With this expansion, Burger Singh strengthens its nationwide footprint, which now stands at over 200 outlets across 100+ cities in India. The brand has built its identity on serving distinctly Indian flavours through a quintessentially Western format, offering products crafted for the Indian palate at accessible price points. 

Bengaluru’s growth trajectory stands apart from every other market Burger Singh currently operates in. While most cities have scaled steadily over multiple years, Bengaluru’s 8 outlets have driven a level of engagement that has pushed the brand to fast-track its rollout here well ahead of schedule, with 5 outlets opening in the next month.

The city’s momentum was on full display in November 2025, when Burger Singh’s Big Singh Feast activation served 3,300+ free meals in a single day across Sarjapur, HSR Layout and BTM Layout, powered by 15,000+ sign-ups — footfall that on-ground marketers compared to blockbuster movie openings and top-tier tech product drops. 

Commenting on the expansion, Nitin Rana, Co-founder, Burger Singh, said, “Every market teaches you something about pace, and Bengaluru has taught us to move faster than we’ve ever moved before. Going from 8 outlets to 80 isn’t incremental growth; it’s a scale-up unlike anything we’ve done in any other city, and we’re doing it because Bengaluru has earned the speed. This is now officially our fastest-growing market in the country, and with another 100 more outlets planned across Karnataka, we’re backing that momentum with real commitment, not just ambition.”

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Located in one of West Bengal’s busiest urban hubs, the new outlet is perfectly positioned to cater to a diverse consumer base of students, working professionals, and families. With Howrah’s impressive footfall, evolving consumer habits and close ties to Kolkata make it a smart addition to Burger Singh’s regional growth roadmap.

With this launch, Burger Singh continues to expand its presence in Eastern India, a region that has shown strong traction for the brand’s flavour-forward, India-centric menu. The outlet will serve the brand’s signature range of burgers, including bestsellers like Nikku Singh, Churmur Pandey, Chunky Paneer Pandey, Amritsari Murgh Makhani and many more, delivering the same loved taste and quality the brand is known for nationwide.

Speaking on the expansion, PV Bhargav, Chief of Staff, Burger Singh said, “We’re seeing strong momentum for our brand across Eastern India, and Howrah is a natural extension of that growth. As a dense and evolving market, it offers the right mix of demand and scalability. Our focus remains on expanding in cities where we can build both strong consumer connect and sustainable unit economics.”

West Bengal offers long-term potential for up to 80 additional outlets, driven by strong demand across both metro and non-metro markets. Within the state, Kolkata remains a key focus area, where the brand currently operates 3 outlets and sees potential to add up to 20 more outlets across prominent neighbourhoods and high-footfall commercial zones in the coming years.

Burger Singh scales efficiently, creating a robust platform for structured restaurant growth through its franchise-first model. The low-capex, high-efficiency formats allow for swift market entry. With this launch, Burger Singh now operates 6 outlets across West Bengal, reinforcing the state’s importance in the brand’s eastern India growth strategy.

Currently, the brand runs more than 200 outlets across 100+ cities in India and continues to scale rapidly through its owner-partner franchise model. Following its recent Series B fundraise, the brand is further strengthening its expansion pipeline and investing in building a more structured and scalable franchise ecosystem across markets.

With the Howrah outlet now operational, the brand continues its journey of building a nationwide QSR network that celebrates bold Indian flavours, accessible pricing, and smart, sustainable growth.

The post Burger Singh Expands in West Bengal with New Howrah Outlet appeared first on Business of Food.

The company plans to deploy the fresh capital to strengthen its franchise-driven growth strategy. Key focus areas include enhancing store design, upgrading training systems, and building more robust supply chain and technology capabilities to support scale.

Burger Singh is positioning itself as a franchise-first QSR platform, aiming to create a more standardized and scalable ecosystem for partners and operators across India.

The latest funding comes at a time when the brand is expanding rapidly in a highly competitive quick-service restaurant market, with a strong emphasis on widening its national footprint through franchising.

For FY25, the company reported Rs 117 crore in revenue, reflecting steady traction across both metro and Tier II/III markets.

The post Burger Singh raises ₹82 crore to accelerate franchise-led expansion appeared first on Business of Food.

