Miscellaneous

🍴 May 29, Austin, Texas: Le Calamar opened, replacing Underdog, a bar known for natural wines and Korean food. Chef Casey Wall relocated from Australia to join cofounders Claudia Lee and Richard Hargreave. The 3,000-square-foot space includes a 12-seat bar and patio. Menu highlights include deboned chicken wings, grilled trout, and Carolina Gold rice. The wine list emphasizes sustainable practices. Hargreave oversees the beverage program focusing on French, Mexican, and Texan influences. Lunch service is set to launch soon.

📑 Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor at Nation’s Restaurant News, has over seven years in the restaurant and hospitality industry. She holds an English literature and creative writing bachelor's from The College of New Jersey and a master's in arts and culture journalism from CUNY. Since 2018, she has been with Informa's Restaurants and Food Group. Her career includes roles at Insider and The Daily Meal, with work published in The New York Times and Forbes.

🍷 Join The Woodsman Restaurant at Hotel Indigo, Stratford upon Avon, for an exclusive tasting evening with Shakespeare Distillery on Wednesday, July 2, at 7 pm. Start at Judiths for a gin tasting, followed by a five-course dinner paired with gins and rums at The Woodsman. Led by Executive Chef Greg Newman, the restaurant is known for its sustainability focus and has 2 AA Rosettes. Limited spaces at £109 per person. 🌐 More info

🍽 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.