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Mindful Eating: Unlocking Your Zen through Conscious Munching

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SnackTeam
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Mindful Eating Purpose

Amid deadlines, a flurry of activities, and a day full of meetings is the sad reality of global corporate giants. All thanks to the busy schedule, an average working professional barely manages to squeeze in his ‘me’ time which technically becomes the ‘meal’ time. In times when finger foods have replaced nutritious meals, and dining tables have gone out of use due to hurried bites on the go, mindful eating comes as an antidote.

The chaotic lifestyle in a metropolitan city can easily deplete one’s energy. Set aside exercising, people struggle to enjoy a peaceful meal as they’re completely drained out by the end of the day. This sedentary routine results in significant health risks like weight gain, diabetes, stress, high blood pressure, and more.

A study conducted by the American diabetes association states that mindful eating introduced by Buddhism can aid weight loss. So, is mindful eating some sort of dieting? Well, let’s find out

What is mindful eating?

Mindful eating is one of the rooted traditions in many ancient lifestyles. This is one of the holistic practices which evolved over centuries and gained recognition all over the world. Zen or mindful eating is a valuable approach to a healthier and happier way of living. It aids the human relationship with food and the environment while fostering their connection with mind and body.

practice mindful eating

The basic teaching of mindful eating suggests finding joy in eating while promoting your overall health and well-being. It encourages people to concentrate on every bite and have self-awareness about the quantity and quality of the food. The contemporary form of mindful eating mainly focuses on the full sensory experience of chewing food, including its taste, shape, aroma, and even the sound of each bite. This is said to promote both mental peace and physical nourishment resulting in reduced amount of stress levels and other health disorders.

How to practice mindful eating?

Is your life dominated by gadgets? Well, take a break from the screens and look at the greens. Yes, have a mild disconnection from your phone and gift yourself some digital detox, especially while having food. Your senses will thank you if you rediscover and enjoy food mindfully. So, let’s explore a few steps on mindful eating

Concentrate on the target

The first step in embracing this journey is to set yourself free from the handcuffs of distractions. Be it screens, people, or conversations just keep your phone aside on silent and create a peaceful space around yourself to relish your meal.

Invest your senses

Once your concentration is in place, make way for your senses. Right before you dive into the trans of eating, wait for a moment and appreciate the vibrant colors of your leafy greens, spicy reds, and golden hues present on the plate. Take a deep breath and smell the aroma of your food before the celebration of taste begins.

mindful eating

Sense the texture

If you’ve zero distractions around you, chances are high that you’ll automatically focus more on the shape and texture of the food. It is recommended to have your food with your hands. Especially if it’s such a meal that can be had using your fingertips then feel the texture and explore the warmth of the meal.

Chew slowly

Ancient science recommends one chew their food multiple times before gulping it down. This is another way of mindful eating as it not only helps you devour your food but also aids the digestive process in the body.

Be grateful for the meal

In almost all religions, there’s a little practice of showing gratitude for the food you’ve received. This is because food is nourishing and helps us grow. Being thankful for the hands of those who’ve prepared the meal reflects happiness and brings calmness to your mind.

Benefits of mindful eating for professionals

Embarking on the journey of mindful eating can be transformative. It has the power to unlock a series of mental and physical health benefits that can expand beyond your dining area. By switching off from the outer world while delving into your food, you’re allowing yourself to improve focus, lesser stress, and better mental well-being. Have a look at the five major daily life issues that can be tackled with mindful eating.

Benefits of mindful eating

Stress

Mindful eating enables a respite from the dealings of high-pressure situations. Just by taking a few moments off to have your meal can help you remain calm and work wonders for your stress levels.

Focus and efficiency

The mind is a complex space. Therefore, it requires proper nourishment to function throughout the day. In this case, eating mindfully can help the working professionals savouring healthy foods which increases focus and productivity at work.

Indecisiveness

If you’re a leader or a working professional, then you’re constantly under the pressure of decision-making. Believe it or not, a lot of rights and wrongs depend on your stress and blood sugar levels. Hence, it’s wiser to switch to a mindful and zen mode of eating to have improved cognitive functioning.