Andheri, one of Mumbai’s most vibrant commercial and residential neighbourhoods, aligns well with Burger Singh’s strategy of targeting high-footfall locations that cater to young professionals, families, and students. Reflecting the city’s preference for bold, flavour-forward food, the new outlet will serve Burger Singh’s signature desi burgers, combining familiar Indian spices and ingredients with the speed and consistency of the QSR format.

Mumbai’s fast-paced lifestyle and cosmopolitan palate make it a key market for Burger Singh’s flavour-led offerings. The brand continues to adapt its menu to suit evolving consumer preferences in the city, blending traditional Indian taste profiles with contemporary burger formats.

With this launch, Burger Singh now operates 12 outlets across Maharashtra, reinforcing the state’s importance in the brand’s western India growth strategy. Maharashtra offers long-term potential for up to 200 additional outlets, driven by strong demand across both metro and non-metro markets. Within the state, Greater Mumbai remains a key focus area, where the brand currently operates 2 outlets and sees potential to add up to 70 more outlets across prominent neighbourhoods and high-footfall commercial zones in the coming years.

“We aren’t just bringing another burger to Mumbai; we are bringing a flavor revolution that is unapologetically and truly Indian. While the world was busy replicating the West, we doubled down on the Masala, the soul, and the spice that India loves. At Burger Singh, our products aren’t just items on a menu; they are personified characters with unique names and distinct personalities that resonate with our customers”, said PV Bhargav, Chief of Staff. “Western India is our next big bet. We believe the potential in Maharashtra is so massive that the state alone can eventually support more outlets than our entire current national footprint. This expansion is more than just opening stores; it’s a massive opportunity for budding entrepreneurs in Mumbai to partner with a disruptive, home-grown brand and finally be their own boss in one of the world’s most vibrant food markets.”

As part of its expansion in Maharashtra, Burger Singh also plans to generate employment opportunities, with a target to hire over 1200 employees across its existing and upcoming outlets in the city, contributing to local job creation and operational growth.

With this launch, Burger Singh continues to build on its momentum, supported by a strong product-market fit across tier 1 cities as well as tier 2 and tier 3 markets. The brand’s expansion is driven by a franchise-led model and a consistent focus on operational discipline and scalability.

The post Burger Singh expands Mumbai footprint with launch of new Andheri outlet appeared first on Business of Food.

Instituted by IMAGES Group, the Food Service Awards honour the continuing evolution of India’s restaurant ecosystem, from fine dining and cafés to QSRs and cloud kitchens,  spotlighting those who have redefined how India eats, connects, and experiences food.

This year’s winners reflected the diversity and dynamism of the sector. Taco Bell was recognised for its exceptional business transformation, Burger Singh and Kenangan Coffee for market expansion, and Chai Point for excellence in customer experience. Social stood out with dual honours in innovation and employee practices, while Rameshwaram Café took home the award for viral growth story. Culinary icons including Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Chef Saransh Goila, and Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi were honoured for their contributions to Indian gastronomy and global culinary culture.

List of Awardees

IMAGES MOST ADMIRED CLOUD KITCHEN OF THE YEAR
TRU FALAFEL

IMAGES MOST ADMIRED FOOD COURT OF THE YEAR
NEXUS AHMEDABAD ONE

IMAGES MOST ADMIRED BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION / TURNAROUND SUCCESS STORY OF THE YEAR
TACO BELL

IMAGES MOST ADMIRED RETAILER OF THE YEAR: CUSTOMER ACQUISITION, EXPERIENCE & SERVICE
CHAI POINT

IMAGES MOST ADMIRED RETAILER OF THE YEAR: EMPLOYEE PRACTICES
SOCIAL EATIA

IMAGES MOST ADMIRED RETAILER OF THE YEAR: INNOVATION IN MENU DESIGN, DISPLAY & PRESENTATION
SOCIAL

IMAGES MOST ADMIRED RETAILER OF THE YEAR: MARKET EXPANSION
BURGER SINGH — For 360° Market Expansion
KENANGAN COFFEE — For New Market Entry
THE BELGIAN WAFFLE CO — For Growth in Trading Density

IMAGES MOST ADMIRED RETAILER OF THE YEAR: MARKETING & PROMOTIONS
TFS: Durga Puja Campaign — For Festival Sales Campaign
COPPER CHIMNEY: Chai Tapri Tales — For Digital Campaign

