Human Resources

📋 Temp-to-hire models gain traction in the foodservice industry, particularly in quick-serve and fast-casual segments, due to their growth in 2024 and expected expansion in 2025. This hiring method allows employers to assess potential permanent staff in a low-employment environment without long-term commitments. Temporary postings typically range from three to six months, after which employers may pay a conversion fee to make the temp a permanent employee. The method offers a solution to adapt to increased labor demands despite the introduction of automated systems. Employers are advised to invest in committed training and intentional onboarding to improve hiring success.

🍴 Bret Thorn, Senior Food & Beverage Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality since 1999, has been spotlighting F&B trends. Host of "In the Kitchen with Bret Thorn," he wrote for The New York Sun (2005-2008), and earlier, covered business in Thailand for Manager magazine and Asia Times (1992-1997). A Tufts University magna cum laude graduate and Phi Beta Kappa member, Thorn also attended Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and studied Chinese in China. He won the 2006 Neal Award and was inducted into the Disciples d’Escoffier in 2014.

📍 Hostaway's 2024 STR Market Report shows property managers' top challenge is growth and scaling, overtaking technology concerns. Climate-related issues emerged significantly, being mentioned 24 times more than the previous year, accounting for 8% of surveyed managers' concerns. Economic volatility dropped out of the top eight concerns. Over half of the managers now employ AI in daily operations, with dynamic pricing increasing by nearly 45%. The report surveyed over 300 managers from 51 countries, indicating a shift towards operational resilience and adaptability.

🏨 D-EDGE Hospitality Solutions appoints Damini Lykidi Diehl as Chief Commercial Officer for EMEA. With 20+ years in sales and business development, including at Google, Damini joins the Executive Committee to drive growth and expand hotel tech solutions in Europe and Asia-Pacific.

🏠 The Ascott Limited, with over 950 properties, manages Millennium and Copthorne hotels at Chelsea FC's Stamford Bridge since 26 November. Stamford Bridge Hotel, next to the stadium, will become lyf Chelsea London after 2025 renovations. Ascott's lyf brand emphasizes social living for modern travelers. The partnership also made Ascott the 'official global hotels partner' for Chelsea FC, offering Ascott Star Rewards members unique experiences and enhancing Ascott's presence in London. Ascott operates in over 230 cities across more than 40 countries.

🍴 Bret Thorn, Senior Food & Beverage Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN) and Restaurant Hospitality since 1999, covers food and beverage trends and oversees F&B coverage. Host of "In the Kitchen with Bret Thorn" podcast. Columnist for The New York Sun (2005-2008). In Thailand (1992-1997), he wrote business and food articles for Manager magazine and Asia Times. Thorn holds a BA in history from Tufts University (1990), studied French cooking at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris (1986), and Chinese language and culture at Peking University (spring 1989) and Nanjing University (fall 1988). He reported for ABC News during the Tiananmen Square protests (1989). His work won the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award and he was inducted into the Disciples d'Escoffier (2014). Contact: [email protected]