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
Sapphire Foods FY26 revenue rises to Rs 3,125 crore, posts loss
Q4 revenue at Rs 792 crore, FY26 loss at Rs 32 crore amid cost pressures.
MUMBAI: If growth is on the menu, profitability seems to have taken a brief detour. Sapphire Foods India reported a steady rise in topline for FY26, even as rising costs weighed on profitability. Revenue from operations grew to Rs 3,125 crore for the year ended March 31, 2026, up from Rs 2,882 crore in FY25. However, the company swung to a loss, reporting a net loss of Rs 32 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 17 crore in the previous year. Total income for the year stood at Rs 3,153 crore, while total expenses climbed to Rs 3,167 crore, reflecting pressure across key cost heads.
In the March quarter, revenue came in at Rs 792 crore, compared to Rs 711 crore in the same period last year. The company reported a quarterly net loss of Rs 13 crore, against a profit of Rs 2 crore a year earlier.
Cost pressures remained visible across operations. Material costs rose to Rs 995 crore for FY26, while employee expenses increased to Rs 428 crore. Other expenses, the largest component, stood at Rs 1,229 crore, underscoring the impact of store operations and expansion-related spends.
Depreciation and amortisation expenses also climbed to Rs 392 crore for the year, reflecting continued investments in store infrastructure and growth.
At the operating level, the company reported a loss before tax of Rs 37 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 23 crore in FY25. Exceptional items added Rs 24 crore to the cost burden during the year.
On the balance sheet, total assets rose to Rs 3,256 crore as of March 31, 2026, up from Rs 3,041 crore a year earlier, indicating ongoing expansion. Net worth stood at Rs 1,389 crore.
Despite profitability pressures, operating cash flow remained resilient at Rs 507 crore, highlighting underlying business strength and demand stability.
The numbers paint a familiar picture in the quick-service restaurant space, growth continues to be served hot, but margins are still finding their footing.
