Pizza Inn, a subsidiary of Rave Restaurant Group, has entered into a franchise agreement with the Blessings Basket Company to enhance its footprint in Saudi Arabia.
The agreement calls for the opening of 50 new restaurants, the first two scheduled to open in January 2024.
The expansion is part of Pizza Inn’s global growth strategy. Presently, it operates 110 restaurants in the US and 19 worldwide.
Pizza Inn’s Expansion Blueprint:
In the decade up to 2034, Blessings Basket Company aims to introduce five additional Pizza Inn restaurants each year in various Saudi Arabian cities.
Each will showcase Pizza Inn’s distinctive menu, encompassing a range of pan pizzas, pasta dishes, salads, wings, and the delectable “Pizzert” dessert pizza.
Blessings Basket Company CEO Mohammed Al-Rubayan stated, “We are excited to announce our partnership with Pizza Inn for Saudi Arabia and have full confidence that together we will further establish the brand as a household name across the kingdom.
“The team at Pizza Inn have been incredible partners throughout this process, and our shared commitment to excellence, passion for authentic pizza and dedication to creating memorable moments for our customers makes this collaboration special.”
Rave Restaurant Group CEO Brandon Solano stated, “We are confident Blessings Basket Company will bring our brand to life as we bolster our presence in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and introduce Pizza Inn to new markets – serving up our something-for-everyone menu with the level of quality that has made us America’s hometown pizza buffet and a family favourite for more than 65 years.”
In 2021, Pizza Inn entered into an agreement with Azalea Investment, chaired by Walid Haider, a Dubai-based principal master licensee, to establish new restaurants in Qatar.
Source: nrd (@nicotitto) | Unsplash Photo Community
We can list down so many reasons why you have to try making cheela pizza at home. Cheela pizza, often dubbed cheeliza, is a new concept in fusion food that has got our attention. So far, the idea of making cheeliza has only been going around via food websites by chefs, or via viral food bloggers who find innovative locals whipping up ‘swadeshi’ pizzas on a cheela. These influencers tag them as regular meals to promote them. Indeed people love to try them too. We are certainly hooked too.
As you know, a cheela is a savoury Indian pancake made with gram flour. A cheeliza has the added element of fusion in the form of pizza toppings.
It is exciting to watch creative folks who spin their magic on food. But we must encourage you to draw inspiration from them and embark on a cheeliza-making journey. It is the sort of dish that stands out as a versatile choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You can use a myriad of toppings and bases to whip up your version of a cheeliza. And you can also serve it to your friends who come over!
Why Should You Try Making Cheeliza
Feeling tempted by the idea already? Imagine a scenario where a cheeliza can dazzle your guests.
It’s the weekend and you are anticipating a few guests who shall be arriving shortly, including a kid who wants to eat something delicious but the mom insists that it must also be healthy. Contemplate what is it that is going to make this kid exclaim ‘wow’ at your cooking and be fully satiated and happy without the unnecessary carb overload.
We wish that we could have grown up eating cheeliza, to be honest – it sounds wonderful. That would have been pretty nice. But let this kid enjoy the ride instead. Make this kid a peppy version of cheela with the goodness of protein-packed gram flour for the pancake and the additional deliciousness of healthy toppings. A cheeliza can be a wholesome choice, as long as you mind the quantity of cheese and pizza sauce that is added on top of the savoury gram flour pancake. If the kid is slightly fussy about the toppings and doesn’t take well to olives or jalapenos, surprise the kid with a unique combination of simple toppings such as cottage cheese or chicken, peas or mushrooms and so on. Anything!
Cheeliza: The Dish You Could Grow to Love Eating and Sharing
It is time to make cheeliza. Assuming that you already get the gist now, get down to business and into the zone then. Grab that packet of moong dal flour and make yourself a delicious batter with ginger, chilli and garlic. While it blends completely, get some toppings ready so that you waste no time in assembling your cheeliza. Options are aplenty – from green or yellow capsicum and olives to tofu, mushrooms and juicy tomatoes. Of course, before you begin away the prep, don’t forget to buy some cheese cubes and cut them into small pieces to spread over the cheela. Also have your pizza sauce ready while the batter blends. Either make it at home or buy yourself a bottle of sauce from the store.
