Tony Loeb

💻 Nobu Hotels enhances its luxury service by upgrading to AI-powered wired, wireless, and SD-WAN infrastructure based on Zero Trust principles, utilizing HPE Aruba Networking solutions. The network improves connectivity for mobile, IoT, and AI applications, including an AI Concierge accessible via voice assistant or mobile app. The connectivity vision focuses on a secure, personalized guest experience using AI and IoT for services like smart rooms and operational efficiencies. IoT technologies employed include door automation, security cameras, and climate control, while operational systems feature POS devices and housekeeping automation tools like HotSOS. Nobu's upgraded network also enables streamlined management and worldwide one-click workflow automation, meeting the demands of a luxury hospitality brand in a competitive, post-pandemic market.

🍴 In December, Tock, a reservation platform created for Chicago's three-star Michelin Alinea, celebrates its 10th anniversary. Alinea reduced no-shows from 25% to under 2% with Tock. Founded in 2014, Tock expanded beyond fine dining, a market with only about 500 top-accredited restaurants in the U.S., to the hotel industry. American Express plans to acquire Tock for $400M from Squarespace pending a deal closure by year-end, subject to the Department of Justice review.

🔒 Spencer Mott, with a 40-year career in crime prevention, highlights the shift of criminal focus to online fraud in the travel and hospitality sector. Serving as Global CSO at Booking Holdings and Booking.com until March 2024, he observed a surge in Account Takeover (ATO) fraud, which affects 22% of global customers and businesses. ATO fraud grows faster than legitimate transactions, with smaller hotels 70% more likely to be victimized due to outdated IT systems. Mott advocates for a dedicated enterprise-grade web browser with robust security features to combat these threats.

🏨 Nobu Hotels upgraded its AI-powered wired, wireless, and SD-WAN infrastructure based on Zero Trust principles with HPE Aruba Networking. The updated network enhances connectivity for mobile, IoT devices, and AI-driven applications, featuring an AI Concierge accessible via digital voice assistant or mobile app. The implementation provides AI-powered operational efficiencies and data security. IoT technologies include door automation, security cameras, digital voice assistants, Apple TVs, HVAC sensors, and more. Nobu Hotels' IT systems managed globally with AI-powered HPE Aruba Networking Central and robust access policies from HPE Aruba Networking ClearPass. Rodney Linville, global head of IT, emphasizes secure, personalized guest experiences using advanced technologies. HPE Aruba Networking supports Nobu Hotels' ambition to innovate in the hospitality market.

🍕 Adam Oldenburg, CEO of Toppers, responded to reduced pizza spending by calling lapsed customers, which resulted in nearly 400 callbacks after offering free pizza. Toppers faced four price increases during COVID-19 but shifted strategy due to customer feedback on high costs and slow delivery. In February, they launched a carryout promotion with pizzas at $7.99 for one topping and $9.99 for three toppings, covering 80% of the menu, leading to a significant increase in carryout sales.

🏠 Nobu Hotels enhances guest experience with an AI-powered wired, wireless, and SD-WAN infrastructure from HPE Aruba Networking, aiming for advanced connectivity, operational efficiency, and robust data security. Features include an AI Concierge accessible via digital voice assistant or mobile app, IoT technologies for room automation, and a Zero Trust security framework. The network upgrade supports IoT devices and AI-driven applications, and leverages HPE Aruba Networking Central and ClearPass for global network management and Zero Trust security implementation. Nobu Hotels continues innovating post-pandemic with the scalable HPE Aruba infrastructure.

💰 TGI Fridays harnessed AI in marketing strategies, which boosted their revenue by $150M in 2018. Through analyzing customer data from emails, in-store receipts, and app usage, the restaurant chain created tailored offers, showcasing the potential of AI in personalizing client campaigns. GenAI also aids chefs in developing new recipes, optimizing menus based on various factors, enhancing sustainability and profitability in hospitality.