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.

🏦 Flight Centre UK named Joe Beevis as general manager, succeeding Lucy Clifton, now in a senior global learning and development role. Beevis, with the company for 15 years, aims to expand the brand's high street presence, increase sales in luxury, round-the-world, and groups, as well as grow the business travel division. He previously served as a retail consultant, then in managerial roles, including pre-pandemic GM of the business travel division. His new role took effect January 2.

🏡 Sage Hospitality Group now manages Hilton Denver City Center, the first partnership with Park Hotels & Resorts. The hotel, featuring 613 rooms and 35,000 square feet of meeting space, joins Sage's 18-property Denver portfolio including The Crawford and The Oxford. Located near Larimer Square, the hotel provides mountain and city skyline views and Sage Restaurant Concepts oversees its dining venue. Sage's four companies offer comprehensive hospitality services in Denver.

🍴 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.

🏡 The Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle has been acquired by Trinity Investments. The hotel, opened in 1924, offers 450 rooms, and is near Amazon, Disney, Starbucks, and attractions like the Seattle Convention Center. It recently underwent a $22 million renovation. Trinity, with over $730 million invested in hospitality this year, plans to renovate the guest rooms last updated in 2016. This purchase is Trinity's 11th U.S. hotel transaction since 2021.