Gourmet Investments Brings UK’s No. 1 Pizzeria, PizzaExpress, to Nexus Elante Mall, Chandigarh

  Chandigarh, December 3, 2025: Gou
rmet Investments Private Limited (GIPL), a leader in bringing the finest international restaurants to India, has brought PizzaExpress, the UK’s No. 1 Pizzeria and a global Britalian icon, to the Tricity with the launch of its first-ever restaurant in Chandigarh at Nexus Elante Mall.

This opening marks PizzaExpress’s 37th restaurant in India and extends the brand’s 60-year legacy to one of North India’s most discerning and well-travelled markets.

The Chandigarh opening of PizzaExpress by GIPL (the food and beverage vertical of Bharti Family Office), follows the strong response the brand has seen in Punjab, particularly in Mohali and Ludhiana, where guests have embraced the brand’s blend of authenticity, freshness, and flair.

“PizzaExpress has grown into a globally loved dining experience across 13 countries, and we’re delighted to bring this heritage to Chandigarh,” said Ramit Bharti Mittal, Chairman and Director, GIPL. “The city values authenticity and craft, which is exactly what PizzaExpress stands for. Our Britalian identity, iconic menu, and commitment to quality align beautifully with the way Chandigarh dines. This launch is also a key step in our strategic North India expansion.”

 “Our cuisine philosophy has always been beautifully simple,” said Jerry Thomas, Culinary Head - PizzaExpress. “With our Pizzaiolos at the heart of everything, the dough remains the hero. Fresh ingredients, treated with respect, create flavours that stay consistent around the world. While our core never changes, innovation is part of the PizzaExpress DNA. That’s why international favourites like the Leggera sit comfortably alongside local adaptations. For Chandigarh, we’ve crafted dishes such as the Spicy American Hottest, Padrino, and Chicken & Paneer Coriander Pesto, developed to suit the flavour preferences of Indian guests.”

“Chandigarh, with its well-travelled, quality-conscious audience, is the ideal home for our first restaurant in Tricity. The city’s love for good food, modern design, and elevated dining fits seamlessly with the PizzaExpress ethos. said Kumar Asit, India CEO, PizzaExpress. “The response across Punjab, from Mohali to Chandigarh, signals strong appetite for premium casual dining. Amritsar and Jalandhar will therefore be the next chapters in our North India growth story and with this, we are firmly on track to reach a milestone of 50 restaurants by FY 2026–27.”

Since 1965, when Peter Boizot returned from Italy inspired by the flavours he discovered and opened the first restaurant on Wardour Street in Soho, the brand has held one belief constant: great pizza starts with great craft. The Chandigarh menu stays rooted in PizzaExpress’s heritage while embracing flavours that suit the Indian palate. At its heart are the three signature bases: Classic, Romana and newly launched Naples; carrying global favourites such as the Romana, Queen Margherita, Lava, American Hot and the Michelin-star-created Calabrese, a bold rectangular pizza born from the brand’s culinary collaboration with chef Francesco Mazzei.  The Romana brings that iconic thin, stretched, crisp base PizzaExpress is loved for, while the new Naples base offers a softer, fuller, more indulgent bite inspired by the pizzerias of southern Italy.

For fitness enthusiasts, there is the Leggera, a lighter, under-600-calorie innovation endorsed by the Weight Watchers Society, perfect for fitness enthusiasts. At the heart of these signatures is the brand’s iconic tomato passata, made exclusively for PizzaExpress by the Greci family in Italy, using San Marzano tomatoes crushed within 12 hours of harvest and finished with a basil leaf for the unmistakable flavour the brand is known for worldwide.

Alongside these icons are local adaptations crafted specially for India, including the Spicy Grilled Chicken Pizza, Chicken Coriander Pesto Pizza and Tandoori Chicken Pizza, each designed to echo the region’s love for bold, vibrant flavours. And because Punjab loves its chicken, the menu also features Wings in four styles: crispy fried wings, smoky BBQ wings, classic hot wings and creamy red jalapeño hot wings.

