Pepper Lunch, a Japan-based fast-casual dining concept, has signed an agreement to open its newest location just outside Tampa, Florida, in the United States.
Situated at 4699 Park Blvd in Pinellas Park, this outlet marks Pepper Lunch’s first location in Florida.
This marks the debut of the first modern prototype design since Hot Palette America, Pepper Lunch’s US parent company, assumed control of its American operations.
Scheduled to open in September 2024, the new location will span 1,435 square feet and offer seating for 38 guests. Additionally, a 500-square-foot patio will provide 25 more outdoor seats.
Owned and operated by Majestic Restaurant Group, the outlet is part of an agreement to develop ten units by 2028 across the Tampa, Orlando, and Gainesville markets.
Pepper Lunch CEO Troy Hooper stated, “Pepper Lunch provides a uniquely different dining experience with authentic, approachable cuisine.”
“With the experienced local operators at Majestic Restaurant Group, we eagerly anticipate opening our doors in the coming months. Residents of the St. Petersburg area will soon discover why Pepper Lunch is one of the most popular dining concepts in the world,” said Hooper.
Global Presence of Pepper Lunch
Founded in 1994, Pepper Lunch is one of Japan’s largest franchise restaurant brands, boasting over 500 locations in 15 countries.
The company is now looking for experienced franchise partners to expand its business model throughout the United States.
Pepper Lunch presents a teppanyaki-style dining experience featuring steaks, curry rice, teriyaki, and pasta-based dishes, all served on the brand’s signature hot iron plate, including the renowned Pepper Rice.
Majestic Restaurant Group has a track record of developing and running various dining concepts, each providing a distinct experience crafted to suit the preferences and tastes of its clientele.
The group has launched specific concepts, including nearly a dozen sushi, poke, and dumpling restaurants. One such concept is Zukku Sushi, which has a presence in Tampa.
Call Chotu, originally conceptualized as a cloud kitchen brand in 2019 that took Delhi’s online ordering by storm, has announced the launch of their first offline space: Chotu’s All Day Diner & Bar.
Chotu’s Diner caters to all occasions, whether it’s a quick breakfast, post-work relaxation, or a leisurely lunch, making it the ideal destination for any moment.
Conceptualised by Chef Chiquita Gulati in collaboration with her husband and partner Sumit Gulati, a third-generation restaurateur from the renowned Gulati family, known for their iconic Gulati Restaurant on Pandara Road since 1959, Chotu’s Diner offers a delightful array of classic and beloved comfort foods from around the world, catering to the tastes of Delhi’s residents.
“We introduced Call Chotu five years back, aiming to provide something for everyone, from khichdi enthusiasts to momo aficionados. Today, with the introduction of Chotu’s All Day Diner & Bar, we’re expanding this concept further, infusing our distinctive touch into well-loved dishes. Collaborating with master mixologist Yangdup Lama, we’ve crafted signature cocktails perfectly complementing our menu, ensuring an unforgettable experience for our guests,” shared Chef Chiquita Gulati, co-founder and creative force behind the Call Chotu brand.
Live Bakery: Freshly Baked Delights Every Hour
Presenting a Live Bakery where their renowned ‘light as air’ ladi pav and kulchas are freshly baked every hour, the diner exudes an ambiance of comfort and relaxed indulgence.
Immersive Ambiance: Design and Interiors
Step inside the chic diner, where meticulously designed interiors transport you back to the carefree days of childhood with a colorful display of vintage telephones. Adorning one side is a vibrant mural illustrating scenes from Chotu’s Diner, creating an atmosphere that seamlessly blends playfulness and elegance. Whether you’re donned in casual attire, professional garb, or dressed to impress for a night on the town, Call Chotu invites you in with a welcoming embrace of comfort and sophistication.
In the past five years, Call Chotu has emerged as a leading cloud kitchen brand in Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida, with an impressive track record of nearly a million orders served since September 2019. It holds the top position as the preferred Indian delivery brand across four prominent delivery zones – Gk, Vasant Kunj, DLF Phase 4, and Sec 73, Noida.
The brand is set to launch a new Delivery & Take Away kitchen in Rajouri Garden, slated to open its doors by the end of this month.
The whisky, boasting an ABV of 45%, is accessible throughout the US with a suggested retail price of $54.99. Diageo announced that the whisky is purchasable both in-store and via your preferred online retailers.
Jesse Damashek, Senior Vice President of Diageo’s North American Whiskeys division, remarked, “As pioneers in the whisky industry, we’re revolutionizing the category with this innovative addition – characterized by our trademark smoothness and distinctive Canadian heritage.”
