Avis India Expands Premium Group Mobility Portfolio with Launch of Customised Force Urbania Vans

New chauffeured service provides comfortable space of up to 9-11 passengers, configurations with premium comfort, professionally managed operations and dedicated customer support

New Delhi,November 2026: Avis India, one of the leading providers of premium chauffeur-driven transport and corporate cars, today announces the launch of customized Force Urbania vans, enhancing its premium mobility range. The latest addition is now available in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Bangalore, addressing the changing needs of corporate groups, destination weddings, event organisers, and leisure passengers.

 The launch of Force Urbania complements the high-end people mover range at Avis India that comprises Mercedes-Benz V-Class, Toyota Vellfire, and Kia Carnival. The vans have been customized to carry up to 9 to 11 people and provide an option to move comfortably in one vehicle rather than using multiple ones.

 What makes it different from others is the fact that Avis India owns and operates the fleet. The vehicles are serviced according to the standards set by the company's fleet management department and are driven by professional chauffeurs, the integrated model is especially important for travel organizers, who value punctuality and coordinated service very much.

 Customised for Comfort and Convenience

The Force Urbania vans have been customised to enhance the group travel experience, combining spacious cabin layouts with passenger-focused amenities. Available in 9- to 11-passenger configurations, the vehicles feature dual air-conditioning, dedicated rear AC vents across all rows and individual USB charging points. Interiors are designed to provide a comfortable seating and luggage accommodation from airport transfers to corporate movements and longer intercity journeys. With a high number of seats, it will enable groups to travel together without increasing the complication of managing different vehicles, especially when there are many pick-up and drop-off points.

 Enabling Corporate, Marriage and Leisure Transport

Group corporate transport has become an ever-growing need for companies dealing with corporate travel, delegations, conventions and events. The customized Force Urbania becomes a good choice for transporting both colleagues and guests alike, streamlining transfers and multi-destination trips.

 The service also addresses the needs related to transportation for destination weddings and large-scale events, where transportation between the airport, hotel, and event sites becomes a matter of careful planning. Event coordinators can opt for bigger van setups in order to provide an easy transportation process and ensure a comfortable ride for all the guests.

For recreational purposes, vans can serve as a great solution for group travel, including family vacations or intercity travel, allowing all travelers to enjoy the trip together without having to deal with several different modes of transport.

 Commenting on the launch, Aman Naagar, Managing Director, Avis India, said:

“Group mobility is evolving beyond simply transporting passengers from one location to another. Whether it is a corporate delegation, a destination wedding or a family holiday, customers increasingly expect a combination of comfort, reliability and seamless coordination.

 Our investment in customised Force Urbania vans reflects this changing demand and our commitment to expanding premium mobility solutions across India. By owning and operating these vehicles directly, we can maintain greater control over fleet quality, chauffeur standards and service delivery. This launch strengthens our ability to serve larger groups while delivering the consistent, professionally managed experience that customers associate with Avis India.”

 Seamless Booking and Dedicated Customer Support

Customers benefit from confirmed reservations, flexibility to manage travel itineraries and access to Avis India's 24/7 customer support infrastructure. The company's integrated service model provides a single point of coordination for booking assistance, itinerary changes and travel-related requirements, helping corporate clients, event planners and families manage group transportation with greater convenience.

 The customised Force Urbania vans are available for airport transfers, local travel, corporate movements, events and outstation journeys across Delhi NCR, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

Martist Services Launches ‘Martist Creative Trails’ for Hospitality & Travel Sector

       The initiative brings together hospitality brands, destinations & selected creative practitioners to develop campaigns inspired by the character of a place.

·       Under the Creative Trails framework, an artist or creative practitioner experiences a hotel & its surrounding destination, interprets what they discover through their own medium, & that interpretation informs the campaign narrative, visual language & content direction.

·       The collaborator is positioned as a creative contributor rather than an influencer or endorser, with Martist curating the overall collaboration & campaign architecture.

