Sixuan Wu

🎮 Intersection Development has broken ground on the first Atari Hotel in Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row Arts District, targeting completion by early 2029. Designed by räkkhaus under an exclusive Atari license, the property will feature high-tech guest rooms, creator studios, an esports and concert venue accommodating more than 2,000 people, a sportsbook, restaurants, bars and shops. Investors include Henry Cejudo and Adapt. The project marks Atari’s debut in hospitality.

🏨 UK Chancellor John Healey’s 2026 Autumn Budget raises small-business rates relief from £12,000 to £18,000, exempting 70,000 businesses, and allocates £10 million to independent brewers. Minimum wages rise 3.9% from April 2027; standard alcohol duty also rises 3.9%. VAT stays at 20%. England’s pubs, social clubs and live music venues receive additional 20% rates relief, excluding hotels. Local leaders gain accommodation-levy powers from 2028, prompting hospitality concerns over rising costs.

🏨 UKHospitality chief executive Allen Simpson warned that a 3.9% rise in the UK’s national minimum wage and national living wage will increase pressure on hospitality businesses already facing higher operating costs. While supporting fair pay, he said the labour-intensive sector faces a substantial additional burden. Simpson urged the government to reduce hospitality taxes in the Budget, warning that mounting costs could limit investment, job creation and growth across UK communities.