Miscellaneous

🍖 Ryan discussed Chick-fil-A's culture emphasizing service and excellence over nearly 15 years. The company focuses on people, not just chicken. Leadership drives a giving culture with high expectations. In 2017, Ryan led a team to develop a drive-thru consulting methodology across approximately 2,000 restaurants. Despite lacking direct experience, they had 90-120 days to learn industry practices, which proved crucial when COVID-19 prompted a shift to 99% drive-thru operations by 2020.

🌼 In the 1960s or 1970s, a century-old farmhouse underwent modernization, hiding its original charm. After removing faux paneling and vinyl siding, original features like floors, beams, and brick were restored. Located at Morning Glory Farm, named for the abundant wildflowers and memorable sunrises, this project saw contributions from the author's brothers and a mural sketch by the author, who was simultaneously working on Live Oak Lake in Texas.

📈 France’s DSNA, in collaboration with SITA, trialed real-time weather tools at Reims ACC during summer 2025. Over 21 days between July and October 2025, they used eWAS and Mission Watch, saving up to 105,000 minutes of delays (65% reduction) and enabling 2,700 extra flights. This resulted in €2.02 million additional revenue. No safety incidents were reported. The trial emphasized precise weather handling and shared data for improved air traffic management.

✈️ Emirates Airways is retrofitting 60 A380s and 51 Boeing 777s by August 2026, introducing new cabins and a lounge. Collaborating with Airbus, Panasonic, and others, Emirates enhances comfort and entertainment. Business Class gets upgraded seating with wireless charging and 4K entertainment. Premium Economy features advanced seating, while Economy introduces lightweight seats. The Astrova inflight system offers 4K OLED displays and Spatial Audio. Starlink connectivity will be installed across the fleet, enriching the passenger experience.

🚀 Emirates will implement Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet by mid-2027, starting with Boeing 777s in November 2025. The rollout encompasses 232 aircraft, including A380s starting February 2026, with 14 installations monthly. Passengers will enjoy free, high-speed internet, streaming, and calls. The initiative complements Emirates' extensive cabin refurbishments. The first Starlink-equipped commercial flight launches post-Dubai Airshow. Notable figures include 6,500 entertainment channels and a 220-aircraft retrofit program, with 76 aircraft refurbished so far.

🎨 Robert and Mary Quick, owners of Western Addition in Texas, have transformed their four Dallas and Houston restaurants into art galleries, displaying $400,000 in contemporary art. Founded in 2018, the group includes il Bracco, Bobbie’s Airway Grill, and Balboa Surf Club. Notable pieces include John Baldessari's 2015 artwork and Roy Lichtenstein’s 1964 piece. A fifth restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona, is set to open this winter, showcasing 1960s Italian pop art.

🍷 On 21 November 2025, Lough Erne Resort hosts a Château Penin Evening in Ireland, celebrating French wines and Irish cuisine. Antoine Carteyron of Château Penin, Bordeaux, guides attendees through a seven-course menu paired with their award-winning wines, like the 2022 Bordeaux Supérieur. The event costs £85 per person, or £169.50 with an overnight stay. Book at www.lougherneresort.com or call 028 6632 3230.

💡 In 2025, Tojiro Knife Gallery, Osaka's flagship store, opened in Doguyasuji Alley arcade. Designed by L/O, it showcases knives with overlapping wooden panels inspired by traditional yoroi-bari cladding. The space includes a gallery with LED-lit wood-panelled walls and a maintenance room for observing knife sharpening. The design highlights a blend of Japanese craftsmanship and modern innovation, and the gallery is shortlisted for a 2025 Dezeen Award for small retail interiors.

📖 Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor at Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality, has over seven years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. She has worked at Informa since 2018, holding roles such as Associate and Assistant Editor. Joanna has a bachelor's degree in English and a master's in journalism. Her expertise includes restaurant industry news and innovations. She has written for The New York Times, Forbes, and facilitated events like MUFSO and Restaurants Rise.

🍷 Renais Gin launches a limited Harvest Edition in collaboration with artist Frankie Penwill. Who? Renais Gin and Frankie Penwill. When? November 2025. Where? UK. What? A limited release of 600 bottles at £65 each, includes a fine art print worth £60. How? Available exclusively via the Renais online shop. Why? Celebrate the harvest season and festive gifting. CEO Alex Watson praises Penwill's botanical-inspired designs, reflecting Renais' ethos of using fine grapes and botanicals.