US-based Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery is making its West Coast debut this autumn, as it prepares to open its first location within the Resorts World Las Vegas hotel and casino.
Renowned for its delectable cheesecake selections, the restaurant brand will provide a comprehensive dining experience encompassing breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night options, complemented by a fully-stocked bar.
Resorts World Las Vegas Food and Beverage vice-president Bartholomew Mahoney said, “Our goal is to continue to bring exciting dining experiences for our guests and expand our portfolio with unique concepts that can’t be found anywhere else in the city.
“We are thrilled to be welcoming the first West Coast location of Junior’s and bring this beloved New York institution to our guests and visitors.”
The new venue, boasting a capacity to host 300 guests, will present an extensive menu featuring breakfast delights like French toast, oversized omelettes, and lox and eggs.
For lunch and dinner, guests can indulge in a selection of steak burgers, deli sandwiches, and chef’s specialties, all complemented by a well-crafted cocktail menu available at the full-service bar.
The new establishment will tantalize patrons with a variety of two dozen homemade cheesecake flavors, featuring options like Strawberry, Chocolate Mousse, Red Velvet, Pumpkin, Key Lime, and Oreo.
Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery owner Alan Rosen said, “I feel like I just won the jackpot. I’m so lucky to have been selected by Resorts World to open our first West Coast location inside its property.
“I hope that both residents and visitors to the city will also feel lucky that they will be able to enjoy the World’s Most Famous Cheesecake, as well as all the delicious breakfasts, lunches, dinners, drinks and our other skyscraper desserts.”
Ordermentum, a hospitality ordering platform, has acquired Foodbomb, a six-year-old wholesale food marketplace, for an undisclosed amount.
Established in 2017 by Paul Tory and Josh Goulburn, Foodbomb secured $4.5 million in a Series A funding round two years ago. Its supporters encompass EVP, Athletic Ventures, Aura Ventures, the investment vehicle of Tony Gandel’s family, Tahmedia, and Platform Advisory Partners.
According to EVP partner Justin Lipman, as part of the M&A deal, his VC firm will acquire a stake in Ordermentum. This acquisition also involved Ordermentum raising $16 million, resulting in a combined business valuation of $100 million.
EVP partner Damon Pezaro had previously shown interest in Ordermentum, supporting the business in a backing investment late last year.
“As investors in Foodbomb, it is exciting to align two exceptional teams, strong technology products and significant customer footprints, and to continue on our collective mission to build one of Australia’s generational software firms in combination with Ordermentum,” Lipman said.
“In our view, the combined business is now well positioned, with a strong balance sheet, to continue growing share as a result of its clear market leadership position within Australia’s hospitality sector.”
This deal is occurring during a period of limited capital availability, and many anticipate that mergers and acquisitions will serve as a vital avenue for startups to expand and achieve growth in an economic slowdown.
Over its six-year history, Foodbomb has demonstrated robust performance, handling orders exceeding $100 million from 13,000 venues. The founders will remain actively involved in the business following its acquisition by Ordermentum. Paul Tory, an experienced figure in wholesale meat sales, revealed that they were approached by Ordermentum founder Adam Theobald last year regarding a possible merger. Ordermentum boasts a database of approximately 40,000 users.
“I have no doubt that the coming together of Ordermentum and Foodbomb will create an unrivalled powerhouse in the wholesale food and beverage industry,” he said.
Josh Goulburn, his Co-Founder, expressed that the merger presents both startups with “the chance to significantly expedite our progress and establish our dominance in the industry.”
For the third consecutive year, Ordermentum has sought funds from the market, securing an additional $16 million. This comes just 10 months after the company raised $6.2 million in November of the previous year.
In 2017, the venture, which has been in operation for nine years, garnered $2.5 million in funding. Following that, in February 2021, they raised $5 million. Later the same year, a secondary market sale took place, where investor RoZetta sold its stake as a significant portion of a $6 million funding round.
Founded in 2014 by Adam Theobold, a Co-Founder of the payments app Hey You, and Andrew Low, the former Managing Director of Toby’s Estate, the initial emphasis was on coffee. However, the B2B software platform later transitioned its focus to encompass the wider food and beverage ordering market.
In the most recent funding round, ASX-listed venture capital firm Touch Ventures joined the capital table, alongside Microequities Asset Management and Aditum Ventures.
Previous supporters, such as SEEK co-founder Matt Rockman, NIB Holdings chair David Gordon, and Perennial Private Ventures Fund, also made additional contributions.