Beyond pizza, the restaurant introduces a complete all-day dining offering: its world-famous Dough Balls, rice bowls (a first for PizzaExpress India), fresh salads, lasagne, risottos, Piadina sandwiches, handcrafted desserts such as mango cheesecake and gelato, and a child-friendly Piccolo Menu with activity packs.

The restaurant also introduces the brand’s expanded all-day dining menu to the region. Alongside its iconic pizzas, guests can enjoy rice bowls (a first for PizzaExpress India), fresh salads, hand-made pastas, and Italian sandwiches (Piadina). Handcrafted desserts such as tiramisu, the cheesecake and sticky toffee pudding, the kid-friendly Piccolo Menu with activity packs, and a refreshed beverage programme featuring cocktails, mocktails, sangrias, a carefully selected range of coffees, and a curated wine list round out the experience.

Bringing the brand’s story to life is the signature open kitchen, where guests can watch the striped-uniformed Pizzaiolos handcraft every base with flair, precision and theatre.

Ever since founder Peter Boizot opened the first PizzaExpress in Soho in 1965, the brand has stayed rooted in its constants: great food, evocative music, and distinctive design. The restaurant stays true to the brand’s design philosophy: warm, modern, and inviting, with an open kitchen that puts its Pizzaiolos centre-stage.

GIPL, the India partner for PizzaExpress, Chili’s and PF Chang’s, continues to expand with a philosophy grounded in culinary integrity, quality, and warm hospitality. Every new restaurant builds on the PizzaExpress legacy: elevated dining, meticulous craft, and unforgettable experiences.

About PizzaExpress: PizzaExpress has believed, since 1965, that dining should be one of life’s great highlights. Founded by Peter Boizot on Wardour Street in Soho, the brand has grown into a global icon known for its lively energy, handcrafted pizzas, and theatrical open kitchens. Every PizzaExpress pizzeria is built around the same philosophy: only the freshest, perfectly sourced ingredients will do, and every dish should be made with care and flair.

The brand’s signatures include its world-famous Dough Balls, the thin and crisp Romana, the bold Michelin-star-created Calabrese, and classics such as the American. Its tomato passata—made exclusively by the Greci family in Italy from San Marzano tomatoes crushed within 12 hours of harvest—remains one of the cornerstones of its flavour, used across all PizzaExpress kitchens worldwide.

Today, PizzaExpress operates more than 450 pizzerias in the UK, continually reinventing the dining experience while expanding across 13 international markets. Whether dining in or out, the brand continues to pair bold flavours and creative craftsmanship with a flair for great times, staying true to the spirit that began in Soho six decades ago.

 About Gourmet Investments Pvt. Ltd. (GIPL)

Gourmet Investments Pvt. Ltd., part of the Bharti family office, was founded in 2012 with a vision to redefine India’s casual-dining landscape by bringing globally renowned international restaurant brands to India. The company has successfully introduced India to premium global restaurant brands including PizzaExpress, Chili’s American Grill & Bar and P.F. Chang’s. As on date, the company operates 50 restaurants in India. With expertise spanning brand management, marketing, culinary innovation, and guest experience, GIPL has established itself as a benchmark in India’s F&B industry and continues to be committed to delivering world-class dining experiences.

With distinctly designed restaurants across key Indian cities including Mumbai, Pune, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Lucknow, Mohali and now Chandigarh, GIPL has become a symbol of professional management, recognized for its culinary innovations and world-class dining experiences within the Indian hospitality industry.

Vivek High School Students Shine in Annual Presentation ‘Echoes of the Earth’

Mohali, Dec 3: The young learners of the Montessori Toddlers and Environments of Vivek High School, Mohali presented their annual presentation, ‘Echoes of the Earth.’ The production was conceived and performed by the children. The school campus transformed into a vibrant celebration of nature, as the children showcased a powerful and poignant performance about ecological responsibility through the lens of the animal kingdom.