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Bath & Body Works unveils fourth store in Gujarat, boosting India presence to 39 outlets

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SnackTeam
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Bath & Body Works

Bath & Body Works, the American personal care and fragrance brand, recently inaugurated its fourth store in Gujarat, as announced by the retail giant Apparel Group India on social media. Situated at VR Mall, Surat, this new establishment marks the 39th physical outlet for Bath & Body Works in India.

“We are happy to announce the opening of Bath & Body Works at VR Mall, Surat. This marks our 4th store in Gujarat and 39th in India,” said Apparel Group India in a LinkedIn post.

The brand’s other three stores are located in Ahmedabad and Vadodara.

In 2018, Bath & Body Works made its entry into the Indian market through a collaboration with Apparel Group India. Additionally, the company distributes its products in India through prominent beauty and fashion e-commerce platforms such as Nykaa, Myntra, and Amazon.

Apparel Group has recently joined forces with the department store chain Shoppers Stop to enhance the footprint of Bath & Body Works in the Indian market.

Continue Exploring: Apparel Group and Shoppers Stop team up to bring Bath and Body Works to India

Headquartered in Dubai, UAE, Apparel Group stands as a worldwide fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate. In addition to Bath & Body Works, the company promotes over 80 brands in India, featuring well-known global names such as Aldo, Tim Hortons, Tommy Hilfiger, Nine West, it Spring, Charles & Keith, Inglot, La Senza, R&B Fashion, and Victoria’s Secret.

Founded in 1990, Bath & Body Works, with its headquarters in Ohio, began as a retail store chain specializing in the sale of soaps, lotions, fragrances, and candles. The brand operates through a vast network, encompassing over 1,800 company-operated locations in the U.S. and Canada, along with more than 425 international franchised locations, as detailed on the company’s official website.

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Gin Toddy Recipes: Raise Your Christmas Toast with these Delights & Snacks!

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SnackTeam
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gin toddy

Gin Toddy: As winter’s here to wrap you around its frosty arms, the clinking of glasses and the aromatic symphony of beverages is bound to be the main attraction. The amber hues of old whiskies, aged wines and hot rums have been constantly adding a touch of sophistication to the holiday festivities. And in the list of these highly celebrated winter fermented beverages, the newest addition is gin.

Yes, that’s true! On a traditional front gin is often associated with summer cocktails. However, now the drink is experiencing a remarkable surge in its popularity during the winters as well. The gin has broken the ceiling and has made its way to the cozy winter dinners. The juniper-infused spirit’s botanical blends and tangy flavours make it a versatile and ‘the’ choice for Christmas celebrations.

Therefore, what’s better to elevate this classic drink with a twist of warm toddies and a spicy side snack to munch on? So, explore these amazing recipes which are super easy to prepare with your regular kitchen ingredients.

Classic hot Gin Toddy

If you wish to keep it vanilla and do not want to experiment much with the dash of fruits, then this one’s for you. Begin your Gin Toddy’ adventure with a classic warm toddy blended with honey and lemon juice. Here you go.

Classic toddy

Ingredients:

  • 60 ml gin
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1-2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 3-4 cloves
  • 1 slice of lemon

How to make:

  • Combine gin, honey, lemon juice and hot water in a heat-resistant vessel (preferably a glass or a mug).
  • Mix the ingredients till the honey is properly dissolved.
  • Now add a cinnamon stick and cloves to enhance the flavour.
  • Garnish your drink with the slice of lemon and another cinnamon stick.
  • Allow the flavors a few moments to blend in before serving it hot.

Orange Gin Toddy

Now this one’s for all the foodies who love to experiment and enjoy fusion drinks. A burst of hot citrus fluids mixed with gin toddy is a blessing in disguise during winters. Hence, we’re here with this special recipe of orange and Gin Toddy which will earn you a new title of a master mixologist among your folks. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s read on.

Orange toddy

Ingredients:

  • 60 ml gin
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 orange (peeled and juiced)
  • 3-4 cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 orange slice

How to make:

  • Start by adding orange juice with gin, hot water, honey, and cloves in a heat-resistant vessel.
  • Stir properly until honey is mixed completely.
  • Now allow the flavours of the mixture to blend for 3-5 minutes.
  • Add a cinnamon stick to the drink to enhance the taste.
  • Lastly, garnish your Gin Toddy with an orange slice and let it rest for a while before having it.

