Miscellaneous

🍽 Darden Restaurants reported a 10.6% increase in total sales, reaching $3.3 billion for the fiscal year ending May 25, 2025, including the acquisition of 103 Chuy's Tex Mex restaurants. Olive Garden's takeout sales grew nearly 20%, with delivery now making up 3.5% of total sales via Uber Direct. Darden launched the “1 million free deliveries” campaign, doubling weekly delivery volume. For 2026, Darden expects sales growth between 7% to 8% and same-restaurant sales growth of 2% to 3.5%.

🍴 Bret Thorn, Senior Food & Beverage Editor at Nation’s Restaurant News, has been covering industry trends since 1999. From 2005-2008, he wrote for The New York Sun. Thorn, a Tufts University graduate, studied at Le Cordon Bleu and in China. His work includes a 2006 journalism award and contributions to the Oxford Encyclopedia. Based in Brooklyn, he's a member of Disciples d’Escoffier since 2014. Thorn served as IFEC president in 2005 and joined Restaurant Hospitality in 2016.

✈️ Airlines are suspending flights to the Middle East due to escalating conflicts following US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 13. Major hubs like Dubai and Doha are affected, with limited air activity between Iran and the Mediterranean. Iberia, Air France-KLM, Finnair, Air Astana, and Singapore Airlines have canceled or diverted flights. British Airways plans to resume flights, but the UK Foreign Office warns of potential quick deterioration. Flight paths have shifted over the Caspian Sea or through Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

💧 GROHE introduces Satin Steel and Satin Graphite finishes to its Colours Collection, enhancing the GROHE Allure and GROHE Atrio lines with matching showers and accessories. These finishes, available as part of the award-winning GROHE Atrio Private Collection, provide a tactile, corrosion-resistant experience. Offering personalization with seven color choices and multiple design elements, they enable unique bathroom solutions. The finishes embody GROHE's “Perfect Match” principle, ensuring cohesive design and durability.

🍴 Paris, the City of Love, offers an unforgettable cultural experience through guided tours of its restaurants and bars. Travel with a local guide to explore hidden gems, enjoy personalized itineraries, and ensure safety in a city with a 68% safety index. Must-try dishes include escargots and croissants from top spots like L’Escargot Montorgueil and Sain Boulangerie. For an unforgettable trip, try a 90-minute walking tour in Le Marais or a wine and champagne tasting experience with at least 12 stops.

🐐 In this delightful farm tale, Helen shares her experiences with unexpected visitors. Who? Farm animals like draft horses, cows, chickens, and guineas. Where? Her yard, near farm fields. How? Animals wander into her space, bringing lively entertainment. Neighbors play an important role, helping manage these escapades. Helen, a multi-talented individual, is now on Instagram for those interested in her musical and artistic pursuits. Follow her adventures for a blend of rural charm and creativity.

🍽 Bret Thorn, Senior Food & Beverage Editor at Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999, is known for his expertise in food trends. His podcast, "In the Kitchen with Bret Thorn," delves into industry insights. Thorn, a Tufts University graduate, studied at Le Cordon Bleu and has written for the Oxford Encyclopedia. His career spans roles at the New York Sun and Asia Times. He resides in Brooklyn and served as IFEC president in 2005.

🥃 Brockmans Gin announced its expansion in Poland by partnering with Amka Poland, the new official importer and distributor. Amka Poland will promote Brockmans Gin through its vast network, targeting on-premises, retail, and e-commerce channels. Known for its unique blend of botanicals, such as blackcurrant and bilberry, Brockmans aims to capture a broader audience in Poland. Both companies emphasize marketing campaigns and events to boost awareness and customer engagement, leveraging Amka Poland's industry expertise.

🚀 Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air announced a strategic partnership with Blacklane at the 2025 Paris Airshow. Guests in Business Elite or Business Class enjoy complimentary chauffeur services within 50 km of Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. Blacklane operates in 50+ countries and 500+ cities, employing 400 people globally. The collaboration integrates with Riyadh Air’s booking platform, enhancing the premium travel experience and setting new service standards globally. Blacklane emphasizes innovation in electrification and sustainable technology in the mobility sector.

💳 TBC Bank Group partners with Turkish Airlines and Visa to launch Georgia's first co-branded premium debit card. Signed on June 12, 2025, in Istanbul, this exclusive card allows TBC Concept 360 and Wealth Management clients to earn miles on their travel expenses. Benefits include 10 airport lounge passes and fast-track security access. TBC has issued over 260,000 flagship debit cards by Q1 2025. This collaboration aims to enhance customer travel experiences and loyalty.