With that said, we guess you’ll relish eating this cheeliza and would like to make it over and over again for your friends and family. You may have been eating cheela for breakfast already. It is already lauded in so many parts of India for the health benefits that it brings. As we already mentioned in the example above, the cheeliza doesn’t have to be on the unhealthy side. Give your breakfast a makeover by cooking yourself a cheeliza.
Last but not least, please note that you can be as quirky with your toppings as you want. A cheeliza can have a healthy interpretation for breakfast, but it can also be as fun and extra-loaded as you want on a cheat day. You could make yourself an Italian cheeliza with mozzarella, basil and tomatoes or it can be bold and spicy with tandoori sauce, chicken 65, onions and capsicum.
The possibilities are endless – from tangy tomato sauce, corn and cheese to a daring cheesy mushroom sauce with olives mixed into it – there is so much out there to explore. Nowadays, pizzas come with all kinds of toppings after all. You can replicate that creativity on a cheeliza too. Go all out is what we are trying to say.
If you want, you could load your cheeliza with a small amount of chilli paneer gravy with some cheese melted into it. You will never really know which fantastic combination you are missing out on unless you give it a go. Whether you want chicken kebabs and onions on a base of cheese or the ever-so-delightful ham and pineapple, the choices are endless.
One must travel far and beyond the usual tourist trails to feel Delhi’s beauty truly and fully. Forget about the same old Chandni Chowk and Sarojini Bazaars. The real treasures of the city lay hidden and whisper stories of lost alleyways and faded emperors, beating at the core of the city. Explore here, 3 such hidden gems of Delhi:
Majnu ka Tilla
Majnu ka Tilla, a colourful microcosm of Tibetan culture, is tucked away in delhi, next to the mighty Yamuna River. Also called “Little Tibet”, this thriving colony is a tapestry made of spirituality, history, and delectable food. The classic Tibetan dumpling and moms can be filled with anything from juicy meet to luscious vegetables. Your spirit is warmed by the cozy noodle soup – Thukpa, with every mouthwatering drop soaked up by the fluffy steamed bread – Tingmo. Sha Phaley, deep fried donuts from Tibet drenched in honey, is a must try dessert to round off your meal.
Ama Café –
Highly recommended are their banana muffins, pancakes with maple syrup, chocolate walnut brownies and Tibetan butter salt tea.
The Dolma House –
The Dolma house has been providing real Tibetan and Chinese food since 1984. The family owned Norwang Café and Restaurant offers hommade Indian and Tibetan cuisine. They use love and fresh ingredients to make their thukpa, tingmo and momos.
Rigo Restaurant –
In the mood for Thai or Italian food? They have generously portioned pizzas, pastas and Thai curries.
Exploring Delhi’s Humayun Pur:
Humayun Pur
Located in the centre of Delhi, Humayupur is more than simply a neighbourhood; it is a thriving cross-cultural mosaic and a refuge for foodies looking for unusual gastronomic experiences. Humayunpur’s streets offer a symphony of flavours and fragrances that entice your senses, from aromatic thukpas to sizzling momos. So, forgo the typical butter chicken and samosas and take a delectable tour of this Northeast Indian paradise instead!
Momo Madness –
Enjoying the market’s renowned momos is a must do while visiting. These mouthwatering dumplings, which can be perfectly steamed or pan fried, are filled with an incredible variety of options, including cheese, veggies, chicken, pork, and even paneer! For an added flavour boost, try the creamy tomato dip and spicy chilli chutney.
Try Lha Kitchen’s pork momos or order the vegetarian version with spinach and corn. The Nom Nom Café is popular for their pan fried and tandoori momos, and their famous ginger lemonade to wash it all down.
Thukpa Therapy –
A mainstay of Humayunpur, this hearty noodle soup will cheer you up on a cold day. Envision ladling a hot broth full of hand pulled noodles, vegetables and optional meat. You can always expect to feel full after eating each spoonful, which is a taste and nutrition explosion.
Visit Oh! Assam and Kori’s Café & Restro for the best Thukpa experience.
There is more to Humayunpur’s food culture than northeastern cuisines, like the Tibetan Sha Phaley and Tingmo with Yak butter.
Visit the Heartcrafted Brew & Eatery for its varied brunch menu that combines Mediterranean, Indian and Continental fare. It is popular for its legendary pancakes and house roasted coffee.
Dessert Desert –
Dessert makes a meal, and Humayunpur does not let you down. Eat mouthwatering traditional mithais, or try creamy momos drizzled with chocolate or honey for a contemporary twist; it is a tasty and unusual way to cap off your gastronomic journey
With a wide selection of cakes, pastries and Indian sweets, Darjeeling Green Café is a heaven for dessert lovers.