The narrative journeyed through the intricate web of life, it began with the fascinating world of invertebrates before exploring the five distinguished families of vertebrates. The children gracefully showed concepts of the food chain and interdependence, culminating in a unified message that all life is connected through a delicate ‘Circle of Life,’ sharing the important message about why we must all protect the Earth.

Mrs. Meenu Sahi, Founder & Executive Director of Vivek High Montessori Institute, Chandigarh, elaborated that Montessori is a scientifically-grounded approach fostering independence and respect for a child’s natural development. She said, “At Vivek High School, Mohali, we create a learning environment where holistic development is achieved through hands-on learning and collaborative play. She highlighted that the annual presentation exemplified this principle, as the children themselves chose the topic, built their understanding and confidently shared their learning, demonstrating the school's success in nurturing independent learners.”

Mrs. Meenakshi Madaan, Head of the Junior Wing, added that the Montessori method is centred on trusting a child's natural curiosity and allowing children to explore the world at their own pace through self-directed activities. She said, “This approach moves beyond simple knowledge and develops essential skills, fostering children who are articulate communicators and caring, compassionate individuals.”

Mrs. Jaswinder Gandhok, Principal of Vivek High School, Mohali, praised the children’s wonderful performance and the hard work of the teachers. She reflected on Dr. Montessori’s philosophy that a child’s mind is “a fire to be kindled, not a vessel to be filled.”

She highlighted theatre as a powerful way of learning. She explained that by embodying animals and speaking for them, the children moved beyond mere lessons to a profound, understanding. “Our children have not just learned about ecology,” she stated, “they have truly felt what it means to be responsible for our world.”

The confidence, skill, and heartfelt message of the young performers left an indelible mark, earning resounding accolades from management, faculty and parents. The talented children through the state play gave a powerful reminder of our shared duty to protect the Earth.

GB Realty Unveils Unique 1 % Payment Plan, aims to Make Luxury Living Affordable

 

 “In The Real Estate Industry the Financial Onus Is On the Buyer but with This Plan, We Have Taken It Upon Ourselves, We Are Happy to Have Bucked the Trend,” Gurinder Bhatti, Founder and Chairman, GB Realty

 

The 1 % Payment Plan Will Make Owning an Ultra Luxury Home in GB Realty's ‘Opus One’ Easier

 

GB Realty Launches Pioneering 1 % Plan On Organisation’s First Anniversary

 

Chandigarh, December 1, 2025: In a bold move set to reshape North India’s premium housing market, GB Realty has unveiled a pioneering ‘1 % Monthly Luxury Home Payment Plan’. Details of the plan which is a game changer for North India’s luxury home market were announced by Gurinder Bhatti, Founder and Chairman of GB Realty during a press conference held at Chandigarh’s Hyatt Regency, on the side-lines of the company’s first anniversary celebrations. Bhatti was accompanied by GB Realty's Vice President Jatinder Bajwa. 

 

Unveiling the special anniversary initiative, Gurinder Bhatti, said, “The 1% plan is a gift to homebuyers on our first anniversary. We have designed the plan keeping middle and upper middle–class aspirational buyers in mind. We feel that luxury is no longer a privilege—it is a necessity, and it must be accessible to all.”

 

Bhatti further said, “In the real estate industry, the financial onus is on the buyer but with this plan we have taken it upon ourselves, we are happy to have bucked the trend. Our focus is to make enabling provisions for the prospective residents of ‘Opus One’.”

 

‘Opus One’ is GB Realty’s upcoming RERA approved Ultra Luxury Homes project and when ready will showcase New Chandigarh’s tallest residential towers in the township.

 

Notably, according to a calculation under the 1% plan, 40 percent of the amount due for an ultra-luxurious home at 'Opus One' would be completed in less than 4 years (42 months) under a simple initial down payment, followed by an easy ‘monthly payment’ model.  The balance 60% would have to be paid at the time of possession. The 'Opus One' project will be delivered in Dec 2029 – in 4 years flat.