Flavor Profile and Distinctive Characteristics
According to the company, the whisky presents consumers with notes of creamy vanilla and fruity banana upfront, transitioning into flavors of caramel, apple, and baking spices, culminating in a finish highlighted by lingering hints of spice and warm cinnamon.
Diageo states that Crown Royal holds the title of being the “top-selling Canadian whisky brand globally.”
In March, reports indicated that the construction of Diageo’s Crown Royal Canadian whisky distillery in St. Clair Township, Ontario, had yet to commence.
The company initially unveiled its intentions to construct a new facility for the Crown Royal brand in March 2022.
Back then, the company stated that construction was slated to commence later that year and anticipated completion by 2025.
However, as reported by The Sarnia Journal, there were no indications of construction work having commenced at the site in March.
When queried about the project’s status at that time, a spokesperson from Diageo responded in a statement, saying, “We are actively preparing for the construction phase of our new site. Further details regarding the project timeline will be shared at a later date.”
The GST Network (GSTN) recently introduced a dedicated form aimed at manufacturers of pan masala and tobacco products. This form, GST SRM-II, enables them to report their inputs and outputs procured, aiding tax authorities in preventing evasion. Interestingly, this follows closely on the heels of GSTN’s launch of form GST SRM-I, designed for registering machines utilized by these manufacturers, marking a proactive effort to streamline compliance within the industry.
Form GST SRM-II, the second form, is likewise accessible via the portal. In a June 7 update to its taxpayers, GSTN stated that businesses who manufacture Pan Masala & Tobacco products can now record the specifics of the inputs and outputs that they purchase and use for the relevant month.
Rajat Mohan, Executive Director at Moore Singhi, highlighted that the recently launched Form GST SRM-II necessitates comprehensive monthly reporting of both inputs and outputs.
Mohan emphasized that this form is geared towards bolstering transparency and accountability within the manufacturing sphere of Pan Masala and Tobacco products. He stressed the importance for taxpayers to diligently record their input procurement and consumption to mitigate discrepancies and ensure precise tax declarations.
He added that taxpayers should acquaint themselves with the details and instructions outlined in these forms to facilitate smooth compliance and steer clear of any possible penalties.
In January, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) unveiled a revised registration process and monthly return filing system, aimed at enhancing GST compliance among manufacturers of pan masala and tobacco products, initially set to take effect from April 1. However, the deadline was subsequently extended to May 15.
The initiative to revamp the registration, record-keeping, and monthly filing processes for such enterprises was targeted at enhancing GST compliance specifically within the manufacturing sector of pan masala and tobacco products.
Penalties and Amendments in Finance Bill 2024
With effect from April 1, manufacturers of pan masala, gutkha, and similar tobacco products will be subject to a penalty of up to INR 1 lakh for failing to register their packing apparatus with the GST authorities, according to Finance Bill 2024, which also amends the GST rules.
However, this penalty provision has not been officially announced yet.
The procedure was designed to be applicable to manufacturers of various tobacco-related products, including pan-masala, unmanufactured tobacco (with or without a brand name), ‘Hookah’ or ‘gudaku’ tobacco, smoking mixtures for pipes and cigarettes, chewing tobacco (without lime tube), filter khaini, scented tobacco, snuff, as well as branded or unbranded ‘Gutkha’, among others.
Manufacturers of these tobacco products were mandated to electronically provide details of the packing machines utilized for filling and packaging packages using Form GST SRM-I within 30 days of the notification taking effect, namely April 1, 2024.
The GST SRM-II, detailing input and output statements, was to be filed by the 10th of the following month.
In a strategic move, Cream Stone Ice Cream Concepts, a prominent player in the Indian ice cream industry, is expanding its presence to counter the surging heatwave across the country. The brand recently opened a new outlet in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, marking another step forward in its expansion plans.
Established in 2009 in Hyderabad, Cream Stone has left a substantial mark on the ice cream market with its distinct ice cream concept. Unlike traditional methods, Cream Stone focuses on hand-mixing and beating ice cream on a frozen cold stone. This technique enables precise blending of ingredients and ice cream, resulting in a distinctive artisanal dessert. This innovative approach has struck a chord with customers, aiding the brand in establishing a niche for itself in a fiercely competitive market.
