Welcome to another exciting episode of Magazine St. Kitchen Presents: Speak Greasy with your host, Gauri Devidayal. In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Riyaaz Amlani, Founder and CEO of Impresario Entertainment Hospitality. With over two decades of experience, Riyaaz is a legend in the Indian F&B industry, responsible for iconic brands like Mocha, Social, Smoke House Deli, and Salt Water Café. He’s also a former president of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) and a highly respected figure for anyone aspiring to enter the hospitality business.

The conversation kicks off with Riyaaz sharing the origins of Mocha, a groundbreaking café concept he launched in 2001, which introduced India to a more relaxed, youth-centric café culture. Riyaaz discusses how Mocha became a hit by offering a laid-back atmosphere where people could hang out for hours, breaking the traditional model of quick dining. The journey from Mocha to the birth of Social in 2014 is equally fascinating. Designed as a multi-functional space for work and play, Social caters to Gen Z and millennials, offering a seamless experience between a co-working hub by day and a high-energy bar by night.

Riyaaz also shares his insights on creating spaces that speak to an audience’s needs, how Social grew into a pan-India brand with plans to open ten outlets per year, and the importance of staying connected to your community. They also delve into the challenges of managing a growing F&B empire, hiring top-tier talent, and balancing business growth with the costs of running such a dynamic operation.

If you’re looking to understand the business of restaurants in India, this episode is packed with takeaways on navigating the complexities of the F&B industry, surviving competition, raising investments, and building brands that resonate with today’s ever-evolving consumers.

Tune in now to learn from one of the most influential food and beverage industry figures!

Welcome to episode 2 of Magazine St. Kitchen Presents: Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal, Season 3! In this episode, Gauri chats with Sid Mewara and Shashank 'Shanky' Jayakumar, the creators behind The Big Forkers, a popular YouTube series known for its raw, unfiltered food reviews and opinions on restaurant experiences. With a strong following in India’s food content scene, The Big Forkers have built a loyal online and offline community by offering brutally honest feedback on food, travel, and the culinary industry.

Sid, a trained chef with restaurant experience in the USA, shares his journey from the high-pressure world of professional kitchens to becoming a content creator. Shashank, who juggles a day job, adds insight into the passion that drives their popular food review series. Inspired by the legendary Anthony Bourdain, their aim was to cut through the “goody two-shoes” clutter in food television and offer something real and honest.

In this episode, they delve into the democratisation of food content on platforms like YouTube, where they believe many creators lack authenticity. Sid and Shanky pride themselves on paying for every meal they review and offering genuine reactions—whether good, bad, or ugly. They discuss the challenges of staying authentic, navigating relationships with chefs and restaurateurs, and handling online trolls.

Their conversation also covers their latest season, based in Delhi, and the exciting future of The Big Forkers, which includes a new focus on Northeast Indian cuisine. Tune in to hear their take on the food content industry, the art of criticism, and the evolving journey of The Big Forkers.

In Episode 3 of Magazine St. Kitchen Presents: Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal, we sit down with Sushant Dash, CEO of TATA Starbucks, to explore the coffee giant’s journey in India. With over 24 years in the TATA system, Sushant brings a wealth of experience in marketing and branding, detailing how Starbucks has managed to craft a unique space for itself in a predominantly tea-drinking nation.

While tea dominates Indian households with a staggering 90% penetration, coffee is still niche, with just 12% market penetration. Despite this, Starbucks entered the market not merely to compete but to create a new category centred around connection. Sushant emphasises that Starbucks is more than just a place to grab coffee—it is a "third place" between home and work, where people can relax, connect, and feel a sense of belonging. Customers aren’t just a number in a queue, and the personalised service, like calling out a customer’s name, is part of what keeps people coming back.

Sushant and Gauri delve into how Starbucks adapted to the Indian market, where food is an essential accompaniment to beverages. The menu now includes tea options, such as masala chai, and locally-inspired food offerings, all while retaining the global Starbucks signature. Despite this, Starbucks in India is still seen as a premium, aspirational brand, with visits often treated as an indulgence in cities outside the major metros.

The conversation also highlights Starbucks' expansion strategy in India. Now present in 65 cities, with a new store opening every four days, Starbucks has successfully penetrated not just metropolitan areas but smaller towns, where it enjoys first-mover advantage. Sushant points out that there is significant aspirational value in these smaller markets, with consumers eager to experience the brand.

The episode also touches on Starbucks' commitment to its employees, known as "partners". Tata Starbucks offers a 5-day work week, comprehensive health insurance, and supports education for employees and their families—values deeply embedded in both the TATA and Starbucks ethos. Sushant also shares insights into the success of Starbucks' all-female stores and their dedication to inclusivity.

Wrapping up with a rapid-fire round, Sushant chats about latte art, marathons, and more, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in branding, hospitality, and the future of coffee culture in India.