Automatic - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 88

From Neuroscience to Restaurant Tech: Elizabeth McDonnell’s Unconventional Path

🍷 Elizabeth McDonnell opened Fortnight Wine Bar in Providence, R.I. and gained prominence with features in GQ, Bon Appétit, Eater, and Wine Enthusiast. Utilizing her science background, she employed technology from Upserve (now Lightspeed) to overcome operational challenges. After closing Fortnight Wine Bar in 2022, McDonnell transitioned to Senior Group Product Manager at Lightspeed Commerce and co-founded Pizza Wine in Rhode Island. Her focus remains on enhancing human connections through restaurant spaces.

2 min

The Workers’ Comp Approach Boosting Franchisees’ Cash Flow

💸 Hospitality franchisees face challenges with rising wages, inflation, and consumer confidence. An International Franchise Association (IFA) survey found 37% of franchisors see labor costs and recruiting quality employees as significant hurdles. Furthermore, 70% reported franchisees have open positions. ADP Research indicates that median base wages for sit-down restaurant employees reached $24 an hour as of September 2024, a 28% rise from pre-pandemic levels. Job-stayers in leisure and hospitality have seen higher pay growth than new hires since December 2022. Inflation concerns increased among respondents to 12% in 2024, up from 9% the prior year.

1 min

Better Together: How We Aligned Hotel Operations, Staffing & Financial Performance with Actabl – Steven Marais, Noble House Hotels & Resorts [Sponsor Bonus]

🏨 In a bonus episode, Steven Marais, Vice President of Rooms at Noble House Hotels & Resorts, discusses how the company enhanced hotel operations, staffing, and financial performance with Actabl's product suite. This collaboration was highlighted on April 3, 2025.

WATCH: MURTEC 2025: Experience Matters Recap

This article was written by Hospitality Technology. Click here to read the original article

2 min

The restaurant industry responds to President Trump’s sweeping new tariffs

💸 President Donald Trump announced global reciprocal tariffs, ranging from 10% to 46%, with China at 34% and the EU at 20%. Goldman Sachs predicts a 35% chance of a US recession, up from 20%. The Dow dropped 1,400 points in response. US food supply chain stability is at risk due to reliance on trade with affected allies. The National Restaurant Association warns that tariffs will raise food and packaging costs, creating uncertainty for operators. Vietnam, with $1.5 billion in seafood exports to the US in 2024, faces the highest tariff at 46%.

2 min

The restaurant industry responds to President Trump’s sweeping new tariffs

📈 President Donald Trump announced new global reciprocal tariffs ranging from 10% to 46%, with China and the European Union facing 34% and 20% respectively. Goldman Sachs predicts a 35% chance of recession, up from 20%. The DOW dropped 1,400 points. The U.S. food supply chain may be affected due to reliance on trade with Mexico, Canada, the EU, and China. The National Restaurant Association warns of cost hikes and uncertainty for operators. Vietnam faces the highest tariff at 46%, impacting its $1.5 billion seafood exports to the U.S. in 2024.

2 min

The Nash Casino Partners with UrVenue to Power Its Sports Entertainment Complex Bookings

💸 Hi Auto raised $15 million in a Series A funding round, totaling $23 million in capital alongside a $4 million credit line. The AI-driven platform for QSRs boasts over 96% order accuracy and over 90% completion rate, helping combat labor costs like California's $20/hour minimum. Hi Auto's clients include Bojangles, Checkers & Rally's, and Burger King New Zealand, among others. Founded in 2019 by Roy Baharav and Eyal Shapira, the company now employs 100 people globally. Dynamic upselling has increased average ticket sizes for Hi Auto's partners.

BirchStreetExpands Partnership with Aramark as Preferred Procure-to-Pay Technology Partner

💰 Hi Auto raised $15 million in Series A funding, totaling $23 million in capital, with an additional $4 million credit line for growth. Their AI-driven SaaS platform boasts over 96% order accuracy and over 90% completion rate for QSRs, a solution to surging labor costs like California’s $20/hour minimum wage. Key clients include Bojangles, Checkers & Rally's, Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken, Burger King New Zealand, and Popeyes UK. Dynamic upselling by the AI boosts average ticket sizes. Founded in 2019, Hi Auto employs 100 people globally.

2 min

PONANT EXPLORATIONS Sets Sail with Oracle Simphony Cloud

🏦 Hi Auto, an AI voice technology startup for the QSR industry, raised $15 million in Series A funding, totaling $23 million in capital, plus a $4 million credit line. Backed by Delek Motors, Zisapel Family, others, it delivers 96% order accuracy and over 90% completion with its SaaS platform. The tech enables dynamic upselling, boosting ticket sizes, and is used by Bojangles, Checkers & Rally's, and others. Founded in 2019 by Roy Baharav, Eyal Shapira, and Zohar Zisapel, the company now has 100 employees. 🌐

1 min

Bridging the Gap: How Betsy Seiler is Uniting Marketing, Operations & Technology at Jack in the Box

🏆 Betsy Seiler, Director of Menu Operations & Pricing at Jack in the Box, was honored with the Hospitality Technology’s Top Women in Restaurant Technology Innovator Award at MURTEC 2025. Starting her career in supply chain management, she evolved into a leadership role emphasizing mentorship, cross-functional collaboration, and the integration of marketing, operations, and technology teams. Seiler’s initiatives led to the formation of a new department, enhancing business value through strategic technological alignment.

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