Throughout the years, Cream Stone has ventured beyond Hyderabad, solidifying its foothold in numerous Indian cities such as Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Vizag, Cochin, Coimbatore, and beyond. This expansion underscores the brand’s dedication to delivering its unique ice cream experience to a broader audience.
Franchise-Driven Growth Strategy
The brand’s expansion strategy relies on a franchise-driven model. Nonetheless, Cream Stone’s franchising methodology is discerning and precise. They refrain from forming partnerships, joint ventures, private limited companies, or limited liability partnerships (LLPs). Instead, they concentrate on individual entrepreneurs committed to managing a store as a primary business. This guarantees that every outlet upholds the elevated standards and excellence synonymous with Cream Stone. Remarkably, this franchise framework is exclusive to areas outside of Hyderabad, indicating a hands-on operational strategy within their hometown.
Growing Footprint: Cream Stone’s Nationwide Store Network
Presently, Cream Stone boasts 15 stores across India, according to the company’s website. This network of stores not only provides customers with a delightful ice cream experience but also demonstrates the brand’s growing footprint in the Indian market. With its recent opening in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, Cream Stone continues to build on its success, bringing its unique ice cream offerings to more consumers and solidifying its position in the ice cream industry.
Bonn Group’s La Americana Gourmet has introduced a fresh lineup of products tailored to meet shifting consumer demands. Dubbed the “Clean Label” range, these bread and bakery offerings prioritize health and transparency, featuring all-natural ingredients without any preservatives or additives.
Incorporated into the Clean Label collection, the brand has unveiled Whole Wheat Brown Bread and Bran Bread, alongside their complete bakery selection. These bread variants are crafted from whole wheat, devoid of maida, added preservatives, or palm oil. Instead, they utilize cold-pressed sunflower oil and jaggery, eschewing additional additives and emulsifiers.
Speaking about the Clean Label initiative, Amrinder Singh, Director of Bonn Group of Industries, remarked, “Given the growing consciousness regarding health and nutrition, particularly in recent times, individuals are keen on understanding the contents of their daily consumables. There’s a notable increase in consumers scrutinizing ingredient lists and opting for healthier options. At Bonn, we consider it our duty to uphold the trust of our consumers and demonstrate our commitment to their well-being and nutrition. This commitment has led to the introduction of Clean Label Breads.”
Dawinder Pal, Business Head of House of Veda and Group Marketing Head at Bonn Group, further commented, “The introduction of our Clean Label product range fills us with immense pride. Crafting these products has posed challenges, yet our entire team has demonstrated unwavering dedication to providing consumers with a significantly healthier choice.”
The La Americana Gourmet Clean Label range features Whole Wheat Brown Bread, Bran Bread, Multigrain Bread, Garlic Bread, Bran Kulcha, Bran Burger, Bran Pav, and Bran Pizza. Presently, the La Americana Clean Label range is available on the brand’s website and is sold in Punjab, Delhi, NCR, Uttarakhand, and Haryana.
Established in 1985, BONN is a prominent FMCG company with a stronghold in numerous cities across North India, boasting a significant market share. The group specializes in producing a diverse array of food products, encompassing Bread, Biscuits, Cakes, Rusks, and Cookies, which are distributed within India and exported to approximately 55 countries across three continents. With a fully integrated operation, the company maintains a fleet exceeding 500 trucks and possesses an in-house setup dedicated to packaging development.
Six years ago, LQI began as an agro processing company with a mission to support the rapidly growing restaurant and café industry in India. Now pivoted as a smoothie brand, today LQI boasts nearly 40 SKUs and collaborates with major brands like PVR, Third Wave Coffee, Blue Tokai, Chili’s, and many more across 16 cities.
“We started as an agro-processing company with a mission to simplify the healthy beverage options for restaurants and cafes,” says Shubham Khanna, founder of LQI. The company initially targeted the rapidly growing QSR chains in India, offering easy-to-prepare smoothie packs. These packs, filled with fresh fruit portions, allowed outlets to blend delicious smoothies by simply adding milk, water, or yogurt.
“We began in just three cities and have gradually expanded. Our growth has been supported by legendary brands like Truffles in Bangalore and Leon Grill. Looking back at last year, we managed to double our revenue,” Khanna notes.
Khanna talking to SnackFax, shares the secrets to gradual success for the company, detailing how it aims to transform the smoothie market and achieve an impressive 4x revenue growth this year.
Partnerships helps
“In fact, we anticipate that within the next two to three months, we will match last year’s revenue pace. This growth is largely due to our diverse partnerships with various brands, from pizza and burger chains to QSRs and even biryani outlets. Through these partnerships, we’ve gained a deep understanding of our customers and their preferences.”
