Hotel Operations

💰 Aptech collaborates with Birchstreet Systems to enhance the procure-to-pay process, offering better control over POs, invoicing, budgeting, and financial review efficiency. Twenty Four Seven Hotels improved their operations by integrating Aptech's PVNG with BirchStreet's P2P, streamlining accounts payable and vendor relations. Aptech and BirchStreet's joint solution provides real-time budget management, automated invoice data entry, digital storage, and efficient P&L review.

🍕 Dallas-based Legendary Restaurant Brands revived the Steak and Ale brand as a franchise in Burnsville, Minnesota on July 8. The concept, created in 1966, had closed in 2008 due to parent company Metromedia Restaurant Group's Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The new franchised location at Wyndham Nicollet Inn encompasses 5,000 square feet, seats 225, and includes a patio. CEO Paul Mangiamele purchased the rights years ago and is now realizing the dream of its return, managed by franchisee Roy Arnold with a 15-store agreement in the Midwest.

🍴 Pat Cobe visited Blank Street for their summer matcha drinks and noted the $42 lobster rolls at Salavar’s in Montauk. Bret Thorn dined at Iron Hill Brewery in Philadelphia, enjoying spirit-free cocktails, and at Zahav, tasting the $85 prix-fixe menu. Both attended Electric Shuffle's debut in NYC. Dan Kluger, chef-partner of Greywind in New York, discussed his culinary journey and the restaurant's multiple venues, including a bakery and speakeasy-style bar.

🍕 Akbar and Sanobar, refugees from Uzbekistan, joined London's McCain Streets Ahead Programme by KERB+ in 2022, aiming to share their cuisine through Samarkand Palav. By June 2023, they received operational training and successfully pitched their food concept. In 2023, McCain invested £10,000 into their business, enabling equipment purchases for weekly market presence at locations like Cowcross Yards and Fleet Place. They plan to support societal causes, including education and women's empowerment, and envision opening a café. Over 18 months, Streets Ahead supported over 200 participants, with McCain investing over £146,000 into start-ups.

🏡 Miiro launched its first property, Le Grand Hôtel Cayré, in Paris' Saint-Germain-des-Prés in partnership with Michaelis Boyd. The hotel offers 123 rooms and suites, a signature Refresh Room, restaurant Annette, bar Officine Bac, and other amenities. Miiro, a venture by InterGlobal Enterprises, was established in December 2023. Future openings include Barcelona and London, targeting early 2025.

🍕 Toronto-based Lazeez Shawarma, established in 2013, partners with Revel Systems to implement a cloud-based POS across 61 locations. Presented at MURTEC Executive Summit Canada on June 20-21 at Sheraton Centre, Toronto, the partnership aims to support rapid growth and improve guest experience with features like a mobile management system, kitchen display system, and real-time customer display system, enhancing service speed and order accuracy while adapting to market shifts and technologies.

🍕 The food delivery industry, grappling with wage increases and inflation, is turning to robotics as a solution. The National Restaurant Association reported 110,000 restaurant closures in 2020, yet the sector keeps evolving. Robotics, offering operational efficiency and cost savings (cutting costs by 17.71% according to the Association for Advancing Automation), are gaining ground, with the food robotics market projected to grow from $2 billion in 2020 to $5 billion by 2030, as stated by Allied Market Research. Embracing innovation like robotics is crucial for the industry's sustainability and competitiveness.

🍴 A restaurant reservation app enhances efficiency, customer experience, and profitability. Small businesses gain market access while larger ones streamline operations and increase loyalty. Features include easy booking, loyalty rewards, and special promotions, accessible via mobile devices. Financial benefits include reduced fees from direct bookings. Development steps include market research, design, app-building, and leveraging EPOS integration. Launching an app involves using market research to attract users. Rohan, SVP of Engineering at Builder.ai, suggests these strategies.

🍴 Michael Solomonv’s CookNSolo plans to open Jaffa Bar, an Israeli influenced oyster bar, in fall at 1925 N. Howard St., Philadelphia. The 5,000-square-foot, 120-seat space is being developed by Boxwood Architects. The bar will be managed by Kailey Jenkins and chef Andrew Henshaw, with Ryan Mulholland as a partner. Menu items include oysters with passion fruit mignonette and a variety of Middle Eastern inspired seafood dishes. The cocktail program, managed by Sean Byrne, features a Jaffa Orange cocktail. CookNSolo was founded in 2008.

🍴 In the Mediterranean, aïoli is made with garlic and olive oil. In the U.S., aïoli has evolved to include various ingredients and is often used synonymously with mayonnaise. Truffle aïoli, notably made with truffle oil, is trending in the U.S. and is present on 1.7% of restaurant menus, marking a 22% increase over four years. This variety is sought-after for its rich aroma and creaminess, complementing dishes from French fries to highly acidic meals.