For decades, stations remained a captive market trapped in outdated catering structures. This new decision marks a decisive shift from a low-investment “chai–poori” stall model to a structured, audit-driven, QSR-ready retail ecosystem comparable to airports and global rail hubs.

Why This Decision Took So Long — The Real Factors Behind the Delay

1. A catering mindset — not a retail vision

Food at stations was treated as a compliance necessity, not a revenue engine. Legacy contractors operated on low CapEx and low hygiene standards, keeping organised players away.

2. Infrastructure wasn’t QSR-ready

Stations lacked essential back-end systems:

• power and exhaust capacity
• grease traps and drainage
• waste management
• clean back-of-house zones
• fire-safety compliant kitchen spaces

QSR-grade formats cannot scale without QSR-grade infrastructure.

3. The policy architecture needed modernisation

Railways functioned under zone-wise catering rules, unlike airports (concession model) or malls (retail leasing). A unified, retail-first policy came only with the November 2025 Railway Board circular.

4. Redevelopment had to come before retail

The last six years saw the rise of modernised stations like:
Rani Kamlapati (Bhopal), Gandhinagar Capital, Ahmedabad, New Bhubaneswar, and SMVT Bengaluru.
These upgrades demonstrated what world-class concourses and commercial zones could look like — creating the foundation for branded QSRs.

India’s Largest Untapped F&B Real Estate — Now Unlocked

The Indian Railways network is the single largest retail real estate portfolio in the country. The comparison below shows why the opportunity is unprecedented.

Railway stations → Largest network + highest daily footfall + widest geographic reach.
No other real-estate asset in India offers this level of throughput, consistency and natural demand.

Globally, travel hubs generate the highest F&B revenue per sq. ft. Indian Railways is finally aligning with this model.

The QSR Advantage: High Volume, Low CAC, All-Day Demand

Railway stations create a uniquely favourable business environment for QSRs:

• Near-zero CAC — passengers arrive organically
• Crores of daily footfalls
• High impulse-driven consumption
• Long dwell times during delays
• Family/group travel behaviour amplifies ticket size
• 24×7 operational potential

Even a 0.5% conversion at a major station can outperform many high-street locations.

Who Is Driving This Transformation?

The shift is being enabled jointly by:

• Railway Board — policy & category approval
• Commercial Department, Zonal Railways — site allotment, licensing
• IRCTC — e-auctions, food plazas, operational audits

This is the first time all three arms are aligned under a retail-centred approach, not a catering contract structure.

How Brands Can Enter Railway Stations — The New Process

QSR Application Pathway

1. Track IRCTC/Zonal e-auctions for “Premium Brand Outlets”.
2. Register as a vendor — PAN, GST, FSSAI, DSC, financials.
3. Submit technical + commercial bid on e-procurement portals.
4. Secure a 5-year licence with renewal based on performance.
5. Execute fit-out per railway guidelines.
6. Operate under continuous hygiene & service audits.

This marks the beginning of a formal, scalable, modern retail ecosystem inside stations.

High-Potential Stations for QSR Expansion

A mix of footfall, redevelopment status, traveller profile, and city-level consumption makes the following stations particularly strong candidates for branded F&B:

Data Source: Official station passenger figures and classification list (annual passengers) — Indian Railways station classification / revenue dataset (2024 list).

How Big Can This Market Become?

If even:

• the top 200 stations adopt premium-format F&B
• with 3–5 outlets per station

India instantly creates a pipeline of 600–1,000 new QSR outlets — equivalent to the full footprint of several established chains.

With hundreds of stations under redevelopment, the long-term potential is significantly larger.

Why This Marks a New Era for India’s F&B Industry

This development represents far more than the arrival of global QSR logos on railway concourses. It signals:

• the formalisation of India’s largest unorganised food market
• a decisive uplift in hygiene, safety and service standards
• the shift from legacy catering to airport-style concession economics
• the emergence of transit retail as a high-volume, mainstream F&B channel
• a fully open runway for national, regional and global brands to scale

Railway concourses are no longer functioning merely as transit corridors — they are evolving into India’s next major consumption arenas.

Indian Railways hasn’t just approved branded food outlets; it has unlocked the country’s largest, densest and most commercially powerful F&B real-estate ecosystem.

