Miscellaneous

🍽 American Express is revamping its 15 U.S. Centurion airport lounges with a new dining initiative, The Culinary Collective, featuring dishes from chefs Kwame Onwuachi, Michael Solomonov, Mashama Bailey, and Sarah Grueneberg. Starting July 29, patrons can enjoy these curated menus, with some dishes available at the Sidecar by Centurion in Las Vegas in 2026. Cocktails will be crafted by Harrison Ginsberg. These seasonal menus will comprise approximately 50% of the lounges' offerings.

🍽 Bret Thorn, a Denver native residing in Brooklyn, has been the Food & Beverage Editor at Nation's Restaurant News since 1999 and joined Restaurant Hospitality in 2016. He studied at Tufts University and Le Cordon Bleu, with experience working in China for ABC News during 1989's Tiananmen Square events. Thorn's notable achievements include a 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award and authorship in the Oxford Encyclopedias. His expertise spans food trends and French and Asian cuisines.

🚌 Bus charter services elevate business travel by transforming commutes into productive sessions. Offering Wi-Fi, climate control, and cozy seating, these buses reduce environmental impact and travel costs while bypassing traffic delays. A competent driver and flexible scheduling ensure timely arrivals. The result is a cohesive, refreshed team ready to seize opportunities. Whether attending trade shows or client meetings, this mode of transport enhances sustainability and fosters team synergy.

🥩 Macellaio RC Soho, opened by Genoese restaurateur Roberto Costa, debuts in Soho, London. This Italian steakhouse showcases exceptional cuts like a 900g Irish Wagyu Tomahawk and dry-aged Herefordshire Fiorentina, grilled over charcoal. The restaurant emphasizes quality sourcing, featuring Fassona from North Genoa, Angus from Argentina, and Wagyu from Ireland. Diners enjoy sides like truffle chips and honey-roasted carrots. Service is informed and inviting, making it ideal for both quick meals and indulgent dinners.

🏠 Hosts with young children crafted a thoughtful Airbnb stay, featuring essentials like a washer, dryer, fan, iron, ironing board, and playpen space. Surprising amenities included a blender, enhancing a milkshake moment. Ceiling tiles went unnoticed amidst the heartful design and hospitality. Friends Rory and Rebecca later welcomed the guest to their old Tennessee farmhouse, complete with a Steinway grand piano, providing a memorable experience for a music-loving visitor.

🍱 Sales in Q2 2025 grew 3% year-over-year to $3.1 billion, despite a 4% drop in comparable sales. Chipotle opened 61 new U.S. and Canadian restaurants, with plans for 315-345 new locations in 2025, 80% featuring Chipotlanes. New equipment is being introduced to improve efficiency and consistency. A catering pilot aims to boost this revenue stream, currently at 1-2% of sales, with technology enhancements and marketing. Full rollout is expected over three years.

🍽 Panda Express launched a cross-platform campaign with Media AOR The Many and Super League, integrating Hot Orange Chicken into Fortnite Creative and Roblox. Within two weeks, 265,000+ players viewed cutscenes, earning in-game rewards, while players spent 65 days interacting with Pei Pei the Panda, generating 185,000+ engagements. The campaign features interactive cutscenes and map-specific rewards, and will evolve with new items and elements throughout the year. Hot Orange Chicken is available for a limited time nationwide this summer.

🚙 Car enthusiasts gathered in Welwyn Garden City as Garage Style LTD unveiled their 5,000 sq ft HQ this weekend, showcasing over £5M in supercars. Founded by Harry Harvey, a former car manufacturing apprentice, this 13-staff company has earned £6M in seven years. Notable projects include a garage for Jake Paul. Initially a side hustle, Garage Style now transforms spaces with features like LED lighting and bespoke cabinetry. Located at 12-14 Woodfield Road, it's open to auto aficionados.

🍴 The MICHELIN Guide will debut in Saudi Arabia with its 2026 edition, focusing on Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, and AlUla. MICHELIN Inspectors are actively exploring these areas, with selections to be revealed monthly from October to December 2025. Saudi Arabia's culinary scene, known for blending tradition and modernity, will gain global recognition. The MICHELIN Guide employs five criteria: ingredient quality, cooking techniques, flavor harmony, cuisine personality, and consistency. This expansion highlights Saudi Arabia’s diverse and vibrant food culture.

🍴 Bret Thorn, senior editor at Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999, is a trendspotter in food & beverage. He hosted the “In the Kitchen with Bret Thorn” podcast. Thorn studied at Tufts University and Le Cordon Bleu and contributed to the Oxford Encyclopedia. He won the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award and served as IFEC president in 2005. Thorn’s career includes roles at the New York Sun (2005-2008) and Asia Times (1995-1997).