Revenue Management

🍽 Brian Murphy opened Big Apple Bodega in Denver, offering zero-proof drinks and chopped cheese sandwiches. Celebrating 13 years of sobriety, Murphy's choice not to serve alcohol aligns with his personal journey. The restaurant charges $6 for beer and about $8 for a mocktail. Big Apple Bodega began as a food truck four years ago and transitioned to a brick-and-mortar establishment on May 30 last year. Menu items include The Sinatra for $10, and the eatery also offers a brunch menu on weekends with items like $6 breakfast sandwiches and $12 breakfast burritos.

🏡 Luxury travelers prioritize relevance and ease over excess, with 57% of avid cruisers interested in specialty dining and 44% in exclusive onboard spaces (Plusgrade Cruise Study, 2024). Personalization is key, with hotels offering curated experiences like room selection and early check-in. Privacy is essential, with offerings such as top-floor suites and VIP spa reservations driving revenue. Anticipatory service, such as automatic suite upgrades and confirmed late checkouts, improve satisfaction. Loyalty programs influence 68% of luxury travelers' hotel choices (McKinsey & Company, 2024), emphasizing recognition over rewards. Tailored experiences foster long-term relationships and revenue growth.

💸 Hospitality franchisees face challenges with rising wages, inflation, and consumer confidence. An International Franchise Association (IFA) survey found 37% of franchisors see labor costs and recruiting quality employees as significant hurdles. Furthermore, 70% reported franchisees have open positions. ADP Research indicates that median base wages for sit-down restaurant employees reached $24 an hour as of September 2024, a 28% rise from pre-pandemic levels. Job-stayers in leisure and hospitality have seen higher pay growth than new hires since December 2022. Inflation concerns increased among respondents to 12% in 2024, up from 9% the prior year.

🏨 In a bonus episode, Steven Marais, Vice President of Rooms at Noble House Hotels & Resorts, discusses how the company enhanced hotel operations, staffing, and financial performance with Actabl's product suite. This collaboration was highlighted on April 3, 2025.

🍴 The James Beard Foundation announced nominees for its Restaurant and Chef Awards on Wednesday, with winners to be revealed on June 16 at Lyric Opera of Chicago. The awards originated in 1991 in New York City. Following the COVID pandemic, the Foundation shifted focus from fine dining to a broader range of culinary talents, emphasizing equitable, sustainable, and healthy work culture. Nominees must now submit a video or essay explaining their alignment with these values. There are three new beverage categories: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service, reflecting the evolving interest in beverage programs.

🍴 Shawn Gawle opened Camaraderie in Houston Heights on March 26, presenting a "fine-casual" dining experience with a market-driven menu. The restaurant, designed by Schaum Architects, was a former shed retaining its original wood and metal elements, now featuring skylights and custom seating. The dining room offers a $75 prix-fixe menu for 32 guests, the bar and lounge offers an à la carte menu for 24 guests, and a 22-seat patio serves from a window counter. Gawle, with 18 years in savory and pastry roles including at Michelin-starred March and respected Quince and Saison, is supported by wine director Gillian Malone and bar manager Kristine Nguyen. Camaraderie features playful dishes, a balanced wine list, and cocktails like the $8 mini Martini.

💵 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids have risen nationwide, targeting multiple restaurants. On Feb. 24, four employees from Mi Jalisco in Peterborough, N.H., were detained. Owners of Jersey Kebab in Haddon Township, N.J., were arrested on Feb. 25; the wife, Emine Emanet, held for two weeks before release. Jersey Kebab reopened on March 24. Kamiya 86 Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar owner in Florida is facing up to 10 years in prison after a guilty plea on Feb. 28. Owner of Ya Ya Noodles in Newark, N.J., was convicted on March 24 of acting as a foreign agent. Approximately one million undocumented immigrants work in the U.S. restaurant industry, with numbers potentially increasing due to federal crackdowns.

🌶 Aleppo pepper, originating from Syria, is gaining popularity in U.S. restaurants. Known by 34% of Americans, 17% have tried it, with higher awareness among vegetarians and vegans. It offers a mild, fruity heat with smoky notes, suitable for savory and sweet dishes. Now more accessible in specialty stores and online, it's increasingly used by home cooks. Its popularity reflects a trend towards bold, regional flavors.

???? KFire, a fast-casual Korean barbecue concept, gains recognition from Wonder-owned delivery service. No specific dates or locations mentioned. Article lacks numbers, statistical data, reasons for recognition, or detailed operational information on KFire or Wonder's service. Summary: KFire's Korean barbecue concept earns accolades from Wonder's delivery platform, with no further details on the nature of the recognition or its implications.