WebinarsNew
Deep DiveNew
Explore Business Standard
Restaurants
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) currently has around 70 valid licences for open dining spaces, even as nearly 1,500 restaurants and cafes are estimated to be operating such spaces across the city, officials said. Officials and restaurant associations attributed the low number of valid licences largely to the high cost of obtaining and renewing permits. According to MCD data, applications under the open dining policy have increased over the years after the policy was introduced in 2022. The figure dipped marginally to 202 in 2024-25 before climbing to 329 in 2025-26, the highest since the policy was introduced. In the current financial year, 150 licences have been issued so far. However, the officials said the higher number of applications has not translated into an increase in valid licences, as many establishments either do not complete the licensing process or fail to renew their permits after expiry due to the high fee. The MCD charges Rs 200 per square foot for open ..
Restaurants and eateries across Maharashtra are now required to clearly inform customers whether the "paneer" served in dishes is genuine cottage cheese or a substitute, officials said on Friday. The state Food and Drug Administration's March 20 directive, which came into effect on Thursday, was issued to ensure transparency and prevent consumers from being misled by the use of cheaper non-dairy alternatives instead of paneer. As per the directive, all food businesses, including restaurants, hotels, caterers and fast-food outlets, must explicitly disclose the use of substitutes, commonly known as cheese analogues, on their menus, bills and display boards, an official said. Manufacturers and suppliers have also been directed to label such products accurately, he said, adding that action will be taken against violators under food safety laws. Paneer is a product made entirely from milk, while a cheese analogue is prepared using edible oils, starch and emulsifiers. Though such ...
US-headquartered private equity firm Siguler Guff has invested USD 40 million (approximately Rs 380 crore) in Trimex Foods, an Indian restaurant franchise operator for global brands like Chilli's Grill & Bar, PAUL and Cinnabon, a joint statement said on Wednesday. This strategic partnership represents Trimex's first institutional capital raise and seeks to help accelerate the company's pan-India expansion of its existing brand portfolio, as well as onboard new global brands. Founded in 2010, Trimex operates over 50 restaurants and bakery-cafes across 13 cities in India. "India's food services sector is undergoing a structural shift as consumers increasingly gravitate toward globally recognised dining experiences," said Shaun Khubchandani, Partner and Co-Portfolio Manager, Siguler Guff. A spokesperson for Trimex Foods said, "Siguler Guff's global expertise and their track record of partnering with consumer businesses in emerging markets make them a great partner for our next phase .
The supply of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to commercial establishments in Maharashtra has been increased by 20 per cent, state Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has said, offering relief to restaurants and eateries. The government has decided to ease PNG distribution to businesses, the minister said on Sunday. "From March 23, until further notice, commercial PNG supply has been increased by 20 per cent," he added. With this, supply to the commercial sector will rise to 50 per cent. Restaurant and eateries were hit after the war in West Asia broke out, as it impacted the supply of commercial cooking gas. Several food joints have been forced to suspend operations due to the gas supply disruptions. The conflict involving US-Israel and Iran has led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the main transit route for Gulf energy supplies. Bhujbal said the PNG distribution to commercial establishments, ever since the crisis hit, was initially raised to 20 per cent, followed by