·       Depending on the destination & brief, collaborators may include artists, photographers, filmmakers, writers, designers, craft practitioners, musicians, chefs or other creative professionals.

Pune, Maharashtra, October 2026: Martist Services Pvt. Ltd., a brand marketing firm working closely with experiential sector has announced the launch of “Martist Creative Trails”, a new creative initiative for the hospitality and travel sector.

Built around the thought, “Every place has a story. Every creative sees it differently,” the initiative brings together hospitality brands, destinations and selected creative practitioners to develop campaigns inspired by the character of a place. 

Under the Creative Trails framework, an artist or creative practitioner experiences a hotel and its surrounding destination, interprets what they discover through their own medium, and that interpretation informs the campaign narrative, visual language and content direction. 

The collaborator is positioned as a creative contributor rather than an influencer or endorser, with Martist curating the overall collaboration and campaign architecture.

Commenting on the launch, Madhulika Joshi, CEO & Chief Creative Officer, Martist Services Pvt. Ltd., said: “Hospitality communication often begins with what a property offers. With Creative Trails, we wanted to explore how a place can instead become the inspiration for creativity. The idea is for the creative interpretation to inform the campaign itself.”

Depending on the destination and brief, collaborators may include artists, photographers, filmmakers, writers, designers, craft practitioners, musicians, chefs or other creative professionals.

Campaign outputs may extend across social-first content, films, photography, illustration, editorial storytelling, original artworks, creative maps and selected on-property experiences

The initiative is structured around four elements, Place, Creative Voice, Story and Experience with each edition shaped around the individual character of the destination.

Following the launch, Martist is now exploring select pilot collaborations with hospitality and destination-led brands and is also building a curated network of artists and creative practitioners across India. 

SALT Indian Restaurant Bar & Grill Introduces a New Lunch & Dinner Menu Celebrating India’s Diverse Flavours

Bengaluru, 2026: SALT Indian Restaurant Bar & Grill introduces its new Lunch and Dinner Menu, bringing together a thoughtfully curated selection of contemporary Indian dishes inspired by flavours and culinary traditions from across the country. Known for its contemporary take on classic Indian cuisine, SALT presents an expansive menu that moves from familiar favourites to regional specialities, combining comforting preparations with distinctive ingredients and modern presentations. From vibrant chaats and small plates to tandoor specialities, slow-cooked curries and biryanis, the new menu offers guests a versatile Indian dining experience across the day.

For lunch, the menu brings together a variety of dishes suited to everything from quick meals to leisurely dining. Guests can begin with the Banarasi Palak Patta Chaat, featuring crisp spinach fritters with sweet yoghurt, tamarind and mint-coriander chutneys, or opt for the Millet & Burrata Salad with foxtail millet, barley, quinoa, grilled pineapple, pomegranate and burrata. The selection also includes hearty favourites such as Paneer Bhurji with Khameeri Kulcha, Chicken Kathi Roll, Salt’s Kheema with Khameeri Kulcha and Kothu Parotta, alongside comforting preparations such as Salt’s Special Dal Makhani and Allepey Vegetable Curry.

As the day moves into dinner, the menu expands into a more indulgent spread designed for relaxed dining and sharing. The Dahi Ke Kebab, Ghee Roast Prawns, Mutton Pepper Roast and Mangalorean Ghee Roast Paneer offer a selection of rich small plates, while the tandoor features highlights such as Himalayan Pink Salt Salmon, Tandoor Grilled Lobster, Galouti Kebab and Masaledar Mutton Chops. The dinner selection continues with slow-cooked curries including Awadhi Chicken Korma, Rajasthani Nalli Laal Maas and Cookerwala Mutton, alongside SALT’s range of dum-cooked biryanis, including the Pardha Mutton Biryani and Masal­edar Prawn Biryani.