 

Bhatti said, “Our unique & first-of-its-kind payment package is simple & well structured.”

 

It is noteworthy that the plan broadly encapsulates a 20% upfront or down payment, followed by up-to 1 per cent pay-outs per month for 42 months. This will complete 40 percent of the total payment due. The balance 60 percent - has to be paid on possession,

 

 

 

Bhatti referring to the plan added, “The plan shifts the financial onus from the buyer to the builder. The buyer has unmatched financial flexibility under the payment plan as he or she can plan to save funds for the final instalment due to easier monthly pay-outs."

 

He said the model ensures that the builder is paid last, placing responsibility for timely delivery squarely on the developer and strengthening buyer confidence in a market where trust is paramount.

 

A first in North India’s luxury housing segment, Bhatti stated that the structure empowers buyers to manage their finances comfortably over four years.

 

According to Bhatti, whose vision is aligned with transparency and best practices, the 1% plan brings clarity, removes hidden conditions, and helps families plan their finances comfortably while boosting confidence in the luxury real estate market.

 

It is worth mentioning here that the announcement coincides with GB Realty’s first anniversary celebrations, showcasing a landmark year of growth driven by responsible development and a steadfast commitment to enhancing New Chandigarh’s urban landscape.

 

Reflecting on the occasion, Bhatti said that over the past year, we have advanced rapidly on our flagship project, ‘Opus One’, set to become the tallest residential address in New Chandigarh.

 

In reply to question from the media, Bhatti said the project brings together some of the world’s leading design and planning minds, including Principal Architect Tripat Girdhar, Lighting and Visual Planning Consultant Dhruv Jyoti Ghose, Landscape Architect Wannaporn Phornprapha, and Interior Design Consultant Chris Godfrey.

 

 

 

Vivek High School Students Shine in Annual Presentation ‘Echoes of the Earth’

Mohali, Dec 1: The young learners of the Montessori Toddlers and Environments of Vivek High School, Mohali presented their annual presentation, ‘Echoes of the Earth.’ The production was conceived and performed by the children. The school campus transformed into a vibrant celebration of nature, as the children showcased a powerful and poignant performance about ecological responsibility through the lens of the animal kingdom.

The narrative journeyed through the intricate web of life, it began with the fascinating world of invertebrates before exploring the five distinguished families of vertebrates. The children gracefully showed concepts of the food chain and interdependence, culminating in a unified message that all life is connected through a delicate ‘Circle of Life,’ sharing the important message about why we must all protect the Earth.

Mrs. Meenu Sahi, Founder & Executive Director of Vivek High Montessori Institute, Chandigarh, elaborated that Montessori is a scientifically-grounded approach fostering independence and respect for a child’s natural development. She said, “At Vivek High School, Mohali, we create a learning environment where holistic development is achieved through hands-on learning and collaborative play. She highlighted that the annual presentation exemplified this principle, as the children themselves chose the topic, built their understanding and confidently shared their learning, demonstrating the school's success in nurturing independent learners.”

Mrs. Meenakshi Madaan, Head of the Junior Wing, added that the Montessori method is centred on trusting a child's natural curiosity and allowing children to explore the world at their own pace through self-directed activities. She said, “This approach moves beyond simple knowledge and develops essential skills, fostering children who are articulate communicators and caring, compassionate individuals.”

Mrs. Jaswinder Gandhok, Principal of Vivek High School, Mohali, praised the children’s wonderful performance and the hard work of the teachers. She reflected on Dr. Montessori’s philosophy that a child’s mind is “a fire to be kindled, not a vessel to be filled.”

She highlighted theatre as a powerful way of learning. She explained that by embodying animals and speaking for them, the children moved beyond mere lessons to a profound, understanding. “Our children have not just learned about ecology,” she stated, “they have truly felt what it means to be responsible for our world.”

The confidence, skill, and heartfelt message of the young performers left an indelible mark, earning resounding accolades from management, faculty and parents. The talented children through the state play gave a powerful reminder of our shared duty to protect the Earth.

