Barbeque Nation Hospitality Limited , a prominent player in the Indian casual dining sector, has announced a significant addition to its leadership team. The company has appointed Tarun Khanna as an Independent Director for a five-year term, spanning from May 22, 2025, to May 21, 2030.

Shareholders' Approval and Appointment Process

The appointment of Tarun Khanna was approved by the company's shareholders through a postal ballot conducted via remote e-voting on July 31, 2025. This decision followed recommendations from both the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and the Board of Directors, underscoring the company's commitment to robust corporate governance practices.

Tarun Khanna's Professional Background

Tarun Khanna brings a wealth of experience to Barbeque-Nation's board. He is currently a Partner at CX Advisors LLP, an advisory firm to CX Partners, a growth and buyout-oriented private equity fund focused on India. In his role, Khanna is responsible for identifying, investing in, monitoring, and exiting investments in the consumer products and service sector.

Khanna's impressive career spans various sectors of the financial industry:

• He has extensive experience in investment banking, having previously held positions at Yes Bank and Citigroup.
• At Yes Bank, he served as a Director in the investment and corporate banking business, where he was responsible for originating M&A and capital raising transactions across North and East India.
• Prior to Yes Bank, Khanna spent four years at Citigroup's corporate and investment banking business.
• He also has experience in commercial finance, having worked at GE's commercial finance business for 18 months.

Board Positions and Educational Background

Khanna's expertise extends to serving on the boards of several companies. He currently holds board positions in various portfolio companies, including:

• Sapphire Foods
• Mrs. Bectors Foods
• Thyrocare Technologies

His educational background includes an MBA from the University of Baltimore and a B.S. in Engineering from the University of Maryland, providing him with a strong foundation in both business and technical fields.

Implications for Barbeque-Nation

The appointment of Tarun Khanna as an Independent Director is expected to bring valuable insights and strategic guidance to Barbeque-Nation Hospitality Limited. His extensive experience in investment banking, private equity, and his involvement with various consumer-focused companies align well with Barbeque-Nation's position in the casual dining sector.

Compliance and Disclosure

In compliance with regulatory requirements, Barbeque-Nation has confirmed that Tarun Khanna is not debarred from holding office by virtue of any SEBI Order or any other authority. The company has also disclosed that Khanna has no relationships with other directors of the company, ensuring independence in his role.

As Barbeque-Nation Hospitality Limited continues to navigate the competitive landscape of the Indian restaurant industry, the addition of Tarun Khanna to its board signals the company's commitment to strengthening its governance and strategic capabilities.

Barbeque Nation Hospitality Limited , a leading player in the casual dining restaurant sector, has unveiled its strategic growth plans while navigating through a challenging first quarter.

Expansion Plans and Recovery Strategy

The company has set an ambitious target to operate 325 restaurants by FY2027 as part of its recovery strategy. This expansion plan represents a significant increase from its current network of 236 restaurants. Barbeque-Nation is focusing on three key areas to drive growth:

1. Increased dine-in operations
2. Brand growth
3. International expansion

The company added 7 new restaurants in Q1, demonstrating its commitment to network expansion despite current market challenges.

Q1 Financial Performance

Barbeque-Nation's financial results for Q1 reflect the ongoing challenges in the casual dining sector:

• Revenue from operations stood at ₹2,970.00 million, marking a 2.8% year-on-year decline.
• The company experienced a negative Same-Store Sales Growth (SSSG) of 3.4%, indicating continued pressure on existing outlets.
• Operating EBITDA was ₹460.00 million, down 9.5% year-on-year, with a margin of 15.5%.
• Adjusted Operating EBITDA (excluding the impact of IND AS 116 and other factors) was ₹136.00 million, a significant 35.9% year-on-year decrease.

Segment Performance

Barbeque Nation India

• Added 3 new restaurants, bringing the total to 193.
• Revenues declined by 7% year-on-year, with SSSG at -5.2%.
• Pre-IND AS restaurant operating margin stood at 9.6%.

Barbeque Nation International

• Added 2 new restaurants, expanding to a total of 32.
• Achieved strong 19% year-on-year revenue growth, with positive SSSG of 1.6%.
• Pre-IND AS restaurant operating margin was 14.5%.

Premium Casual Dining Restaurants (CDR)

• Launched 2 new restaurants, reaching a total of 11.
• Delivered ~10% year-on-year revenue growth, supported by a strong SSSG of 8.5%.
• Pre-IND AS restaurant operating margin was impressive at 22.5%.

Strategic Focus and Outlook

Despite the short-term challenges, Barbeque-Nation remains committed to its long-term growth strategy. The company is focusing on:

1. Positioning Barbeque Nation as the preferred celebration destination.
2. Elevating guest experience through culinary and service innovation.
3. Reviving same-store sales growth by driving volume.
4. Pursuing network expansion of 8-10% annually.
5. Strengthening operating margins through disciplined cost control.

Management Changes

In a move to strengthen its leadership team, Barbeque-Nation has made key appointments:

• Mr. Rahul Agrawal has been re-appointed as Chief Executive Officer & Whole-Time Director for a five-year term, from December 31, 2025, to December 30, 2030.
• Mr. Vipul Goel has been appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer.

Corporate Rebranding

The company's Board of Directors has approved a significant change, proposing to rename the company from "BARBEQUE-NATION HOSPITALITY LIMITED" to "UNITED FOODBRANDS LIMITED". This change is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.

As Barbeque-Nation navigates through the current market challenges, its focus on expansion, operational improvements, and strategic rebranding underscores the company's commitment to long-term growth in the competitive casual dining sector.