Speaking about the new menu, Chef Balaji Balachandar, Culinary Director & Co-Founder, SALT Indian Restaurant Bar & Grill, said, “With this menu, we wanted to bring together the many flavours and culinary influences that make Indian food so diverse. From chaats and tandoor preparations to slow-cooked curries and biryanis, each dish has its own character while staying rooted in familiar Indian flavours. The idea is to offer guests a menu that feels exciting to explore, while still bringing the warmth and comfort of Indian food to the table.”

With its new Lunch and Dinner Menu, SALT Indian Restaurant Bar & Grill brings together a wide-ranging selection that celebrates the richness and diversity of Indian cuisine. From lighter daytime favourites to elaborate dinner preparations, the menu invites guests to discover different flavours, textures and regional influences while enjoying SALT’s contemporary approach to Indian dining.

FOO Opens Its Fourth Bengaluru Outpost at Essensai 067, Bringing Signature Pan-Asian Dining to Whitefield

Popular contemporary Pan-Asian dining destination FOO has expanded its presence in Bengaluru with the launch of its fourth outlet, located at Essensai 067, Whitefield. Marking the brand’s first location in the Whitefield neighborhood, the new restaurant brings together FOO’s hallmark combination of broad culinary choices, bespoke cocktails, design-led interiors, and high-energy ambiance.

Vibrant Design Meets Outdoor Energy

Spanning approximately 2,900 square feet with seating for 97 guests, the new Whitefield restaurant features interior design by Sarah Sham. The space layers bold red and cobalt blue accents with warm timber, stone, marble, brass, and textured upholstery. Anchored by an arched entrance and a central bar, the interior transitions smoothly from a warm, bustling dining area to an intimate bar atmosphere.

Adding to the venue's social appeal is a covered outdoor pergola tailored for Bengaluru’s pleasant evenings. Complete with ceiling fans, cluster seating, and a dedicated DJ console, the outdoor section adds an after-dark element suited for casual dining, evening drinks, or weekend outings.

Culinary Highlights: Asian Tapas and Craft Beverages

The kitchen, led by Chef Eric Sifu, presents a menu featuring over 100 varieties of Asian tapas spanning sushi, dim sum, Nikkei-style dishes, and Peruvian ceviches.

Signature Dishes & Menu Highlights

• FOO Blue Butter Japanese Fried Rice served with FOO Yellow Curry

• Truffle Togarashi Black Rice Maki

• Truffle Lobster Dumplings

• Charcoal Har Gow topped with gold dust

• Plant-Forward Specialties: Wasabi, Truffle & Edamame

Complementing the food menu, the bar offers craft cocktails infused with Asian flavors such as yuzu, miso, and sake, as well as house-infused spirits. The beverage program also features FOO Brew, a custom light Japanese rice crisp beer created specifically to pair with dim sum and sushi.

A Growing Footprint in Bengaluru

Speaking about the launch, Ryan Tham and Keenan Tham, Founders of Pebble Street Hospitality, noted:

“Bengaluru has shown us a lot of love and has always been a city we have wanted to keep growing with, and opening our fourth restaurant in Essensai 067 felt like the right next step. We wanted the new space to feel familiar enough for people who already know FOO, but still give them something new to discover, particularly through the way the food, drinks, music, and space come together.”

Visitor Information

• Address: Essensai 067, Whitefield - Hoskote Rd, Ardendale, Kannamangala, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560115

• Reservations: +91 91520 12291 | +91 91520 12292

• Social Media: @fooindia

Oohmami Turns Up the Heat: A New Pan-Asian Rooftop Destination Arrives in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, September 2026: Bengaluru has a new reason to look up after sundown. Oohmami, the vibrant new rooftop dining destination at Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru, officially opens its doors on the 12th floor, bringing together bold Pan-Asian flavours, electric cocktails, curated music and an energetic social atmosphere. Designed for those who like their evenings with a little more flavour, flair and fun, Oohmami is set to become a destination where dining seamlessly meets discovery, conversation and celebration.