Cheesy bites

Now that we’ve said cheers with the drinks, it’s time to hop on the snacks. Who doesn’t like golden hued pieces of heaven to go with tangy toddies? Well, just to cater to your cravings, here we are with the iconic recipe for cheesy bites. These little Christmas balls pair perfectly with the botanical flavours of your delightful gin. Are you ready to give your guests a surprise on their plate? Then get set go.

Cheesy bites

Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet of puff pastry
  • 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4th cup of grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp unsalted and melted butter
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (or use normal mustard in case you don’t have Dijon mustard)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (or mint leaves, or coriander leaves for garnishing)

How to make:

  • Put your oven to preheat till 200°C (400°F)
  • And add a line of a baking sheet with parchment paper inside it
  • Now take out your puff pastry sheet and add sharp cheddar grated cheese, parmesan grated cheese, butter, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Make sure all the ingredients are evenly spread.
  • Now roll the pastry inwards gently
  • And slice it into little rounds
  • Place these bites on the baking sheet at a little distance
  • Now bake them in the oven for 15 minutes till your cheese bites get golden brown and puffed up.
  • Eventually, add some parsley/mint/coriander leaves at the end to garnish your dish
  • Now serve your cheesy bites hot with Gin Toddy and have them with mayo dip or ketchup.
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Delhi’s Mars Cosmetics expands footprint, opens second kiosk in Dwarka

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SnackTeam
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MARS Cosmetics

On Thursday, Mars Cosmetics, a beauty and makeup brand based in Delhi, announced the opening of its second kiosk at Pacific D21 Mall in Dwarka, Delhi. The first kiosk of the brand was inaugurated at V3S Mall in Laxmi Nagar, Delhi.

The recently launched kiosk provides a range of cruelty-free and vegetarian products, covering eyes, lips, face, and makeup tools.

To mark the debut of the kiosk, it has introduced two distinctive packages: an anniversary box and a birthday box. The anniversary box features a POCO makeup kit, Fabulash Mascara, a color-changing lip balm, kajal, and a Super Stay lipstick. The birthday box includes a Firefly makeup kit, mascara, a silk matte lipstick, and an HD compact powder.

Muskan Jain, the Brand Manager at Mars Cosmetics, said, “After the successful opening of our inaugural kiosk at V3S Mall, Laxmi Nagar, we are excited to extend the mars experience to Pacific D21 Mall, Dwarka with the introduction of our second kiosk. This expansion marks a new opportunity for us to engage with our customers.”

Recently partnering with Zepto, the brand has established itself in four pivotal regions across India: Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. With plans to expand, the brand intends to set up kiosks in Gaur City and other prominent locations. Additionally, its products are accessible on major e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Nykaa, Myntra, Flipkart, Blinkit, Meesho, Purplle, and Tira, in addition to its official website.

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Foodtech giant Zomato makes strategic bid for Shiprocket, valuing logistics unicorn at $2 Billion

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SnackTeam
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Zomato
Zomato

Zomato, a prominent player in the foodtech industry, is said to have extended an acquisition proposal to Shiprocket, a unicorn in the field of ecommerce logistics.

According to a report from Bloomberg, Zomato’s proposal estimates the SaaS logistics platform’s value at approximately $2 billion. Insiders familiar with the situation informed the publication that a conclusive decision has yet to be reached. Additionally, the report suggests that Zomato may choose not to move forward with the acquisition of the company.

Zomato and Shiprocket were unavailable for immediate comment regarding the ongoing developments.

Established in 2017 by Vishesh Khurana, Akshay Gulati, Saahil Goel, and Gautam Kapoor, Shiprocket serves as an aggregator for third-party logistics companies and collaborates with various courier partners such as Delhivery, FedEx, Aramex, Xpressbees, DTDC, and Shadowfax. In its Series E funding round, the startup secured $185 million, with co-leadership from Zomato, Temasek, and Lightrock India.

