Yet, amidst the glitter and shine of modernity, there’s a quiet shift happening. More and more, people are seekingspaces that offerserenity—a return to thenatural.

The narrative of growth in India’s retail sector is no longer confined to its major metropolitan centres.

According to one digital analytic platform 41 percent restaurants don't ever make any store level profitability and shut down within three years of opening.

The city’s emphasis on developing world-class infrastructure has made it an attractive location for setting up both retail outlets and production facilities.

Biryani has firmly established itself as the most-ordered dish on Swiggy, amassing an impressive 7.6 crore orders in the last 12 months.

Whenever I come back to India my heart is filled with joy and happiness to see how the hospitality industry is growing and progressing.

West Bengal has received investment proposals worth INR 2000 crore in the food processing sector.

This growth in the F&B sector will not only cater to the increasing number of visitors but also enhance the overall appeal of Jaipur as a vibrant and dynamic tourist destination.

Instead of a full-scale overhaul, Indian QSRs could implement digital solutions gradually, starting with mobile ordering and loyalty programs, allowing for smoother transitions and customer adaptation.

The transformation of marketing in Indian restaurants is a testament to the power of digital strategies and data-driven insights.

Restaurant India spoke to the culinary experts and enthusiasts to observe what culinary revolution lies ahead.

According to reports, 1,400 new restaurants have opened in the city over the past six years, cutting across various price points and formats.

The burgeoning trend of theme restaurants is reshaping India's hospitality scene, offering diners not just a meal but an immersive experience.

This push for healthier eating isn't just happening in restaurants. Online food businesses like FreshMenu and Grow Fit are popping up to meet people's demands for food that's good for them.

Regular and thorough training sessions are essential for preparing staff to handle emergencies effectively, yet many establishments cut corners, viewing such training as an expendable cost.

It is crucial to emphasize efficiency and optimisation in operations to maximize cost margins.

A recent Nielsen study revealed that 73% of Gen Z respondents consider sustainability when making purchasing decisions, and 69% are willing to pay more for ethically sourced products.

As trends evolve and guest preferences shift, hotels must remain agile and innovative.

This trust has shifted marketing budgets, with 73 percent now allocated to nano, micro, and mid-tier influencers due to their relatability and audience trust levels.

An impactful innovation in this realm involves the integration of indoor gardens and vertical farming systems into restaurant interiors.

The utilization of data analytics is playing a pivotal role in personalizing the customer experience.

According to a report by Skift, job postings in the restaurant sector have seen a remarkable 66 percent increase from June 2022 to June 2023.

By analyzing customer data, restaurants can send personalized promotions and discounts to individuals based on their past preferences and behavior, enticing them to return.

Amid these challenges, culinary experts are finding innovative ways to manage their costs without compromising on quality.

Traditional paper menus have become outdated and interactive digital displays, allowing customers to browse through a visually appealing and user-friendly interface have gained preference and popularity.

In recent years, the Indian food and beverage industry has experienced a roller-coaster ride, especially for mid-scale restaurants with investments ranging from 5 lac to 25 lac.

Nightlife business has undergone significant alterations and evolved dramatically, largely thanks to social media.

The improved connectivity and increased footfall along highways have provided a conducive environment for restaurants to expand their operations.

The Indian restaurant industry has witnessed rapid growth, both domestically and internationally, with establishments embracing technology to cater to a wide range of customer preferences.

As stated in the Godrej Food Trend Report 2023, the prevalence of pop-up events in the culinary world is not a passing trend but a lasting phenomenon.

We've already crossed the 600 crore business and on the verge of hitting 700 crores in the next couple of months.

Chekuri, together with his business partner Mitesh Patel lead the deal as they aim for 150 outlets in the next 5 years across several US cities.

With the rise of digital platforms and social media, advertising has become more accessible and widespread. However, this raises the question of whether there should be a regularisation of restaurant ads in India. 

The vintage decor wave sweeping through Indian restaurants can be attributed to a collective yearning for nostalgia.

With disposable income on the rise, people are willing to spend on food that appeals to their taste buds.

According to Oracle's Restaurant Scene 2022 global survey, 87% of consumers said that transparency from restaurants about their sustainability initiatives is essential.

Several food tech companies are using AI in food production for increasing on-demand meals, personal chefs, and grocery and food delivery services.

With the launch of stand-alone restaurant Lupa, Chef Manu Chandra plans to put the hospitality and generosity back into fine dining experience.

Independent restaurants closed an average of 7.5 hours a week more in 2022 than in 2019.

In an exclusive Chef Vaibhav Bhargava, Partner, CHO- Vietnamese Kitchen & Bar, New Delhi talks about local sourced ingredients, freshness of foods

In an interaction with Retailer Magazine, Varun Kapur and Karan Kapur, Executive Directors, K Hospitality talks about celebrating the culinary legacy of 50 years and expansion plan:

Here are the top 8 key takeaways from Restaurant India Bengaluru Show...

Another factor contributing to the viability of operating a breakfast-focused restaurant in India is the increasing number of tourists visiting the country.

 The attention to minutest details and focus on constant improvement has been our area of focus.

Tim Hortons had entered the Indian market in August 2022 as part of an exclusive agreement with a joint venture entity owned by Apparel Group and Gateway Partners.

Many theme-based restaurants in India have been able to tap into the country's rich cultural heritage, by creating concepts and designs inspired by traditional Indian architecture, art, and folklore.

According to Bhamidipaty, by 2024, Roastea anticipate having 2500 vending machines and 30 cafes and kiosks in about 23 cities and 10 states.

In fact, in 2022, over 6,29,000 people across 228 countries joined the movement. This is a record and testament to people's will to change and adopt sustainable practices.

Indian Fish Market was valued at INR 1,224.3 billion, By the year 2025, it is estimated that this industry will grow to INR 2180 billion.

Reportedly, the Indian ice cream industry was valued at approximately Rs.19400 crores in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.5% between 2023-2028 driven by the expanding consumer demand for exotic flavours.

There have been concerns about how the rise of digital transactions has made it simpler for restaurants to alter prices swiftly (and menu items).

Similar to Berco's business model, NAO plans to grow systematically and expand to multiple locations in order to become a household name just like Berco's.

The app marketplace is extremely crowded and building awareness and getting users to download your app is hard.

According to a recent survey by RestaurantDive, 65 percent of consumers prefer local restaurants over chains.

Indian cuisine fits better with Middle Eastern cuisine due to the common presence of spices and stronger flavours.

South Delhi Mayor Anamika had also commented that the health trade licence is issued online for ease of doing business and there is no interference by any officer.

At a time when restaurants had an unprecedented focus on careful spending while also having to drive much needed sales, many brands realized that an over-reliance on discounts was detrimental.

While women make up around 50 percent of the population, only 20 percent of f&b and small businesses in India are owned by women.

In the next three years, the QSR market is pegged to reach INR 827.63 billion because the model has shifted from an affordable format to comfort food.

There is no doubt that by adopting IoT, the food and beverage industry can run to its highest potential by achieving high levels of food safety, improve traceability etc.