• 
  At the heart of Oohmami is a menu that takes a playful, contemporary approach to Pan-Asian cuisine. Expect familiar favourites with an unexpected twist and dishes designed to be shared, savoured and talked about. Standout creations include the Cream Cheese Dim Sum, Seoul Spicy Prawn Ramyun, Bang On Shrimp, Tokyo Chicken Karaage and the comforting Thai Galangal Dumpling Soup. The menu also features signature dishes such as the California Deluxe Roll, Tuna Avocado Tataki, Yuzu Tart, Pandan Tres Leches, Mango Avocado Donburi and Zen Fruit Burrata, bringing together contrasting textures, vibrant ingredients and plenty of personality.

• 
  The experience extends well beyond the plate. Set against the Bengaluru skyline, Oohmami transitions effortlessly from a lively daytime setting into an energetic evening destination, with contemporary interiors, curated music and an immersive social vibe setting the mood. The beverage programme puts cocktails firmly in the spotlight, complementing the food with creative, contemporary drinking experiences, while the rhythm of the space is amplified through music, live acts and immersive programming. Whether it is a casual catch-up, a celebratory night out or simply an excuse to turn an ordinary evening into something memorable, Oohmami is built for it.

• 
  “Oohmami was created with a simple ambition to make going out feel exciting again. We wanted to bring together food that sparks curiosity, cocktails that keep the conversation flowing and an atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer. Every element, from the menu to the music and the rooftop setting, has been thoughtfully designed to feel bold, playful and distinctly Oohmami. We can’t wait to welcome Bengaluru and invite everyone to turn up the heat with us,” says Manoj Sawhney, GM Oohmami.

• 
  With its unapologetically vibrant personality, Pan-Asian-inspired menu, cocktail-forward beverage programme and rooftop energy, Oohmami is more than a new place to eat it is a new way to experience the city after dark. The destination is now welcoming guests for dinner, promising bold flavours, high-energy evenings and plenty of reasons to come back for another round. Bengaluru, it’s time to turn up the heat.

15 Years of Oye Kake: A Homegrown Brand Enters Its Next Chapter with a New Bengaluru Outlet

BENGALURU, September 2026: Some journeys are marked by milestones; others are marked by the people who show up for them. As Oye Kake marks 15 years of its journey in Punjabi hospitality, Bengaluru has become one of its most meaningful chapters yet. When Oye Kake opened its doors on MG Road, the city responded with a warmth and love the brand hadn't quite anticipated  queues, quiet regulars and a city that took to Asli Amritsari flavours as if they'd always belonged here. That response is what brings Oye Kake back, this time to RMZ Eco World, Bellandur, marking the brand's second address in the city and a milestone moment in its continued expansion.

Oye Kake  Mumbai's much-loved, 100% vegetarian Amritsari brand, founded by Pankaj Gupta and Avinash Gupta under Flavour Pot Foods  opens its Eco World outlet with the same spirit that has defined the brand since its beginning: Asli Amritsari food, the warmth of Punjabi hospitality, the joy of eating together and a deep, unmistakable sense of nostalgia. At Eco World, that spirit is reinterpreted for a new setting and a new generation of diners, without ever straying from what makes it Oye Kake.

This is not about reinventing Punjabi food. It is about celebrating it in a way that feels contemporary, immersive and distinctly Oye Kake. From the food to the space, every detail draws from familiar memories of Punjab: the street, the home kitchen, the langar, the khaat, the lassi, each given a fresh expression for Eco World.

At its heart, the philosophy remains unchanged: "Khaana sirf khaana nahi hunda, eh yaad hunda hai." (Food isn't just food. It's a memory.) And at Eco World, Oye Kake creates a few new ones.

Founder Pankaj Gupta shares, "15 years into this journey, opening a second restaurant in Bengaluru feels like a full-circle moment. We didn't expect the city to embrace us the way it did at MG Road, and honestly, that love is what brought us to Bellandur. When a city welcomes you the way this one has, you want to bring more of yourself to it. Eco World lets us do exactly that on a scale and setting we haven't been able to explore before, with a substantial outdoor experience, a raised private dining space and for the first time, a live Lassi Bar. It's our way of saying thank you to Bengaluru and giving the city an even bigger reason to fall in love with Oye Kake."

