Miscellaneous

💳 Accor announced ALL Accor+, a global subscription platform launching in 2026 to unify regional programs with four cards: Explorer, Voyager, ibis, and Signature. Tailored to diverse travel styles across 4,500 hotels, benefits include discounts and exclusive offers. Signature targets Brazil, priced at 135€ annually. The initiative aims to boost personalization, engaging over 100 million members since 2019. Accor partners with 110 global companies to enhance value and drive direct bookings.

✈️ Technology providers play a crucial role in the airline and travel industry, facilitating over a trillion dollars in air travel sales annually. Key players include Amadeus, Sabre Corporation, and PROS for airline distribution technology, Travelfusion and Duffel for content aggregation, and Spotnana and KAYAK for travel seller technology. These technologies range from legacy Passenger Services Systems to modern Offer & Order Management Systems and NDC APIs, enhancing distribution efficiency and enabling modern retailing.

📱 In 2001, Steve Jobs launched the Apple Store, consulting Bernard Arnault. Apple's revenue stands at $5,546 per square foot, while Louis Vuitton generates $100M+ per flagship annually. Apple's model focuses on accessibility, hospitality, and open architecture, while Louis Vuitton emphasizes exclusivity, cultural landmarks, and heritage storytelling. Apple's $17,000 Watch Edition failed to merge luxury with technology. Both brands showcase how innovation and heritage contribute to thriving retail strategies.

🍽 Saudi Arabia's foodservice patronage has declined. Consumers prefer purchasing foodservice for regular meals, with Middle Eastern cuisine being the most popular by a significant margin. However, sauces for proteins are generally less appealing in Saudi Arabia compared to other countries.

💻 Tony Fernandez, CEO of MTech Mobility, and Richard Newman, Chief Strategy Officer at Scale Computing, discussed challenges in scaling restaurant technology. Fernandez compared the process to solving a Rubik’s Cube, emphasizing unique solutions. Newman highlighted cost control as crucial, warning about spiraling expenses. Tim Tang from Hughes advised ensuring technology offers clear value to franchisees. Newman further stressed the need for a stable, scalable infrastructure and cautioned against transactional vendor agreements that hinder growth.

🍴 Bret Thorn, based in Brooklyn, N.Y., is the Senior Food & Beverage Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999. He hosts "In the Kitchen with Bret Thorn" podcast and has a rich history in food journalism, including writing for The New York Sun (2005-2008). A Tufts University graduate, he studied at Le Cordon Bleu and in China. He contributed to the Oxford Encyclopedia and received the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award. Thorn became a Disciple d'Escoffier in 2014.

📊 Sweetgreen's $425 million loss over three years results from poor decisions and tech investments that didn't pay off, leading to customer dissatisfaction. Delta introduced limited edition Air Force 1 sneakers for employees. Fragrance sales have surged in the past two years, signaling a shift in luxury. The invite-only dining model promotes loyalty by focusing on community. Google launched The Pixel Journal app, leveraging personal data. Tech and hospitality industries should recognize the value of detailed, meaningful customer insights.

🛢 Dad bought an old caboose used as a dog kennel for $5,000. It was moved to Deary and renovated with $40,000 over several months. Now, Car 306 boasts 90% occupancy at over $350 per night, attracting guests globally. This project, uniting a depot, car, and caboose, revives Idaho's railroad history. It's a testament to family collaboration and turning dreams into reality. Book now and get $100 off your stay!

🛌 97% of travelers read reviews before booking, increasing the importance of guest satisfaction in hospitality. A 1-point increase in review scores can boost room rates by 11.2%. Familiar brands like Dove enhance guest trust and satisfaction through consistent quality, leading to higher ratings and revenue. Dove's hospitality collection simplifies operations, reduces waste, and aligns with sustainability. Trusted brands can turn satisfied guests into brand ambassadors, multiplying marketing impact and improving long-term success.

🍱 Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor for Nation’s Restaurant News, has been with the publication since 1999. He hosts the podcast "In the Kitchen with Bret Thorn" and previously wrote for The New York Sun (2005-2008). Thorn graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University in 1990 and studied French cooking at Le Cordon Bleu in 1986. He has been a member of Phi Beta Kappa and won the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Journalism Award.