Innovation - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 390

2 min

Designing for the Future: Jamba’s Scalable Store Concept

🍪 Jamba CBO Nathan Louer introduces the Hello Sunshine prototype to enhance takeout convenience with grab-and-go cold wells for product freshness. The design adapts to various store formats including inline stores, freestanding locations, drive-thrus, mall kiosks, and co-branded spaces with Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, and Cinnabon. Jamba’s loyalty program now integrates across GoTo family brands for seamless rewards use. Upcoming co-branded Jamba and Auntie Anne’s store to open in San Diego with further openings in Hawaii and Minnesota. Jamba, founded in 1990, is a leading lifestyle brand offering fresh smoothies, bowls, juices, and more.

Lance Tucker Named Jack in the Box Chief Executive Officer

🍴 TouchBistro’s 2025 American Diner Trends Report surveyed 1,500 U.S. diners, finding a 12.5% increase in restaurant spending, despite higher living costs. Weekly dining frequency rose from 39% to 42%, with 28% ordering more takeout/delivery than last year. DoorDash leads delivery apps at 73%, followed by Uber Eats (56%) and Grubhub (34%). Loyalty program engagement jumped to 47% from 34% in 2023. Lower-income households dine out less, with only 27% of those making under $50k dining weekly, versus 64% of households earning $200k+. Gen Z, despite lower incomes, are influential diners, with 20% eating out daily and 50% planning to order more takeout/delivery. Tipping averages 16%, yet 27% tip between 20-24%, balanced by 15% tipping 5% or less. Gen Z tips the least at 13%. The report suggests restaurants minimize menu price hikes, expand delivery/takeout, leverage limited-time offers, boost digital presence, and experiment with tech.

3 min

Beyond Discounts: How Brands Can Win Customer Loyalty in 2025

💸 To build customer loyalty, brands should focus on convenience, recognition, and meaningful connections rather than solely on discounts. Integrating digital convenience with in-person hospitality and rewarding various forms of engagement can foster long-term relationships. Successful loyalty programs acknowledge customer actions beyond spending, such as trying new menu items or providing feedback, and offer smart recommendations based on individual preferences and dietary restrictions. The approach aims to create a seamless, personalized experience across all ordering channels.

1 min

WATCH: How Burger King UK is Leveraging AI in the Drive-Thru

🍕 At MURTEC 2025, SoundHound AI showcased their AI technology used in Burger King UK's drive-thrus. AI assists in reducing employee workload, improving focus on food quality and customer service. The technology creates a calmer work environment, enhancing employee satisfaction. More insights on these advancements will be available on hospitalitytech.com and in HT Alert.

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.

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.

3 min

Mastering Guest Feedback: How Royal St Andrews Blends AI with Exceptional Service

🏨 Royal St Andrews Hotel in Port Alfred, South Africa, prioritized guest feedback from its 2015 opening, implementing GuestRevu before welcoming its first patron. Former Sales Manager, now GM, Difford Louw recognized its value from past experience. The hotel boasts luxury amenities including a spa and conference facilities. Using GuestRevu's tailored surveys, they've improved services like breakfast and Wi-Fi. Recently, they tested GuestRevu's AI-Powered Management Responses, saving up to two hours per response, especially with negative feedback. The tool's customization ensures responses align with the hotel's unique tone and branding.

3 min

Sybron looks to the future with management buyout

📍 Sybron, a UK supplier of cleaning, hygiene, and catering products, completed a management buyout. The new management team with 70 years of collective experience and led by executive director Kathryn Henwood, vows to maintain the company's culture and values. Sybron, established 22 years ago, emphasizes sustainability and has launched eco-friendly product lines, SyBio and SySoft. Recently, it added an electric van to its fleet and switched to renewable energy. The team focuses on service quality and has established long-term customer relationships.

1 min

Phocuswright Research Roundup 1Q25

🏆 Phocuswright, founded in 1994, has observed the travel industry's evolution with internet technology. As of 2025, 39% of U.S. travelers use generative AI (GenAI) for travel planning, outpacing virtual/augmented reality. Nearly 50% of GenAI users involve it in leisure travel planning. Challenges for integrating GenAI with digital identity, ensuring personalized travel experiences, include trust, clean data, and infrastructure readiness. Major tech companies like Google and OpenAI drive AI-powered travel innovations. Phocuswright's "Travel Innovation and Technology Trends 2025" report highlights GenAI's impact on travel industry operations and experiences.

3 min

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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