Miscellaneous

🐶 In January 2026, The Gunter Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, introduced a chef-curated dog menu at its restaurant, Jots. Named “Benson & Friends Favorites,” the menu features dishes like Honey’s Hill Country Breakfast and Nori’s Seattle Treat, focusing on canine wellness with wholesome ingredients. Jiwon Choi, the hotel owner, emphasized enhancing pet-friendly travel by offering special dining experiences for dogs.

📊 Hanushek et al. (2015) found that a one-standard-deviation increase in numeracy proficiency leads to an 18% increase in hourly wages (12% after controls). Problem-solving skills increase wages by 10-12% (6% after controls). The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 cites analytical thinking as essential for 70% of firms. Brynjolfsson et al. (2011) report a 5-6% productivity boost from data-driven decision-making. Zacharopoulos et al. (2021) note that continued math study affects brain chemistry.

📖 Jeremy Wells, principal at Longitude and partner at Flyover Developments, discusses his project in the Ozarks and its implications for the future of lifestyle hospitality.

🛫 Global travel wholesaler PKFARE partners with Indonesia’s Citilink in 2026 to enhance global reach. Over 2,000 PKFARE clients gain access to Citilink’s full content, boosting the airline's distribution. Indonesia’s tourism rebounded in 2025, driven by APAC and European travelers. Citilink expands in Southeast Asia to meet demand. Emir Bustamam highlights PKFARE's role in distribution control, while PKFARE’s Jason Song emphasizes competitive options and improved service for travel sellers.

✈️ Paxport and Wizz Air announced a new distribution partnership to enhance Wizz Air's reach across Europe. The collaboration grants travel sellers access to 750 routes, offering ancillaries like seats and baggage. Simon Taylor from Paxport highlighted the expanded distribution benefits, while Silvia Mosquera from Wizz Air emphasized the partnership's role in modernizing operations. This deal aligns with Wizz Air's Customer First Compass initiative and supports their digital transformation.

📑 Jan 16, 2026, Google removes restaurant reviews at record levels, impacting trust and visibility. Automated systems target fake patterns, affecting both good and bad reviews. Food businesses face high deletions due to review abuse. AI-driven moderation leads to removal of incentivized reviews; five-star reviews face scrutiny in English-speaking areas. Negative reviews often removed after legal challenges. Removals affect ratings, map rankings, and decision-making. Restaurants must track review loss to manage online reputation effectively.

🌾 In the early 2000s, a briar-infested farm was transformed by the author's family through hard work and love. The author's grandfather, a modest man from Waco, built homes for wealthy clients, including a US President. He passed away nearly three years ago, leaving a legacy of care and diligence. Local contractors remember him as an exceptional boss. His legacy emphasizes the impact of caring for even small tasks, enhancing beauty and creating lasting impressions.

🏠 Rob Blood, founder of Lark and principal at Elder & Ash, discusses hospitality projects in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Emphasizing connectivity, he highlights the value in integrating lodging, bars, bookstores, and cultural spaces to enhance community ties and guest experiences. The approach fosters relationships and enriches learning for both locals and visitors.

🍴 Korean cuisine is flourishing in London, with 3KOBROS introducing SOOM in Covent Garden. This spot, located at 99 St Martin’s Lane, offers a unique BBQ experience with electric grills at each stone table. The interior features a 12-seat circular table, Goryeo celadon vases, and a two-metre-wide ceremonial gong. SOOM serves premium meats, vegetarian options, and creative desserts, alongside soju and Korean-inspired cocktails, inviting guests to enjoy shared dining in a serene setting.

🍴 Chef Adam Handling MBE is offering a 50% discount on lunch and dinner bills at his Michelin-starred Frog by Adam Handling in Covent Garden. This offer is valid every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday until the end of February. The promotion is exclusive to hospitality professionals, requiring proof of employment. Reservations must be made via email (info@frogbyadamhandling.com) and are subject to availability. The first two bookings dine for free. Follow @adamhandling and @frogbyah to share the offer.