Miscellaneous

🍳 New York Mag published a 3.5K-word article comparing European and American food quality, citing numerous studies. 📚 Authors Ella Quittner and Tanaya Bush are pioneering narrative cookbooks by blending recipes and storytelling. 🏨 Chef Thomas Keller opposed a plan for 120 worker apartments near The French Laundry in Yountville, where 3,100 workers commute daily due to unaffordable housing. Hospitality struggles with zoning policies and relies on famous chefs for advocacy, but Keller chose a different stance.

📅 Kirk Kinsell, former CEO of Loews Hotels & Co. and president of the Americas for IHG Hotels & Resorts, passed away. He was a significant figure in the hospitality industry, deeply involved with the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and AHLA Foundation. Kinsell was remembered for his leadership, commitment to supporting young talent, and advancing women's representation in leadership roles. His contributions to AHLA, including the merger of the Castell Project, will impact the industry for decades.

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🍴 February saw a 4.7% rise in delivery sales for UK restaurants compared to February 2025, outpacing the nation’s inflation rate. This follows January’s 7.4% increase. The NIQ Hospitality at Home Tracker attributes this growth to new delivery offers and wet weather conditions, which encouraged more at-home dining despite a sharp reduction in takeaway orders. Powered by CGA intelligence, these trends show a strong shift towards home-based dining experiences.

👟 HOFF, a sneaker brand, opened a 6,458-square-foot flagship store on Calle Velázquez, Madrid. Designed by El Departamento, the store's interior features zones with natural lime mortar, local stone, and stainless steel. The space includes a café, Sneaker Lab, Gallery, and a multipurpose Work—Shop. Highlights include pink olivillo marble, bespoke terrazzo flooring, and sculptures by Sara Regal, Casa Antillón, and Elisabeth Blumen. The upper floor hosts cultural programming and private meetings.

🍴 Minor Hotels' newest venture, Colbert Collection, was launched on Wednesday, targeting independent operators. The Bangkok-based company plans to expand with The Wolseley Hotels, leveraging the famous London restaurant's brand, with upcoming locations in New York and Dubai. This strategy reflects a trend towards food-led hotels, catering to travelers who prioritize culinary experiences. Ian Di Tullio, Chief Commercial Officer, emphasizes this aligns with a shift in traveler expectations towards locally rooted experiences.

📚 At 18, Nadia Panasyuk began her hospitality career in Atlanta as a PBX operator. Over a 20+ year career, she held positions including Vice President of Revenue Strategy at First Hospitality. In 2025, women made 80% of travel decisions and 64% of global travelers were women, prompting First Hospitality to promote women like Jenna Fishel and Christina Santarelli. Nadia's mentors include Harry Carr, and her values are inspired by her father's escape from the Soviet Union.

💸 In 2025, the lodging industry progressed in promoting women to leadership roles, with increased decision-making positions across operations and finance. Mentorship transitioned to sponsorship, providing women with real ownership. Platforms like Women in Lodging enhanced visibility. Maha Shah, inspired by her father's hotel investment advice at age 11, now pursues an MBA at Cornell Johnson. She foresees a 2026 focus on diversity, with clearer leadership pipelines and stronger promotion accountability.