The Courtyard by Marriott Navi Mumbai is delighted to announce the appointment of Chef Prashant Suryawanshi as their new Executive Chef. With his exceptional culinary skills and profound dedication to the art of cooking, Chef Prashant is set to elevate and enrich the dining experience for our valued guests.
Chef Prashant refined his culinary expertise during his four-year tenure at Novotel in Shamshabad, Hyderabad. In this role as a chef de partie, he gained invaluable experience in various culinary settings, including banquets, coffee shops, and specialty Indian restaurants.
Due to his unwavering dedication and outstanding talent, Chef Prashant swiftly ascended the ranks to become the Junior Sous Chef at Courtyard by Marriott in Hinjewadi, Pune. His remarkable performance at this location continued, leading to his well-deserved promotion to the position of Sous Chef.
After a stint at Fairfield by Marriott, Chef Prashant moved on to become the Executive Chef at Le Meridien, Goa. Now, his culinary journey has brought him full circle as he steps into the role of Executive Chef at Courtyard by Marriott, Navi Mumbai.
“We are thrilled to have Chef Prashant Suryawanshi as part of our team, His passion, creativity, and extensive experience in the culinary world make him the perfect fit to lead our culinary team and continue delivering exceptional dining experiences to our guests.” said, Subhabrata Roy, General Manager.
Courtyard by Marriott Navi Mumbai offers an array of dining options through its four distinctive venues: the Courtyard Pavilion, a versatile all-day dining restaurant; Malang, an Indian specialty dining destination; The Box Lounge, an open-air poolside lounge for al fresco dining; and Maison De Cafe, the hotel’s inviting lobby lounge.
Furthermore, guests have access to facilities like a round-the-clock fitness center, a spa, and an outdoor infinity pool that provides panoramic views of the city skyline.
(L-R) Jagbir Singh Sidhu, corporate relations director, Diageo India with Ravindra Singh, CEO, SCPwD.
Diageo India (United Spirits Ltd.), one of the prominent alcohol and beverage companies in the country, has unveiled plans to enhance its ‘Learning for Life’ program in partnership with the Skill Council for Persons with Disability (SCPwD). As a pivotal component of this undertaking, SCPwD will undertake the training of 100 individuals with disabilities, equipping them with the necessary skills to excel in roles within the Business and Hospitality sector. This initiative signifies yet another stride in Diageo India’s unwavering dedication to promoting Inclusion and Diversity, a fundamental pillar of Diageo’s Society 2030: Spirit of Progress objectives.
The residential training program spans a duration of three months and is slated to be held at SCPwD-affiliated training centers throughout India. Certified trainers and assessors associated with SCPwD will oversee the program’s execution. The primary objective is to bolster productivity and bridge skill gaps among the participants, equipping them with crucial skills. This empowerment prepares students for a more impactful entry into the workforce, allowing them to contribute significantly to their respective roles.
Jagbir Singh Sidhu, Corporate Relations Director at Diageo India commented, “We are delighted to announce our partnership with the Skill Council for Persons with Disability, with whom we share a common vision of creating a vibrant and diverse workforce. We have expanded our flagship business and hospitality skills programme, ‘Learning for Life’ to the PwD community to help them overcome employment barriers. Diageo India is committed to promoting sustainable growth through inclusive programmes such as these, that provide equal access to the right resources, skills, and employment opportunities.”
Ravindra Singh, CEO, Skill Council for Persons with Disability (SCPwD), “Diageo India’s commitment to inclusion and diversity is exemplary and we are extremely happy to partner with them to upskill and empower a talented cohort of Persons with Disability this year. The first batch of 100 students training under Diageo India’s ‘Learning For Life’ programme with us will further open the pathway for many more to follow. The specially curated programme is designed to ensure they receive hands-on training in hospitality skills and enhance employment opportunities.”
The first cohort of 100 students comprises individuals with locomotor disabilities, as well as those with speech and hearing impairments. This meticulously designed program incorporates specialized learning modules and assisted technologies, including the inclusion of sign language instructors, to enable effective learning and skill development.
MOSH, the brain health brand founded by Maria Shriver and her son Patrick Schwarzenegger, is heeding the calls from consumers for vegan options by introducing a trio of plant-based protein bars to its lineup.
The company’s foundational protein bar collection includes protein sourced from grass-fed whey and collagen. The latest additions to their lineup feature a unique blend of soy, pea, and pumpkin protein, complemented by fruity flavors. All MOSH bars are enriched with their distinctive brain-boosting combination of flaxseed, lion’s mane mushroom, vitamin B12, vitamin D3, and ashwagandha. Furthermore, a portion of sales contributes to Alzheimer’s research efforts.
