Miscellaneous

🍽 In 2026, restaurant operators are grappling with a tough economic landscape due to a 35% rise in food and labor costs from 2019 to 2025, as reported by the National Restaurant Association. ERGO NEXT Insurance reveals that 21% of small business owners had no extra income for reinvestment in 2025. Equipment breakdown claims doubled in cost from 2024 to 2025. Slip-and-fall claims increase by 25% during winter, with settlements growing due to rising medical costs and litigation.

🍜 In 2026, Chartwells Higher Education's Campus Dining Index surveyed over 100,000 U.S. college students and staff, revealing that 28% prioritize high-protein foods, up 36% from the previous year. Clean eating preferences rose by 40%. Students favor ramen and pho (29%), authentic Mexican cuisine (24%), and sushi (22%). For beverages, 45% prefer smoothies. Comfort foods like pasta (21%) and sweets (20%) remain popular, with culinary teams exploring innovative variations to meet Gen Z’s evolving tastes.

📸 The 14th edition of the traveling event series features the Italian fashion label's "Satellites II". Collaborators include Danish film director Nicolas Winding Refn and Japanese game developer Hideo Kojima.

🌳 Remo read about a Texas entrepreneur who constructed seven rental cabins around a lake. Intrigued, he contacted the author for insights into the Live Oak Lake project. Despite initial hesitation, the author engaged with Remo, who became the first student of the Experiential Hospitality Masterclass. Remo later acquired 23 acres in Madison, Virginia, comprising five lots owned by siblings, to pursue his hospitality dreams.

🏨 In 2026, Accor leaders gathered at the International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF EMEA) in Berlin to discuss hospitality's future. Key topics included development strategy and branded residences. Accor aims to grow by combining brand identity with flexibility, boasting over 180 hotels globally and an expanding pipeline. Leaders like Sébastien Bazin provided insights on market navigation, with contributions from Camil Yazbeck, Daniel von Barloewen, Lindsay McGinn, and Yannick Wagner.

📖 Hugo Montanari at Rosewood Hong Kong emphasizes the human-centric architecture in hospitality. Focused on creating unique guest experiences, the hotel integrates luxurious designs with personal touches, fostering a welcoming environment. Montanari, leading operations, highlights how thoughtful design and service elevate stay satisfaction. This approach underscores a blend of modern luxury with attention to detail, ensuring that guest needs are prioritized throughout their visit.