Brands
Burger King turns up the heat in Tirupati with new outlet on Air Bypass Road
MUMBAI: Pilgrims in Tirupati just got a side of fries with their faith. Burger King® has officially flipped the switch on its first restaurant in the temple town, unveiling a swanky new outlet on Air Bypass Road. The launch marks the flame-grilled giant’s 113 store in south India, signalling its intent to serve more than just devotion in the spiritual capital.
Burger King’s entry into Tirupati drew over 100 families to its vibrant launch event, featuring traditional ribbon-cutting, festive decor and a smorgasbord of family-friendly activities. But it wasn’t just the ambience that had the crowd cheering—the real star of the show was the menu.
From the globally loved Whopper® in Veg, Chicken, and Mutton variants to regional flavour bombs like Chicken Tandoori and Makhani Burst, the outlet caters to a variety of cravings. The spread also features vegetarian mainstays such as the Crispy Veg and Hot ‘n’ Saucy. For sweet finales, guests can indulge in thick shakes, Choco Lava Cake or Sundaes, while sipping on barista-style brews like Hot Chocolate and Masala Chai from the Burger King Cafe.
For those seeking culinary kicks, the Korean Range ups the ante. The Korean Spicy Chicken and Paneer Burgers, Korean Wings, and Korean Fries offer a bold twist that’s anything but mild. The brand continues to champion innovation and taste diversity.
Blending tech with taste, the Tirupati outlet features Self-Ordering Kiosks, QR Code Table Ordering and Table Service to keep the queues at bay and the burgers flowing. With its digital-first philosophy, Burger King is also dangling tempting offers: Two veg burgers for Rs 79 and 2 chicken burgers for Rs 99, alongside app-exclusive deals for dine-in guests.
Commenting on the new store, Burger King India CMO Kapil Grover said, “Tirupati is a significant location for us—not just for its cultural importance, but also for the vibrant community we’re excited to serve. With this launch, we bring Burger King’s signature taste and digital convenience to Tirupati, while staying true to our promise of quality, taste, and value”.
He added, “Every new restaurant we open brings us closer to diverse communities across India. Our focus is to deliver a memorable guest experience through taste innovation, digital-first ordering, and exceptional value”.
With its modern, family-friendly design and a flavour-packed menu, Burger King’s Tirupati debut delivers a wholesome bite of global appeal with local flavour.
Brands
Nykaa eyes majority stake in Deepika Padukone’s 82°E brand
Deal could help scale premium label as Nykaa sharpens its beauty play
MUMBAI: Nykaa is in advanced discussions to acquire a majority stake in 82°E, the premium skincare label founded by Deepika Padukone, according to media reports.
The proposed deal signals Nykaa’s intent to deepen its House of Nykaa portfolio while giving 82°E the scale it has struggled to achieve independently. Padukone is expected to retain a minority stake if the transaction goes through.
For Nykaa, the play is both strategic and timely. With a customer base of over 42 million, the company is betting on its strong distribution, logistics, and repeat purchase ecosystem to revive the brand’s momentum. The two sides already share a working relationship, with Padukone serving as Nykaa’s global brand ambassador since September 2025.
Launched in late 2022, 82°E entered the market with a premium positioning but has faced headwinds. The brand reported revenue of Rs 14.7 crore in FY25, down 30 per cent year on year, alongside losses of Rs 12.26 crore. Industry observers have pointed to steep pricing, a somewhat diffused brand identity, and intense competition from digital-first labels as key challenges.
The potential acquisition also reflects a broader shift in India’s beauty and lifestyle space, where celebrity-led brands are increasingly partnering with larger corporates to unlock scale. Alia Bhatt’s Ed-a-Mamma, for instance, sold a majority stake to Reliance Retail, while Katrina Kaif’s Kay Beauty has emerged as a standout success within Nykaa’s portfolio, clocking Rs 132.4 crore in FY25 revenue.
Nykaa itself has been on a strong growth trajectory. Its parent, FSN E-Commerce Ventures, reported a 156 per cent jump in net profit to Rs 68 crore in the December 2025 quarter, with revenue reaching Rs 2,873 crore.
Nykaa has been steadily building its portfolio through acquisitions such as Dot & Key, Earth Rhythm and Nudge Wellness, signalling a clear push to own and scale homegrown brands.
If the 82°E deal materialises, it could mark a fresh chapter for the label, blending celebrity appeal with corporate muscle. For Nykaa, it is another calculated step in staying ahead in an increasingly crowded beauty aisle.