“A lot of people have friends or family members who are plant-based,” said Mr. Schwarzenegger. “It’s obviously a large growing trend in the CPG category, specifically in the bar set, and it just allows us to cast a wider net with more individuals that we weren’t being able to hit with our grass-fed whey and collagen line. That was really the reasoning for it.”
In the realm of plant-based choices, MOSH offers delectable options such as banana bread and apple cinnamon oatmeal. These flavors draw inspiration from the indulgent breakfast experiences that are integral to many of the brand’s consumers’ daily routines, as noted by Mr. Schwarzenegger. Additionally, the peanut butter chocolate flavor, a favorite in the whey-based line, is available. Each serving boasts a remarkable 10 to 11 grams of protein, along with 7 to 8 grams of dietary fiber and just 1 gram of sugar.
Within the span of two years since its inception, MOSH has accumulated an impressive total of nearly $10 million in online sales.
“One of the reasons we launched direct-to-consumer is we really wanted to hear from customers, what they liked, what they didn’t like, what were the top reasons they purchased MOSH bars, why wouldn’t they come back, all these different things, and one of the most requested options was something plant-based and vegan,” Mr. Schwarzenegger said.
The company has recently secured $3 million in Series A funding to facilitate its nationwide retail expansion efforts. Presently, the brand’s products are available for purchase at Erewhon stores in Los Angeles.
“Our main goal is to take the product, get as much feedback as possible, build the team, build the strategy, and then next year go and execute,” Mr. Schwarzenegger said. “Right now, we’re in 9 stores. Next month we’re in 45 stores, and by the end of this year we’re in 50….
“We really want to build in our backyard, kind of an ‘inch deep, mile wide’ type of a thing, and really learn as much as we can before we put a bunch of fuel on the fire for retail.”
The new plant-based bars are available online exclusively at moshlife.com and on Amazon.com.
The Indian health and wellness startup, HealthifyMe, has unveiled a new AI-powered feature that can instantly identify Indian dishes from images, streamlining the process of logging calorie intake. This innovation enables users to monitor their meal consumption with greater efficiency.
Recognizing Indian dishes from images poses a significant challenge due to the extensive diversity in cuisines. Additionally, a considerable portion of the population consumes meals on a traditional plate called a “Thaali” in Hindi, which consists of multiple compartments with various food items. An effective model must accurately identify these items and assess portion sizes.
HealthifyMe has introduced a new feature named Snap, enabling users to capture images of their meals and attempt to identify the food items within the frame. Alternatively, users can grant access to their photo gallery, allowing the app to automatically scan food pictures. Later on, users can review these images and the food items within them, providing the flexibility to capture photos and manage calorie logging at a convenient time.
Regarding privacy, the company explains that the on-device model identifies food pictures and then transmits them to servers for precise dish recognition. Additionally, the company highlights that its gallery-based model performs more effectively since it has more time to accurately recognize food items compared to the option of capturing real-time meal pictures for recognition.
When the model identifies multiple items in an image, Snap will prompt users to tap on a specific item to add it to their calorie tracking. Users will have access to an adjustable rectangular box, allowing them to focus on different items for precise tracking.
According to HealthifyMe’s Co-Founder & CEO, Tushar Vashisht, the company initially began as a food-tracking app nearly 11 years ago, and this remains the main purpose for its free user base.
“It’s hard to engage with food tracking at times because you have to physically type and remember to log food. So we wanted to increase retention and engagement with a feature like Snap,” he said.
Vashisht mentioned that the startup had made attempts to incorporate image-based food recognition over the years. However, with the advancement of improved generative AI models, creating Snap became more streamlined. The company revealed that the feature is presently trained to identify 150,000 Indian food items.
HealthifyMe asserts that it currently provides a 60-70% accuracy rate in automatically recognizing food items. Even when the model doesn’t correctly identify a food item, users receive suggestions regarding the potential identification, according to the company. The company employs human reviewers to address inaccuracies in recognition and make corrections. Furthermore, users have the option to manually tag falsely recognized photos to enhance the model’s performance. Vashisht expressed confidence that within the next month, the model’s accuracy will surpass 80%.
HealthifyMe is not the only player in the field, as other companies are also diving into the realm of AI-powered food recognition. Samsung’s meal planning platform, Samsung Food, is set to unveil a similar feature next year. Additionally, Snapcalorie, a startup led by former Google Lens engineer Wade Norris, is tackling the same challenge with support from prominent investors such as Y Combinator, Index Ventures, and Accel.
