Miscellaneous

🍦 Zac Young's Sprinkletown Donuts & Ice Cream at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn., sees a sundae resurgence. By Q3 2025, 15.3% of U.S. restaurants serve sundaes, up from 13.7% in 2020. Trending toppings include blueberry (+20.6%), pistachio (+25.9%), pretzels (+21.7%), and gummies (+21.6%). Sundaes range from $12 to $38, with options like The Unicorn, The Piescream Cone, and Palladino’s banana split. Sundaes are presented with sauces at the bottom for a lasting experience.

🍴 Little Mountain, a new dining spot in Montecito’s Upper Village, is founded by Graham Duncan and Eva and Bryan Schreier. Chef Diego Moya leads the menu, inspired by global seaside traditions. Designer Andrew Cosbie infused the interiors with local historical references and warm materials. An art program, curated by Allison Harding, showcases local artists like Meredith Brooks Abbott. This venue celebrates the landscape and community of Santa Barbara, blending architectural elegance with a welcoming atmosphere.

🏨 Eighty-eight countries, forty-nine states, and 266 Manhattan hotels—one night each—were explored in a quest to understand authentic hospitality, not algorithm-driven service. The journey emphasized genuine human connection, inspired by cultural experiences in places like Damascus. The monthly column in *A Hotel Life* delves into how culture and design influence hospitality, stressing that human connection outweighs amenities. This exploration is crucial for hospitality professionals and enthusiasts.

🎉 On November 13, 2025, at the De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel, Malcolm Skinner, managing director of Marren Microwave, received the FEA’s Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award. The FEA’s 2025 Charitable Endeavour Awards, presented by Lawrence Hughes and Paul Anderson, highlighted fundraising efforts, including £3,700 raised by Gail’s Property for the Gurkha Welfare Trust and £22,125 by the ‘Sensational Six’ for the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust. The event, attended by 140 guests, also raised £3,680 for Military vs Cancer.

🍽 Beleza Rodizio, a Brazilian dining spot, opened in Solihull's Touchwood Shopping Centre after a £1.25 million investment. The restaurant offers endless flame-grilled meats, including Wagyu, served tableside by passadores, plus sides and Brazilian specialties. Signature cocktails blend tropical flavors with Brazilian spirits. Founder Nico Jamil is excited about expanding, following success in Hull and Stratford-upon-Avon. Open daily, it aims to offer a vibrant, memorable dining experience. Discover more at their [website](https://www.belezarodizio.co.uk/).

🛰 Turkish Airlines partners with Samsung to become the first airline to introduce SmartThings technologies for baggage tracking. The Smart Tagged Baggage Service integrates Galaxy SmartTag, allowing passengers to upload luggage photos via the SmartThings Find app for easier identification. Kerem Kızıltunç, Turkish Airlines’ CIO, emphasized their digitalization leadership. Samsung's Jaeyeon Jung highlighted the expansion of SmartThings Find for a convenient travel experience. Future plans include expanding location-based services beyond baggage tracking.

🛩 Ryanair has closed its Prime subscriptions scheme less than a year after launch. The scheme, active for 8 months, attracted 55,000 members, generating €4.4 million in fees but providing over €6 million in discounts. Ryanair will honor existing memberships until October 2026, but no new sign-ups will be accepted. With 207 million passengers in 2023, Ryanair aims to focus on delivering Europe’s lowest fares instead of niche programs.

🚀 Rolls-Royce, in November 2025, showcases aviation engine engineering marvels emphasizing expertise, heat management, innovation, and sustainability. Discussions on real-time engine monitoring and collaboration with airlines highlight their future focus on next-gen engine efficiency and sustainable fuels. Special mention to Ben Todd for his hospitality, accentuating the passion driving the industry. Explore further with Veritasium's YouTube video and Rolls-Royce's online presence across LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.

🍷 NUDE Glass partnered with the MICHELIN Guide for a second time at the event in Parma, Italy, on November 19, 2025. Held at Palazzo della Pilitta, the ceremony was attended by over 450 guests, including chefs and media, celebrating Italian gastronomy. NUDE Glass showcased its craftsmanship, with mixologist Elena Ingiardi preparing cocktails using the Bar/Giani collection. The event highlighted Italian cuisine's diversity and sustainability trends. An exclusive afterparty took place at Teatro Regio.

🏨 Onomo Group, founded in 2009, leads in Pan-African lifestyle hotels with three brands: Onomo Hotels, Onomo Allure, and Onomo Collection. They offer mid-range to upscale accommodations across 23 establishments in 13 countries. Onomo blends modern comfort and African authenticity, incorporating global influences. The brand excels in creating dynamic spaces that highlight African cultures, providing travellers with authentic and convivial experiences.