Miscellaneous

🍱 Tony Townley, who sold his Zaxbys stake in 2020, invests in Maepole, a Georgia-based restaurant concept with three locations. Founded in 2018 by chef Peter Dale, Maepole offers customizable, fresh, healthy meals aimed at millennials and Gen Z. Current locations are in Athens and Atlanta, seating 40-50 in 2,800-3,000 sq. ft. spaces. Maepole plans regional expansion in 2024 and potential franchising by 2026, with menu changes reflecting seasonal produce.

✈️ TripStack, part of the Etraveli Group, partners with Azul, Brazil’s largest airline, to enhance global travel connectivity via Virtual Interline technology. This integration, announced in 2025, allows Azul customers to book international flights with seamless connections through TripStack’s algorithms on Azul's website. TripStack CEO Gabor Toth emphasizes competitive pricing and expanded connectivity, while Azul’s André Mercadante highlights enhanced European itineraries. The technology also features automated rebooking for increased flexibility and reliability.

🚀 Vueling, a Spanish low-cost airline, has signed a Letter of Intent with MicroTau, an Australian aerospace technology firm, to implement MicroTau’s 'shark skin' Riblet Modification Package on its narrow-body fleet. This innovative technology, inspired by shark skin micro-texture, can potentially reduce carbon emissions by up to 4%. Vueling aims to enhance fuel efficiency and sustainability, aligning with its broader strategy that includes using Sustainable Aviation Fuel and optimizing flight paths.

🏢 2022, France, coworking spaces: a record 91% occupancy rate, 3,420 spaces. France ranks second in Europe, trailing the UK. A 23% increase occurred from 2021 to 2022, with supply doubling since 2019. 70% of companies implemented teleworking agreements post-pandemic. 63% of French people prefer job flexibility, while 42% would change jobs only if teleworking is offered. Now, 47% of coworkers are from companies with over 50 employees, indicating a shift from spaces primarily for the self-employed.

🚀 Partnership with TailWind Airline Consulting boosts airline retail growth. Who? Joachim Zintl of TailWind, joining Travel in Motion (TiM). When? Starting from the partnership announcement. Where? Based in France. What? TiM aims to drive the transition to Modern Airline Retailing. How? Zintl brings nearly 40 years of experience, enhancing revenue accounting and order settlement expertise. The move signals growth for TiM and partner Oystin Advisory, meeting demand in airline retailing consultancy.

📶 Dense Air rebrands to IONX Networks, emphasizing customer-focused mobile coverage solutions. CEO Jim Estes and CRO Mark Meuleman highlight the commitment to addressing connectivity issues like dropped calls and dead zones. Utilizing shared, multi-operator networks with small cell technology, IONX aims to enhance coverage and user experiences. The rebrand involves a new visual identity and messaging, aiming for scalable, cost-effective solutions for enterprises, operators, and property owners. Discover more at [IONX Networks](https://www.ionxnetworks.com/).

🍴 Bret Thorn is a senior editor at Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999 and Restaurant Hospitality since 2016. His career includes writing for The New York Sun (2005-2008) and Asia Times (1995-1997). A Tufts University graduate, he also studied at Peking and Nanjing Universities in 1988-1989. Thorn won a 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award and served as IFEC president in 2005. His expertise spans food trends, French cuisine, and Asian culinary arts.

🍹 Scottish distiller Eden Mill refreshes its gin range with new bottles and labels in 2025, emphasizing local botanicals from Scotland's East Coast. Notably, Golf Gin is the first spirit distilled with botanicals from St Andrews' Old Course. Eden Mill's distillery, operational in 2025 and open to the public by August, is powered by renewable energy. Golf Gin is available in over 200 Waitrose stores across the UK. Eden Mill partners with MiAlgae to enhance sustainability efforts.

📰 Kristian Olsen, founder of Atypical, discusses the evolving marketing strategies tailored for Gen Z consumers. As media consumption habits shift, social media and content marketing become crucial. Key insights include understanding the media behavior of Gen X, Y, and Z, and strategies for inclusive social media marketing. Businesses are advised to leverage content marketing effectively, highlighting its importance and identifying common missed opportunities. Brands like LG, WWE, and Jeep exemplify successful adaptations in this landscape.

🚀 Nordic airline Finnair, in collaboration with Amadeus, has implemented the first global 'Native Order' system, transitioning from Passenger Name Records to a unified 'Offers and Orders' model. This aligns with IATA One Order directives, enhancing customer experience and modernizing processes. Tiina Vesterinen, Finnair VP, highlighted its potential for personalized and dynamic product bundles. Cyril Tetaz of Amadeus emphasized integrating multiple travel services into a single record. This technological transformation aims to streamline customer interactions and boost business agility.