In August 2022, the startup successfully secured $33.5 million in a Series E2 funding round. The funding was spearheaded by Lightrock India and saw participation from Temasek, Bertelsmann, Moore Strategic Ventures, PayPal, and other investors. This funding round resulted in the company being valued at $1.2 billion.

In October this year, Shiprocket was reportedly in advanced talks to raise $10 million to $12 million from McKinsey & Company in a strategic funding round aimed at facilitating business expansion.

In October this year, Shiprocket reported a 3.6X widened net loss of INR 341 Cr in FY23, impacted by its multiple acquisitions. Specifically, the startup attributed the threefold increase in loss to its two acquisitions – Omuni for INR 200 Cr and one of its rivals, Pickrr, for $200 Mn in FY23.

Meanwhile, its operational revenue surged by 78% year-on-year, reaching INR 1,089 crore in FY23.

On the other hand, after grappling for a year, Zomato is currently witnessing a revival in its business. Attaining profitability in Q1 FY24 has notably propelled the company’s share performance to breach the INR 125 level for the first time in almost two years. Moreover, the company recorded a profit in the second quarter of FY24.

Continue Exploring: Zomato reports remarkable surge in profit, achieving second consecutive profitable quarter in FY24

Zomato’s shares are presently listed at INR 127.55 on the BSE, marking a year-to-date gain of more than 100%.

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Winter’s Warm Embrace: A Gin Cocktail That’ll Steal Your Heart!

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SnackTeam
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Gin Cocktail

Gin Cocktail Recipe: As winter tightens its grip on us, there is no better time to give yourself some warm pleasure that would help you fight this cold. A delectable gin drink is all that you should go for this winter. Whether you are a seasoned gin lover or a curious newbie, the winter season provides you with the perfect opportunity to dive into the realm of amazing gin cocktails.

These will not only tickle your taste buds but also add sophistication to your winter evenings. Its versatile blend becomes the canvas for making cocktails that will not only warm your soul but also evoke a sense of sophistication, making it an ideal companion for both men and women longing for a respite from the winter chill.

The Comforting Elegance of Gin

Gin adds a distinct and adaptable flavour to the cocktails with its unique botanical blend. Its cosy and rejuvenating blend, which is often related to warmth, can be effectively utilised to make the cosy cocktails in winter parties.

Consider taking a sip of the cocktail that not only warm your spirits but also tantalize your senses. In the hands of a passionate mixologist or a home barman, gin may be converted into a wint elixir that transcends seasonal bounds, adding a touch of cosy elegance to our cups.

The Show’s Star: Juniper Berry Bliss

The juniper berry, a botanical superstar, is the centre of attraction of this amazing cocktail. Embrace the winter vibes with the essence of juicy juniper berries in a cocktail that will warm your heart.

Juniper Berry Bliss, our winter libation, aims to capture the essence of juniper berries in a way that captivates the senses and warms the spirit. Begin your mixological expedition with a high-quality gin to provide you with a smooth foundation for your winter masterclass.

gin

Ingredients:

  • 30 ml premium gin
  • 15 ml elderflower liqueur
  • 10 ml freshly squeezed
  • 10 ml of honey syrup (mix equal parts honey and hot water)
  • Rosemary twig for a pinch of freshness
  • A handful of cranberries
  • A handful of Juniper berries

Instructions:

  • Fill a shaker full of ice
  • Add the gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice and honey syrup
  • Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly mixed
  • Strain the concoction in a chilled glass
  • Put some cranberries and juniper berries in the glass
  • Garnish with a slice of lime and rosemary twig

The Sip: Symphony of Flavours

You will be teleported to a winter wonderland with every sip of this amazing cocktail. The juniper-forward gin is further complemented with the elderflower liqueur.

The lemon juice offers it a citrus kick, whereas honey syrup provides it a sweet subtle taste that soothes your taste buds. Cranberries not only offer colour but also add a sour note to the drink. All these together result in a perfect symphony of flavours that provides you warmth and dances on your taste palette.

