in High-Quality Food Photography

Good lighting and a DSLR (or even a high-end smartphone) can turn a simple dish into an Instagram magnet.

3. Post Behind-the-Scenes Content

Chefs plating dishes, staff prepping for service, or your kitchen hustle can humanize your brand.

4. Leverage Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts

Quick recipe videos, food challenges, or plating tips work wonders with today’s short-form video trend.

5. Use Local Hashtags and Geo-Tags

#DelhiEats, #BangaloreFoodie, or #MumbaiBites help local diners discover your restaurant.

6. Run Seasonal Campaigns

Create special posts around Holi, Diwali, Christmas, or even IPL season to join conversations people are already having.

7. Collaborate with Food Bloggers & Influencers

Micro-influencers (with 5k–50k followers) can drive targeted footfall without costing a fortune.

8. Share User-Generated Content (UGC)

Repost customers’ food pics with credit—it boosts engagement and shows authenticity.

9. Create Interactive Content

Run polls (“Which pizza topping wins—paneer or chicken?”), quizzes, or contests with free meal vouchers.

10. Promote Limited-Time Offers

Scarcity works—“Only 20 plates of today’s special pasta!” encourages urgency.

11. Go Live with Cooking Demos or Q&As

Host a live stream with your chef showing cooking techniques or answering foodie questions.

12. Highlight Customer Reviews

Turn positive Zomato, Google, or Instagram reviews into visually branded posts.

13. Show Your Team’s Personality

Celebrate birthdays, team outings, or staff spotlights—it makes your restaurant relatable.

14. Cross-Promote with Delivery Apps

Share Swiggy/Zomato order links in your posts and Stories for instant conversions.

15. Track Analytics and Refine Strategy

Measure engagement, reach, and conversions. Double down on what works—whether it’s Reels, memes, or festive campaigns.

Final Word

Restaurant social media marketing isn’t about spamming feeds with food pictures—it’s about building an online dining experience that tempts people offline. By mixing creativity with consistency, and authenticity with analytics, you can turn your Instagram followers into loyal diners who keep coming back.

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How Food Brands Use Instagram & Reels: 14 Proven Social Media Strategies

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SnackTeam
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The food industry doesn’t just sell meals—it sells emotions, cravings, and experiences. With millions of Indians scrolling through Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and food blogs daily, social media has become the most powerful tool to attract hungry customers. Whether you run a café, a cloud kitchen, or a packaged snacks brand, here are 14 effective social media marketing tips for the food industry that can help your business grow.

1. Invest in Drool-Worthy Food Photography

In the food business, presentation is everything. High-quality, well-lit photos of your dishes can drive clicks and cravings instantly.

2. Tell the Story Behind the Dish

Share where your ingredients come from or the inspiration behind your recipe—storytelling adds depth to your brand.

3. Leverage Instagram Reels & TikTok-Style Shorts

Short, snappy videos showing recipe hacks, plating styles, or kitchen moments can go viral quickly.

4. Use Location-Specific Hashtags

Hashtags like #DelhiFoodie or #MumbaiEats make your posts discoverable among local audiences who might order or visit.

5. Run Polls, Quizzes & Contests

Ask your audience what they’d like on the next menu, or run contests with free vouchers—interactive posts increase engagement.

6. Collaborate with Food Bloggers & Micro-Influencers

Influencers with even 5k–50k followers can create authentic buzz for your food brand at a low cost.

7. Share User-Generated Content

Repost your customers’ photos and reviews—nothing builds trust like real people loving your food.

8. Promote Limited-Time Offers & Festive Specials

Scarcity marketing works—tie offers to Diwali, IPL, or Valentine’s Day to drive quick sales.

9. Go Live with Your Chef or Founder

Cooking demos, behind-the-scenes kitchen tours, or Q&A sessions make your food business more relatable.

10. Highlight Reviews & Ratings

Turn your positive Zomato, Swiggy, or Google reviews into branded social media posts.

11. Create Themed Content Calendars

Plan posts around food days like World Pizza Day or World Chocolate Day—they trend well on social media.

12. Focus on Packaging & Unboxing Content

Good packaging isn’t just practical—it’s Instagrammable. Encourage customers to share their unboxing moments.

13. Cross-Promote with Delivery Apps

Integrate Swiggy/Zomato order links into your posts and Stories for instant conversions.

14. Track Analytics & Evolve Strategy

Keep an eye on engagement, reach, and conversions—double down on content that works, whether it’s memes, reels, or recipes.

Final Word

Social media isn’t just a platform—it’s the new-age dining table where customers decide what to eat next. By mixing creativity, consistency, and customer engagement, food brands can turn casual followers into loyal buyers. If you’re in the food industry, the right social media strategy can be your secret ingredient to success.

