Miscellaneous

🎨 Haris Fazlani, co-founder of Wørks in New York City, advocates for brands to engage with culture through art. Collaborations with artists, exemplified by brands like Nike and Louis Vuitton, help integrate creativity into branding. In today's fast-paced culture, art is essential for brands to connect emotionally and culturally. Brands are increasingly giving artists more creative control, blurring lines between art and commerce, and fostering cross-pollination between high and low culture, fashion, music, and commerce.

🍴 Cole's French Dip, a Los Angeles staple since 1908, will close on August 2, 2025, after 117 years. Owner Cedd Moses cites the COVID-19 pandemic, 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes, and rising costs as reasons. Moses's Pouring With Heart also closed the Varnish in 2024. Cole’s, known for its French Dip Sandwich, faced competition from Philippe the Original. In 2008, Moses's 213 Nightlife restored Cole's for $1.6 million. Moses continues to operate other nightlife venues in downtown LA.

🍳 Badara Gueye, a 40-year-old chef and painter from Senegal, marks nearly five years at Château de Candie in the French Alps. Starting as a dishwasher in Dakar, his persistence led him to roles in esteemed restaurants and advanced training in France. La Cantine de Candie attracts visitors with its locally sourced, seasonally evolving menu. A standout dish, veal rump with blackcurrant and beetroot jus, highlights his culinary artistry. His evocative paintings enhance the ambiance, drawing international attention.

💸 In the mid-2010s, nearly half of India's population lacked bank accounts or official IDs, keeping cash dominant. By 2024, less than 4% of adults had credit cards, and debit cards were mainly ATM tools. Mobile wallets like Paytm and FreeCharge gained traction, offering cashless convenience and QR code payments, but operated as isolated systems. Despite digital growth, India's need for open, interoperable payment channels remains evident.

✈️ Retailaer's integration with Air Europa began in Spain, offering travel agents enhanced shopping and servicing experiences with flights and services. This initial phase will expand globally later in 2025. The collaboration aims to set a new industry standard through modern technology and supports partners like PROS and IATA. Air Europa's Yago Casasnovas highlights the flexibility offered via multiple channels, aligning with their "You decide" campaign. Retailaer's Anders Lofgren emphasizes adaptability and partner enablement.

💰 Emirates and Crypto.com signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to integrate Crypto.com Pay into its payment systems, effective next year. The signing involved key figures like Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and executives from Emirates and Crypto.com. The move aligns with Dubai's vision for financial innovation and targets tech-savvy customers who prefer digital currencies. Both companies aim to enhance cryptocurrency adoption through promotional campaigns, as Dubai strengthens its role as a global cryptocurrency hub.

🍺 Elliot Nelson launched McNellie’s Pub in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2004, transforming a modest dining scene into a vibrant hub with over 100 venues. By 2025, McNellie’s Group operates 18 concepts across 25+ locations, soon expanding further in Oklahoma City with Malfi Enoteca and Bar Serra. The group's reach extends to Arkansas and eyes Dallas for future growth, driven by local demand and lower operational costs. Nelson received a James Beard Award Semifinalist nod in 2025.

🎮 Chuck E. Cheese, celebrating nearly 50 years, launches "Chuck’s Arcade" for adults and lifelong fans, blending retro and modern gaming experiences. Locations are open in 10 locations across eight states, including Kansas City, Missouri, featuring unique artwork and a full menu. Expect iconic games like Ms. Pac-Man and new ones, overseen by animatronic characters. Exclusive merchandise is available, making each visit special. CEO David McKillips emphasizes the expansion as a tribute to Chuck E. Cheese's legacy.

🎲 Chuck E. Cheese launched 10 Chuck's Arcade locations across eight states, including Kansas City, Missouri, as it nears its 50th anniversary. These arcades blend modern and retro games like Ms. Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, with animatronic characters overseeing each venue. Locations include St. Petersburg, Trumbull, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Victor, Buford, El Paso, Nashua, Salem, and St. Louis. This new concept targets adults with nostalgic ties and features unique game lineups and retro-themed merchandise.