Why Everyone Will Love It

  • Versatility: This cocktail offers you different It is a mix of contemporary and classic flavours. It is very appealing to both gin enthusiasts and to those newbies. The soothing familiarity of gin is combined with unexpected twists to create an experience that is both comforting and exciting.
  • Visual Appeal: This cocktail is very pleasing to the eyes. The vibrant red colour of cranberries and the aromatic green of rosemary turn it visually appealing and make it perfect for holiday gatherings and winter nights. It’s more than simply a drink; it’s a visual experience.

Batch-Cocktails-

  • Balanced Complexity: This cocktail is perfectly balanced with the use of different ingredients, giving it different layers of flavours and making it a sophisticated choice for both men and women. The Juniper Berry Bliss is more than just a one-dimensional drink; it’s a sensory voyage.

Pairing Suggestions

Pairing this cocktail with light appetizers will definitely take your experience to a whole new level. Appetizers, like Goat-cheese stuffed mushrooms and smoked salmon crostini, will make you feel out of this of this world. The sharpness of the gin matches the richness of these appetizers and complements each other, resulting in a well-rounded experience.

The Juniper Berry Bliss stands out in the winter cocktail symphony as a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation, warmth and crispness, simplicity and depth. Finally, when the winter howls outside, enjoy the warmth and elegance of this juniper bliss cocktail drink.

This delectable mixture does not promise to lift your winter spirits, but it will also become the favourite of every man and woman who is looking for a refined and cosy drink to enjoy throughout the holiday season. So gather around, clink glasses and get ready for a gin-infused winter season.

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India’s hospitality industry toasts to 2024 with high hopes and record-breaking revenue growth

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SnackTeam
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hospitality hotel
(Representative Image)

With the pandemic blues behind us, domestic travel has been unleashed, and notable global events like India’s G20 Presidency and the men’s cricket World Cup have amplified the excitement in 2023. As the hospitality sector prepares to check into 2024, there is a prevailing sense of optimism, envisioning an enduring celebration to tap into the vast opportunities within an underserved market.

With the popping of champagne corks to welcome the new year, the hospitality industry reflects on its recent successes, witnessing unprecedented highs in occupancy and room tariffs not only in major metros but also in smaller cities and towns. However, amid the festive atmosphere, a sense of caution lingers as the industry acknowledges potential challenges. Long-term funding accessibility, high GST rates, talent acquisition, and the intricacies of business processes are identified as factors that could potentially cast a shadow on the ongoing celebration.

“In 2023, listed hotel companies reported a double-digit revenue growth enabled by domestic demand, recovery in foreign tourist arrivals, large global events, including India’s presidency of G20 and the sporting events like the cricket World Cup, among others,” Hotel Association of India (HAI) President Puneet Chhatwal said.

According to analysts’ projections, Chhatwal, who serves as the Managing Director and CEO of Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), reported a 14 percent increase in Revenue Per Available Room (RevPar) for the first half of the current fiscal year. He anticipates further growth, estimating a potential 15-20 percent expansion in the second half of FY24.

On the outlook for 2024, he said, “India’s underserved hospitality sector when compared to the major lodging markets presents a huge opportunity. Also, being amongst the largest employment generators, the sector will be a key pillar to drive sustainable economic growth across the country.”

Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) President-elect, Pradeep Shetty said,”as we reflect on the year behind us, we look towards the New Year with a blend of hopes, expectations and an acknowledgement of challenges.”

The past year showcased the sector’s resilience in navigating through unprecedented challenges, particularly amid the revival of the travel trade, he said while also acknowledging that the G20 events contributed significantly to the growth of the Indian tourism sector, marking one of the most significant highlights of 2023.

Shetty, however, struck a cautious note that the road ahead will not necessarily be a cruise on a highway.

“Our expectations lie in addressing persistent challenges, notably the surge in online booking frauds, brand reputation issues due to misleading social media content, and the need for sustainable business practices,” he said.

Furthermore, Shetty highlighted that persistent concerns such as long-term funding accessibility, elevated GST rates, talent acquisition challenges, and intricate business processes remain focal points requiring careful consideration.

The issues notwithstanding, Fortune Hotels Managing Director Samir MC said, “as we step into 2024, and step ahead towards growing our footprint across new locations in the country, we anticipate consolidation and exploration, with a shift towards sustainable practices and a focus on untapped markets to cater to varied traveller segments.”

