Miscellaneous

🍼 Dysphagia affects 24%-47% of hospitalized older adults and 54%-59% in skilled nursing facilities, says Margaret Roche of Roche Dietitians. The International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) categorizes food into eight levels based on texture and thickness for dietary modifications. Mixed consistency foods pose challenges for IDDSI levels 4-6. Solutions include pureeing and thickening agents, partnered with Campbells Foodservice, to ensure safe eating for dysphagia patients. Healthcare operators are advised to collaborate with industry partners for best practices.

🥤 FMI's Power of Beverage 2026 report reveals that by 2025, nearly $295 billion will be spent on retail beverages. Shoppers increasingly select beverages for hydration, energy, and wellness benefits. Digital purchasing is reshaping the market, with 45% of Gen Z influenced by social media in beverage choices. Value is defined by low price (61%), taste (46%), and trusted quality (40%). Retailers can capitalize on this by aligning products with specific consumer needs.

🍗 Casey's General Stores, based in Ankeny, Iowa, aims to expand its chicken wing offerings to potentially rival its pizza business, according to CEO Darren Rebelez during a June 10, 2026, earnings call. Meanwhile, Rutter’s in York, Pennsylvania, introduced a chicken menu on July 6, and Circle K in Laval, Quebec, launched Flamin’ Hot boneless wings on July 9. Technomic research shows 35% of operators now offer wings, with limited-time wing offers rising by 315% in five years.

🌱 Global demand for plant-based foods is rising, with the vegan food market projected to surpass $22 billion in 2025 and continue growing through 2033. In the U.S., 54% of adults sometimes or always eat vegetarian meals when dining out, while 25% opt for vegan choices. Flexitarians make up 42% of global consumers, reducing animal product consumption without full elimination. Restaurants are adapting menus to meet these changing preferences, emphasizing clear, consistent labeling and staff training.

✈️ In 2023 and 2024, airline consultant Hakan Yilmaz discusses the airline industry's trends on a podcast. The premium flying experience is improving, while economy class worsens. Topics include low-cost airlines’ declining success (excluding Ryanair), AI’s impact beyond chatbots, and narrow-body planes' new opportunities for medium to long haul travel. United's potential role as a third Japanese carrier is debated. Finnair's business seat and United's ambitions to match Emirates are questioned.

🏂 Collaborating with Nike on a project to transform the Penny Hardaway shoe into roller skates by adding trucks and wheels. Inspired by his father and a love of skateboarding since childhood, the storyteller finds parallels between the repetitiveness of skateboarding and storytelling. Favorite restaurant is SoulFood on Peckham High Street. Remembers seeing Chewy Cannon in Shoreditch when first moving to London. Describes working with Palace Skateboards like reconnecting with a childhood friend.

🏨 Hotel Equities partners with Lodgic Hospitality to manage a three-hotel portfolio in Austin, Texas, including Aloft by Marriott, Tru by Hilton, and Hilton Garden Inn. This expands their Texas presence to 25 properties, with another under construction. The Aloft features a bar and pool, Tru by Hilton offers free breakfast and pet-friendly rooms, and Hilton Garden Inn provides dining and meeting spaces. Hotel Equities is Marriott's top-performing franchise management company in the U.S. and Canada.

🛫 Laters.com raised $1.5 million in September 2026. Founded in 2024, this online travel agency offers flights from over 650 airlines with unique payment options. The seed round was led by XBO Ventures, with $1.15 million raised. Laters.com allows payments in cryptocurrency and offers 40 buy now, pay later plans. Profitable since 2025, the company plans to expand its core business and introduce new products. The Laters.com Payment Score helps travelers choose pay-later providers.

📅 Partnering with travel consortia and TMCs can boost hotel bookings by offering exposure to corporate and leisure travelers. Consortia are networks of travel agencies, while TMCs handle corporate travel arrangements. Hotels can benefit from these collaborations by securing preferred placements and negotiating rates, although entering these partnerships can be complex due to different requirements.