13 August 2025 - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers

2 min

Groups360 Lands in Top 250 on 2025 Inc. 5000 List

🤖 Michael Chorey, founder of Wendy's FreshAi, joins Presto to head Presto IQ, a pioneering AI-native data initiative for the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. Chorey aims to expand Presto's drive-thru Voice AI platform and enhance personalization for customers, crew, and operators. With over ten years in Voice AI, Chorey contributes to Presto's 100+ years of combined restaurant expertise, aiming to revolutionize industry personalization and operational efficiency.

2 min

Food Network chef Nik Fields opens multi-concept venue called The Collective in Phoenix

🍴 Nik Fields, aka "The Chic Chef," is opening The Collective, a multi-concept venue in Phoenix, Arizona, on August 25. It combines a coworking space with two culinary brands, The Mix and The Grind, and features an Entrepreneurial Hub. The menu includes unique offerings like the S.H.E.O Biscoff Caramel Breve and Boss Babe latte. Fields aims to expand in Phoenix and NYC, possibly adding new concepts like a smoothie bar. Currently, she owns four businesses in Phoenix.

3 min

Fast-casual Asian vegetarian restaurant Little Kim opens in Ann Arbor, Mich.

🍽 Chef Ji Hye Kim expanded her culinary footprint with Little Kim, a vegetarian fast-casual spot, opening on August 1, 2025, in Ann Arbor's Kerrytown. This 24-seater embraces Korean and other Asian influences and features build-your-own bowls, daily kimbap, and a fried tofu sandwich. Despite proximity to her full-service Miss Kim, Little Kim thrives with its distinct menu and lunch hours. Miss Kim has been open since 2016 and has received five James Beard Award semifinalist nominations.

3 min

This Week’s Comings & Goings

📄 Remington Hospitality appointed Cory Chambers as chief commercial officer. HHM Hotels hired Jeremiah Galvin as executive vice president and chief financial officer. Choice Hotels promoted Aly El-Bassuni to senior vice president of managed hotels. Stonebridge promoted Jamie Pomeroy to senior vice president of business development. Lighthouse appointed Mercedes Blanco as vice president of enterprise growth. Various hospitality leaders, including Richard Romane, Hiren Prabhakar, and Steve Janicek, received managerial appointments at prestigious locations.

3 min

Casago appoints Bolivar Vacations to manage 90+ former Vacasa vacation homes on Bolivar Peninsula

🏠 August 13, 2025, Bolivar Peninsula, Texas – Bolivar Vacations, a Casago franchise partner, has expanded to manage over 90 beachside vacation homes by transitioning properties from Vacasa. Leading the team is Felipe Caldeira, known for consistent growth. The company’s guest satisfaction holds a 4.9 average score. Following Casago's acquisition of Vacasa in May, the transition will be complete post-summer, integrating local service with national support systems. Casago’s local-first model is gaining momentum.

2 min

Date set for opening of Sheraton Christchurch in New Zealand

🏨 Mainland Capital and Russell Property Group will inaugurate the Sheraton Christchurch in mid-2027, located alongside the Avon River. With over $150 million invested, the 14-story hotel will offer 240 rooms, a rooftop bar, and a club lounge. The venture is backed by Emmons Developments New Zealand Limited, with architectural input from Dalman Architects. This marks Marriott International's expansion in New Zealand, adding to its existing two hotels. Construction is underway, adhering to A-Grade standards.

2 min

Aimbridge launches all-inclusive hotel division

🏖 Aimbridge Hospitality, led by CEO Craig Smith, has launched a dedicated all-inclusive division in Miami to meet growing demand. Previously with Marriott, Smith has expertise in expanding all-inclusives in Latin America and the Caribbean. The all-inclusive model, with 88% of global inventory in these regions, is rapidly expanding, growing four times faster than other leisure segments. Aimbridge plans to start operations by year-end, aiming to capitalize on the segment's evolving high-demand for personalized and luxury experiences.

2 min

From Cookie Jars to Queue Jams: How Visual AI Turns Restaurant CCTV into a Goldmine of Operational Insights

📶 Visual AI integrated with existing CCTV can track customer demographics and behavior without new hardware. Key insights include customer footfall, labor efficiency, and drive-thru analytics, aiding in demand forecasting, staffing, and product placement. This technology optimizes employee movement and addresses privacy by sharing only aggregated data. Drive-thru insights improve service flow. Visual AI enhances efficiency and satisfaction in fast-paced food service environments.

1 min

Hotel Reservation Confirmation Email: A Simple Way to Keep Guests Happy and Save Time

Hotel Reservation Email Guide: Save Time & Delight Guests Table of Contents

2 min

Hilton Opens Its First U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel

🏨 Hilton debuted in the U.S. Virgin Islands with Hampton by Hilton St. Thomas, a 126-room hotel opposite Havensight Mall, overlooking Long Bay. The hotel includes a 3,800 sq. ft. patio, 2,000 sq. ft. pool deck, and 850 sq. ft. event space. Amenities feature a fitness center, full-service bar, and lounge known as The Helm. Charlotte Amalie is 1.5 miles away, Cyril E. King Airport is 4.1 miles, and Magens Bay Beach is 4.5 miles.

Input your search keywords and press Enter.