In the coming weeks, HealthifyMe plans to expand its food logging options for users. With the introduction of Snap, users can now share food pictures with HealthifyMe via WhatsApp or tag them on X using food images. The company is also in the process of developing a voice input feature and enhancing its existing AI-powered assistant, Ria.
HealthifyMe, which has secured over $130 million in funding from investors such as LeapFrog Ventures and Khosla Ventures, offers a fundamental paid plan that begins at $4.80 (INR 399) per month. This plan grants users access to an AI-driven fitness and nutrition assistant, meal planning tools, and a selection of healthy recipes. Additionally, the company provides pro-paid plans starting at $48 per month (INR 4,000), which include advanced features like an AI-powered meal planner, personalized nutrition and fitness coaching, and integration with a smart scale.
The higher tiers of the Pro plans offer additional benefits, including multiple doctor consultations, metabolic panel tests, and access to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices. Notably, HealthifyMe has amassed a subscriber base of over 200,000 users, with nearly 40% of them choosing the Pro plan.
In 2020, HealthifyMe entered into a collaboration with the Indian food delivery service Swiggy to curate healthier meal options and identify fitness-conscious restaurants. The company is currently in discussions with several other food and grocery services, exploring opportunities to integrate its technology for their benefit.
The ICC World Cup 2023 is just weeks away, prompting teams to finalize their plans for reaching India, with some already on location to acclimate to the Indian conditions.
Similar to numerous cricket enthusiasts, a Swiggy food delivery executive based in Chennai had the chance to realize his aspirations. He became a member of the Netherlands support staff as a net bowler, according to a report by Times of India.
Lokesh Kumar, a 29-year-old with a background in the food delivery industry since 2018, was selected by the Dutch team as one of the four net bowlers.
According to the report, Lokesh was chosen by the Netherlands management after evaluating approximately 10,000 bowlers from India.
Taking to X, Cricket Netherlands wrote, “Thank you for the overwhelming response to our net bowlers hunt, India. Here are the 4 names who will be part of the team’s #CWC23 preparations. ? @ludimos”
Thank you for the overwhelming response to our net bowlers hunt, India. Here the 4 names who will be part of the team's #CWC23 preparations. ? @ludimospic.twitter.com/arLmtzICYH
Speaking on the selection, Lokesh said, as TOI quoted, “This is one of the most precious moments of my career. I am yet to even play in the TNCA third-division league. I played in the fifth division for four years and I have registered for fourth-division outfit Indian Oil (RO) S&RC for the ongoing season. After being picked by the Netherlands as a net bowler, I feel that my talent has finally been recognized.”
“The Netherlands team members welcomed me with open arms; there was an induction ceremony for the net bowlers before the beginning of the season. The players told us: ‘feel free, this is your dream’. I already feel that I am part of the Dutch family,” he added.
He even said that he was confident that he would make the cut for the camp.
Speaking on his struggle and work timings, he said, “After my college days, my entire focus was on cricket. I spent four years on cricket. In 2018, I decided to take up a job. I have been with Swiggy for the last four years. I earn money only by delivering food; I do not have any other source of income. The work timings are flexible and I can take leave whenever I want to. We usually have TNCA league matches only on the weekends, so O worl during the weekdays.”
Nestlé and Kellogg have collaborated to introduce two breakfast-inspired beverages under the Frosted Flakes and Eggo brands.
Nestlé Sensations Frosted Flakes’ cereal-infused milk captures the essence of frosted cornflakes, delivering a creamy dairy finale, according to the company. Simultaneously, Nestlé Sensations Eggo maple waffle-inspired milk is brimming with hints of warm waffles, butter, and maple syrup.
Meaghan Sparkman, Nestlé USA general manager and marketing director for the RTD business unit, said, “Breakfast is synonymous with cereal and waffles, and fans will be able to shake up their morning routine with a drinkable way to enjoy the taste of both. Inspired by two Kellogg classics, Nestlé Sensations Frosted Flakes Cereal and Sensations Eggo Maple Waffle combine the magic of childhood meals with the delicious flavour of our iconic milk beverages, delivering a delightful taste to our fans nationwide.”
Both items will be accessible at retail outlets across the country, offered at a cost of $2.59 for a 14oz bottle.
The debut of Sensations Frosted Flakes is slated for November, while Sensations Eggo is set to hit store shelves beginning in January 2024.
