Miscellaneous

🏖️ Adrian Cheah, Business Development Manager in Malaysia, highlights Penang's allure: a food paradise with dishes like char koay teow and nasi kandar; George Town's UNESCO heritage status with the largest collection of pre-war buildings in Southeast Asia; vibrant street art; beaches like Batu Ferringhi; and cultural festivals such as Thaipusam. Penang's charm lies in its blend of ancient heritage and modern creativity, offering a rich cultural experience.

💰 From now until 20 January 2026, in the UK, McDonald's collaborates with Expedia, enabling MyMcDonald's Rewards members to convert points into hotel discounts. Spending £25 earns 2,500 points for a 5% hotel discount on Expedia, while £40 earns 4,000 points for 9% off. Customers earn one point per penny spent, making it easy to turn meals into travel savings. This initiative aligns with Expedia’s One Key loyalty program, enhancing travel accessibility.

🍕 In 2012, Prince St. Pizza debuted in NYC's Nolita, gaining fame for its Sicilian and Neapolitan pies. Lawrence Longo became CEO in 2020, expanding the brand after a successful 2019 LA pop-up. Now, with 17 stores, the latest opens Oct. 24 in Dallas, featuring a 1,200 sq. ft. space and extended hours until 3 a.m. on weekends. Future locations include Miami, Nashville, Charleston, and Monmouth. Longo's goal: be America's top premium slice shop.

🚗 Avis First launches across Europe, starting this week at Rome Fiumicino, Geneva International, and Zurich Kloten Airports. This premium car rental service offers queue-free, personalized assistance from arrival, including a dedicated concierge and guaranteed premium BMWs (3, 4, 5 Series, X3, X5). Anna Pawlak-Kuliga, President International, emphasizes innovation and customer focus. James Adams, VP, highlights time-saving benefits for travelers. Expansion to more locations is planned for the coming year.

📈 Emmanuel Macron's efforts to decentralize Paris have faltered post-COVID, as companies return to the capital despite previous moves to cities like Limoge. In the U.S., cities like Jackson, Mississippi, and Franklin, Tennessee, see restaurants adopting "big-city prices," with Elvie’s charging $35 for a dish. Private clubs like Jacksonville’s The June and Savannah’s Club Bardo are thriving, with initiation fees up to $12,000. Coworking brand The Malin expands to Savannah, targeting professionals in smaller cities.

🍴 Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor for Nation’s Restaurant News, has been active since 1999. He won the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award and served as IFEC president in 2005. A Tufts University graduate, he studied at Le Cordon Bleu and in China in 1988-1989. Thorn’s experience includes roles at Asia Times and ABC News. He wrote for The New York Sun (2005-2008) and contributes to the Oxford Encyclopedia and Companion. Thorn resides in Brooklyn, N.Y.

🍴 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.

💼 Parsippany, New Jersey—Wyndham Rewards introduces the Wyndham Rewards Insider, a travel and entertainment subscription for members. Unlock perks such as automatic Gold status, 10%+ savings on 8,000+ hotels, and discounts on flights (domestic: up to 5%; international: up to 15%), cruises (up to 30%), car rentals (10%+), and tours. Collaborate with Ticketmaster for rewards on 50,000+ events. Benefits extend to concierge services and exclusive ticket savings at iconic attractions.

🧀 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.