This marks the start of India’s third — and undoubtedly the largest — travel-retail wave.

The journey from “chai–poori on the platform” to modern, global-standard QSRs in the concourse has truly begun.

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Renowned for its exceptional quality and Swiss craftsmanship, Läderach promises to bring the world-renowned Swiss luxury chocolate experience to Mumbai, with its delicious range of handcrafted chocolate bars, pralines, truffles, and exclusive gifting assortments during the festivities. The store features an extensive range of Läderach’s luxury chocolate creations, including the renowned FrischSchoggi (fresh chocolate). Each product is meticulously handcrafted to deliver an unrivaled blend of flavors, textures, and aromas that will elevate the chocolate indulgence to new heights. 

Sanskriti Gupta, Läderach India, said, “We are excited to introduce the luxurious experience of Läderach chocolates at Jio World Plaza, our first store in Mumbai. As a strategic market for Läderach, Mumbai has demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm for our brand, evident in the resounding success of our e-commerce offerings. In strategic partnership with the DS Group, we aim to expand our reach and offer the distinctive Läderach experience to a wider Indian audience.”

Läderach had introduced its online operations in Mumbai Navi Mumbai towards the end of last year with an aim to strengthen Läderach India’s position in the luxury retail sector getting the brand closer to its consumers. Last year, the DS Group announced its exclusive partnership with Läderach, marking the Swiss chocolate brand’s debut in the Indian market. This exciting collaboration was followed by the successful inauguration of a Läderach store in the Delhi NCR region, situated in DLF Emporio Mall, where an immersive in-store experience is crafted to cater to the discerning tastes of customers.

About DS Group

The DS Group (Dharampal Satyapal Group) is a Multi-Business Corporation and one of the leading FMCG conglomerates with a strong Indian and International presence. Founded in the year 1929, it is an inspiring and successful business story that blends a remarkable history and legacy with visionary growth. It has an extensive and diverse portfolio with presence in Mouth Freshener, Food and Beverage, Confectionery, Hospitality, Agri, Luxury Retail businesses, and other investments. Rajnigandha, Catch, Pulse, FRU, Ksheer, Pass Pass, BABA, Tulsi, L’Opera, Le Marche, UnCafe, Birthright, Laderach, LuvIt, Chingles, The Namah in Jim Corbett and Nainital, part of Radisson Individuals, are some of the leading brands, the Group proudly shelters today.

As a corporate, DS Group is guided by a clear set of values that are built on a strong foundation of collective good to give back to society and protect the planet. The DS Headquarters has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification, under the USGBC (US Green Building Council) existing building O&M (Operation and Maintenance) program version 4.0. The DS Headquarters has also received LEED Zero Carbon Certification, by the USGBC.

About Jio World Plaza

Strategically located in the heart of BKC, Mumbai, Jio World Plaza sits on the cusp of the Island City (south Mumbai), western and eastern suburbs. As a one-of-a-kind luxury retail destination, Jio World Plaza is a part of the Jio World Centre, the multifaceted landmark which is spread across 18.5 acres in Bandra Kurla Complex.

The retail centre houses flagship stores of Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, Cartier, Bally, and Giorgio Armani. Other global brands such as Valentino, Bulgari, Tory Burch, Saint Laurent, Versace, Tiffany & Co, and Pottery Barn are also a part of this retail landscape for the first time. Interestingly, iconic brands such Balenciaga, Rimowa, and Pottery Barn Kids have made their foray into the country by opening their boutiques at the Jio World Plaza. Acclaimed Indian couturiers Manish Malhotra, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, and Rahul Mishra are leading the way by opening their doors to city’s crafts-conscious Indianwear aficionados. In addition to all of this, movie lovers can unwind with the stars at the new state-of-the-art Maison INOX.

And that’s not all! Jio World Plaza also boasts multiple dining experiences. There’s the super cool EL&N, très chic Armani Caffè and the minimalist haven Cafè&Meal MUJI -all of which have made their debut in the country at Jio World Plaza. French bakery and tea room, Ladurèe’s first branch here in Mumbai occupies a sweet spot. It is this convergence of art, entertainment and design that makes Jio World Plaza truly one-of-a-kind destination, thereby cementing the Jio World Centre’s position as the ultimate experiential extravaganza.