A Design Language That Keeps Evolving

Every Oye Kake location builds on a familiar visual language, but never repeats it. At Eco World, that language becomes more expansive than ever. For the first time, the Oye Kake experience extends well beyond the restaurant itself, moving into a substantial outdoor environment where the same sense of colour, texture and playfulness continues into the landscape.

The space is designed to feel layered and lived-in rather than overly constructed, bringing together handmade elements, cultural references and contemporary forms in a way that feels unmistakably Oye Kake. A raised private dining space overlooks the reflection pool, creating a quieter, more intimate setting within the energy of the restaurant. Familiar materials and references are reinterpreted rather than replicated, allowing guests to discover small connections throughout the space  details that reference Punjab, but reveal themselves in unexpected ways.

The result is a space that feels familiar without being predictable, rooted without feeling traditional and contemporary without losing its cultural soul. After Hyderabad and MG Road, Eco World represents perhaps the most evolved expression of the Oye Kake design language yet  bringing together craft and culture, nostalgia and irreverence, familiarity and surprise.

Introducing the Oye Kake Lassi Bar…Your Lassi, Your Way

Lassi has always been an essential part of the Oye Kake experience. At Eco World, that ritual goes a step further with the launch of the Oye Kake Lassi Bar, a one-of-a-kind live lassi station imagined with the easy charm of a Punjabi street cart.

Here, lassi becomes more than something you order. Guests can choose their flavour, build their combination and finish it with their choice of toppings, creating a lassi that is entirely their own, prepared live in front of them. It is a playful, interactive addition to the dining experience, a moment of participation, theatre and fun, while staying true to the generous, uncomplicated spirit of Oye Kake.

Pick your lassi. Pick your toppings. Make it yours. It is Oye Kake doing what it has always done best: taking something deeply familiar and giving it a little more personality.

Asli Amritsari, Now at Eco World

The Eco World menu carries forward everything Bengaluru has come to love about Oye Kake  100% vegetarian Amritsari food built on the three pillars of Punjab's food culture: the langar, the street and the home kitchen. From tandoor-fresh kulchas and the beloved Amritsari Chaat Gali to slow-cooked dals, rich Punjabi gravies and the signature Kulhad Malai Lassi, the menu stays true to time-honoured recipes and Amritsari-trained craft, now set within Oye Kake's most immersive space yet.

Oye Kake Eco World, At a Glance 

Location: The Bay Eco World, Bellandur, Bengaluru Address: Unit No. 9, Ground Floor, Campus 7, The Bay, EcoWorld, Bellandur, Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560103, India 

Cuisine: 100% Vegetarian Punjabi - Amritsari 

Hospitality Group: RAP Hospitality LLP

Asli Amritsari. 100% Vegetarian. Now with a little more Oye Kake.

Chili's Opens at World St. at 5 Worldmark, Aerocity — 25th Outlet in India, 10th in Delhi NCR

NEW DELHI — Chili's Grill & Bar has opened its doors at World St. at 5 Worldmark, Aerocity, marking the brand's 25th outlet in India and 10th in Delhi NCR. Located within Worldmark, India's one of finest Global Business Districts and close to the airport, this launch places Chili's at one of the capital's most connected business and lifestyle hubs.

With this opening, Chili's further strengthens its presence across Delhi NCR and other key markets across India, continuing its journey as one of the country's most loved Tex-Mex dining destinations.

Globally renowned for its bold Tex-Mex flavours, vibrant ambience, and casual dining experience, Chili's continues to bring its iconic brand of fun, flavour-packed hospitality to the city. The new restaurant reflects Chili's signature colourful interiors, designed as a destination for celebrations, everyday dining, casual outings with friends, family, and colleagues.

