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Bungalow Hospitality Investments has made its debut investment in the food and beverage sector by partnering with New York-based chai brand Kolkata Chai, as the hospitality platform looks to expand its footprint across the US.
Co-founded by Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna and restaurateur Jimmy Rizvi, Bungalow Hospitality Investments has taken a strategic stake in Kolkata Chai while integrating the brand into Bungalow Hospitality Management's growing portfolio of restaurants in New York City.
Founded in 2019 by siblings Ani and Ayan Sanyal, Kolkata Chai was created to bring authentic Indian chai to a broader American audience. The company currently operates multiple cafés across New York City while selling its range of chai blends and concentrates through its direct-to-consumer channels and national retail partners.
Starting this summer, Kolkata Chai's signature Masala Chai will be served at Bungalow Hospitality Management's restaurants, including GupShup and the upcoming Punjab Meet House. The collaboration will also extend to a series of limited-edition menu offerings scheduled to launch later this fall.
Bungalow Hospitality Investments was recently established by Khanna and Rizvi to identify, mentor and invest in emerging food and hospitality businesses. Kolkata Chai is the platform's first investment, reflecting the founders' commitment to supporting brands that celebrate authentic South Asian culinary traditions.
Kolkata Chai also counts Emmy Award-winning actor and comedian Hasan Minhaj among its investors. Minhaj joined the company as an investor and business partner in 2024. Commenting on the latest partnership, he said, "To have him join the Kolkata Chai family is a genuinely exciting moment" for the company.
The investment comes at a time when South Asian food and beverage brands are gaining momentum across the United States, driven by rising consumer demand and increasing retail and restaurant expansion. Alongside this investment, Bungalow Foods, the consumer packaged goods venture co-founded by Khanna and Rizvi, is also strengthening its presence in the fast-growing South Asian food category.