Khanna says that for an even more thorough strategy, every six to eight months, they reassess our offerings to identify what’s working and what’s not. “This constant evaluation allows us to innovate and improve our product range,” he says.
Another success strategy that Khanna talks about is to aid others. “While we recognize the crowded nature of the packed beverage space, we have chosen a different path. Instead of entering that market, we are helping other packed beverage brands with our solutions. Our focus is on creating Juice Wallah 2.0, a premium yet affordable option that prioritizes hygiene and daily consumption,” he says.
Understanding market and consumer preferences
LQI’s success also lies in its deep understanding of the market and consumer preferences. “For a small menu of five smoothies, a restaurant would need approximately 25 to 30 ingredients. Our solution simplifies this with portion-packed, ready-to-blend fruit packs,” explains Khanna. This not only ensures consistency across multiple outlets but also reduces dependency on skilled labor and streamlines inventory management.
Innovating beverage space
The market dynamics have shifted significantly. “Initially, QSRs focused on food, but the beverage category has seen tremendous growth due to its lower production costs and higher margins,” says Khanna. By providing differentiated products, LQI helps brands increase their average order value and profitability.
Combos have traditionally included carbonated beverages like Coke and Pepsi, but LQI is changing the game. “We offer products like Masala Shikanji in a fresh format, providing a healthier and more appealing alternative to traditional sodas,” Khanna points out. This approach caters to the growing demand for fresh, natural beverages.
LQI’s commitment to quality is evident in its offerings. “We do not use powders or artificial flavors. Our offerings are made with fresh ingredients, resulting in a better taste and health benefits,” emphasises Khanna.. This focus on freshness and quality has helped LQI carve out a niche in a competitive market.
Juice Wallah 2.0
LQI is set to take its success to the next level with the launch of its consumer-facing brand, Juice Wallah 2.0. “We want to create a premium brand that provides hygienic, daily-consumable beverages at a reasonable price. Our locations will be strategically placed near corporate offices, making it convenient for customers to order via WhatsApp or other platforms,” reveals Khanna.
The brand is not entering the crowded packed beverage space but is instead focusing on creating fresh, accessible options for consumers. “In the next 15 to 20 days, we will be live with our first location,” Khanna announces excitedly.
LQI’s journey from a humble agro-processing company to a leading smoothie brand is a testament to the power of innovation and customer-centricity. With the launch of Juice Wallah 2.0, LQI is poised to redefine the beverage market, offering fresh, premium products that cater to the modern consumer’s needs. As Shubham Khanna puts it, “We are building something unique that resonates with our customers, and we are excited about the future.”
93 Degrees Coffee Roasters, a renowned specialty coffee brand, has inaugurated two new shop-in-shop outlets along the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in partnership with multinational snack giant Bikanervala. Positioned strategically, these outlets introduce a unique fusion experience, showcasing the finest offerings of both brands: artisanal coffee from 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters alongside authentic Indian delicacies from Bikanervala. Through this collaborative shop-in-shop approach, both brands capitalize on each other’s expertise, tapping into an existing clientele and benefiting from the significant foot traffic, especially from Bikanervala’s loyal customer base.
Commenting on the launch, Mishthi Aggarwal, CEO of 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters, expressed, “The partnership between 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters and Bikanervala creates an unparalleled atmosphere, where guests can savor premium specialty coffee alongside genuine Indian confections and treats. Situated along the highway, it serves as an ideal rest stop for travelers, providing a rejuvenating pause with its diverse menu offerings.”
Diverse Coffee Offerings: From Espresso to Pour-Over
The latest establishments showcase an extensive array of coffee selections designed to suit diverse tastes and preferences. These include Espresso, Cold Brew, Café Latte, classic Cappuccino, and Frappe flavors. Additionally, they provide handcrafted brewing methods such as Aeropress and Pour-Over, guaranteeing a specialized coffee experience tailored to every individual.
Strategic Location: Leveraging the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway Traffic
Crafted to offer a cozy seating space, the fresh outlets create a welcoming ambiance suitable for both brief pauses and extended respites. Positioned strategically along a vital route linking two prominent urban hubs, they draw a varied blend of travelers, rendering them an accessible pit stop for commuters, tourists, and drivers. Nestled on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, the collaboration between 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters and Bikanervala strategically taps into the constant stream of prospective patrons, guaranteeing a steady influx of visitors and heightened brand visibility. Simultaneously, they ensure top-notch refreshments and a serene resting spot for voyagers.