IMAGES MOST ADMIRED RETAILER OF THE YEAR: UNIQUE FORMAT / SPECIALITY
EL&N LONDON

IMAGES MOST ADMIRED LAUNCH OF THE YEAR
ARMANI / CAFFÈ, JIO World Plaza, Mumbai — For West
LONDON WAFFLE COMPANY, Phoenix Marketcity, Chennai — For South
STREET BURGER BY GORDON RAMSAY, IGI Airport, Delhi — For North
MAD OVER DONUTS, Salt Lake, Kolkata — For East

IMAGES MOST ADMIRED RETAILER OF THE YEAR: SINGLE OUTLET WITH HIGHEST YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH
DARYAGANJ RESTAURANT, Aerocity, Delhi

IMAGES Excellence Awards

IMAGES MOST ADMIRED MAVERICK CULINARY MAESTRO
Chef Saransh Goila, Co-founder, Goila Butter Chicken

IMAGES MOST ADMIRED CULINARY POP ICON
Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi

IMAGES MOST ADMIRED SPECIALITY QSR FOODPRENEUR
Gaurav Kanwar, Founder, Harajuku Tokyo Café

IMAGES MOST ADMIRED LEGACY FUSION BRAND
Tibb’s Frankie

IMAGES MOST ADMIRED TRADITIONAL HERITAGE BRAND
Thalappakatti Biriyani

IMAGES MOST ADMIRED VIRAL GROWTH STORY
Rameshwaram Café

IMAGES MOST ADMIRED EXPERIENTIAL SOCIAL DESTINATION
Café Delhi Heights

IMAGES MOST ADMIRED SPECIALITY FOREIGN CUISINE DESTINATION
Burma Burma

IMAGES MOST ADMIRED FOREIGN CUISINE DESTINATION
Mizu Izakaya

India’s Culinary Envoy to the World
Padma Shri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor

The post PepsiCo Adrenaline Rush IMAGES Food Service Awards 2025 celebrate India’s culinary innovators appeared first on Business of Food.

At the consumer level, the reforms are unambiguous: eating, cooking and grooming just got cheaper. From parathas to shampoo, from butter to biscuits, households will feel immediate relief in their monthly baskets. Analysts expect that if brands pass on the full benefits, discretionary demand could surge in the run-up to Navratri and Diwali, creating one of the strongest quarters for FMCG in recent years.

Key GST Reforms for FMCG & F&B

• Staples now tax-free (0%): chapatis, rotis, parathas, packaged paneer, UHT milk, khakhra, pizza bread.
• Personal care at 5% GST: hair oil, shampoo, toothpaste, shaving creams, toiletries.
• Dairy at 5% GST: butter, ghee, cheese, spreads.
• Processed foods & snacks at 5% GST: namkeens, biscuits, sugar confectionery, jam, fruit jellies, tender coconut water, beverages containing milk, ice-cream.
• Baby and household products at 5% GST: diapers, napkins, feeding bottles, utensils.
• Inflation impact: consumer inflation may soften by up to 1.1 percentage points, creating headroom for stronger consumption.

With the recent GST overhaul setting the tone for tax reforms, it’s a pivotal moment to assess its implications for the FMCG and F&B sector. Below are insights and perspectives from industry experts, highlighting their views on how the revised rates will influence consumption patterns, pricing strategies, and overall market sentiment. From expectations of stronger rural demand to sharper competitive play among large and emerging brands, these outlooks capture the sector’s anticipation of how the policy rollout will translate into on-ground impact.

Bhuvaneswari Nara, Vice Chairperson & Managing Director, Heritage Foods

“The GST recalibration for India’s dairy industry is very welcome and timely. Moving everyday staples like paneer to the 0% slab, and ghee, butter, and cheese from 12% to 5%, will have a broad impact, as these categories touch nearly 100% of Indian households.

Not only do these essentials lighten the monthly grocery bill, but the reforms also help high-quality, branded products compete effectively with unorganized and unregulated producers. This shift strengthens formal supply chains, builds consumer trust, and supports more nutritious diets. Dairy products such as paneer, butter, and ghee are staples in every Indian kitchen, yet rising prices have forced many families to switch to cheaper substitutes that lack similar nutritional value.