Visit Bingsu King for their unique Korean shaved ice in exciting flavours like matcha, red beans and mango!
Khan Market
The famous Khan Market District of Delhi is alive with a thriving food scene in addition to stylish clothing and businesses. It has something for every taste and inclination, from quaint cafes to vibrant eateries. Check out some of the most enticing of the bunch:
The Big Chill Café –
Savour their famous wood fired pizzas, rich pasta dishes and sweet treats like Death by Chocolate. It is a favourite for brunches and suppers owing to the lively environment and welcoming staff.
Khan Chacha –
The fabled Mughlai cuisine of Khan Chacha is a must try when visiting Khan Market. Do not miss their famous Mutton Rogan Josh and butter chicken flavoured with 50 years of tradition.
Visit Dilli Haat to discover the traditional Indian flavours while taking a break from the fancy cafes. This outdoor food court offers a wide variety of street food and local delicacies from kiosks from several states.
Perch Wine & Coffee Bar –
Featuring an extensive wine list and delectable tapas, this stylish rooftop café offers breathtaking views of the Market. Perfect for a classy evening paired with grilled skewers, bruschetta and charcuterie!
Oakberry, the Açaí brand, has secured BRL 325 million ($67 million) in a Series C funding round, with the goal of expediting the company’s global expansion strategy.
The funding was raised through funds managed by the Brazilian investment bank BTG Pactual (BPAC11), the largest investment bank in Latin America, which also encompasses a portfolio of impact funds.
Oakberry Aims for $200 Million in revenue:
Established in 2016, the company presently operates around 700 stores in over 40 countries. The Brazilian-founded açaí brand expects to surpass $200 million in revenue and expand its global presence to nearly 1,000 stores by the end of this year.
The funds will be utilized to expedite Oakberry’s global expansion strategy, with a particular focus on swift growth in the United States market, as stated by the company.
Georgios Frangulis, CEO and co-founder of Oakberry, said, “We designed Oakberry to be a global brand with a strong footprint in the United States, and the investment from BTG Pactual brings not only a financial partner, but also a strategic partner with a keen focus on reinforcing our expansion. The strategy to invest in corporate stores in high-demand markets, like the United States, represents an excellent opportunity for capital allocation while, at the same time, establishing our brand in these regions.”
Costa Coffee has unveiled its latest food and beverage menu in the UK, showcasing hot milkshakes and a diverse selection of plant-based culinary choices.
The hot milkshake collection will be offered in three flavors: white chocolate and strawberry, salted caramel coffee, and chocolate hazel. They come with a light whip, and topping options consist of sprinkles, sweet caramel vermicelli, or chocolate brownie crumbs.
Costa’s latest release also includes a range of plant-based selections, launched in partnership with meat-free advocates Bosh!, catering to the growing demand for vegan and vegetarian choices.
The savory plant-based menu offers choices like a saucy chicken fajita wrap, smokin’ BBQ chicken panini, crackin’ ham and cheeze toastie, and a smashin’ sausage bap.
Addressing the tastes of meat enthusiasts, Costa has introduced the pork and apple sausage roll to its menu. Alternatively, the British coffeehouse chain has unveiled the first raisin and almond granola pot.
Costa Coffee’s Toastie Revival:
The company is also bringing back the hog roast toastie, Heinz Beanz and cheese toastie, and also the roast chicken and bacon toastie.
Meanwhile, the vegan dessert menu has also seen the launch of a range of new sweet products in collaboration with Bosh!, including the introduction of the caramelized biscuit rocky road, the double chocolate cookie, and the return of the chocolate and pecan slice.
The recipe for the lemon drizzle loaf cake has been refreshed, now incorporating a lemon glaze and oil.
Costa’s new banana loaf cake features a banana sponge, flavored with banana puree and topped with a sugar glaze, while its new orange and raspberry Victoria sponge includes a vanilla sponge, filled with raspberry jam and orange frosting, topped with raspberries and orange peel.
Coca-Cola HBC is investing €10 million to create a new foundation with a primary focus on supporting communities in the regions where the company operates.
The funds are scheduled for deposit in early 2024 and are anticipated to be subsequently contributed within the year, in accordance with the operational principles of the Coca-Cola HBC Foundation to ensure strong governance.