A controversy flared up on Thursday as numerous social media users leveled allegations of overpricing against Swiggy. Nevertheless, the prominent foodtech company asserted that no customer had been subjected to overcharges and attributed the problem to a technical glitch.
“We confirm no customers have been overcharged and they have paid the correct amount. This was due to a tech bug, which we have fixed. We continue to deliver thousands of orders every minute to our customers,” a Swiggy spokesperson said.
The issue came to attention when a user posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) to report that Swiggy had levied an extra INR 3 during their food order through the app.
Deepak Shenoy, the Founder and CEO of the wealth management startup Capitalmind, also brought attention to the identical problem. He pointed out that although his bill amounted to INR 255.6, he was provided with a bill of INR 259.
Meanwhile, numerous other users went online to voice their concerns, denouncing the incident as a contemporary form of fraud.
Amidst the uproar, Swiggy issued a clarification stating that the order history page of users displayed incorrect discount amounts due to the technical bug. The company further assured that customers had paid the accurate amounts during the checkout process and were not subjected to overcharges.
“Some users may note incorrect discount amounts in their order history page. However, users have actually paid as per the prescribed discount amount during the checkout. Customers have paid the correct amount. This discrepancy in order history and actual paid value is due to a tech bug which our teams have fixed,” said Swiggy on X.
Even Shenoy later acknowledged that the problem “might just be” a display error, as the platform fee of INR 5 was discounted to INR 2 in his bill, thus explaining the remaining amount.
In the midst of this, users also expressed apprehensions regarding the rounding-off mechanism employed by the foodtech platform. In response, the company explained that it “rounded off the billed amount to the nearest whole amount as per the directives from the RBI to minimize any inconvenience to the public and to align with the established banking industry practice.”
The matter arises at a juncture when both Swiggy and its competitor, Zomato, have recently introduced platform fees of INR 2-3 as part of their efforts to bolster their earnings and enhance their financial performance.
Technology is the driving factor behind growth and scalability in today’s fast-paced corporate world. Whether you’re a startup wanting to scale or an established brand looking to expand, including the correct technology into your operations is crucial.
Cloud Computing
Embracing cloud computing, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud, is paramount for scaling your brand. Cloud infrastructure provides flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. It enables your business to expand or contract resources on-demand, ensuring you only pay for what you use.
Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
Harnessing the power of data analytics and business intelligence tools can unlock invaluable insights. These technologies allow you to analyze customer behavior, market trends, and operational efficiency. Implement solutions like Tableau, Power BI, or Google Analytics to make data-driven decisions and optimize your strategies.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems
Building and nurturing customer relationships is at the core of growth. CRM systems like Salesforce, HubSpot, or Zoho CRM help you manage interactions, track leads, and personalize communication. These tools enhance customer engagement, leading to higher retention rates and increased sales.
E-commerce Platforms
If your business involves selling products online, choosing the right e-commerce platform is vital. Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento offer customizable solutions that streamline the online shopping experience, manage inventory, and handle transactions efficiently.
Marketing Automation
Marketing automation tools like Marketo, Mailchimp, or HubSpot Marketing Hub empower your brand to deliver targeted and personalized marketing campaigns at scale. Automate email marketing, lead nurturing, and customer segmentation to reach the right audience with the right message.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
AI and machine learning are transforming businesses across industries. Implement AI-driven solutions to enhance customer service through chatbots, optimize supply chain management, and analyze large datasets for predictive insights. AI technologies can automate tasks, save time, and improve decision-making.
Cybersecurity Solutions
As your brand scales, so does the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Protect your business from cyber threats with tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint security solutions. Prioritize data privacy to maintain customer trust.
Collaboration and Communication Tools
Effective teamwork is essential for growth. Collaboration and communication tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom facilitate remote work, streamline project management, and improve internal communication. They enable teams to work seamlessly across geographic boundaries.
In today’s competitive business landscape, technology is the linchpin of growth and scalability. By embracing cloud computing, leveraging data analytics, nurturing customer relationships with CRM systems, and employing automation and AI technologies, your brand can efficiently expand its reach and offerings. Additionally, cybersecurity measures, e-commerce platforms, and collaboration tools ensure your operations remain secure and agile.
To stay ahead in the digital era, it’s imperative to adapt to the ever-evolving tech-driven landscape. Continuously assess your technology stack, invest in innovation, and align your brand’s growth strategy with the right technologies. By doing so, your brand can not only scale efficiently but also thrive in the rapidly changing business environment.
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.
