Miscellaneous

🍴 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.

🛩 In 2024, 22% of U.S. flights were delayed, highlighting on-time performance (OTP) as a critical industry metric. However, TNMT's analysis of over 15,000 Tripadvisor reviews from the top five U.S. and European airlines reveals no direct correlation between OTP and traveler satisfaction. Notably, Southwest Airlines achieved high satisfaction with a 78% OTP, emphasizing comfort and crew friendliness as key factors. In contrast, within U.S. legacy carriers, punctuality aligns with satisfaction, with Delta leading. European airlines show a negative correlation, suggesting operational focus may reduce passenger experience quality.

🧁 2022 saw a labor crisis in restaurants, prompting a focus on culture. Dutch Bros (1,083 locations) hires "broistas" to emphasize relationships. Firebirds connects front and back-of-house staff to strengthen culture. South Block grew from 3 to 7 locations in a year, shifting hiring to passion-driven approaches. Executives see culture as a path to profit and opportunity, with Firebirds doubling personal time off for employees. The conversation was part of CREATE: The Event for Emerging Restaurateurs.

🍺 NEIT, in October 2025, collaborated with Chef Endo Kazutoshi to launch Silent Harmony, a limited edition Irish whiskey. Crafted over 34 years since 1991, Silent Harmony is a triple-distilled single malt, priced at £2,995 per bottle. Only 185 bottles will be available, reflecting a blend of tradition and contemporary aesthetics, with floral and herbal notes. This collaboration exemplifies NEIT's storytelling ethos and Chef Kazutoshi's precision in crafting excellence.