The menu showcases Chili's popular favourites, including sizzling fajitas, burgers, loaded nachos, ribs, fresh salads, and its world-famous margaritas and signature drinks, complemented by the brand's iconic hospitality and warm, friendly service that defi

Little Italy Opens in Lonavala, Bringing Its 35+ Year Legacy to a New Destination

Lonavala,  September 2026: Little Italy, India’s pioneering vegetarian Italian restaurant brands, has opened its new restaurant in Lonavala. The launch marks a new chapter for the brand, which began its journey in 1989 and today has over 45 outlets across 20+ cities in India and Dubai.

Located between Pune and Mumbai, Lonavala was a natural choice for Little Italy as the brand looks to create more than just a dining experience. The new restaurant has been designed as a relaxed destination where guests can enjoy good food, spend time with family and friends, and take part in experiences beyond the meal.

Spread across more than 11,000 sq. ft., Little Italy Lonavala has a seating capacity of 110 guests with an additional Banquet space for Parties, including indoor and outdoor seating. The space combines the warmth of Little Italy with a contemporary and relaxed setting, making it suitable for families, couples, groups of friends, young professionals and weekend travellers.

Italian food remains at the heart of the menu, with Little Italy’s popular pizzas, pastas and other Italian favourites. The menu also features authentic Neapolitan pizzas and signature dishes such as the Barberesca, Roman Pizza, and desserts like Tiramisu. To cater to larger groups and different preferences, the Lonavala menu also includes a selection of Asian, Mexican and Indian dishes.

Speaking about the launch, Raj Mehta, Chairman, Little Italy, said, “Little Italy has always grown with the people who have grown with us. What began in 1989 has today become a brand that has been experienced by generations of guests. Lonavala is an exciting new chapter for us. We want to create a place where food, time and experiences come together. While our roots remain the same, we are also looking at new ways to connect with the next generation.”

Amrut Mehta, MD, Little Italy, said, “With Little Italy Lonavala, we wanted to create more than just a restaurant. We wanted to create a place where people can come together, spend time and enjoy different experiences. Little Italy Escapes is an important part of this, with experiences around food, music, leisure and activities, and eventually stays as well. When people come to a destination like Lonavala, they often come with family, friends or for celebrations and events, so having a variety of cuisines and experiences in one place makes it more convenient and enjoyable. Whether it is a weekend outing, a family gathering, a corporate event or a wedding, we want people to be able to make the most of their time here. The idea is simple; we want Little Italy Lonavala to be a place where the experience goes well beyond the dining table.”

One of the key highlights of Little Italy Lonavala is its focus on experiences. The restaurant will introduce The Brundowner – Brunch to Sundown, a weekend experience that encourages guests to spend more time at the property.

The experience begins with a leisurely brunch and continues through the afternoon with activities such as monsoon walks, photography walks, painting, pottery, pizza-making, pasta experiences, board games, Books & Brews and Chai & Stories. Guests can choose the activities they would like to participate in and enjoy the day at their own pace.

The afternoon then moves into a Sundowner with music, sharing bites and beverages, allowing guests to unwind and enjoy the Lonavala setting.

Little Italy is also developing Little Italy Escapes – Stay, which will bring together dining and curated stay experiences through hospitality partnerships.

The aim is simple: to create a place that people visit not only for a meal, but to spend a memorable part of their day.

The Lonavala launch also comes as Little Italy looks at how the brand can evolve for a new generation of diners. The brand is working on Little Italy reserve, a younger and more contemporary expression of Little Italy that will retain the food, warmth and legacy the brand is known for along with some exciting new additions.

More details about Little Italy reserve will be announced at a later stage.

The Lonavala restaurant was introduced through The Founder’s Table, an intimate dining experience hosted by Chairman Raj Mehta and MD Amrut. The format allowed guests to experience the story of Little Italy through food, from its beginnings and Italian roots to its expansion into Lonavala and its plans for the future.

With its new Lonavala property, Little Italy is taking a familiar brand into a new setting  bringing together its much-loved food with a relaxed atmosphere and experiences designed for today's weekend traveller.