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Hungry for Likes? 23 Social Media Ideas to Make Your Restaurant Go Viral

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SnackTeam
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Running a restaurant today isn’t just about serving good food—it’s about creating a digital experience that keeps diners hungry for more. With platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and even LinkedIn turning into discovery engines for foodies, social media marketing has become as crucial as your kitchen menu. The good news? With the right strategy, your restaurant can go viral without spending a fortune on ads. Here are 23 creative social media ideas for restaurants that actually work in 2025.

1. Behind-the-Scenes Kitchen Shots

Show your chefs at work—chopping, garnishing, or plating. Authentic “behind-the-scenes” posts build trust and highlight hygiene.

2. Spotlight Signature Dishes

Every restaurant has that one dish people rave about. Highlight it with drool-worthy close-up photos and short videos.

3. Instagram Reels Challenges

Hop on trending reels—whether it’s plating hacks, recipe challenges, or dance trends in your restaurant space.

4. Seasonal Specials Content

Pumpkin spice in October? Mango mania in summer? Seasonal posts connect with foodie moods instantly.

5. User-Generated Content

Repost customer photos and reviews. Domino’s and Starbucks do this brilliantly to create community loyalty.

6. Recipe Teasers

Share simplified versions of your dishes. Not the full recipe—just a teaser to create curiosity.

7. Chef Interviews

Short clips of your chef sharing cooking tips or food stories make your restaurant relatable.

8. Polls & Quizzes

Use Instagram Stories to run polls: “Pizza or Pasta tonight?” It drives instant engagement.

9. Customer Spotlight

Feature loyal customers, families celebrating birthdays, or first-time diners.

10. Food Holidays Content

Leverage trending days like “World Pizza Day” or “National Coffee Day.”

11. Staff Stories

Introduce your team. A smiling waiter’s story can humanize your brand.

12. Reels on Quick Hacks

Show plating, cocktail tricks, or 10-second cooking hacks.

13. Throwback Content

Share your restaurant’s journey—old menus, first store photo, or milestone moments.

14. Behind-the-Bar Content

Cocktail-making or coffee brewing videos are gold on TikTok and Instagram.

15. Collabs with Local Influencers

Invite micro-influencers for tasting sessions. Their followers often become your customers.

16. Giveaways & Contests

“Tag 2 friends and win a free dessert” campaigns always drive reach.

17. Memes & Fun Content

Food memes always win. McDonald’s India often uses playful humor to connect with Gen Z.

18. Customer Reviews as Posts

Turn positive reviews into eye-catching graphics.

19. Live Cooking Sessions

Stream live cooking on Instagram or Facebook. It builds real-time engagement.

20. TikTok Challenges

Create a food-related challenge—like “Finish this burger in 2 minutes.”

21. Showcase Delivery Experience

Highlight eco-friendly packaging, contactless delivery, or quick service.

22. Local Partnerships

Tie up with local bakeries, farms, or suppliers and share their stories on your page.

23. Festive Campaigns

During Diwali, Christmas, or Eid, launch festive menus and create themed posts.

Final Bite: Why Social Media is the New Recipe for Restaurant Growth

In 2025, diners often check Instagram before they check your menu. A strong social media strategy can help small cafés look as appealing as global chains. From interactive Reels to influencer tie-ups, every post can be a way to increase footfall and online orders. The key is consistency—keep posting, keep engaging, and keep experimenting.

So, whether you’re a family-owned diner, a cloud kitchen, or an upscale fine-dine, these 23 social media ideas for restaurants can help you stay top-of-mind (and top-of-feed) for hungry customers.

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Coca-Cola India Boosts Delhi Kirana Stores with Coolers and Coke Buddy Digital Platform to Drive Sales

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Coca-Cola India has stepped up its support for Delhi’s kirana stores, aiming to enhance both sales and customer experience through a mix of cooling infrastructure and digital tools. The initiative, launched under the company’s Locally Yours campaign, is being executed in partnership with bottlers Moon Beverages and Kandhari Global Beverages.

As part of the program, Coca-Cola is installing energy-efficient coolers across small and medium retail outlets, ensuring beverages remain fresh and visible to consumers. These coolers not only extend product shelf life but also help store owners attract more footfall, particularly during peak festive seasons. In parallel, the company has introduced Coke Buddy, a digital platform providing self-ordering capabilities, AI-driven insights, and 24/7 support to streamline inventory management and order fulfillment for kirana owners.

“This initiative goes beyond products; it’s about enabling retailers to thrive while creating meaningful experiences for customers,” said Sundeep Bajoria, Vice President – India Operations, Coca-Cola India & Southwest Asia.

