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Automatic

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  • 2 min

Vox AI Raises $8.7M Seed to Transform Drive-Thrus, QSRs

🍴 Michelle Chin and Jerrold Wong join Applebee’s C-suite as Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Operations Officer on September 2 and 15, respectively. Applebee’s aims to boost marketing, expand menu innovation, and improve guest experience. Recent Q2 data showed increased traffic and sales. Chin, with over 20 years of experience at Starbucks and Unilever, will lead marketing. Wong, from Four Seasons and Marriott, will enhance operations. Their appointments support Applebee's strategy for growth and efficiency.
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  • 4 min

The top 10 hidden costs in restaurants

🍴 During the US Foods event last week in Las Vegas, Matt Bruenderman discussed 10 hidden costs in restaurant operations, emphasizing strategic planning, brand clarity, customer data, effective training, technology adoption, and preventive maintenance. He cited TGI Fridays' past mistakes and highlighted potential savings like a 3% labor cost reduction via scheduling platforms. Emphasizing culture's impact on turnover, he advised listening and feedback. Proper packaging and a focused menu can enhance efficiency and customer retention.
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  • 3 min

Shiji Daylight PMS and Right Revenue Partner to Drive Smarter Pricing Strategies and Stronger Profitability

💸 BARCELONA, August 26, 2025 – Shiji integrates its Daylight PMS with Right Revenue’s rate management software, empowering hotels with AI-driven, real-time rate recommendations covering up to two years. This partnership optimizes revenue and simplifies decision-making for hoteliers. Shiji supports over 91,000 hotels globally, while Right Revenue specializes in independent hotels. The integration delivers dynamic pricing by analyzing reservation data and market trends to enhance profitability and operational efficiency.
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VRM The Shelby – Myrtle Beach Opens on South Carolina’s Coastline

🏖 August 26, 2025, USA, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Voco The Shelby - Myrtle Beach opens, the first IHG voco hotel in South Carolina. Honoring Shelby Ann Byrd, it features 241 rooms with ocean views and retro interiors. The Shelby Beach Club offers a lazy river, pool, and live music on weekends. The Palm & Pebble restaurant hosts a daily happy hour from 4-7 p.m. The hotel includes 1,300 sq ft of event space with ocean views. Located near Kings Highway, it's steps from the Boardwalk and SkyWheel.
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Valor Hospitality Partners Expands Into The Caribbean With New Plymouth Peninsula Tobago

🏝️ Valor Hospitality Partners, on August 26, 2025, announced its Caribbean expansion in Plymouth Peninsula, Tobago, set to open in 2027. Located on Tobago's northern coast, this luxury destination, developed by Cove Bay Developments and architect Herman Morgan, will highlight sustainable design and local culture. The project includes luxury apartments, restaurants, and wellness offerings. Valor's expansion signifies a long-term investment in the Caribbean, aligning with the goals of the Tobago Tourism Board.
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  • 2 min

Reclaiming the Guest: Why Brand Matters in Delivery

🍽 Restaurants are shifting to direct delivery systems to regain control over customer data and relationships, moving away from third-party platforms. A national poke chain adopted this model to reduce platform costs and gain insights into customer behavior, enhancing their ability to engage directly with patrons. This strategy emphasizes building direct connections without relying on third-party apps that prioritize their own customer loyalty, promoting competing restaurants and limiting direct contact.
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  • 4 min

HT Talks Tech: Ira Vouk, Hospitality Technology Expert & Consultant

💻 In her journey from the Soviet Union to the U.S., she delved into hospitality, initially working 90-hour weeks and progressing through various roles. Mentored by Dana Blasi in revenue management, she developed the first AI-powered RMS, increasing RevPAR by 30%. The field has evolved, focusing now on revenue and profit optimization with a 20% possible yearly profitability boost through technology. Challenges remain, including tech adoption, dynamic pricing, and direct bookings. Embracing AI is key for future success.
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  • 2 min

Start-Up Spotlight: This Solution Helps Restaurants Find the ‘Just Right’ Price

📈 SignalFlare utilizes AI and machine learning to aid restaurants with pricing and customer behavior insights. Founded amid the pandemic by Lukianoff, it uses mobile, credit card, and economic data, outperforming traditional models. With seven full-time employees and clients like Habit Burger and Velvet Taco, it helps simulate business scenarios. SignalFlare aims to become a decision-intelligence platform, expanding into promotions and strategy. It was featured in the RTN Start-Up Alley at MURTEC 2025, with 2026 applications opening soon.
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  • 2 min

Voice AI Solution for Restaurants Raises $3.5M

🍽 Applebee’s announced two key appointments: Michelle Chin as Chief Marketing Officer starting September 2 and Jerrold (Jay) Wong as Chief Operations Officer beginning September 15. Recently, Applebee’s reported increased traffic and sales in Q2. These appointments aim to strengthen marketing, menu innovation, and guest experience. Chin, with over 20 years of experience, will drive marketing strategies, while Wong will focus on operational consistency and growth, leveraging his hospitality industry knowledge.
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