Once operational, DMart will offer residents a comprehensive, one-stop shopping experience, further strengthening Family Hub’s position as a premium retail and lifestyle destination. The development complements the existing presence of popular brands such as Zudio, Hira Sweets, Chaayos, and Geetanjali Salons, creating a diverse and well-rounded retail mix catering to everyday needs and lifestyle requirements.

Speaking on the development, Ashish Agarwal, Director, AU Real Estate, said, “Family Hub has been planned as a community-first retail destination, and the upcoming addition of DMart aligns strongly with that vision. The store is expected to address a clear demand for organised, large-format retail in this catchment and enhance everyday convenience for residents, while reinforcing the growing importance of this corridor as a commercial and lifestyle hub within NCR.”

The upcoming DMart is part of Family Hub’s broader commitment to bringing trusted, high-quality retail brands closer to residents. Known nationwide for its value-driven pricing and extensive range across groceries, household essentials, apparel, and general merchandise, DMart will cater to a strong and growing consumer base across Aditya World City, Wave City, and surrounding residential developments.

Family Hub is envisioned as a next-generation lifestyle destination integrating retail, dining, entertainment, and open leisure spaces. Designed to go beyond conventional shopping centres, the development features landscaped gardens, musical fountains, an amphitheatre, and thoughtfully designed seating zones amid water features and greenery, offering visitors an immersive experience.

Enhancing its community appeal, Family Hub also includes dedicated provisions for pop-up markets, creating opportunities for seasonal events, local artisans, and curated experiences that foster a vibrant social atmosphere. Adding to its family-centric positioning is Masti Zone, a dedicated gaming and entertainment zone designed for children and young adults.

The post AU Real Estate announces upcoming DMart at Family Hub, Aditya World City appeared first on Business of Food.

Educational Background and Early Career

Srivastava holds a B.Sc. in Hospitality & Hotel Administration from IHM Lucknow and an MBA in Retail & Merchandising Management from BIMTECH. His career commenced in the hospitality industry, where he gained foundational experience in operations and customer service.

Professional Trajectory

His initial roles included positions at KFC India, where he managed real estate and expansion efforts, and at Starbucks India, where he contributed to market research, store strategy, and layout planning. Srivastava’s tenure at Chaayos and Jubilant FoodWorks further honed his skills in business development, real estate strategy, and multi-brand expansion.

At Raymond Limited, Srivastava led business development and real estate expansion across various brands, including The Raymond Shop and Park Avenue. This experience broadened his understanding of retail dynamics beyond the food and beverage sector.

Devyani International’s Growth and Challenges

Devyani International has experienced significant growth, reporting a 39.2% year-on-year increase in revenue for FY25, totaling ₹4,951 crore. The company added 257 net new stores during the fiscal year, bringing its total to 2,039 outlets across India, Thailand, Nigeria, and Nepal. However, this expansion has been accompanied by challenges, including increased operating expenses and pressure on profit margins.

The company’s core brands—KFC, Pizza Hut, and Costa Coffee—have shown mixed performance. While Costa Coffee demonstrated strong momentum with a 30.8% revenue growth, KFC and Pizza Hut faced declines in same-store sales, indicating potential areas for operational improvement.

Strategic Focus Areas for Srivastava

In his new role, Srivastava is expected to focus on several key areas:

• Real Estate Optimization: Ensuring cost-effective lease agreements and efficient store layouts to improve profitability.
• Format Innovation: Developing smaller, delivery-focused store formats to adapt to changing consumer behaviors.
• Expansion into Tier II and III Cities: Identifying and capitalizing on growth opportunities in smaller cities to drive future growth.
• Brand Integration: Streamlining operations and aligning development strategies across Devyani’s diverse brand portfolio.

Akash Srivastava’s appointment as Chief Development Officer at Devyani International marks a strategic move to strengthen the company’s expansion efforts and operational efficiency. His extensive experience in real estate and business development positions him to address the challenges associated with rapid growth and to contribute to Devyani’s continued success in the competitive QSR industry.

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