The second day of the Indian Restaurant Congress & Awards 2023 brought together industry leaders, innovators, and culinary enthusiasts to delve deep into the transformative impact of cloud kitchens and food delivery on the food business. The event, held at a Hotel Pullman in New Delhi, featured enlightening sessions, engaging discussions, and a keynote address that shed light on the future of dining.
History: Indian Restaurant Congress 2023
The history of the Indian Restaurant Congress is a compelling narrative of culinary evolution and industry transformation. Beginning its journey over a decade ago, the Congress has steadily grown into an institution that mirrors the dynamism of India’s restaurant and hospitality sector.
Over the years, the Indian Restaurant Congress has evolved from modest beginnings into a prestigious annual event that attracts the finest minds, innovators, and trailblazers in the culinary world. With each passing year, the Indian Restaurant Congress has served as a platform for the exchange of ideas, the cultivation of industry relationships, and the exploration of cutting-edge trends that redefine the food and restaurant business.
From its inception, the Congress has been dedicated to celebrating excellence, honouring achievements, and shedding light on the remarkable diversity that characterizes the Indian culinary landscape. With every edition, it continues to inspire, educate, and propel the industry forward, making it an indispensable cornerstone of India’s vibrant restaurant scene.
The Indian Restaurant Congress is not just a gathering; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and passion that drives the ever-evolving world of food and hospitality in India.
Day 1 of the Event
On Day 1 the Indian Restaurant Congress 2023 commenced with an awe-inspiring gathering of gastronomy enthusiasts and industry leaders. Hosted by the esteemed Ritu Marya, Editor-in-Chief of Franchise India, the event promised to be a hub of culinary innovation and business expertise.
Topics such as supply chain innovation, investment transformations, culinary secrets, and the thriving cafe and bakery business in India were explored. The event also celebrated excellence with the Indian Restaurant Awards 2023 and provided a vibrant networking platform.
The presence of Chief Guest Dino Morea added star power to this dynamic culinary celebration, making Day 1 of the India Restaurant Congress 2023 a remarkable amalgamation of culinary expertise, industry insights, and networking opportunities, setting high expectations for the days to come.
The Evolution of Cloud Kitchens
The 2nd day began with a session led and moderated by Ankur Singh, Principal at Kearney. Esteemed speakers, including Mohit Dang of Currynama By Seven Seas, Vedant Pasari of Edabba, Varun Madan of Salad Days, Veer Anukul Chandhok of Dana Choga Restaurants, and Silky Mittal, Category Marketing Head at Nestlé Professional, took the stage to discuss the changing landscape of cloud kitchens.
Mohit Dang emphasized how cloud kitchens have revolutionized the restaurant industry, enabling greater reach and efficiency. Vedant Pasari shared his insights into the digital transformation of food delivery, while Varun Madan highlighted the importance of quality in the era of food delivery. Veer Anukul Chandhok discussed the challenges and opportunities faced by traditional restaurants in adapting to this trend. Silky Mittal provided valuable insights into the food service industry’s perspective.
The Rise of Hotel Restaurants
Vineet Manocha, a renowned Culinarian, Kitchen Coach & F&B Strategist, led an engaging session featuring top executive chefs from leading hotels. Anurudh Khanna, Director of Culinary at Marriott Hotels, Davinder Kumar, Vice President – F&B (Production) & Executive Chef at Le Meridien, Gagandeep Singh Sawhney, Executive Chef at Shangri La Group, and Sudeep Goenka, Director at Goldiee Group, shared their experiences and strategies for creating unique culinary experiences in hotel restaurants.
The discussion on the 2nd day of the Indian Restaurant Congress emphasized the importance of innovation and collaboration in hotel dining to stay ahead in the competitive food industry.
Automation and Customer Loyalty
Ritu Marya, Editor-in-Chief of Franchise India, moderated a session focusing on the impact of automation on food service and strategies for building customer loyalty. The panel featured Nilabh Banerjee, AVP at Biryani Blues, Gaurav Narang, Founder of Coffee Culture, and Viren Dsilva, Co-Founder of Good Flippin Foods Pvt Ltd.
The speakers discussed how automation has streamlined operations and improved customer experiences while emphasizing the need for genuine customer engagement to foster loyalty in a highly competitive market.
The Future of Omni-channel in Restaurants
Vaibhav Anand, Commercial Development Head – North at Nestlé Professional, delivered an enlightening keynote address on the future of omni-channel dining. He explored how technology and changing consumer preferences are shaping the restaurant industry’s future.
Innovations in Restaurant Chains
The day concluded with a session on innovation in restaurant chains, moderated by Ritu Marya, Editor-in-Chief of Franchise India. Mahesh Reddy of GOPIZZA India, Neelam Singh, Founder & CEO of The Burger Company, Sunil Chauhan, Founder of FabCafe, and Varun Tuli, MD of Yum Yum Tree Group, discussed the evolving landscape of restaurant chains and the need for innovative approaches to attract customers.
Networking and Roundtable Sessions
The event also provided opportunities for networking and engaging with industry experts during roundtable sessions. Participants had the chance to connect, collaborate, and gain invaluable insights from esteemed mentors.
The Indian Restaurant Congress & Awards 2023, with its focus on cloud kitchens, delivery, and innovation, proved to be a platform where the food industry’s brightest minds converged to shape the future of dining in India. As technology continues to drive changes in the food business, it is evident that adaptability and innovation will be key to success in this dynamic industry.
Discussions That Shape the Industry
This year’s Indian Restaurant Congress is poised to become a paramount platform for discussions that will indelibly shape the future of the food and restaurant business. A congregation of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts, this event will foster thought-provoking dialogues encompassing a wide array of topics, ranging from sustainability and technological advancements to the ever-evolving tapestry of consumer preferences.
These discussions are not just informative; they are poised to inspire and equip both seasoned veterans and aspiring entrepreneurs with invaluable insights that transcend the mundane.
