Restaurant India News: Byg Ventures Launches Yaakay Bar & Canteen in Bengaluru

Byg Ventures, the team behind beloved spaces like Byg Brewski Brewing Company, Bob’s Bar, and Jollygunj, has unveiled its newest venture, ‘Yaakay Bar & Canteen’ in Sahakar Nagar, Bengaluru.

Yaakay offers a fresh spin on the neighbourhood bar — lively, welcoming, and rooted in local flavour. It’s built for real people and real evenings, where comfort takes priority over extravagance. With hearty food, easy drinks, and honest pricing, Yaakay embodies Bengaluru’s relaxed, unpretentious spirit. The space is full of character, featuring witty local phrases like “Nodu, namma baalu!” and “Full ah vechidu!” that capture the city’s humour and warmth. It’s a place where everyone feels at home whether you’re a friend, guru, anna, or macha.

The menu celebrates Karnataka’s bold, comforting flavours with dishes such as Special Shevige Chicken Biryani, Naati Koli Curry, Kothu Parota, Rebel Star Mutton Fry, and regional highlights like Jackfruit Seed Ghee Roast and Manju’s Motte Chilli. True to its spirit, Yaakay focuses not on craft cocktails or showmanship, but on good food, great vibes, and the easygoing drinking culture that defines Bengaluru.

The launch also marks the latest chapter in Byg Ventures’ growing hospitality portfolio and reinforces Founder and Managing Partner Ajay Gowda’s vision of creating spaces that are both emotionally resonant and commercially successful.

“With Yaakay, we wanted to reimagine the neighbourhood bar for today’s Bengaluru, rooted in local flavour, built for real people, and designed for everyday comfort. It’s our way of celebrating the city’s easy-going energy while expanding our footprint in the casual dining space. We see Yaakay as a scalable concept that can thrive across India’s growing urban neighbourhoods, and we’re confident it will become the go-to hangout for people who value authenticity over artifice,’’ said Ajay Gowda, Founder and Managing Partner, Byg Ventures.

With 11 operational venues and plans to expand to 18 outlets and ₹500 crore in revenue by FY25–26, Byg Ventures continues to redefine India’s bar and dining landscape. Through bold moves into Gen Z–focused bars, premium liquor retail, and multi-city expansion across Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune, and Tier-II cities, the group is building one of India’s first truly national hospitality portfolios.