Miscellaneous

🍴 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.

📑 Hospitality ON invites readers to explore the world of hospitality through expert insights. Membership offers access to exclusive content, job listings, and a comprehensive ecosystem. This opportunity provides industry professionals and enthusiasts with valuable resources and connections.

🏢 Charles Paiement highlights the stark contrast in student housing markets between Montreal and English Canada. With Montreal's 1.5–2 million residents and 250,000 students, a shortage persists, needing 60,000 more beds. Future plans include 597 rooms near Montreal and 120 downtown. International student numbers are impacted by geopolitical issues, yet American student interest grows. Their hospitality-like model, with services such as a 24/7 concierge, focuses on premium experiences over basic offerings.

🛫 Flight Centre UK launched its "This is Awkward" campaign to highlight its full-service travel offerings beyond flights. Running until September 10, 2025, the campaign spans digital, print, and radio, including Classic FM and Gold Radio. With 13 UK stores, the latest opened in North London in July 2025, Flight Centre seeks to boost its brand recognition. The campaign follows the new global tagline: "Your centre for travel" and precedes the "Not just a flight sale" from September 11 to October 1, 2025.

💻 Noida, 28th August 2025: RateGain partners with Profitroom to aid Middle East and Africa hotels in expanding reach via seamless channel connectivity. RateGain operates in 100+ countries, partnering with 3,200+ customers and 700+ partners. Profitroom offers real-time connectivity to 400+ demand partners, enhancing booking and profitability. This collaboration targets hotel growth, reducing OTA dependency, and improving guest experience. Key figures: RateGain founded in 2004, works with top global hotel chains and airlines, headquartered in India.

📰 Joanna Fantozzi, currently a Senior Editor at Nation’s Restaurant News, has over seven years in the restaurant industry. Informed by degrees from The College of New Jersey and CUNY, her career includes roles at Insider and The Daily Meal. Since 2018, she's been with Informa's Restaurant & Food Group, advancing from Assistant Editor (Oct. 2018) to Senior Editor (Aug. 2021). Her expertise spans restaurant innovations and cultural issues, and she moderates industry events like MUFSO and Restaurants Rise.