The Rise of 'Foodtainment': How Food and Entertainment has become one

Prasuk Jain Snow World
Foodtainment experiences, with their visual appeal and interactive elements, provide shareable moments that can generate online buzz and attract a broader audience.

By Nusra , Editor

28 Jul 2023 | 24 min read

Prasuk Jain primarily focused on his entrepreneurial ventures and created life like world in mind. He has a simple philosophy “As long as we’re creating awesome stuff, sketching powerful attractions and having fun doing it, we’re on the right path. He started the company Snow World Entertainment envisioning the success he wished to see. But just having a great idea was not enough. He needed a long-term roadmap with appropriate business milestones. This is how he started his journey in the food industry. Excerpts from the interview:

How do you see the growth of foodtainment as a segment?

As an entrepreneur with verticals in F&B (Food and Beverage) and entertainment, the growth of foodtainment as a segment presents an exciting opportunity. Foodtainment provides a way to differentiate oneself in the crowded F&B industry by offering more than just a meal but an entire entertainment package. Foodtainment experiences can take various forms, such as immersive dining concepts, interactive cooking shows, themed restaurants, culinary workshops, or food festivals. These experiences not only satisfy the customers' hunger but also engage them on a deeper level, creating lasting memories and enjoyable moments.

The growth of foodtainment can be attributed to several factors:

Experiential Demand: Consumers are seeking more than just food; they want immersive experiences that engage their senses and emotions. Foodtainment offers a way to deliver unique and memorable experiences, catering to this demand.

Social Media and Sharing Culture: Food has become a popular subject on social media platforms, with people sharing their dining experiences and food-related content. Foodtainment experiences, with their visual appeal and interactive elements, provide shareable moments that can generate online buzz and attract a broader audience.

Fusion of Cultures and Cuisines: Foodtainment allows for the exploration and fusion of different culinary traditions and flavours. It provides a platform to showcase diverse cuisines, promote cultural exchange, and introduce new taste experiences to customers.

Innovation and Creativity: The foodtainment segment encourages entrepreneurs to think outside the box and come up with innovative concepts that combine food and entertainment in unexpected ways. This constant drive for innovation keeps the industry dynamic and exciting.

As the segment continues to grow, entrepreneurs in the F&B and entertainment sectors can leverage foodtainment to differentiate themselves, attract customers, and create unique brand experiences. By integrating entertainment elements into their food offerings and vice versa, entrepreneurs can tap into the evolving desires and expectations of modern consumers, ultimately driving growth and success in the market.

You operate restaurants like PINK WASABI, BEER GARDEN. What are the elements that you keep in mind while designing such unique concepts?

When designing unique concepts for restaurants like Pink Wasabi, Amazonia, and Beer Garden, there are several key elements that we keep in mind. These elements help create a distinctive and memorable experience for our customers. Here are some of the key considerations:

Concept and Theme: We focus on creating a strong concept and theme for each restaurant. This theme could be based on a particular cuisine, a specific atmosphere, or a unique dining experience. For example, Pink Wasabi may have a modern and vibrant theme inspired by Japanese street food, while Amazonia is a new restaurant in Mumbai inspired by the Brazilian rainforest.

Atmosphere and Decor: We pay special attention to the atmosphere and decor to enhance the overall dining experience. The interior design, lighting, furniture, and music are carefully chosen to align with the theme and create the desired ambiance. The decor may incorporate elements like artwork, unique fixtures, or themed props that reflect the restaurant's identity.

Menu and Culinary Experience: The menu plays a crucial role in shaping the dining experience. We strive to offer a diverse and innovative menu that aligns with the concept and theme of the restaurant. This includes carefully selecting ingredients, creating unique flavour combinations, and presenting dishes in an appealing manner. We also consider dietary preferences and provide options for different tastes and preferences.

Customer Engagement: We aim to engage our customers throughout their visit. This could involve interactive elements such as live DIY options, or chef interactions. We may also offer special promotions, events, or themed nights to create a sense of excitement and encourage repeat visits.

Service and Hospitality: Exceptional service and hospitality are integral to our restaurants. We train our staff to provide attentive and personalised service, ensuring that customers feel welcome and well taken care of. Our goal is to create a warm and friendly environment that enhances the overall dining experience.

Innovation and Uniqueness: We strive to offer something different and innovative to stand out in a competitive market. This could involve introducing new flavours, fusion cuisines, or creative presentation styles. We keep an eye on international trends and adapt them to suit the local market, while also adding our own unique touch.

By considering these elements, we aim to create a memorable and enjoyable dining experience for our customers, ensuring that each restaurant has its own distinct personality and appeal.

Tell us about your new venture. What is the inspiration to launch a bohemia-themed restaurant?

Koa is a boho tropical themed restaurant that takes guests on a culinary journey around the world. The brand concept behind Koa is to provide an immersive dining experience that is both eclectic and welcoming. Koa's bohemian vibe is reflected in its decor, which is inspired by the earthy natural elements, light woods, foliage greens, sepia sunset colours, sophisticated neutrals, contemporary and bold. At Koa, the focus is on global cuisine, with each dish carefully crafted to showcase the unique flavours and ingredients. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing fresh, locally sourced ingredients to ensure that every dish is of the highest quality. The drinks embody the free-spirited nature of the bohemian lifestyle, with bright colours, bold flavours, and playful garnishes.

It is believed that customers have become particular these days when choosing a place when dining out. How do you handle such customers?

Whatever businesses we are into, must improve the experiences and the lives of as many people as possible. Our businesses must be validated by our conscience on the ecological implications and must add a new dimension to amusement of the Indian audience. The projects under the group umbrella are prudently outlined to provide a perfect blend of adrenaline rush and elation. Acts as a conduit for innovation and creativity in those essential sectors of businesses in India, which inherit a personal need of an Individual.

What’s the market presence and expansion plan for these brands?

Success always comes with a price tag attached; doesn’t it? But the last lap is where the glory lies. I am to leave behind a legacy anyone hopes to leave behind. The hospitality industry in India is consistently growing at almost 100% YOY and accounts for about 7.5% of the country's GDP. After a drastic hit in the covid era, the hospitality sector has come out in a strong manner due to consumer behaviour in form of revenge spending. The entertainment industry market has the potential for more consumption and penetration in regards to customer segmentation, purchase situation and direct competition. The vision is to improve the experiences with addition of new verticals and diversification to our umbrella over time. Our projects must be validated by our conscience on the ecological implications and must add a new dimension to amusement of the Indian audience.

Tell us about your expansion plans (opening more restaurant brands, outlets, and cities).

Continuing our soaring expansion, we aim to double the revenues we did in 2022, making us one of the most unique companies in delivering ideas and innovations in our sector of business. 2023 will be the year of newfound opportunities with resumption of consumer spending invigorating the hospitality landscape. Plus, the many new concepts we are executing will effectively change the entertainment dynamics in the country. Entertainment and Hospitality will continue to be our primary area of focus and investment to make our brand a global name. Planned investment of approximately around INR 300 crores for 2023-24 and INR 500 crores for 2024-2025 with a top line of 500 crores and 1000 crores respectively.

Prasuk Jain primarily focused on his entrepreneurial ventures and created life like world in mind. He has a simple philosophy “As long as we’re creating awesome stuff, sketching powerful attractions and having fun doing it, we’re on the right path. He started the company Snow World Entertainment envisioning the success he wished to see. But just having a great idea was not enough. He needed a long-term roadmap with appropriate business milestones. This is how he started his journey in the food industry. Excerpts from the interview:

How do you see the growth of foodtainment as a segment?

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