Coca-Cola HBC’s Targeted Community Support:
The company has identified key areas for community support that hold significance across its diverse locations. These include providing relief during natural disasters, upholding human rights, fostering diversity and inclusion, ensuring employee well-being and engagement, promoting corporate citizenship, addressing packaging and waste management, empowering youth and women, undertaking water stewardship initiatives, and contributing to economic impact.
Zoran Bogdanovic, CEO of Coca-Cola HBC, said, “We recognise the important responsibility we have to the communities in which we operate. Through the socio-economic impact studies that we perform with The Coca-Cola Company, we also understand how our activities deliver sustainable impact to the local economy, helping communities and creating employment.”
“I am pleased to announce the launch of our new foundation, which builds on our long-standing tradition of community action led by our people. It brings clear focus to these critical efforts, and empowers us to make decisions quickly by taking action where it is needed most.”
Sattvik Certifications, the leading certification body for vegetarian, vegan, and Jain food & lifestyle, has awarded its Sattvik Vegetarian Certificate to “Tenali Double Horse Group,” a wholesaler specializing in pulses, dals, and instant meals. With a vision to bring excellence and trust to every Indian household, the group, guided by a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, has become a trusted name resonating with millions.
The Sattvik Vegetarian Certification attests to Tenali Double Horse Group’s steadfast dedication to producing the finest pure vegetarian products, aligning perfectly with the vegetarian principles and standards upheld by the Sattvik Council of India.
Standards Adherence at Tenali Double Horse Group Factory:
Sattvik Certifications conducted a comprehensive inspection of the Tenali Double Horse Group factory, verifying their adherence to all the rules and regulations set forth by the council. The certification is designed to empower the manufacturer and enhance its reputation within the national and international vegetarian community. Additionally, it reinforces the manufacturer’s commitment to providing vegetarian options that meet the standards and dietary requirements of the public.
Tenali Double Horse’s General Manager, PNV Krishna Prasad, said, “Receiving the Sattvik Vegetarian Certificate from the prestigious Sattvik Council of India is a moment of pride for Tenali Double Horse. We have always prioritised the production of pure vegetarian products in order to meet the diverse needs of our customers. This certification not only demonstrates our dedication to maintain the high food quality, but it also strengthens our relationship with our consumers and Nurturing Growth, Collaboration, and Fulfilment.”
As Tenali Double Horse proudly showcases the Vegetarian Certification, it reinforces its standing as a reliable provider of top-notch vegetarian products. The company continues its dedication to collaborating seamlessly with Sattvik Certifications to actively champion and maintain the principles of vegetarianism in the food industry.
“We are delighted to certify the Tenali Double Horse manufacturing units as vegetarian,” he stated. “With this certification, the company has demonstrated that it complies with our strict vegetarian standards, allowing customers to make knowledgeable decisions regarding the purity of the food they eat. We are eager to work with Tenali Double Horse Group in the future to advance vegetarianism and safe food supply chain practices,” said Abhishek Biswas, founder of Sattvik Certifications and Secretary General of the Sattvik Council of India.
The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) lauds the recent guidelines from the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) introducing a 1% income tax deduction on the total sales facilitated by e-commerce firms within a multi-operator model framework. These guidelines, outlined in Section 194-O of the Income Tax Act, 1961, mandate a 1% deduction on the gross amount from goods or services sold via digital platforms.
Clarity for ONDC Ecosystem Participants:
As per ONDC, these guidelines provide clarity to participants in the ONDC ecosystem, ensuring a thorough comprehension and adherence to tax obligations. The framework aims to streamline operations and improve compliance for digital transactions, especially in instances involving multiple entities within the digital commerce network.
ONDC stated, “We believe that by providing clarity on the application of Sec 194-O to network models of digital trade where multiple ecommerce entities are involved, these guidelines will contribute to the ease of doing business on the ONDC network and strengthen the compliance framework for digital transactions.”
The CBDT, in a statement, highlighted the purpose of their circular guidelines: “CBDT Circular guidelines have been issued for removal of difficulties and clarity has been provided on various issues pertaining to applicability of Section 194-O of the Act in a multiple ecommerce operator model framework, such as the Open Network for Digital Commerce.”
Coffee Day Enterprises Ltd has reported a cumulative default of INR 433.91 crore on payments of interest and repayment of the principal amount on loans from banks, financial institutions, and unlisted debt securities for the December quarter.
