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Viacom18 Consumer Products expands Roadies Koffeehouz franchise
Mumbai: Viacom18 consumer products, a part of India’s media and entertainment conglomerate, with Leapster Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. announced the launch of its first Roadies Koffeehouz in Surat, marking its flagship outlet in Gujarat. Located at International Business Centre in Surat, Roadies Koffeehouz promises to be the ultimate destination that brings together Roadies enthusiasts to unwind and relax, powered by specialty coffee and freshly prepared gourmet food. Host and DJ Nikhil Chinapa, former Roadies personalities Sohail Singh Jhuti, Yukti Arora, and Abhimanyu, along with actors Devanshi Vyaas and Yuvraj Gadhvi of Colors Gujarati ‘Sorathni Mrs Singham’ fame were present at the launch.
Spread over an area of 5000 sq ft, Roadies Koffeehouz, Surat will offer fans and visitors an exceptional dining experience with great ambience, beverage, and food which will be open 24/7. The outlet is designed with décor inspired by Roadies, including a striking neon bike. Roadies Koffeehouz offers an outdoor dining option, with an event space that makes it an ideal location for evening dates, hangouts, and corporate get-togethers. In the true Roadies spirit, it will host contests, performances and engagement activities that recognize local talent, while giving a platform for Bikers, young artists, entertainers, rappers, dancers, and comedians.
The highlight of the franchise outlet is the beverage menu, which offers cold beverages in special cans sealed in front of customers. It will also offer a specialty coffee blend exclusively roasted for the franchise, featuring a Premium Arabica and a phenomenal naturally processed Robusta from the gorgeous hills of Coorg. Customized to the local preferences, the menu features specially curated multicuisine all-vegetarian options including plant-based protein dishes and non-onion and non-garlic options, all freshly prepared using gourmet ingredients by internationally trained chefs.
Speaking on the launch of the first outlet in Gujarat, Viacom18 business head consumer products Sachin Puntambekar said, “The response for the Roadies Koffeehouz experiential franchise has been very encouraging, with all our current outlets gaining immense popularity across cities. Surat, with its incredible fanbase, was the next most inevitable destination for us. We will soon expand in Ahmedabad and Valsad, consolidating our leadership position in Gujarat, which is a key market for us. We look forward to launching around 20 outlets by the end of 2024.”
Present at the launch, DJ Nikhil Chinapa said, “Roadies is a country-wide cultural phenomenon and Roadies Koffeehouz is an experience that will keep fans connected in a brilliant, immersive way. With such an interesting ambience and experience that brings alive the true Roadie spirit, I’m sure it will become a go-to destination for fans in Surat.”
Actor Devanshi Vyaas added, “I was delighted to be a part of the launch of an iconic franchise like Roadies Koffehouz. I would definitely recommend that all fans in Surat must visit it for the ambience, food and décor.”
Speaking on the launch, Gadhvi said, “This is the perfect place for everyone to enjoy some delectable food or some incredible coffee, or just to hangout with friends. Roadies Koffeehouz in Surat is set to be the premiere destination for youth, resonating with adventure and the quintessential Roadies vibe.”
Roadies Koffeehouz CEO and director Sahil Baweja said, “Our goal has been to capture the phenomenon that is Roadies and create a coffee and food offering that is unparalleled in its ambition for quality and taste. From our chefs to our servers, each team member has imbibed the spirit of Roadies, ensuring the flavours represent adventure and thrill and the in store experience is as entertaining, memorable and comforting. Our coffee program is led by top coffee roasters and food is made with bespoke ovens and grills ensuring no compromises on quality, speed and experience.”
Roadies Koffeehouz/Leapster Restaurants director Ankit Gupta said, “Punjab was a great start for us- with our rapid expansion to six operational and four under construction Roadies Koffeehouz outlets. We will continue our focus on profitable unit economics across Surat and hope to ride the Roadies wave across Gujarat.
Franchise Partner for Surat Sanjay Shingala said, “I am very excited to be the first franchisee of Roadies Koffeehouz in Gujarat. The teams at Viacom18 Consumer Products and Leapster Restaurants have created a high energy outlet which is the first of its kind in Surat. We already have an overwhelming response and hope to make this the perfect destination for the youth and families.”
With the launch of Roadies Koffeehouz in Gujarat, Viacom18 Consumer Products aims to rapidly expand in the experiential space and engage with viewers in unique ways.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