Local shopkeepers report tangible benefits from the support. Raksha Ram Gupta, a Delhi tea stall owner for nearly two decades, noted that adding Coca-Cola products during festival periods has boosted sales and made his shop a community hub. Similarly, Yash Pal, who manages a family-run juice centre, said the combination of popular beverages and digital tools has allowed him to serve a growing customer base more efficiently. Kirana owner Ankit Gupta, whose family has operated a store for over 30 years, emphasized the role of consistent support in keeping operations simple while enhancing customer loyalty.

Through this program, Coca-Cola India aims to strengthen traditional retail networks in the capital, helping micro, small, and medium businesses increase revenue while improving in-store experiences. The campaign reflects a broader effort by the company to modernize kirana operations using a combination of technology, infrastructure, and retailer-focused initiatives, ensuring that neighborhood shops remain competitive and relevant in a changing marketplace.

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KisanKonnect Raises ₹72 Crore to Redefine Fresh Produce Supply Chains in India

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Farm-to-fork brand KisanKonnect has raised ₹72 crore in its Pre-Series B round, led by Bajaj Finserv Ventures. The round also saw participation from Mistry Ventures, Desai Brothers, Dhanuka Agritech and Action Tessa Family Office, all of whom doubled down with follow-on investments.

Founded with the mission to bridge farmers and urban consumers, the Mumbai-based startup has built a technology-led supply chain tailored for perishables. Unlike conventional e-commerce models, which often struggle to handle fresh produce, KisanKonnect focuses exclusively on safe, residue-tested fruits and vegetables. The company currently serves consumers across Mumbai and Pune, where it has positioned itself as a trusted brand for quality-conscious households.

The company’s moat lies in its farmer-first approach. KisanKonnect works with thousands of growers, integrating digital payments, crop calendars, and farm-level data into its supply chain. Proprietary tools, including IoT and RFID-based traceability, AI-powered demand forecasting, and a farmer advisory app, enable the company to manage more than 650 stock-keeping units of highly perishable items. These tools also help reduce wastage while maintaining freshness at scale.

In addition to its mobile app, which offers 60-minute delivery in key markets, KisanKonnect operates physical Farm Stores for consumers who prefer offline shopping. This dual-channel approach has helped the company attract both younger digital-first buyers and families seeking convenience and assurance in their daily purchases.

“We have built proprietary tech tools and strong farmer partnerships that transform perishables logistics into a predictable, scalable and consumer-friendly model,” said Vivek Nirmal, Co-Founder of KisanKonnect. “This fundraise will help us expand our technology stack further, deepen our farmer network, and scale both our digital and offline presence.”

About KisanKonnect: Founded in Mumbai, KisanKonnect is a farmer-driven fresh produce platform delivering safe, residue-tested fruits and vegetables through its app and Farm Stores across Mumbai and Pune.

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Reliance to Invest ₹40,000 Crore in AI-Powered Food Parks, First Sites in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh

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Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL), the fast-growing FMCG arm of Reliance Industries, has signed a ₹40,000-crore memorandum of understanding with the Government of India to develop a network of large-scale, AI-powered food parks. The agreement was finalized at the World Food India 2025 summit in New Delhi, and represents one of the biggest private sector commitments in the country’s food processing industry.

The first two food parks will come up in Katol, Nagpur district of Maharashtra, and in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, with an initial investment of ₹1,500 crore. These facilities are planned as integrated ecosystems, combining robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence to modernize food manufacturing, improve supply chain efficiency, and reduce waste. Officials estimate the project will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, while also boosting India’s food exports.

Reliance had first flagged its entry into food infrastructure during its Annual General Meeting in August. At the time, director Isha Ambani outlined RCPL’s ambition to scale into a ₹1-lakh-crore FMCG powerhouse within five years, building on its current portfolio that includes Campa Cola, Independence, Alan’s, Enzo, Ravalgaon, and recent acquisition Tagz Foods.

In just three years, RCPL has posted revenue of over ₹11,000 crore, making it one of the fastest-growing players in India’s consumer goods sector. With the latest agreement, the company is positioning itself at the intersection of food processing and advanced technology, an area long flagged as critical for India’s agricultural economy.

The government has welcomed the investment as a strategic step toward building Asia’s most modern food manufacturing clusters. RCPL is expected to expand the model to additional states after Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, setting a new benchmark in technology-led FMCG growth.

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Amazon’s $23.9 Billion Subscription Empire Faces Reckoning as FTC Secures Record $2.5 Billion Settlement for Misleading Prime Users

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Amazon has agreed to pay $2.5 billion to settle charges brought by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which accused the e-commerce giant of misleading millions of consumers into signing up for its Prime membership service. The deal, announced Thursday, combines $1 billion in fines with $1.5 billion in reimbursements to affected subscribers.

