Miscellaneous

🍽 Bret Thorn, a food and beverage editor at Nation’s Restaurant News since 1999, resides in Brooklyn. Previously, he contributed to The New York Sun (2005-2008) and ABC News (1989). Thorn, a Tufts University alum, studied at Le Cordon Bleu and in China during 1988-1989. His work includes writing for the Oxford Encyclopedia (2012) and Oxford Companion (2015). He won the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Award and was inducted into the Disciples d’Escoffier in 2014.

🍴 Chef BJ Lieberman, after working at Husk and Little Pearl, launched Chapman's Eat Market in Columbus, Ohio, in August 2020. The restaurant adapted to pandemic challenges by innovating takeaway dishes, selling over 10,000 pints of ice cream. A year later, Chapman's was highlighted by the New York Times, boosting its popularity. In 2023, Lieberman opened Hiraeth, a fine dining spot, but shifted to Metsi's Italian classics due to evolving diner preferences, opting for a casual atmosphere.

💰 Nectar360 and Marriott Bonvoy have teamed up for an exciting partnership. Nectar members can now earn 500 Nectar points for the next three hotel stays and convert Marriott Bonvoy points into Nectar points. The collaboration offers flexibility to earn and redeem points across 10,000 destinations and 30 hotel brands globally. New Marriott Bonvoy members signed up via Nectar receive a 500-point bonus. Launched this summer, it aims to boost loyalty and brand engagement.

✈️ STARFLYER, a premium Japanese airline, upgraded its STAR LINK loyalty platform with IBS Software's iLoyal solution. Transitioning from a legacy system to a cloud-native platform, STARFLYER launched new mobile and web functionalities, real-time updates, and exclusive rewards. The overhaul includes a revamped mobile app and member portal. Hiroshi Goto, STARFLYER Inc's VP, emphasizes the digital transformation as a key modernization step. Marcus Puffer of IBS praises iLoyal’s adaptability for mid-size and larger airlines.

🧀 Strengthening communities through craftsmanship can transform young people, families, and towns. Business should focus on building character and relationships rather than just making money. The true craft is about shaping hearts and souls. The author values work, character, and meaningful relationships, aspiring to emulate supportive friendships like those with Brian and Rebeccah.

🍴 A Street Hospitality, based in Boston, began in 2011 with Trade as the flagship restaurant. Cofounded by Eric Papachristos, Jody Adams, and Jon Mendez, this nine-unit group includes Greek and Mediterranean-themed eateries like Saloniki and Porto. In 2020, the group restructured under a single entity due to pandemic challenges. La Padrona, their latest opening, is critically acclaimed. A Street focuses on perfecting operations and hopes to expand Saloniki, capitalizing on the ease of scaling fast-casual concepts.

🍴 OpenTable and KAYAK, on July 2025, released a list of 100 top hotel restaurants in the U.S., reflecting dining's growing role in travel decisions. Key stats show 47% of Americans book trips for restaurants, with KAYAK seeing a 51% rise in its "restaurant" hotel filter usage. Surveys reveal 73% would revisit hotels for dining, and 38% choose hotels based on restaurants. The list includes venues from Arizona to Virginia based on OpenTable and KAYAK data.

📲 Extended Stay America (ESA) launches Client Connect, a business travel program, in Charlotte, North Carolina, offering tailored services for business travelers requiring extended stays. With over 30 years experience and 700+ locations, ESA focuses on personalized partnerships, competitive rates, and flexible policies. The program addresses needs of construction crews, traveling nurses, and military personnel, providing dedicated account management, streamlined booking, and a Direct Bill Program. Available immediately, enhancements are underway.

🍕 Domino’s Pizza saw a 5.8% increase in carryout comps for Q2 2025. The introduction of the Parmesan-Stuffed Crust Pizza late in Q1 attracted new customers. CEO Russell Weiner reported successful execution and positive customer feedback during an earnings call. A “best deal ever promotion” offers any pizza with any toppings for $9.99 via mobile app or dominos.com until August 3, providing value for cash-strapped consumers.

🛫 Trevolution Group reported $627.41 million in bookings and 508,333 airline tickets sold in H1 2025. Canada saw a 164% demand increase, while Italy's demand dropped 24%. Business class demand rose by 32.43%, with 57,421 tickets sold. 88.69% of tickets were economy class. Travel planning shifted earlier, with 31% booking 90+ days ahead, while shorter trips became popular. Dreampass app exceeded 37,000 members. The younger demographic grew, but seniors aged 90+ remain the largest customer group at 31.19%.