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Automatic

2359 posts

SevenRooms Unveils New AI Features

🍴 TouchBistro's "2025 American Diner Trends Report" surveyed 1,500 U.S. diners, revealing an optimistic outlook for the restaurant industry despite a 12.5% increase in dining and takeout costs. Weekly dining out increased slightly from 39% to 42%, with takeout and delivery up 28% from last year. DoorDash leads delivery apps at 73%, followed by Uber Eats (56%) and Grubhub (34%). Loyalty program engagement is up to 47% weekly. Inflation impacts lower income households more, with only 27% of those earning under $50k dining out weekly compared to 64% of households earning over $200k. Gen Z, despite lower income, has 20% dining out daily and 48% planning to eat out more. Average restaurant spending rose to $54, with a 16% average tip, but Gen Z tips less at 13%. Five strategies are suggested for restaurant operators in 2025, including minimizing price increases and leveraging limited time offerings.
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  • 3 min

Why Hotels Must Modernize Infrastructure to Innovate

💾 Zaplox President and CEO Tess Mattisson emphasizes the importance of foundational infrastructure for hospitality innovation. NFC-based wallet keys are preferred over app-based Bluetooth solutions for digital keys, offering guests a faster, more reliable experience. However, PMS integration complexities hinder mobile key adoption. Zaplox's Web Provisioning technology allows mobile keys via a secure web link, reducing the need for an app and benefiting operational efficiency by decreasing front desk congestion. To leverage such innovations, hotels must modernize their digital infrastructure, which is vital for future-proofing operations and embracing future advancements.
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  • 4 min

The Missing Link in Hospitality’s Experience Economy

🏨 Hospitality industries face labor shortages, rapidly changing guest expectations, and a need for efficient operation. The Guest Journey Manager emerges as a new role to streamline the guest experience, replacing fragmented service, and maximizing revenue opportunities. This role blends technology, operations, and data to optimize the entire guest journey. Drivers for this role include a shift from service to experience, the integration of technology with human touch, and labor shortages. The Guest Journey Manager utilizes AI messaging, real-time monitoring, CRM, and automated systems to enhance guest satisfaction, driving revenue through better reviews, repeat bookings, and increased ancillary revenue. Success is measured by Net Promoter Score, Guest Lifetime Value, Ancillary revenue growth, and Guest Effort Score.
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Pacifica Hotels Appoints Scott Roby as President

🏨 In Aliso Viejo, California, on March 31, 2025, Scott Roby was appointed President of Pacifica Hotels, overseeing portfolio assets and operations. Roby is a Cornell University alumnus with a background in hospitality, including founding Storyteller Hospitality, co-founding Evolution Hospitality, and revenue management roles at Tarsadia Hotels and KSL Resorts. CEO Matt Marquis highlighted Roby's strong leadership and track record. Roby volunteers with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and serves on the board of Design Environments.
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Aligned Hospitality Management Grows Tucson Footprint With Spark by Hilton Tucson Airport

🏨 USA, Phoenix, Arizona - March 31, 2025: Aligned Hospitality Management expands its Tucson portfolio by adding Spark by Hilton Tucson Airport, previously a Comfort Suites at 6935 S Tucson Blvd, Tucson, AZ. The 87-key property, purchased in Q4 of 2024, underwent renovation by Aligned and offers amenities including free breakfast, WiFi, airport shuttle, and is pet-friendly. Aligned, with a corporate team's 100+ years of experience with Hilton, leverages its expertise for successful property conversions.
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Gordon Drake Appointed Chief Financial Officer for Kempinski Hotels

🏨 🏦 Switzerland, Geneva, March 31, 2025 - Kempinski Hotels introduces their new executive leadership team under CEO Barbara Muckermann. Gordon Drake, with over 30 years’ experience and previously CEO of The Doyle Collection, is appointed Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Stuart Dickie. Rasha Lababidi, former Senior Director of Marketing at Emaar, is named Chief Product Officer, a new position focused on product innovation and guest experience. Both appointments are part of Kempinski's strategy for transformation and growth in the luxury hospitality industry.
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Uber, OpenTable Form Global Partnership

💳 Grazzy, a digital tipping platform, partners with U.S. Bank to launch a prepaid debit card for hourly employees. The card allows instant access to tips and wages at the end of each shift, with no U.S. Bank fees for in-network ATM usage, no overdraft fees, and FDIC insurance. This collaboration aims to improve financial wellness, employee retention, and provide employers cost savings. U.S. Bank offers the U.S. Bank Focus Card for payroll across numerous restaurants, enhancing efficiency in the hospitality sector. The partnership addresses the shift toward cashless tipping and evolving workforce needs in the post-pandemic era.
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Neel Patel Named Chief Executive Officer for REGO Restaurant Group

🚿 Marriott International, Inc. partners with PathSpot Technologies, Inc. to implement hygiene management technology across its 9,300+ properties globally, marking an industry first. The collaboration integrates PathSpot's handwashing validation system and equipment monitoring technology, enhancing food safety and efficiency in Marriott's $7 billion food and beverage operations with 53 Michelin stars. The technology saves properties 2-8 hours daily in back-of-house tasks, improves health standards, and reduces food waste and energy consumption. Marriott also made a minority equity investment in PathSpot.
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  • 3 min

Hostaway Launches Hostaway AI

📌 Marriott International has partnered with PathSpot Technologies to introduce a hygiene management and digital kitchen system across its over 9,300 properties, enhancing food safety and efficiency. The technology includes a handwashing validation system and equipment monitoring, aiming to improve health standards and prevent foodborne illness. Implementing PathSpot's Hand Scanners and SafetySuite has saved properties an estimated 2-8 hours daily in back-of-house operations, allowing staff to focus more on guests. Marriott's commitment to innovation continues with an equity investment in PathSpot.
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