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NBC currently has 75 outlets throughout India; wherein the company added 35+ new outlets in 2024 offering an exclusive opportunity for people across regions to enjoy high-quality, flavorful brewed coffee and beverages at economical prices. Additionally, the coffee chain reported its ‘best-ever Q3 sales’ fueled by new store launches, innovative offerings, and growing brand loyalty. The brand’s seasonal offerings and unique brews have been particularly well-received, contributing to this growth.

The company further strengthened its footprint in both Tier-1 & Tier-2 cities of India and currently operates in 29 cities, 10 states and has a target to open 8 new outlets in October 2024.

“We’re thrilled to launch our landmark store in Connaught Place, a cultural and commercial hub that perfectly aligns with our vision for Nothing Before Coffee. This store reflects our commitment to offering an exceptional coffee experience while honoring the vibrant spirit of the location. Our growth isn’t just about numbers—it’s driven by our dedication to sustainability, quality, and brewing stories into the everyday lives of our customers, inspiring our people and growing our community. Aligned with our goal to expand in both Tier-1 and Tier-2 markets, we plan to open 400 stores by 2027, making Nothing Before Coffee a household name synonymous with authentic and affordable coffee experiences,” said Akshay Kedia, Founder & CMO, Nothing Before Coffee.

Outlet Design

The 75th store is situated in the historic Connaught Place, one of India’s most recognisable urban landscapes, this store offers a premium experience tailored to the diverse and dynamic crowd of Delhi.

Boasting an expansive layout, the Connaught Place store is designed to serve as a vibrant community hub for professionals, students, tourists, and coffee enthusiasts alike. The store exemplifies Nothing Before Coffee’s dedication to quality and community.

Diverse Menu

This sleek and modern outlet offers a diverse menu featuring organic coffee, tea, shakes, mocktails, hot chocolate, shrappe, and a wide range of delectable snacks and cookies, carefully crafted to cater to the refined tastes of its discerning customers. NBC opens door for customers to try India’s Best Shrappe – Where Shakes Meet Thick Frappes!

Expansion Plans

NBC is rapidly expanding its presence in the coming years with an aim to open 400 stores in India in 2027, solidifying its presence across both metropolitan and tier-2 cities. These new openings will mark an important milestone for the brand, demonstrating its continuous efforts to cater to the growing demand for premium coffee experiences. The new outlets are designed to offer a welcoming and exceptional coffee experience, building on the brand’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

About The Brand Nothing Before Coffee was founded in 2017 with the goal to share the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee with everyone. The brand sources the best essence of coffee beans and brews them using the latest and most innovative techniques to ensure that every cup of coffee served under NBC is of the highest quality. As a QSR model, NBC is specialized in serving varieties of beverages with exceptional quality.

The post Nothing Before Coffee Opens 5 Outlets Across India, Records Best-Ever Q3 Sales appeared first on Business of Food.

In 2007, Go Nuts was created to offer healthier alternatives to traditional snacks, drawing on over 30 years of family expertise in the nut industry. Today, Go Nuts is a trusted name in households and premium hospitality across India, and the brand is now ready to extend its reach to international markets. The company’s strategic export expansion into the Maldives will see its products offered in high-end resorts, catering to luxury travelers who seek healthy and premium snacking options.

Over the past decade, Go Nuts has built a solid reputation in India’s hospitality sector, working with over 250 luxury hotels, including prominent names such as the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel Mumbai, St. Regis, and The Ritz Carlton. The brand’s consistent quality and premium offerings have made it the preferred snacking partner in these establishments. Go Nuts is targeting 20% growth in FY24, following an impressive 25% increase in the previous fiscal year, driven by rising demand in both the hospitality and corporate gifting sectors.

Ashish Agrawal, Founder of Go Nuts, expressed excitement about these new ventures, saying, “We are thrilled to bring Go Nuts to international markets through our partnerships with Maldives resorts and airlines. Our goal has always been to offer snacks that combine great taste with health benefits, and these collaborations are a perfect way to introduce Go Nuts to a global customer base.”

Aligned with global sustainability trends, Go Nuts uses eco-friendly packaging for its products, ensuring both convenience and environmental responsibility. The brand continues to innovate with new product launches like the Super Fuel trail mix and antioxidant-rich snack mixes, designed for health-conscious consumers looking for nutritious, on-the-go options.

