Brands
Gorakhpur gets a taste of the Golden Arches with McDonald’s debut
MUMBAI: Burgers, fries and smiles have landed in Gorakhpur and it’s lovin’ it already. McDonald’s has officially fired up its grills in Gorakhpur, marking its much-anticipated entry into the city with a sprawling 113-seater restaurant at Nayak Enclave, Basharatpur. With snazzy interiors, a digital-first experience, and an all-star menu of global favourites and desi delights, the outlet promises to be more than just a pit stop, it’s a flavourful new hangout.
Whether you’re craving a McAloo Tikki post-lecture, catching up over coffee with friends, or indulging in a Maharaja Mac after a shopping spree, the new outlet caters to everyone, students, families, and those simply seeking a satisfying bite.
The restaurant is decked out with self-ordering kiosks, table service, and guest experience leaders, ensuring a slick, queue-free dining experience. And with takeaway and dine-in options available, it’s convenience served with a side of crispy fries.
Announcing the restaurant launch, McDonald’s managing director for India – North and East Rajeev Ranjan said, “It fills us with immense joy to open our doors in Gorakhpur, a city known for its deep-rooted culture, vibrant youth, and welcoming spirit. Through our new restaurant, we wish to be part of the everyday celebrations of residents of Gorakhpur, offering global menu, great tasting delicious food that’s not just quick and convenient, but also pocket friendly. We are hopeful of our restaurant becoming a go-to place for the residents of the city – from coffee breaks to family treats and student hangouts.
But it’s not just about the menu. As part of McDonald’s for Youth programme, the Gorakhpur outlet will also create employment opportunities for local talent, particularly from underprivileged backgrounds, giving the city’s youth a flavour of economic inclusion.
With nearly 245 outlets across North and East India, McDonald’s continues to bring its signature blend of taste, technology and community focus to more cities and in Gorakhpur, it looks like the love story is just beginning.
Brands
Maharashtra panel orders Lodha to refund Rs 5 crore to homebuyers
Consumer court flags unfair practices in long-running property dispute case
MUMBAI: In a sharp rebuke to one of India’s biggest real estate players, the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Macrotech Developers to refund nearly Rs 5 crore to a senior citizen couple, Uttam and Anindita Chatterjee. The ruling, delivered on March 13, 2026, calls out the developer for “deficiency in service” and “unfair trade practices”, bringing closure to a dispute that has stretched over a decade.
The case traces back to 2015, when the couple booked a 3-BHK flat at World Towers in Lower Parel for Rs 12.22 crore, with possession promised within a year. What followed was a series of changes that complicated matters. After deciding to exit the project, they were persuaded to shift to a 4-BHK in another development priced at Rs 8 crore, with delivery scheduled for 2018. However, within months, the price was allegedly increased to Rs 10 crore. After demonetisation reshaped the market, similar flats were reportedly being offered at lower prices, but the couple were not given the benefit.
Despite paying over Rs 2.83 crore, the couple neither received possession nor clarity. Instead, in 2018, the developer unilaterally cancelled the booking, retained part of the amount as earnest money, and argued that the buyers were investors rather than consumers. The commission rejected this claim, observing that casual references to “investment” do not take away consumer rights when the purchase intent is residential.
The bench also held that the developer could not penalise buyers for payment delays while failing to meet its own delivery commitments. It noted the lack of formal documentation for revised terms and termed the prolonged retention of funds without delivering a home as exploitative.
As part of its order, the commission directed the developer to refund Rs 2.83 crore paid by the couple, along with interest at 10 per cent per annum, amounting to around Rs 2.12 crore. In addition, Rs 1 lakh has been awarded for mental agony and Rs 50,000 towards litigation costs, taking the total payout to over Rs 5 crore. The developer has been asked to comply within two months.
For now, the ruling serves as a reminder that in real estate, shifting terms and delayed promises can carry a significant cost.
