Miscellaneous

🍴 Bret Thorn has been a senior food & beverage editor at Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999. He wrote for The New York Sun (2005-2008) and held roles at Asia Times and Manager magazine. A Tufts University alumnus, Thorn also attended Le Cordon Bleu in 1986 and studied in China in 1988-1989. He won the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award and was inducted into the Disciples d’Escoffier in 2014. Thorn lives in Brooklyn, originally from Denver.

🎮 Panda Express, in May 2024, launched a campaign in collaboration with The Many and Super League, integrating Hot Orange Chicken into Fortnite Creative and Roblox. Within two weeks, 265,000+ players viewed cutscenes, earning in-game rewards, with 65 days of player interaction and 185,000 engagements. The campaign features interactive cutscenes, map-specific rewards, and Pei Pei the Panda encounters to engage Gen Z. Hot Orange Chicken is available nationally for a limited time.

🍽 American Express is revamping its 15 U.S. Centurion airport lounges with a new dining initiative, The Culinary Collective, featuring dishes from chefs Kwame Onwuachi, Michael Solomonov, Mashama Bailey, and Sarah Grueneberg. Starting July 29, patrons can enjoy these curated menus, with some dishes available at the Sidecar by Centurion in Las Vegas in 2026. Cocktails will be crafted by Harrison Ginsberg. These seasonal menus will comprise approximately 50% of the lounges' offerings.

🍽 Bret Thorn, a Denver native residing in Brooklyn, has been the Food & Beverage Editor at Nation's Restaurant News since 1999 and joined Restaurant Hospitality in 2016. He studied at Tufts University and Le Cordon Bleu, with experience working in China for ABC News during 1989's Tiananmen Square events. Thorn's notable achievements include a 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award and authorship in the Oxford Encyclopedias. His expertise spans food trends and French and Asian cuisines.

🚌 Bus charter services elevate business travel by transforming commutes into productive sessions. Offering Wi-Fi, climate control, and cozy seating, these buses reduce environmental impact and travel costs while bypassing traffic delays. A competent driver and flexible scheduling ensure timely arrivals. The result is a cohesive, refreshed team ready to seize opportunities. Whether attending trade shows or client meetings, this mode of transport enhances sustainability and fosters team synergy.

🚀 LVMH invests in Flexjet through L Catterton, aiming to create in-air experiences akin to Cheval Blanc or Belmond. Scheduled with an Executive Chef, Wellness Practitioner, and Concierge, Four Seasons Jet connects Kyoto, Marrakesh, and the Serengeti with curated storylines. La Roche’s Sky Service Academy in Dubai trains crews in storytelling. Luxury brands are redefining private aviation by focusing on emotional experience over mere transportation, elevating the sky to a new luxury frontier.

🥩 Macellaio RC Soho, opened by Genoese restaurateur Roberto Costa, debuts in Soho, London. This Italian steakhouse showcases exceptional cuts like a 900g Irish Wagyu Tomahawk and dry-aged Herefordshire Fiorentina, grilled over charcoal. The restaurant emphasizes quality sourcing, featuring Fassona from North Genoa, Angus from Argentina, and Wagyu from Ireland. Diners enjoy sides like truffle chips and honey-roasted carrots. Service is informed and inviting, making it ideal for both quick meals and indulgent dinners.

🏠 Hosts with young children crafted a thoughtful Airbnb stay, featuring essentials like a washer, dryer, fan, iron, ironing board, and playpen space. Surprising amenities included a blender, enhancing a milkshake moment. Ceiling tiles went unnoticed amidst the heartful design and hospitality. Friends Rory and Rebecca later welcomed the guest to their old Tennessee farmhouse, complete with a Steinway grand piano, providing a memorable experience for a music-loving visitor.

🍱 Sales in Q2 2025 grew 3% year-over-year to $3.1 billion, despite a 4% drop in comparable sales. Chipotle opened 61 new U.S. and Canadian restaurants, with plans for 315-345 new locations in 2025, 80% featuring Chipotlanes. New equipment is being introduced to improve efficiency and consistency. A catering pilot aims to boost this revenue stream, currently at 1-2% of sales, with technology enhancements and marketing. Full rollout is expected over three years.

🍽 Panda Express launched a cross-platform campaign with Media AOR The Many and Super League, integrating Hot Orange Chicken into Fortnite Creative and Roblox. Within two weeks, 265,000+ players viewed cutscenes, earning in-game rewards, while players spent 65 days interacting with Pei Pei the Panda, generating 185,000+ engagements. The campaign features interactive cutscenes and map-specific rewards, and will evolve with new items and elements throughout the year. Hot Orange Chicken is available for a limited time nationwide this summer.