‘GODDASS’ TAKES OVER MADRID FOR A SERIES OF PARTIES
The height of the pandemic in 2020 was a tumultuous time for many businesses, but while some sank, others found opportunity. When Iru Khundadze was forced to return from Paris to Georgia and leave her job at Disney due to the pandemic, the idea to finally turn her passion into something tangible was born. Teaming up with Nutsa Gvelesiani, the duo launched MUNCHIES, a burger pop-up initially envisioned as a three-month venture offering a simple menu of signature burgers, fries, and sauce. With just $1,500 in investments, their hidden gem in the heart of Tbilisi quickly gained momentum, selling an impressive 100 burgers a day. With a cheeky interior inspired by drag queens, the pop-up evolved into a permanent Georgian premium comfort food brand, FOODGODDESS.
Focusing on guilt-free luxury street food, the brand expanded within six months with a second concept, BRUNCHIES by FOODGODDESS. Quickly disrupting the city’s monotonous street food scene, Iru and Nutsa saw the potential of their innovative approach. One year after MUNCHIES officially opened in Tbilisi, they set their sights on Madrid. Despite challenges such as lack of investors, contacts, language barrier, and limited funds, the duo’s perseverance and year-long research culminated in the opening of MUNCHIES in Madrid.
Starting with pop-ups powered by authentic word-of-mouth marketing, MUNCHIES became a coveted hangout for local artists, creators, and visionaries. Iru and Nutsa believed the universe had aligned to place them in the right place at the right moment to grow the brand—and their community. It soon became clear that MUNCHIES was growing into more than just a premium food brand. It was time for a party.
Inspired by their experiences of authentic partying in cities like Paris, London, and Amsterdam, and heavily influenced by the Georgian music scene of 2012–2018, the duo began organizing secret parties in Madrid. Invitations were sent to just 40 people via private messages or social media. The goal? To create an intimate, homey space with quality music and a close-knit crowd. Word spread quickly. Each party grew larger, with rotating hidden gem DJs, changing venues, and an increasingly diverse audience. These handpicked gatherings became synonymous with MUNCHIES ethos: high-energy house music, a community vibe, and a distinctly non-commercial approach. The events began to resemble old-school, 1980s-inspired gatherings where guests aged 20 to 70 partied together—everyone feeling special, no matter who they were. And dressing up? Mandatory. Forget jeans and a t-shirt; these parties demanded glamour.
The pinnacle of their party series so far was MUNCHIES two-year anniversary in Madrid in the beginning of October. This 18-hour (!) extravaganza took place in a palatial venue on Plaza de España, featuring five DJs: Zeus, Gvele, Lele, Gilles, and Lyla. hundreds of fabulously dressed guests, and, naturally, an endless supply of burgers—“because a party without food is really just a meeting and they don't do that.”
Now, things are getting serious. MUNCHIES by FOODGODDESS is making waves across Madrid—and beyond. Recently, the duo unveiled their new concept, ‘IAMGODDASS,’ dedicated to crafting unforgettable party experiences. In their latest venture, the now-professional party planners collaborated with Madrid hospitality giant EDITION. Bringing underground music gems to a wider audience marks a new chapter for their growing empire, one sure to solidify their status as tastemakers and disruptors in the world of food and nightlife.
Images by Aly Hegazy, Alexander Klinger and Tono Bertomeu from the Albateg Team