In light of this, we at Heritage Foods are happy to announce that we shall be passing on the full benefits of these reforms to our consumers, helping boost the festive mood in our markets. We are also working with our partners and distributors to manage the transition smoothly and will be looking to ramp up capacity to capture the expected market expansion. We are also working closely with our distributors and retail partners to manage the transition smoothly and effectively.”

Paresh Parekh, Partner & National Leader for Tax – Consumer Products and Retail Sector, EY India

“GST reforms and rate rationalisation for consumer and retail sector, including everyday household daily items, FMCG goods,  electronics etc. is an extremely needed, welcome, timely, and bold move from Government.
 
The tax cuts are expected to directly lower consumer prices, offering significant relief to households, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where FMCG spending is sensitive.   For smaller product packs, companies may offer more quantity instead of reduced prices, passing value to consumers in a different form. The reform is widely expected to revive consumption demand, especially during the festive season, as daily-use goods become more affordable. Businesses estimate observable impact across domestic and rural markets, unlocking growth in packaged food, personal care, and staples.
 
Additionally, administrative measures such as faster three-day GST registrations for non-risky businesses and a 7-day refund window for export-oriented sectors — including textiles — are expected to significantly ease compliance and cash flow issues.
 
Faster refund processing, especially for exporters, will alleviate liquidity constraints common in the textile supply chain, helping in smoother operations and timely production. Garments and footwear priced up to Rs. 2,500 have been moved to the 5% slab, down from previous 12% or 28% rates—an immediate boost to affordability. While budget items enjoy relief, the decision to impose 18% GST on garments above Rs. 2,500 has drawn some concern. Industry players argue this could hurt middle-class consumers and handcrafted apparel segments like wedding attire and winter wear, potentially undermining the gains from simplification.

FMCG Distributors will have to evaluate potential supply-chain disruptions and may expect the government to issue clear guidelines on pricing and input tax credit (ITC) during the transition. Without structured guidance, benefits may not uniformly reach retailers or consumers, and outdated stock at previous tax rates may complicate compliance and margin flows.
 
The next steps for businesses is to quickly analyse,  where and on which products precisely rate reduction/revision has happened, and whether and where they are sitting with huge ITC (input credits) on capital goods, etc.
 
Also, businesses should analyse where possibly “Incentives clawback” may reduce where there is a rate reduction and incentives are linked to GST rates.”

Jitin Makkar, Senior Vice President & Group Head, Corporate Sector Ratings, ICRA Limited

“The GST rate cut on key FMCG categories is expected to stimulate consumption, at a time when demand impulses, particularly in urban markets, have lost sheen. Lower shelf prices on everyday essentials such as packaged foods, personal care items, and household products will likely drive volume growth and improve consumer sentiment. For companies, this could translate into higher throughput and better inventory turnover, especially ahead of the festive season. If demand accelerates, it will also benefit allied sectors such as packaging, distribution, and retail networks. While companies will need to manage competitive pricing and margin dynamics, the real benefit lies in expanding market penetration and accelerating demand recovery.”

Retailers Association of India (RAI)

Positive Developments 

RAI appreciates the removal of the inverted duty structure across the textile value chain, which brings much-needed clarity, balance, and predictability to the industry. 

Key Concerns Raised by RAI 

Despite the positive changes, RAI has highlighted some concerns regarding specific  categories and structural issues: 

Structural Flaws in Price-Based GST Slabs 

RAI strongly recommends moving to a flat GST rate across product categories rather  than relying on price-based thresholds, which: 

• Create distortions and promote grey market activity 

• Lead to misreporting and compliance challenges 

• Harm organised retail, especially for mid- and premium-priced products

• Discourage domestic manufacturing, undermining Make in India 

• Create artificial barriers that force consumers to downgrade instead of expanding natural demand.

Harsh Vardhan Gupta, Co-Founder & CEO – India, MatchLog Solutions

“The GST relief on freight and carriage services is a decisive boost for the logistics sector. Bringing down the tax rates will ease operating costs for transporters, exporters, and fleet operators, making cargo movement more efficient across the country. It also creates the right environment for faster adoption of digital and technology-led models that can optimize turnaround times and reduce inefficiencies in the supply chain. At MatchLog, we believe this move will act as a strong catalyst in scaling smarter, greener, and more sustainable logistics solutions, aligning well with India’s broader push towards supply chain modernization and decarbonization.”