Two-Day Annual Athletic Meet of Paragon School 71 Held

 

School Announces S. Iqbal Singh Shergill Memorial Trophy

Chandigarh, November 27, 2025: Paragon Senior Secondary School, and Paragon Kids, Sector 71, Mohali, successfully conducted a two-day Annual Athletic Meet at the Sports Complex, Sector 7. Students from Playway to Class VIII participated in the events with great enthusiasm, discipline, and sportsmanship, delivering impressive performances. The Annual Athletic Meet began with an oath-taking ceremony, followed by the release of balloons. A Zumba dance performance with balls and dumbbells was the main highlight of the programme.

The School President, Mrs. Kulwant Kaur Shergill; Senior Vice President, Mrs. Nancy Pangli; Director Mrs. Fancy Shergill; Principal Mrs. Jasmeet Kaur and Vice Principal Mrs Amarpal Kaur graced the occasion.

School President Kulwant Kaur Shergill announced that from this year, the school has introduced the S. Iqbal Singh Shergill Memorial Trophy, instituted in honour of well-known educationist Late S. Iqbal Singh Shergill, who was the school's Director. “The trophy will be awarded annually to the student who brings maximum laurels in the field of sports to the school,” she said.

Notably, this year the trophy went to Tanish Trivesh Dada from Class VIII.

Director Fancy Shergill said in her address, that the school continues to follow the vision and principles of Late S. Iqbal Singh Shergill, whose legacy remains a constant source of inspiration.

The first day of the Athletic Meet was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Mr. Jiwanjot Singh Teja, Dronacharya Awardee (Archery) and Director Training, Sports Department, Punjab–Chandigarh. On the second and final day, the Chief Guest was Mr. Sukhwinder Tinku, Level-I BCCI Coach, former Indian cricketer and Head Coach of Paragon Cricket Academy. The chief guests motivated the students to actively participate in sports along with academics.

Students from Classes III to VIII took part in track and field events, which included 100-metre and 200-metre races, 400-metre relay, long jump, and shot put.

Principal Jasmeet Kaur said, “On this occasion the school acknowledges the invaluable guidance of S. Jatinder Singh Shergill, our mentor and guide, whose contributions continue to strengthen the institution.”

At the concluding ceremony of the Athletic Meet, students who displayed outstanding performances in various sports competitions were honoured by the school management with medals, trophies, and certificates.

Azim Premji Honoured with ISB Research Catalyst Award at ISB Insights Forum 2025

ISB’s Forum Driving Research-Led Solutions for India’s Present and Future Challenges

 

Mohali : Coinciding with the ISB Insights Forum 2025, the Indian School of Business (ISB) today presented the ISB Research Catalyst Award to Azim Premji, Founder Chairman, Wipro Ltd., in recognition of his outstanding contributions to India’s research ecosystem. The ISB Research Catalyst Award recognises individuals whose vision, generosity, and commitment have significantly strengthened the nation’s knowledge ecosystem, enabled cutting-edge inquiry, and inspired a culture of evidence-based problem-solving for societal progress.

 

The third edition of ISB’s Insights Forum convened at the Mohali campus, where leaders from academia, industry, government, and philanthropy engaged in discussions aimed at creating actionable research agendas and addressing critical issues facing India and the global community. The annual Forum provides a platform to highlight research that is shaping management thinking and to strengthen collaboration between researchers and industry practitioners.

 

Professor Karthik Muralidharan, Tata Chancellor's Professor of Economics, University of California, San Diego, in his inaugural address, highlighted groundbreaking research insights on accelerating India's development trajectory. According to him, evidence-based approaches coupled with technology can unlock India's immense potential, particularly in agricultural development, education and public finance. He emphasised that governments need to recognise the private sector as an ally rather than competition, partnering with private providers to improve service delivery. Professor Muralidharan stressed that high-quality research drives transformative policy changes, with data-driven interventions yielding returns ten times higher than simply increasing budgets. He concluded that systematic evidence gathering provides the foundation for designing policies that can dramatically shift India's development curve, creating both equity and efficiency gains.

