MAM
Donald Trump will cruise ‘Apprentice’ style
MUMBAI: You are sailing! Real estate moghul Donald Trump has come up with a novel way to further promote his show The Apprentice which airs in the US on NBC.
Online travel agency Expedia.com and Trump World magazine have launched The Apprentice Legend Cruise. This is a cruise whose theme is based on show.
The cruise will take passengers on an eight-night voyage through the Caribbean. Departing from New York on 26 September 2005 the cruise will sail through the Eastern Caribbean with stops in San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, the US Virgin Islands and Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
In India the show airs on Star World. Expedia CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said, “Expedia’s cruise business is expanding to include themed cruises like The Apprentice Legend Cruise. It’s fresh, it’s fun, and it allows us to really tap into the diverse interests of our 18 million customers. This travel experience that will appeal to Expedia customers, Apprentice fans, Trump World readers and, basically, anyone looking for a travel adventure.”
Cruisers can expect to see several Apprentice cast members aboard the cruise ship. Guests can meet and talk to cast members about the show, but there will also be on-board competitions involving teams and tasks, just like there is on TV. Participation will be open to all passengers. In addition to cash prizes, one person will win the grand prize spending a day as CEO of Expedia.com. The CEO-for-a-day will get a $15,000 paycheck for all that hard work; first-class airfare to New York and ground transportation by limo, plus a stay in a five-star hotel.
The initiative will kick off with a send-off party featuring Donald Trump as The Apprentice Legend sails out of New York’s harbor. Cast members will interact with the guests signing autographs and allowing for photo opportunities. There will also be Behind the Scenes Q&A, and a career development round-table.
There will also be an Apprentice Tribute Gala Evening. The formal night includes a complimentary cocktail reception with open bar and hors d’oeuvres. Guests will receive a special souvenir menu. The cruise will also have guest speakers and presentations who will focus on a variety of business and career topics.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks to exit Dunkin’ India franchise as pact ends in 2026
Company opts not to renew long-running deal, plans phased wind-down of brand
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has decided not to renew its franchise agreement for Dunkin’ in India, marking the end of a 15-year run for the American coffee and baked goods chain in the country under its stewardship.
The decision was approved by the company’s board at a meeting held on Monday and formally disclosed to BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited. The current development agreement, signed in February 2011, is set to expire on December 31, 2026.
Rather than extending the pact, Jubilant FoodWorks will take a measured, phased approach to its Dunkin’ operations. This includes evaluating options such as scaling down certain outlets, exiting select locations, or transferring assets and franchise rights, all in consultation with the brand’s global owners and in line with contractual and regulatory requirements.
The move follows what the company described as a broader strategic review of its portfolio. Despite Dunkin’s presence in India, the brand has remained a relatively small contributor to Jubilant’s overall business. In the financial year 2024-25, Dunkin’ accounted for just 0.61 percent of the company’s revenue and reported a loss at the profit level.
Importantly, the company has clarified that the decision will not materially impact its financial or operational performance, signalling that its core growth engines remain firmly intact.
Jubilant FoodWorks Limited company secretary and compliance officer Mona Aggarwal, in the regulatory filing, indicated that the transition would be handled in an orderly manner, ensuring compliance with all agreements and minimising disruption.
Jubilant FoodWorks, best known for operating Domino’s Pizza in India, appears to be sharpening its focus on stronger-performing brands while quietly winding down less impactful ventures. As Dunkin’ prepares to fade from its portfolio, the company seems intent on keeping its menu of growth opportunities both lean and well-risen.
