MAM
The Bombay Canteen, O Pedro, Bombay Sweet Shop collaborate to create digital, at-home experiences with Paytm Insider
Hunger Inc. Hospitality, the parent company to Bombay’s beloved restaurants The Bombay Canteen, O Pedro and Bombay Sweet Shop has launched ‘Countdown to Good Times’ on the Paytm Insider platform. Fans of its food, drinks and design philosophy can now learn from Hunger Inc’s top chefs in online workshops, purchase its merchandise and even book future dining experiences that the team will create for customers at their homes.
The first digital workshop on May 9, which sold out within 2 days of launch, is a Goan Poee making workshop with O Pedron’s Chef Hussain Shahzad. Keeping in mind restrictions in place, people have had the option to get the Poee ingredients delivered home ahead of the workshop if they choose, or get tickets that only provide access to the online workshop for a lower price. Paytm Insider’s seamless online experience, where e-tickets provide access to the online event over Zoom, will be in use here.
The team is also thinking ahead and providing a series of ‘at home’ experiences including a 4 course curated dinner for 4-8 people and a pastry making class with Pastry Chef Heena Punwani or Bombay Sweet Shop’s Chief Mithaiwala Chef Girish Nayak that can be booked in advance. And there’s more. There are digital gift cards to pamper yourself or gift a loved one a delicious meal at the three restaurants and you can also book The Bombay Canteen’s now iconic dish, ‘Kejriwal Toast’ for a whole year. All of these can be bought through Paytm Insider and will be delivered once lockdown restrictions are lifted and the restaurant resumes full operations in compliance with government regulations.
The range of experiences announced helps re-imagine the near future of restaurant experiences and drives innovation at a time it is most needed. View all experiences available here – https://bit.ly/3fpzonX
Sameer Seth, Partner, Hunger Inc. Hospitality says, “We are already seeing and will continue to see changes in how we go out to eat, experience events and socialize. While we will all want to continue participating in these activities, how and where we choose to participate is set to change significantly. The ‘Countdown to Good Times’ is our first attempt at adapting to these changes in behaviour. We’ve been working with Paytm Insider for many years to bring our experiences to life. As we create new ways to bring joy through food and drink to our guests, we are really excited to collaborate with Paytm Insider to bring this to life.”
Paytm Insider CEO, Shreyas Srinivasan adds “We’ve been big fans of the thinking and commitment of the Hunger Inc team to bring a stand out dining experience. With the ‘Countdown to Good Times’, Paytm Insider is happy to be able bring something to look forward to now with Hunger Inc’s digital events, as well as in the future.”
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