Deepak Jolly, Chairperson, The Indian Food & Beverage Association (IFBA)

“This move is set to be a great boom for the food sector, driving growth, affordability, and innovation. It will also create new opportunities for startups, simplifying compliance and giving young F&B entrepreneurs the confidence to scale their ideas. At the same time, this reform will benefit the wider food industry as well as healthcare, by making nutritious, safe, and convenient products more affordable and accessible to millions of Indian families.”

IFBA and its team have been working on the barriers of growth for the food industry and have represented the case for food product categories on the strength of ‘Research Based’ narratives to assert with several stakeholders across the country who were a part of either “The GST Fitment Committee” or ‘The GST Council’ for GST Rationalisation for the F&B industry. Building on insights from IFBA’s February 2024 Landscape Study of the Breakfast Cereals Sector, which underscored affordability and accessibility challenges, the Association sees this move as a direct response to long-standing calls for lower taxes on cereals, supporting wider access, formalisation, and responsible growth of India’s packaged foods ecosystem.”

Simranjeet Singh, Director, CYK Hospitalities

“The GST rationalisation represents an uplifting change for any startup or emerging brand in the F&B industry, as it promises an easier working life. Up until now, the multiplicity of tax slabs has posed serious troubles for the young entrepreneurs to construct a transparent price structure, to remain in compliance, and to contend with such buying customers who are cost-conscious. Two slabs with 5% for essentials and 18% for anything else enhance the clarity of choice when operating a new venture and deciding on product mix and expansion strategy. Greater transparency reduces compliance costs and gives confidence to investors in scalable F&B models. The product on a lower slab is beneficial for startups, as cheaper products create demand for QSR concepts, cloud kitchens, and packaged foods, whereas premium concepts purchase on the higher slab. Thus, by way of creativity, the reform empowers the ecosystem through ingenuity, credibility, and promising avenues of growth for entrenched players as well as burgeoning entrepreneurs.”

Abhay Parnerkar, CEO, Godrej Foods Ltd.

“The decision to reduce GST on products like frozen foods, meats, and to exempt Indian breads altogether, is a progressive move that strengthens both consumer confidence and industry momentum. Lower taxation will translate into greater affordability, increased consumption, and broader opportunities for the food sector to expand reach and invest in new product development. Importantly, these measures will also reinforce value creation across the farm-to-fork ecosystem by boosting farmer incomes, improving processing efficiency, and widening retail access. Together, they highlight the government’s commitment to building a resilient and future-ready food economy for India.”

Vikram Marwaha, Joint Managing Director, DRRK Foods

“The recent reduction in GST on essentials such as soaps, oils for hair etc (from 12-18% to 5%) is a welcome relief for households that are able to afford some daily items and as this measure promotes savings particularly in the rural and semi-urban areas. With the festive season just around, this action could trigger consumer sentiment moving more readily to an uptick in FMCG demand.

At DRRK Foods, we see this as an opportunity to have essentials, including basmati rice, more in the hands of consumers, while being committed to quality and trust in the organised retail. Our best estimate is that consumers can expect an effective price decline for these essential goods of circa 7-13% which is considerable in terms of household savings.”

Dushyant Singh, Founder, Coffee Sutra

“As someone closely involved in India’s coffee journey, I thank our Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, and view GST 2.0 as a real turning point for our industry. Bringing GST on coffee and food bills down to 5% is not just a fiscal reform but also a structural boost that addresses some of the biggest hurdles specialty roasters and cafés like Coffee Sutra face. Coffee, which once began as a lifestyle product, has steadily transformed into a household essential. From morning brews at home to café culture across cities, the love for coffee has grown tremendously. By reducing the GST, more people will now have the opportunity to explore and enjoy better quality coffee at a fairer price. Today’s customer is informed, aware, and values what goes into their cup. With this tax reform, introducing them to freshly roasted, farm-sourced, and well-crafted coffee becomes even easier. It empowers both consumers and businesses, as consumers get value, and coffee brands gain the chance to reach a wider audience. GST 2.0 is a welcome step that combines affordability, accessibility, and growth, providing the momentum India’s coffee industry needs right now.”