 

Professor Madan Pillutla, Dean, ISB, explained that the Forum was born out of a critical need to bridge the gap in the dissemination of academic research in policy and industry circles. He also expressed delight at the Forum’s remarkable growth and the rising level of participation. The Dean highlighted his vision for the Forum to serve as a platform that enables actionable dialogue between academics, policymakers, and corporates, fostering the partnerships India needs to drive positive change and achieve large-scale impact.

 

Professor Sarang Deo, Deputy Dean, Faculty and Research, and Executive Director, Max Institute of Healthcare Management (MIHM), ISB, encouraged participants to explore topics beyond their daily expertise, noting that research is fundamentally about learning with an open mind. He suggested participants should reflect on three key outcomes: discovering something interesting they didn't know, having a belief overturned by evidence, and developing new questions to explore. Professor Deo highlighted that the Forum represents the beginning of an ongoing journey of inquiry and discovery.

 

The ISB Insights Forum 2025 featured a rich and diverse line-up of discussions, ranging from the role of data science and digital technologies in healthcare administration to the evolving landscape of climate impacts, climate action, and climate justice. The programme also included insights into wealth creation through capital markets with a focus on retail investors, a forward-looking session on Digital Gold, and a thought-provoking dialogue on the role of CSR in advancing higher education and research. The forum also included a virtual special address by Dr Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, CEO, AnusandhanNational Research Foundation (ANRF).

Digital fasting holds the key to a sharper mind: Dr Monica B Sood, Stavte Convenor, Intellectual Cell, BJP Chandigarh

Dr Sood Addresses Audience at Stepping Stones School Annual Sports Day

Chandigarh, November 21, 2025: According to Dr Monica B Sood, State Convenor, Intellectual Cell, BJP Chandigarh, ‘Digital Fasting’, is the key to a sharper, calmer, and more creative mind. Dr Sood introduced the novel concept of ‘Digital Fasting’ which simply means substantially reducing screen time during her address as Chief Guest at the Annual Sports Day of Stepping Stones School.

Encouraging students to limit social-media consumption to just 30 minutes a day, she said that reduced screen time can significantly improve concentration, memory, sleep quality, and overall mental health. “God has given you one beautiful life. Don’t waste it scrolling. Live it. Feel it. Create it,” she told the students.

Dr Monica B Sood, who is also CEO of Navjivan Health and Chairperson of National Unity & Security Council (NUSC) is a distinguished alumna of Stepping Stones School, and was invited as the Chief Guest at the school's Annual Sports Day. Principal Anu Kumar and the entire school faculty extended a warm welcome to her, acknowledging her achievements and her deep emotional connection with the institution.

Drawing from her own journey as a student of Stepping Stones School, Dr Sood shared that the institution was the place “where her dreams first started walking.”

Meanwhile, the Annual Sports Day saw vibrant performances, and spirited participation from students across all grades. Dr Sood praised the dedication of the teachers, the support of parents, and the impressive performances of students who trained tirelessly for the event.

Linking sports to life skills, Dr Sood emphasized that Sports Day is not only about winning medals but about learning discipline, courage, teamwork, and resilience. She reminded children that setbacks, struggles, and failures shape strong individuals, just as “diamonds are made under pressure and gold is purified in fire.”

Dr Sood said that sports icons teach the same lesson. PV Sindhu trained through injuries, Neeraj Chopra battled obesity and bullying, and Mary Kom rose above poverty and criticism. Every champion’s journey includes tears, pain, and resilience, yet they emerge stronger, proving that determination can rewrite destiny, she revealed.

Concluding her speech, she motivated students to believe in themselves, keep moving forward, and never give up. “If a girl who once sat on these very benches can make a difference, each one of you can go much further,” she said, encouraging students to dream big and make the school proud.