Miscellaneous

💰 From now until 20 January 2026, in the UK, McDonald's collaborates with Expedia, enabling MyMcDonald's Rewards members to convert points into hotel discounts. Spending £25 earns 2,500 points for a 5% hotel discount on Expedia, while £40 earns 4,000 points for 9% off. Customers earn one point per penny spent, making it easy to turn meals into travel savings. This initiative aligns with Expedia’s One Key loyalty program, enhancing travel accessibility.

🍕 In 2012, Prince St. Pizza debuted in NYC's Nolita, gaining fame for its Sicilian and Neapolitan pies. Lawrence Longo became CEO in 2020, expanding the brand after a successful 2019 LA pop-up. Now, with 17 stores, the latest opens Oct. 24 in Dallas, featuring a 1,200 sq. ft. space and extended hours until 3 a.m. on weekends. Future locations include Miami, Nashville, Charleston, and Monmouth. Longo's goal: be America's top premium slice shop.

🚗 Avis First launches across Europe, starting this week at Rome Fiumicino, Geneva International, and Zurich Kloten Airports. This premium car rental service offers queue-free, personalized assistance from arrival, including a dedicated concierge and guaranteed premium BMWs (3, 4, 5 Series, X3, X5). Anna Pawlak-Kuliga, President International, emphasizes innovation and customer focus. James Adams, VP, highlights time-saving benefits for travelers. Expansion to more locations is planned for the coming year.

🍴 Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor for Nation’s Restaurant News, has been active since 1999. He won the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award and served as IFEC president in 2005. A Tufts University graduate, he studied at Le Cordon Bleu and in China in 1988-1989. Thorn’s experience includes roles at Asia Times and ABC News. He wrote for The New York Sun (2005-2008) and contributes to the Oxford Encyclopedia and Companion. Thorn resides in Brooklyn, N.Y.

🍴 In 2024, 46% of Gen Z and 35% of millennials used social media as their primary search tool, according to Abby Hughes from Belle Communication. Influencer marketing can drive restaurant traffic in uncertain times. Rafael LaRue of Livit highlights Gen Z’s focus on community and social engagement, with 72% of global consumers wanting more experiential dining. Bradley Saxe of Goldbergs Group advises diversifying revenue streams for resilience, suggesting options like airport expansions and sustainable practices.

🧀 In 2008, a 15-year-old's artisan cheesemaking project turned into a successful business, selling $1,500 daily at a local market. The project highlighted the importance of patience, care, and attention to detail, as even a 3-degree temperature change could affect cheese quality. This venture revitalized a small town through a restored bakery and creamery. Collaborating with family and friends, the young entrepreneur learned valuable skills in marketing, sales, and production consistency.

✈️ Travelsoft partners with Lufthansa Group to provide complete NDC content via Travelsoft Transport Hub. Travel agencies and tour operators using Travelsoft's platforms, transacting €40 billion annually, now access exclusive Economy Light and Business Saver fares. APG will distribute the content to over 3,000 European agencies through the APG NDC portal. This collaboration aims to enhance travel options and distribution capabilities.

🍩 London, 2025: Donutelier, known for its theatrical donuts, will open two new stores. In November, a 112 sqm flagship store opens on The Strand, offering pastries and coffee for locals and commuters. In December, the Oxford Street location, at 82 sqm, will feature Nutcracker-themed bakes and a visible “decoration theatre.” The brand aims to create destination-led spaces, enhancing London's bakery scene with innovative pastries and immersive experiences while collaborating with influencers for brand awareness.

🍩 London, November 2025: Donutelier is expanding with two new stores on The Strand and Oxford Street. The Strand opens in November, offering 112sqm of space, while Oxford Street launches in December with an 82sqm festive setup inspired by "The Nutcracker." Both outlets aim to attract commuters and locals, providing innovative pastries and a sensory experience. COO Théa Marks emphasizes creating "destination-led spaces." This expansion enhances Donutelier's reputation as a luxurious, creative bakery brand.

🍴 Bret Thorn, Senior Food & Beverage Editor at Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999 and Restaurant Hospitality since 2016, specializes in food trends. He holds a history BA from Tufts University and a Cértificat Elémentaire from Le Cordon Bleu. Thorn wrote for The New York Sun (2005-2008) and contributed to the Oxford Encyclopedia (2012, 2015). He was inducted into Disciples d’Escoffier in 2014. Thorn resides in Brooklyn, N.Y., and has worked extensively in the U.S. and Asia.