Roughly 35 million Prime members are eligible for payments. According to court filings, customers who enrolled in Prime between June 2019 and June 2025 through certain promotional offers, but rarely used its benefits, will automatically receive $51. Others may claim refunds if they attempted to cancel but were unsuccessful.

The case centered on practices the FTC described as confusing and manipulative, particularly around free-trial offers and the difficulty of canceling. The agency alleged that Amazon executives resisted internal proposals to simplify enrollment and cancellation, calling the tactics “an unspoken cancer” in internal discussions.

Although Amazon denies wrongdoing, the company has agreed to introduce clearer disclosures, including a visible option to decline Prime during checkout and a simplified cancellation process. An independent monitor will oversee compliance.

FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson hailed the settlement as the agency’s second-largest consumer payout on record, calling it “a monumental win for Americans tired of subscriptions that are nearly impossible to cancel.” Former FTC chair Lina Khan described the $2.5 billion payout as “a drop in the bucket” compared to Amazon’s scale.

Prime, launched in 2005 at $79 per year and now priced at $139 annually, remains central to Amazon’s business. Subscription revenue reached $23.9 billion in the first half of 2025 alone. Analysts say the settlement is unlikely to weaken Prime’s dominance, with the service already entrenched in most U.S. households.

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Savouron by Herbal Isolates Targets Growing Demand for Clean-Label Flavour Solutions

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Herbal Isolates, part of the Synthite Group and a long-standing player in the global food ingredient market, has unveiled Savouron, a new sub-brand dedicated to flavour enhancement. The launch signals a strategic move to consolidate the company’s growing portfolio of taste solutions under one unified identity, while also positioning itself to capture rising demand in the fast-expanding flavour enhancer segment.

Herbal Isolates has built its reputation on decades of leadership in green pepper products and hydrolysed vegetable proteins (HVPs). With Savouron, the company is broadening its scope to address changing consumer preferences for bold flavours, cleaner labels, and responsibly sourced ingredients. The Savouron range is structured around three categories. The first includes flavour enhancers such as HVP, flavoured HVP, CleanSavour HVP, yeast extracts, reaction flavours and soya sauce powder. The second focuses on dairy and fat systems, including cheese powder, curd powder, non-dairy creamer and fat powder, aimed at delivering indulgence and creaminess across food applications. The third features specialty powders like caramel powder, vinegar powder and an expanding set of spray-dried ingredients designed for both taste and functional benefits.

Speaking on the launch, Jacob Ninan, Managing Director of Herbal Isolates, said Savouron represents the company’s commitment to shaping the next chapter of food innovation. “Consumers are looking for products that deliver flavour and indulgence, but also transparency and responsibility. Savouron allows us to partner with food brands to meet these expectations head-on,” he noted. Industry analysts estimate sustained global growth in the flavour enhancer market, driven by convenience, nutrition, and sensory appeal. Backed by the processing expertise of Herbal Isolates and the R&D strength of Synthite Group, Savouron is positioned to play a pivotal role in the evolution of flavour solutions worldwide.

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California Burrito Bags Rs 120 Crore From Elevation Capital, Targets 140 Stores by FY26

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Bengaluru-based quick service restaurant chain California Burrito has raised about Rs 120 crore ($14 million) from Elevation Capital, marking its biggest fundraise since inception. The deal, which had been in discussion nearly 18 months ago but stalled, has now been revived on favourable terms, people familiar with the development.

Founded in 2012 by American entrepreneur Bert Mueller along with friends Dharam Khalsa and Gaelan Connell, California Burrito has grown from four outlets in Bengaluru in its early years to more than 110 stores across India. Mueller, now the sole remaining co-founder and chief executive officer, is steering the brand into its next phase of growth.

The fresh capital will be deployed to expand the chain to about 140 outlets by March 2026, with Pune and other new cities joining Bengaluru as key markets. A portion of the funds will also be used to strengthen leadership, with recent hires from KFC and other large QSR brands already in place.

California Burrito’s revenues have nearly doubled in two years. The company reported Rs 109 crore in FY23, rising to Rs 196 crore in FY24. After several years of losses, it turned profitable last year with Rs 6.8 crore in net profit, according to regulatory filings. Results for FY25 are yet to be disclosed.

Online platforms remain the company’s biggest growth driver, with 60 percent of sales coming via Zomato and Swiggy, while dine-in contributes the remaining 40 percent.

The brand, backed by Kumar Vembu, brother of Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu, has raised under $10 million till now, making the Elevation Capital infusion a significant milestone in its funding journey. Both California Burrito and Elevation Capital declined to comment on the development.

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