Coffee Day Enterprises Ltd (CDEL), which is paring its debts through asset resolution, in a regulatory update said “the delay in debt servicing is due to liquidity crisis”.
CDEL reported a default of INR 183.36 crore on the payment of the principal amount on loans or revolving facilities like cash credit from banks or financial institutions as of December 31, 2023.
Besides, it has also defaulted on the repayment of interest of INR 5.78 crore on the above.
For unlisted debt securities such as Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) and Non-Convertible Redeemable Preference Shares (NCRPS), the default amount was INR 200 crore as on December 31, along with a default in payment of interest of INR 44.77 crore.
“Due to default in repayment of interest and principal… the lenders have sent loan recall notices to the company as well as initiated legal disputes. In view of the loan recall notices, legal disputes and pending one-time settlement with the lenders, the company has not recognised interest from April 2021,” it said.
After the death of Founder-Chairman V G Siddhartha in July 2019, CDEL reduced its debts by resolving assets.
Coffee Day Enterprises’ Repayment and Blackstone Group Deal:
In March 2020, CDEL announced the repayment of INR 1,644 crore to 13 lenders following the completion of a deal with Blackstone Group to sell its technology business park.
The company is also taking legal action to reclaim an amount over INR 3,535 crore, allegedly diverted from the company to Mysore Amalgamated Coffee Estates Ltd, a private firm promoted by V G Siddhartha.
FMCG companies and food service chains are actively flocking to Ayodhya ahead of the Ram temple consecration on January 22. They project an 8-10-fold surge in tourism and the visiting population of the city, contributing to its global branding and facelift.
“Anticipating a substantial surge in consumer demand following the consecration of the Ram temple, we are strategically setting up a greenfield plant in Ayodhya,” said Angelo George, CEO of India’s largest mineral water company Bisleri International.
He mentioned that the plant will cater to the demand from surrounding markets in Uttar Pradesh.
FMCG Companies Eyeing Ayodhya:
Although Ayodhya has been a relatively small market within Uttar Pradesh with a population of around 350,000, it has transformed into a pilgrim hotspot due to the Ram temple. This has created a significant captive market that companies are strategically leveraging, according to executives.
“FMCG companies are ramping up distribution in the city anticipating demand surge of daily essentials, since Ayodhya is coming up as the biggest tourism centre of New India,” said Dhairyashil Patil, national president of the All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation.
He estimated that the floating population of Ayodhya could increase 8 to 10 times, leading to higher demand for packaged water, soft drinks, snacking products, and other grocery items.
Locations with historical significance naturally draw demand, according to executives. Data from the UP Tourism Department reveals that after 325,000 tourists visited Ayodhya in 2021, the number skyrocketed to 23.9 million the subsequent year.
“The renovated Kashi Vishwanath corridor in Varanasi had led to significant surge in demand for us; Ayodhya is much bigger, so we are increasing distribution centres in Ayodhya, despite us already being strong in UP,” said Mayank Shah, senior category head at Parle Products, which makes Monaco and Fab biscuits brands.
Food service chains are also capitalizing on the captive demand.
Sanjeev Agrawal, chairman of McDonald’s India, north and east, said, “We are setting up a new outlet on the Lucknow-Ayodhya highway to cater to the anticipated surge in tourists.”
As per Kabir Jeet Singh, co-founder of Burger Singh backed by LetsVenture, which established its outlet in Civil Lines, Ayodhya, close to the Ram Mandir complex about nine months ago to seize the initial advantage in the city, Ayodhya currently ranks among his top 10 performing outlets.
A representative from a prominent food services consultancy mentioned that certain chains are establishing outlets exclusively serving vegetarian fare in Ayodhya to align with religious sentiments. Meanwhile, others, aiming to continue offering non-vegetarian options for a diverse international audience, are strategically placing outlets on the outskirts of the city to tap into the demand from travelers.
The construction of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya has resulted in the city undergoing extensive redevelopment, including a revamped railway station with food plazas, a new airport, development projects with investments of over INR 15,700 crore, and the initiation of more than a dozen new hotel projects. Nripendra Mishra, the chairperson of the Ram Mandir construction committee, conveyed to the news agency PTI last year that the current population of Ayodhya, standing at 350,000, could potentially increase by 500,000 due to the influx of tourists and individuals migrating to the city following a surge in economic activity triggered by the temple’s inauguration.
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