TOP NEWS

Houston TX, November 20, 2024: Global hotel technology specialist SHR has joined forces with Saudico Electronic Systems, one of Saudi Arabia’s top Oracle Hospitality providers, to transform customer loyalty programs across the kingdom’s rapidly…

📈 In October, the U.S. restaurant market share hit a record 56.4%, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. Year-over-year gains were approximately 40 basis points. Retail sales rose 0.4% month-over-month and 2.8% year-over-year, signaling strong consumer spending. Experts suggest a positive impact from return-to-office mandates on the restaurant industry, potentially boosting weekday sales. Restaurants with catering services anticipate opportunities during the upcoming holiday season. Overall food and beverage spending growth in January-October 2024 was slower compared to the past three years.

👨 Providing an exceptional hotel reception experience is vital for guest satisfaction and can lead to repeat visits and positive reviews. Attention to detail, from cleanliness and decor to a warm smile and a personalized welcome, shapes the guest's first impression. Online reviews of the reception experience influence future bookings, emphasizing the importance of a quality welcome. Hotel technology, such as online check-in and instant messaging apps, enhances the guest experience by streamlining processes and personalizing interactions. Training staff in technology use, like property management systems and communication tools, is essential. HiJiffy offers solutions such as an AI virtual concierge and instant feedback tools to improve reception services and customer satisfaction.

🏨 Essential hotel software includes a Property Management System (PMS) and Channel Manager, which automate operations, improve guest service, and prevent overbookings. Revenue Management Software (RMS) uses market data for optimal pricing. Booking engines facilitate direct bookings, while Guest Feedback & Review Management tools enhance reputation. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems personalize guest experiences, and integrated Point-of-Sale (POS) systems offer seamless service billing. STAAH provides integrations for these technologies, crucial for operational efficiency and maximizing revenue.

🏨 Vouchers emerge as a key strategy for hotels to boost revenue and guest loyalty, offering a variety of options such as stays, spa services, or dining. They provide immediate cash flow, drive off-season sales, expand guest reach, and create promotional opportunities. To maximize their effectiveness, hotels can customize voucher offerings, leverage digital channels, use them as incentives, and partner with local businesses. Additionally, targeting special occasions, encouraging repeat use, tracking success, and simplifying redemption are recommended strategies.

🍳 José Andrés and partners have developed the José Andrés Group over 25 years, now featuring nearly 40 concepts across Chicago, Vegas, LA, Miami, NYC, Orlando, DC, The Bahamas, and Dubai. Vegas restaurants like China Poblano offer unique desserts such as the Giggling Buddha, and Jaleo's top dessert is Andrés' mom's traditional flan.

💰 The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023, enacted after receiving Royal Assent in May 2022, mandates businesses to distribute 100% of tips to staff. Chef Calum Franklin will oversee Harrods’ The Georgian's evening menu, highlighting British cuisine and his signature pies, after his departure from Holborn Dining Room in summer 2022. Despite a turnover increase from £15.7m to £16.4m in 2023, Richard Corrigan Restaurants reports a £1.1m loss, contrasting with a 7% revenue rise and 57% adjusted EBITDA increase at Virginia Park Lodge, Ireland. Michael O’Hare closes Leeds restaurant Psycho Sandbar after seven months. StreetSmart's charity campaign, starting November 1, 2024, aims to raise funds with over 500 restaurants, including newcomers like Julie's and Kolae in London, and Mana in Manchester.

💲 In June, a report showed 63% of hospitality businesses took a cut of employees’ tips, with 29% using them to cover costs and 28% taking a profitable share. The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act, which prohibits businesses from withholding service charges from employees, was enforced this week, aiming to reallocate £200m yearly back to staff. A RSM UK survey found 80% of consumers support staff receiving 100% of tips. Ping Pong, a London-based restaurant chain, faced backlash for trying to circumvent the law with a 15% 'brand charge,' later reducing it to a 5% discretionary service charge distributed to staff.

📈 Acclaimed chef, author, and TV host Carla Hall to keynote at the National Restaurant Association Show 2025, scheduled for May 17-20 at McCormick Place, Chicago. The keynote session is set for May 18, 2025, at 1 p.m. Registration for the event is available with an early bird rate until November 18. Hall, a former "Top Chef" contestant and "The Chew" co-host, will share industry insights and her journey from accountant to culinary icon, aiming to inspire foodservice professionals. Michelle Korsmo, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, will provide an industry outlook and host a Q&A with Hall. Hall's work includes judging on Food Network shows and advocating for causes like No Kid Hungry. The National Restaurant Association Show, started in 1919, is a platform for foodservice innovation and trends.

📢 STAAH, a New Zealand hospitality solutions provider, held ‘The Big Connect’ event in Mumbai, attended by over 400 experts. In partnership with Booking.com and WebBeds, the conference at Sahara Star Hotel focused on tech-driven solutions for hotels, aiming to increase online bookings, revenue, and streamline distribution. National Sales Head – India, Shoaib Ali, highlighted the event’s success and potential future expansion. The event concluded with entertainment including a live comedy act.