Further, he said, “we see massive potential in smaller towns and cities that present exciting opportunities.”

In 2023, Samir said, “we witnessed a remarkable resurgence in tourism, fuelled by domestic travel and the gradual return of international visitors. The industry’s evolution post-pandemic has set the tone for any eventualities that the future may bring. This positive momentum propels us forward, painting a future brimming with opportunities.”

The hospitality business indices moved substantially northward, way beyond the pre-Covid levels, he said and added, “this coming back to life inspires us to continue our journey ahead”.

Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd Managing Director and CEO Kavinder Singh said, “the current trend in travel highlights a clear inclination toward staycations, leisurely exploration, environmentally conscious journeys, weekend getaways, and, above all, a strong desire to spend quality time with loved ones.”

The commencement of 2023 marked a positive shift for the tourism and hospitality sector, bringing a welcome change from the challenges of the past two years. He added that air traffic crossed new milestones in daily numbers, with domestic reaching 4.63 lakhs and international surpassing 1 lakh passengers.

Bullish on the long term potential of the sector, Singh said, “in line with our strategic objective, we aim to double the room count from around 5,000 to 10,000 by FY30”.

“Currently, we have Rs 835 crore of capex underway for five greenfield, brownfield, and acquisition projects, comprising about 690 keys,” he noted.

In a similar vein, Eros Hotel, New Delhi General Manager Davinder Juj said the company is optimistic about the growth prospects in 2024 building on the success of 2023.

“Our projections indicate a conservative yet promising 8-9 per cent growth in both room occupancy and ADR (Average Daily Rate) compared to 2023. This outlook is backed by continued investment in guest-centric initiatives, innovative marketing campaigns, and adaptability to emerging travel trends,” he added.

In 2024, India’s hospitality sector is hoping that beyond the hangover from 2023, it will be a new party and a new beginning to cash in on the opportunities that lie ahead.

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SOCIAL breaks ground in Hyderabad with first outlet at Mindspace IT Park

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SnackTeam
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SOCIAL

SOCIAL, India’s collective of neighborhood cafes, has opened its first outlet in Hyderabad, Telangana, at Raheja Mindspace IT Park in HITEC City. With Mindspace SOCIAL being Impresario’s 50th SOCIAL in India, the beloved SOCIAL experience has now come to Hyderabad, along with its trademark food, culture, co-working and community activities, and a high-energy nightlife.

Riyaaz Amlani, founder and managing director, Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., shared his excitement about the launch, “Hyderabad’s cultural legacy and technological prowess inspired us to create an experience that celebrates tradition, against the backdrop of a HITEC neighbourhood. The 50th outlet is a very important milestone for us, and Mindspace SOCIAL pays tribute to the authentic spirit of Hyderabad, encapsulating its diversity, warmth, and creative energy. Mindspace SOCIAL embodies SOCIAL’s community driven vision, we are excited for Hyderabad to come and experience it.”

With a remarkable capacity to host 2,500 individuals spread across three spacious floors, Mindspace SOCIAL is positioned as the ultimate destination for a varied audience. Extending a hearty invitation to artists, professionals, and enthusiasts alike, this venue ensures an engaging experience that celebrates the core of creativity and connections.

Mindspace SOCIAL unveils a tempting menu that seamlessly merges its nationwide bestsellers with a variety of special dishes exclusive to Hyderabad. Visitors can savor the essence of iconic Hyderabadi cuisine, highlighted by local favorites like the Hyderabadass Breakfast Tray, featuring a hearty combination of Daal Khichdi, keema, and tamarind with a marag. Additionally, the food menu at Mindspace SOCIAL showcases hyperlocal delights such as the Apollo Fish, Gongora Chicken Tikka, and the iconic Ulvacharu Chicken Biryani, among other culinary gems inspired by the diverse and rich palette of Hyderabad.

Mindspace SOCIAL is open for guests from 9 AM to 12 AM on Monday to Thursday and Sunday, and from 9 AM to 1 AM on Friday and Saturday. The establishment is located at Mindspace Junction, Mindspace Cyberbad, Hi Tech City Junction, Hyderabad, and offers online delivery through platforms such as DotPe, Swiggy, and Zomato.