Meenakshi Kumarr, Founder, Roots Café by Rural Mitra

“The two-slab shift through the new GST reform of 5% and 18% seems like a positive step towards simplicity as well as transparency. As someone working in the food, café, and hospitality space, I see this reform as a welcome step towards simplification and transparency. It will reduce confusion for both businesses and consumers, especially small entrepreneurs like us who often struggle with compliance and price balancing. This consistency will assist small business owners in creating menus, determining reasonable meal costs, along with increasing focus on providing consumers with an improved experience.

However, the government must keep in mind regarding the small business owners to ensure that the essential categories, especially those that are centered on sustainable and farm-to-table initiatives, are not severely impacted.

This strategy will ensure that the new changes foster innovation in addition to enhancing operations, promoting ethical sourcing, and assisting business owners who are working to significantly transform India’s food and hospitality sector.”

Ajaypal Rathore, Chief Finance Officer, Burger Singh

“The revision in GST rates is a welcome step for India Inc. This move is expected to boost demand, help curb inflation, reduce the tax burden across the supply chain, and should significantly lower disputes related to applicable tax rates. At this stage, limited information is available in the public domain, so it would be premature to quantify the financial impact of the GST rate revisions on businesses. However, it is widely expected that products in the Food and Beverages category will become more affordable and accessible.”

Vikrant Batra, Co-Founder, Café Delhi Heights

“As a committed member of the restaurant industry and founder of a homegrown brand, I sincerely appreciate the recent GST reforms introduced by the Government of India. These measures are undoubtedly a step in the right direction and reflect the government’s intent to ease financial pressure on households. They promote affordability and are aligned with broader public interest.

However, from the perspective of the restaurant sector, the reforms offer only limited relief. While we welcome the rationalization of rates, the absence of provisions around Input Tax Credit continues to be a missed opportunity. For restaurants, especially in the standalone and mid tier space, the denial of ITC impacts margins and restricts the ability to reinvest in operations, innovation, and growth.

That said, we remain encouraged by the government’s ongoing engagement with the industry. We hope that future reforms will take into consideration the specific needs of the F&B sector and create a more enabling ecosystem for sustainable development.”

Deepak Sahni, Serial Entrepreneur & Investor, Founder, Healthians

“This GST overhaul is not only about slashing taxes but is also about shifting the game. The exemption on health insurance and reduced GST on fitness services signal a much-needed shift from reactive care to preventive health, something India has long needed. What stands out is the balance: while families get relief on critical healthcare and nutrition, harmful products remain untouched. This not only reduces the financial strain on households but also nudges the country toward healthier living. It opens up a stronger ecosystem where affordability, innovation, and accessibility can grow hand in hand. When prevention becomes affordable, we’re helping families steer clear of illness, not just react to it.”

Mandeep Singh, Managing Director, Arabian Delites

“The recent GST reforms on restaurant billing and essential ingredients are a welcome and progressive step for the food and beverage industry. By simplifying taxation and easing the cost burden on raw materials such as grains, oils, and fresh produce, the reforms give F&B players like us the flexibility to manage expenses more efficiently and plan better for the long term. Reduced input costs directly translate into greater freedom for businesses to source fresher, higher-quality ingredients, while keeping menus fairly priced and diverse. This balance allows us to serve customers better without compromising on taste, nutrition, or authenticity that Arabian Delites is known for.

Equally important is the move toward a more transparent billing system. When diners clearly see the value of what they are paying for, it fosters stronger trust and confidence between industry players and consumers. The clarity in pricing not only benefits customers but also strengthens the credibility of businesses operating in an increasingly competitive market.

Overall, these reforms set the stage for a healthier ecosystem where both restaurants and diners benefit. Businesses can focus on innovation, quality, and service, while customers enjoy authentic, high-quality dining experiences at fair prices. It is a step that supports growth, sustainability, and accessibility across the industry.”

Anant Goel, Founder & CEO, Handpickd

“We warmly welcome the government’s decision, which will significantly enhance consumer affordability and benefit our entire ecosystem. While fresh produce rightfully remains at nil GST, the rate cuts on dairy and processed foods are a monumental win for the entire value chain. This not only makes wholesome products more affordable for families but also directly boosts the income of farmer producer organizations. For Handpickd, this is a catalyst to strengthen our mission: connecting our customers to the best of what our farmers produce with unparalleled transparency and value.” 

Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder & Director, Lenexis Foodworks

“The GST reforms mark a landmark shift for the food services sector. With restaurant meals now taxed at a flat 5%, dining out becomes more accessible for consumers at a time when festive demand is set to rise. The rationalisation of rates across core inputs like food ingredients, packaging, and equipment will ease operating costs and improve business confidence. For Lenexis FoodWorks, these changes provide a strong platform to deliver greater value to our customers and scale more ambitiously in the months ahead.”

Chef Harsh, Founder, Boom Burger

“The new GST reforms are somewhat of a hit or miss move for F&B brands like ours. By cutting down to just two main tax slabs, 5% and 18%, the government has simplified compliance and lowered costs across the supply chain. While we, the producer, fall into the 5% category, online delivery platforms have to adhere to the 18% slab.

At Boomburger, many of our everyday essentials now fall under the 5% bracket, which directly reduces input costs. That means we can channel savings into better quality ingredients, innovation, and keeping our pricing attractive for customers.

However, online platforms like Zomato and Swiggy have to charge 18% GST so that essentially offsets our potential gains. While our burgers may become cheaper to produce, higher platform fees will definitely deter customers from ordering in, given how price sensitive the Indian market is. It’s a balance we’ll have to navigate carefully.

For diners, one of the most exciting changes is the drop in GST on eating out. A burger meal that earlier had 12 – 18% GST will now carry just 5%, making dining more affordable and encouraging people to step back into restaurants again.

Overall, these reforms feel like a step in the right direction. By reducing complexity for operators like us and improving consumer value, it gives quick-service brands the chance to scale faster while staying competitive.”

The post Industry Outlook: What GST reform means for India’s FMCG and food sector appeared first on Business of Food.

With this move, Burger Singh is aiming to expand to 50 stores in 3 months, driven by local operators with deep community connect and operational ownership. The new franchise model is designed for hustlers, not passive investors. 

After scaling to 180+ outlets across 80+ cities, Burger Singh found that its highest-performing stores were those run by committed, on-ground operators. The Owner-Partner Model builds on that insight, blending financial accessibility with active involvement.

“Our focus is on empowering committed local operators,” stated Kabir Jeet Singh, Founder & CEO, Burger Singh. “For those dedicated to excellent customer service and willing to collaborate closely, we offer partnership, investment, and growth opportunities.”

Key Model Highlights:

• Franchisee investment: Rs. 24 lakh
• Brand co-investment: Rs. 20 lakh
• Franchise fee: Included
• Store format: Compact dine-in (250–350 sq. ft., 16–20 seats)
• Expected payback: 20–24 months
• Support provided: Real estate scouting, kitchen setup, training, staffing, backend ops, and local marketing

When the brand previously reduced its capex, it saw rapid traction, 25 new franchise sign-ups in 35 days, with 76% coming from emerging cities. This reinforced the potential of smaller markets and the hunger among local entrepreneurs for serious business opportunities.

Now, Burger Singh is building more than just outlets, it’s building an entrepreneurial institution. The co-investment model isn’t just a financial structure; it’s a real-world business school. For less than the cost of a fancy MBA, operator-partners get to run their own outlet, work directly with the brand, and learn the playbook of building and scaling a QSR business. With just 90 hours a month, partners are guided by hands-on mentors, not just managers, but operators, hustlers, and leaders, who are deeply invested in their growth.

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Currently operating over 175 outlets across 75 cities, including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, and others, Burger Singh will launch its first two Bengaluru outlets in February, located in HSR Layout and BTM Layout.

Rahul Seth, Co-founder of Burger Singh, emphasized the growth potential in southern India, citing high profitability in the region. “The South has generally been very profitable for many QSRs because revenues are high, rentals are still reasonably affordable compared to Delhi or Mumbai, and spending habits in the region—particularly among young professionals in the IT and tech sectors—lead to a high repeat rate in food orders,” he said.

Seth also highlighted that the Delhi market is reaching saturation, making southern India a key focus for expansion. The brand sees potential for 150–200 outlets in the region.

As part of this expansion, Burger Singh’s growth is expected to generate over 350 jobs across kitchen, delivery, and management roles, further boosting the local economy.

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