Innovation

📱 Boostly, a marketing platform for restaurants, received a U.S. patent for its technology that enhances customer data usage from platforms like POS systems for personalized messaging. This development supports restaurants in converting first-time patrons into regulars. The patent enables data collection, marketing opt-ins, and targeted messaging. CEO Shane Murphy highlighted its significance for restaurant marketing. Boostly's recent $22 million Series A fundraising led by PeakSpan Capital further boosts its offerings, including AI-powered tools and social media management.

💻 Google has significantly enhanced Search with AI Overviews and AI Mode, boosting user satisfaction and search frequency. Organic click volume to websites remains stable, with higher quality clicks than a year ago. Users are engaging more with complex questions and link-rich results, leading to increased traffic for sites with authentic voices or detailed content. AI in Search aims to complement the web by featuring prominent links and sources, fostering a balanced ecosystem and supporting the web's evolution.

🏨 Aimbridge Hospitality is launching a dedicated all-inclusive division based in Miami to tap into the growing demand for this hotel model. All-inclusive hotels are expanding four times faster than other leisure segments, with 88% of global inventory in Latin America and the Caribbean. Aimbridge aims to finalize its first agreements and start operations by year-end, indicating a strategic move to provide tailored solutions and leverage this high-growth market.

🤝 BETHESDA, Maryland—Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, operating over 1,100 properties and 100,000+ rooms across 13 brands, has chosen Stayntouch as a preferred PMS provider. After a two-year evaluation, Stayntouch was selected for its scalable, cloud-native platform. This tech supports Sonesta’s franchise growth and enhances guest experiences. Dan Ferrell emphasized the need for flexibility and speed, while Jacob Messina highlighted the shared commitment to empowering hotel teams with adaptable technology.

📱 Maestro PMS launched Maestro Touch in Markham, Ontario, bringing touch operations to hotel front desks via tablets. This update simplifies processes, reduces training time, and enhances staff capabilities. Key features include check-out functionality, digital signature capture, and real-time room availability. Tuscany Residence Aruba reported improved guest experiences over four months using Maestro Touch, highlighting its personal check-in process. Tim Major, President of Maestro PMS, emphasizes the tool's impact on hotel operations and profitability.

🏨 As the festive season approaches, hotels must ensure profitability beyond just booking function spaces. Instead of isolating event performance, consider the total group value, including guest rooms, F&B, and ancillary services. Conduct displacement analyses to prioritize high-yield events. Use technology like OpenSpace to optimize bookings and streamline team alignment. Atrium Hotel Mainz increased RevPASM by 22% using day-specific pricing. Optimize every function with strategic tools, transforming event spaces into high-performing assets year-round.

📈 Jack in the Box Q3 2025: same-store sales decreased by 7.1%, with company stores at -6.4%. Del Taco saw a 2.2% drop in company stores. Digital sales mix: Jack 18.5%, Del Taco 20%. $5.5 million invested in marketing and operational improvements. Over 2,000 restaurants upgraded with new POS, with full rollout by month-end. All Del Taco locations have kiosks. Over 1,000 locations to be remodeled. Emphasizing tech upgrades to boost guest experience.

💻 Meyers led MGM's "Front Desk of the Future" project at New York-New York, reducing check-in time from 6 minutes to 94 seconds using custom kiosks, completed in 10 months. An AI-powered tool now streamlines banquet event orders at Mandalay Bay since February 2025, automating dish parsing and routing for chefs, enhancing efficiency without sacrificing flexibility. This highlights Meyers' innovative approach in hospitality technology.