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From April 2024, beer shops in Uttar Pradesh can apply for licenses for dedicated drinking zones

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SnackTeam
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Beer

Following the approval of the state cabinet’s newly implemented excise policy on Tuesday, beer shops in Uttar Pradesh can now seek permission for a dedicated drinking area, drawing parallels to model shops permitting BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle).

Starting from April next year, the excise department will issue licenses to vendors for a 100-square-foot area near their shops, with an annual license fee set at INR 5,000. Similar to BYOB establishments, vendors will not be permitted to serve food to customers.

As per the policy document, to consume beer in the vicinity of the vending area, the applicant is required to possess a minimum space of 100 square feet within a 20-meter radius of the shop. Additionally, the beer shop is not permitted to have a canteen facility.

Authorities disclosed that this easing of restrictions is intended to discourage the practice of public drinking on roadsides or in vehicles. Subodh Kumar, the district excise officer, conveyed that this fresh initiative is anticipated to reduce such occurrences while concurrently enhancing revenue.

These changes are part of the new excise policy, slated to come into effect on April 1, 2024.

In the current policy framework in Uttar Pradesh, liquor shops are classified into three categories—model shops, foreign liquor shops, and beer shops. Presently, the buying and consumption of liquor are allowed at model shops, whereas it is not permitted at foreign liquor shops and beer shops.

Gautam Budh Nagar alone hosts 25 model shops, 141 foreign liquor shops, and 140 beer shops.

Ashok Yadav, a liquor trader, welcomed the government’s move, stating, “This is a welcome move by the government. A number of people buy beer, but they can’t find suitable places to consume it. I am planning to get a beer shop license in the coming months.”

Consumers also regard the new policy as a “positive initiative.” Sanjeev Kumar, a resident of Sector 51 in Noida, expressed, “I feel the new policy is a good initiative. But these shops should be at a sufficient distance from residential areas and educational institutions.”

Furthermore, the upcoming policy is set to result in a price surge in liquor starting from the next fiscal year, involving a suggested INR 5 raise for country-made liquor and a 10% increase in the license fee for all retailers.

Continue Exploring: New excise policy maintains liquor prices except for country-made; premium outlets at transit hubs approved

Although the prices of beer and Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) have remained stable, Noida witnessed a notable surge in liquor sales, reaching INR 1,652.7 crore in the fiscal year 2022-23, compared to INR 1,346.4 crore in the preceding year. Similarly, Ghaziabad experienced an increase in revenue from liquor trade, rising from INR 1,474 crore in 2021-22 to INR 1,577 crore in 2022-23.

As the New Year draws near, the district excise officer has declared an enforcement campaign to ensure adherence to regulations during celebrations. He emphasized, “Individuals must obtain occasional bar licenses to serve liquor at parties. Violations will lead to FIRs, and the offenders will face imprisonment.” The campaign is slated to take place from December 21 to January 4 in Noida and Greater Noida, featuring unannounced inspections at different sites.

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Enrico Eyewear secures INR 2.1 Crore in pre-seed funding round led by 100X.VC

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SnackTeam
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Enrico Eyewear
Kavin Khara, Founder of Enrico Eyewear

Eyewear brand Enrico Eyewear has successfully raised INR 2.1 crore in a pre-seed funding round, with 100X.VC taking the lead in the investment.

In a press release, Enrico conveyed its intention to utilize the raised funds for extending market outreach through varied distribution initiatives, enlightening customers on the significance of premium eyewear, and sustaining eye health awareness.

Established in 2022 by Kavin Khara, Enrico Eyewear strives to streamline the eyewear buying process by presenting a thoughtfully curated assortment of select yet universally embraced frames, consistent with its strategic focus on hero products. The product range encompasses computer glasses and sunglasses, delivering defense against the rigors of digitalization and sunlight.

The Mumbai-based startup is strategically expanding its product portfolio, with upcoming launches including night-driving glasses and photochromics in the pipeline.

To date, 100X.VC has invested in more than 140 startups, raising more than $72 million in funding from VC funds, High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs), Angel Networks, and Family Offices.

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