MAM
The Minimalist launches Covid Care Program for its employees
Mumbai: Mumbai based creative solutions group, The Minimalist has announced a Covid Vaccine Cover program for its employees which will cover the entire team of 140+ people, across offices.
The program will cover vaccine expenses for the employees and include their spouse, parents, and upto two kids. Apart from bearing the cost of the vaccine, wherever needed, the agency is also giving a Covid special care leave of one day for vaccination for self or dependents. This program also includes insurance ranging from Rs. one Lakh to five Lakhs against Covid care.
The Minimalist, director of corporate affairs, Himanshu Gander said, “Vaccination is an important step in curbing the spread of the virus and we encourage our employees to get themselves and their families vaccinated as we strive towards utmost safety of our team members. In these unprecedented times of global epidemic and grave state of health and precautionary measures around the world, we wish to extend a helping hand to protect the health, safety, and well-being of our employees and their loved ones”, he further added.
Brands
Jubilant Foodworks to end Dunkin’ franchise in India
Pizza chain operator will not renew agreement when it expires at end of 2026.
MUMBAI: When the doughnuts stop turning and the coffee goes cold, even a global giant like Dunkin’ can find the Indian market a tough brew to crack. Jubilant Foodworks has decided not to renew its franchise agreement with Dunkin’ when the pact expires on 31 December 2026, according to a Reuters report. The operator, best known for running Domino’s outlets in India, said it would evaluate options for its existing Dunkin’ stores, including a potential sale or transfer of franchise rights, in consultation with the US-based brand.
The decision follows years of underperformance in a market where local tastes and intense competition have made it difficult for international coffee-and-doughnut formats to gain traction. Jubilant, which has increasingly focused on its core pizza business and newer bets like Popeyes, indicated that the exit would not materially affect its financial or operational position.
Dunkin’ accounted for just 0.61 per cent of Jubilant’s revenue in the fiscal year ending 2025 and recorded a loss of approximately Rs 191 million, according to a regulatory filing. The company operated 27 outlets as of December 2025, having shuttered seven stores over the preceding year.
The retreat comes even as Jubilant’s broader business shows signs of momentum. The company reported a 65 per cent rise in quarterly profit for the October to December period, reaching Rs 70.9 crore, up from Rs 42.91 crore a year earlier.
For Jubilant, the exit reflects a sharpening strategic focus. For Dunkin’, it marks another setback in a market that has proven resistant to imported café concepts without significant localisation.
In the cut-throat world of Indian quick-service restaurants, sometimes the sweetest deals are the ones you quietly walk away from leaving more room for the brands that truly rise to the occasion.
