The stake is its first foray into the super-hot online foodservice sector.
Mirah Hospitality has acquired 30% stake in bespoke dining startup Hopping Chef for INR 3 crore.
“This will enhance the strength of Mirah as a brand, which is looking for growth both organically and inorganically,” said Gaurav Goenka, managing director, Mirah Hospitality.
“Until now Mirah has always been in the brick and mortar space, and keeping in mind the latest trend and boom in the online space, Mirah decided to diversify its portfolio to the online food space as well,” said Goenka and added the may also look to increase its stake in the startup in future.
Hopping Chef, founded by Shaival Chandra, Dhaval Udeshi and Sid Ugrankar, provides dining experience at home. “An investment from a well-established hospitality company like Mirah will boost Hopping Chef and will open newer avenues,” said Shaival Chandra, founder and CEO of Hopping Chef.
“Mirah Hospitality is known for their unconventional approach to business and I am hopeful that Hopping Chef, with this arrangement with Mirah Hospitality, will establish footprints in new geographies.”
Hopping Chef was launched in January this year. It has 15 chefs, including the likes of renowned food stylist Michael Swamy, Aditi Keni, Ajay Thakur & Shantanu Gupte – who can rustle up cuisines like Asian, Indian, European, French, Lebanese, Spanish, Japanese and Thai, among others. The meals are priced between INR 2,500-10,000/- per person. Chandra said the company will expand to four metros in the next six months and have over 50 chefs on board.
Hopping Chef currently caters to Mumbai and will launch its services in Bengaluru next month. “Apart from private dining, we will also launch meal boxes cooked by our own master chefs and also ‘Do it Yourself Kit’ for people to try the cuisine at home,” said Chandra.
Mirah Hospitality owns brands such as Khandani Rajdhani, Cafe Mangii, Falafel and the United Sports Bar and Grill, apart from being a strategic investor in restaurant companies that own Masala Library, Farzi Cafe, Smoke House Deli, Social and Mad Over Donuts. The seven year old hospitality company has over 45 outlets across its brands.