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About Rohan Pewekar

An alumnus of IIM Calcutta and The Wharton School, Pewekar has been with Pizza Hut for over four years, during which he played a pivotal role in driving the brand’s rapid growth in the region, serving as Chief Strategy and Finance Officer. With nearly 15 years of experience in B2C sectors across countries, Rohan brings cross-functional expertise in finance, go-to-market strategies, channel expansion, and more.

Commenting on his new role, Pewekar said, “Pizza Hut has seen incredible growth, now reaching close to 900 restaurants across 200+ cities in India, and I am honoured to lead the brand in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. As we set our sights on the future, we’re not just expanding—we’re reinventing the experience with bold partnerships, industry-first products, and innovative marketing that connects with the next generation, unlocking new possibilities in the Indian market. The Indian Food Services industry is witnessing double-digit growth, and we are well-positioned to capitalize on this momentum. I want to sincerely thank Merrill for his invaluable mentorship, which has been key in preparing me for this next chapter. I am eager to collaborate with our incredibly talented team and dedicated franchisee partners as we continue driving our growth, delivering outstanding results, and setting new benchmarks for success.”

Before joining Pizza Hut, he worked with Samsung Electronics India, where he led several high-impact strategic initiatives. Earlier, at Accenture Strategy Consulting, he advised clients on market entry strategies, brand launches, network expansion, and digital transformation across multiple consumer industries.

About Pizza Hut India

Pizza Hut, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM), serves and delivers more pizzas than any other pizza company in the world. Founded in 1958, Pizza Hut has become the most-recognized pizza restaurant in the world, operating more than 18000 restaurants in more than 100 countries. In June 1996, Pizza Hut made its foray into India with a restaurant in Bangalore and was the first international restaurant chain to pioneer this category.  The restaurant brand offers an exciting menu consisting of its signature pizzas, appetizers, pasta, desserts and beverages. Pizza Hut India has been recognized by ET Brand Equity as the ‘Most Trusted Food Service Brand’ for 13 years and has been felicitated with the title of India’s 70 Most Trusted Power Brands in 2017-2018. In 2021, Pizza Hut India was recognized as the 3rd best, most trusted brand in the Asia Pacific region by Campaign Asia and won the silver award in February 2022 at the ET Brand Equity Brand Disruption Awards for its hugely successful Influencer Marketing campaign for Momo Mia pizza. Amongst other awards, Pizza Hut bagged the award for Best Influencer Campaign at IPRCCA 2022 and the Most Admired Food Service Retailer Award for Marketing and Promotions at Pepsi Images Food Awards 2022. Pizza Hut India also won Gold in Best Promotion of TV Show on social media, Gold for Best Movie Promotion on social media and Silver for Best Influencer Marketing Campaign at Mad Over Marketing Awards 2022. Pizza Hut is the most preferred pizza brand in India, given its freshest, tastiest & affordable Pizzas.

The post Yum! Brands appoints Rohan Pewekar as Managing Director, Pizza Hut Indian Subcontinent appeared first on Business of Food.

The expansion will kick off with flagship stores and expansion in two international markets. The value-focused coffee brand will also open 80 new outlets by the end of 2025.

NBC was established in 2017 by school friends Akshay Kedia, Anand Jain, Ankesh Jain, and Shubham Bhandari. It offers more than 100 beverages across different categories with coffee as the core product.

Since opening its first outlet in Jaipur, the brand has expanded to 65 outlets across cities such as Delhi, Pune, Udaipur, Kota, Surat, Gurugram, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kerala, Nagpur, Bikaner, Bhopal, Indore, and Lucknow.

In May 2024, the company made its foray into the global market with its first outlet in Portugal. 

Recently, the company celebrated its seven year anniversary and opened four new stores at Delhi Mumbai Expressway, Ghaziabad, New Delhi and Pune.

“Completing seven years is a momentous achievement that brings with it great responsibility,” said co-founder Kedia. “Our goal is to sustain our brand’s legacy, meet customer expectations, and continuously offer compelling reasons for our patrons to keep coming back.”

Less than two months ago, NBC announced that it is targeting to achieve Rs 100 crore revenue run rate by the end of fiscal year (FY) 2025. 

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