Miscellaneous

🍴 Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor at Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999, hosts "In the Kitchen with Bret Thorn" podcast. He wrote for The New York Sun (2005-2008) and was a sub-editor at Asia Times (1995-1997). Thorn received the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award and joined Restaurant Hospitality in 2016. A Tufts University graduate, he studied at Le Cordon Bleu and was inducted into the Disciples d’Escoffier in 2014. Thorn resides in Brooklyn, N.Y.

🍴 FutureFWD, held on September 25 in Kuala Lumpur, united F&B leaders focusing on Asia's evolving culinary landscape. Stef Wijono, of The Union Group, highlighted Jakarta's growing global recognition, with The Cocktail Club ranking in Asia’s 50 Best Bars and Modern Haus as Indonesia's top bar. Fine dining thrives in Jakarta, unlike mature markets like Singapore. Challenges include talent shortages, yet opportunities abound with new concepts like Young. The Union Group remains selective but creative in expansion.

✈️ Qatar Airways and Accenture have launched AI Skyways to boost AI development in aviation. This partnership aims to enhance customer experience, optimize operations, and improve overall performance. AI solutions will target flight schedule optimization, predictive maintenance, and personalized interactions. Ethical guidelines and data privacy measures are emphasized. Qatar Airways’ CEO, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, highlights the milestone in becoming AI-driven, while Accenture CEO Julie Sweet underscores the creation of new value for the airline and passengers.

🍴 Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor at Nation's Restaurant News since 1999, specializes in food trends. From 2005-2008, he wrote for The New York Sun. An award-winning journalist, he studied at Tufts University and Le Cordon Bleu. Thorn worked for ABC News during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. He contributed to the Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink (2012) and was inducted into Disciples d'Escoffier in 2014. Thorn resides in Brooklyn, New York.

🔥 Two girls, aged 13 and 14, were arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire destroyed the Grade II-listed Raven Hotel in Droitwich Spa. The fire began at 16:45 and was controlled by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service. The hotel, inactive since 2010 and part of a redevelopment plan launched in 2022, was not occupied, resulting in no casualties. The structure, dating back to the 16th Century, will be secured with local authorities.

✈️ Noida, 11 August 2025: Air Astana JSC, Central Asia's largest airline group, partners with RateGain for their AirGain platform to enhance pricing agility. Air Astana, with a fleet of 61 aircraft, connects Kazakhstan globally and was named "Best Airline in Central Asia and CIS" for the 14th consecutive year. RateGain, founded in 2004 in India, serves over 3,200 customers worldwide, providing AI-powered SaaS solutions for the travel industry.

👶️ Lucas, age 2, experiences daily growth and exploration, likened to compound interest. His father's endeavors—including family life, work, and community involvement—are dedicated to Lucas and his younger brother, Ezra. The father emphasizes the importance of doing meaningful work for others, as it brings joy and inspiration.

📈 Yum Brands' Q2 2025: $9B digital sales, up 18%. KFC digital sales grew 22%, with a 60% digital mix. Taco Bell's same-store sales up 4%; digital orders at 41%. Yum Brands operates 61,000 restaurants in 155 countries. Byte, a SaaS platform, launched in February, now used by over 25,000 restaurants. Taco Bell's loyalty members increased 45% YoY. CEO David Gibbs, retiring October 1, will be succeeded by Chris Turner. 200M AI communications generated 5x more sales.

🔥 The historic Raven Hotel in Droitwich was engulfed by a major fire on Sunday, 10 August, around 16:45. Eight fire engines from Hereford and Worcester Fire Service responded, controlling the fire by evening. No casualties occurred. The 150-year-old, Grade II-listed building was formally listed on 24 October 1951. The hotel ceased trading in 2010 and was slated for redevelopment in 2022. Investigations by fire officers and West Mercia Police are ongoing to determine the cause.

🍵 Le Cordon Bleu's CORD Café launches its first Afternoon Tea in London on Fleet Street near St Paul’s Cathedral. Available Monday to Friday from 2 pm to 5 pm, each tea costs £28 per person with unlimited small-batch tea or £42 with a glass of sparkling wine. The menu features sweet treats, savory bites, and traditional scones. The café, celebrated for over 130 years of culinary excellence, offers a luxurious, accessible experience for tourists and city workers.