NRAI Odisha Chapter Launched to Boost State’s Food Industry and Tourism Growth

New platform aims to attract investment, support entrepreneurs, and turn Odisha into a major culinary destination

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has taken a major step toward strengthening its hospitality and tourism sector with the launch of the NRAI Odisha Chapter in Bhubaneswar. The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), the leading body for the country’s food service industry, officially opened the chapter to support the growth of restaurants, cafés, and other food businesses across the state.

This new chapter is expected to improve business conditions, attract big investments, and highlight Odisha’s rich food culture, helping the state grow as a top culinary and tourism hub.

The launch comes at a time when Odisha’s food service sector is already playing an important role in the state’s economy. The sector contributes 13.09% to Odisha’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), making it one of the state’s strongest industries. With the state’s GSDP expected to reach $125.3 billion by 2025, opportunities for growth are rising.

Cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, and Puri are witnessing a rapid increase in new cafés, modern restaurants, cloud kitchens, and tourism-based eateries. The NRAI Odisha Chapter aims to use this momentum to encourage more investment and development statewide.

Bringing the Industry Together
Sameer Hans, Co-Founder of Bocca Café and the newly appointed Chapter Head, said the food business in Odisha is large but scattered. With nearly 8,000 food and beverage outlets in the state, there is a need for better organisation and support.

“We want to bring at least 1,500 of these establishments under the NRAI Odisha Chapter in the next two years,” Hans said.
He explained that the goal is not only to grow membership but also to help entrepreneurs, guide policy decisions, and give the industry a united voice.

The launch also brought encouraging news about new investments.
Punya Prakash Parida, Promoter of Embassy Club, announced that more than ₹1,000 crore will be invested in upcoming leisure and hotel projects in Odisha. He said the presence of NRAI will improve ease of doing business and help draw global brands to the state.

NRAI President Sagar Daryani praised Odisha’s rich food tradition—from tribal flavours to temple cuisine. He said the new chapter will promote skill development, support young entrepreneurs, and help Odia food brands grow at the national level.

To guide the chapter’s work, a core leadership team has been formed:

• Chapter Head: Sameer Hans (Bocca Café)
  Co-Chapter Head: M. Tejeswar Rao (Green Chillyz)
• Secretary: Sunmeet Singh Oberai (Oberai Bakers & Café)
• Joint Secretary: Chandini Samal (Romeo Lane)
• Treasurer: Amit Singhania (Gocool)

This team plans to work together to solve industry challenges such as GST-related issues, skill shortages, and investment barriers. They also aim to promote Odisha’s unique food heritage across India, helping the state gain recognition for its authentic flavours.

A Promising Future for Odisha’s Culinary Landscape
With strong leadership, major investment commitments, and a growing market, the NRAI Odisha Chapter is expected to play an important role in shaping the state’s hospitality sector. The initiative will support jobs, encourage entrepreneurship, and help position Odisha as a major destination for food lovers and tourists.