Ron Ruggless - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers

1 min

Batbox to open U.S. flagship eatertainment venue

📑 Ron Ruggless, a senior editor at Nation’s Restaurant News since 1992, covers foodservice mergers and marketing. He began his career as a restaurant critic at the Dallas Times Herald in 1982. Ruggless frequently moderates industry events including MUFSO and RestaurantSpaces. Previously, he held editing roles in Dallas, Charlotte, and Omaha. His articles have been featured in Food & Wine and Food Network magazines. Connect with him on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok at @RonRuggless.

2 min

Harkins Theatres opens The Backlot as a dinner and movie eatertainment concept

🎬 Harkins Theaters partnered with The Culinary Edge to launch The Backlot in July at The Shops at Norterra, Phoenix, AZ. The 90-year-old brand offers a family entertainment center with bowling, darts, and an arcade. The Studio Canteen serves film-themed dishes like pizzas, burgers, and desserts. The Culinary Edge, a San Francisco consultancy, ensured an unforgettable menu. An indoor-outdoor bar offers drinks, including local brews and mocktails.

2 min

Chef Janelle Romeo opens Caribbean-inspired Twin Isle in Austin

🍴 Chef Janelle Romeo has opened Twin Isle, a fast-casual Caribbean-inspired restaurant in East Austin. Twin Isle occupies 800 sq. ft. with eight indoor seats and a patio, launching earlier this month. The menu features customizable bowls and family-style dishes, including Aloo Pie, Oxtail Fries, and Rip + Dip Roti. Roti wraps and sandwiches like the Oxtail Sandwich and Bake + Shark are offered. Seasonal specials include curry crab and dumplings and Trini barbecue.

2 min

Reality star Karlie Redd to open Red Room Bistro

🍴 Karlie Redd, star of MTV’s “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta,” will open the Red Room Bistro in downtown Atlanta on September 28. The American-Caribbean-inspired lounge covers 3,000 square feet and seats 85. In partnership with Ace Carrington, the venue aims to enhance Atlanta's service standards. Designed by Ty Young, it features a red palette and events like the “Bunnies and Bubbles Brunch.” The menu offers American and Caribbean tapas. Redd’s passion stems from her family’s hospitality background.

2 min

Morocco-inspired Ayah opens in New York City

🍴 3rd Space Hospitality opens Ayah, a Morocco-inspired restaurant, on Houston Street, New York City. Executive Chef Geoffrey Lechantoux, trained under Meryem Cherkaoui, oversees the kitchen, assisted by Aïcha Sbaih. Their menu fuses traditional and modern Moroccan flavors, featuring dishes like Chhiwates and Pastilla. The bar, led by Adrien Lefort, offers drinks like The Dellah. Designed with DMDesigns, Ayah incorporates Moroccan crafts. It features three dining rooms and a central bar, blending Moroccan culture with New York style.

2 min

PJ Clarke’s team to open Rockwell & Rose steak-seafood concept

🍴 The Clarke's Group will open a new steakhouse and seafood restaurant, Rockwell & Rose, on October 8 in Philadelphia, opposite Independence Hall. The restaurant will seat 146, with distinct dining areas, and feature a bar with eight taps. Menu highlights include jumbo lump crab cakes and “Freedom From Want.” The venue ties to historical figures and themes, such as Rosie the Riveter and the former Rockwell Museum, in its design and naming.

2 min

Chef Michael Mina and NBA star Stephen Curry plan steakhouses

🍴 Michael Mina, The Mina Group, and Stephen Curry are opening steakhouses in October at The Westin St. Francis hotel in Union Square, San Francisco. Mina's Bourbon Steak and Curry's The Eighth Rule will debut. Curry’s first hospitality venture follows his 2021 launch of Gentleman’s Cut bourbon. The Eighth Rule offers limited seating and craft cocktails. The Mina Group, managing operations, has over 25 concepts. The central Bourbon Lounge will feature seasonal California ingredients.

1 min

Mad Concepts names Kendra Shier president of Jakes Burgers and Beer and Tacos & Avocados concepts

📣 Mad Concepts Group, based in Addison, Texas, named Kendra Shier as president of Jakes Burgers and Beer and Tacos & Avocados on Tuesday. Jakes, founded in Dallas in 1985, has 12 locations in North Texas. Tacos & Avocados, which opened in November 2024, has one location in Carrollton, Texas. Shier joined Jakes in 2017 and was previously VP of operations at Bread Winners Café & Bakery, enhancing her strategic and creative credentials.

1 min

Thompson Hospitality to open Ms. Peach’s Southern Kitchen

📑 Ron Ruggless, senior editor at Informa Connect's Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality since 1992, previously worked at the Dallas Times Herald (1982-1991) and edited the Zagat Dining Guide. Based in Dallas-Fort Worth, he moderates industry events worldwide. His expertise covers foodservice mergers, acquisitions, and marketing. Follow Ron on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok @RonRuggless.

1 min

Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes set September opening for new Kansas City steakhouse

🍴 Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, stars of the Kansas City Chiefs, are set to open their steakhouse, 1587 Prime, on September 17 at the Loews Kansas City Hotel. This is also Mahomes’ 30th birthday. The restaurant, managed by Noble 33, spans 10,000 square feet with a seating capacity of 238 over two levels. The menu features items like Wagyu beef and shrimp. It includes a central bar, private dining, entertainment, and art installations. Reservations for opening night have filled quickly.

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