Shyam Sunder Aggarwal, Managing Director of Bikanervala Foods Pvt Ltd, remarked, “We are thrilled to welcome 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters into our fold. By incorporating 93 Degrees Coffee Roasters’ specialty coffee offerings, we enrich our product portfolio, enticing coffee aficionados and enriching the overall culinary journey. Moreover, this collaboration streamlines space utilization and minimizes operational expenses. Our prime location stands as a significant unique selling point, and I am optimistic that this partnership will facilitate both brands in reaching an expanded audience.”
93 Degrees Coffee Roasters’ expansion exemplifies their dedication to excellence and customer contentment. The pioneering collaboration with Bikanervala endeavors to craft a distinctive fusion of dining and coffee indulgence, harmonizing contemporary coffee trends with the richness of traditional Indian flavors.
Global food commodity prices increased for the third straight month in May, driven by rising costs of cereals and dairy products.
Comparison with Previous Year and Peak Values
The FAO Food Price Index, which monitors monthly fluctuations in international prices of widely-traded food commodities, increased by 0.9% in May from the previous month, reaching 120.4 points.
According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, the index level for May was still 3.4% lower than it was at the same time last year.
The figure was also 24.9% lower than its peak in March 2022.
The cereal price index surged by 6.3% from April, driven by “rising global wheat export prices, which reflect growing concerns about unfavorable crop conditions reducing yields for the 2024 harvests in key producing regions such as parts of North America, Europe, and the Black Sea region,” according to the FAO.
The organization also noted that maize export prices rose in May due to production concerns in Argentina and adverse weather conditions in Brazil.
However, the cereal price index remained 8.2% lower than its May 2023 value.
Dairy Prices on the Rise
Meanwhile, dairy prices increased by 1.8%, with international price quotations for “all the dairy products represented in the index” rising in May.
Sugar Price Index Decline
Conversely, the sugar price index fell by 7.5% in May compared to the previous month, mainly due to a strong start to the new harvest season in Brazil. The FAO noted, “Lower international crude oil prices also exerted downward pressure on sugar prices by reducing demand.”
Vegetable Oil Price Decrease
Vegetable oil prices declined by 2.4% due to a decrease in palm oil quotations.
The meat price index saw a 0.2% decrease, driven by declines in international prices of poultry and bovine meats, alongside increases in pig and ovine meat prices.
In April, increasing prices of poultry, bovine, and ovine meats contributed to the overall rise in the FAO basket of food commodities. The organization attributed this to “slack internal demand” in Western Europe and “continuously lackluster demand from major importers,” notably China.
Reliance Brands has unveiled the latest store of the British apparel brand Superdry in Bengaluru, as per a social media post by a mall official. Situated on the first floor of Phoenix Mall of Asia, Yelahanka, this new outlet offers a fresh shopping experience to patrons.
In a LinkedIn post, Tanul Bheda, the general manager of leasing at Phoenix Mall of Asia, announced, “Superdry is now welcoming customers on the first floor at Mall of Asia. This is sure to capture everyone’s attention!”
The recently inaugurated store offers visitors an engaging digital facade experience.
Superdry products blend vintage American styling with Japanese-inspired graphics. Their stores provide a range of outerwear, t-shirts, and shirts for both men and women, as well as categories such as swimwear, shoes, fragrance, and accessories.
Since 2012, Reliance Brands Ltd (RBL), operating via its wholly-owned UK subsidiary (RBUK), has served as Superdry’s sole franchise partner in India. Under this partnership, the brand has swiftly grown, establishing over 200 points of sale in over 50 cities across the country.
The brand’s growth is further fueled by e-commerce, expanding its presence to over 2,300 cities and beyond.
Established in 2003, Superdry boasts a notable global footprint, with over 740 branded stores operating across 61 countries.
Recently, RBL finalized a definitive agreement to form a joint venture with Superdry PLC, facilitating the acquisition of Superdry’s intellectual property assets for India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Reliance will maintain operational oversight of the brand in these three territories.
Reliance Brands, a division of Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd. (RRVL), serves as the umbrella organization for all retail entities within Reliance Industries Ltd. Established in 2007, its mission is to introduce and cultivate global brands across the luxury to premium segments.
RBL has introduced more than 85 international brands to India, including Bottega Veneta, Tiffany & Co., Valentino, Versace, Armani, Balenciaga, Boss, Zegna, and many more.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
