Hospitality News latest RSS headlines - New Jersey Telegraph.com

GrubHub and Seamless to merge

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:27:51 -0400

WASHINGTON - GrubHub Inc. and Seamless North America LLC, two of the biggest online services for food-delivery in the U.S., have entered into a definitive agreement to combine their companies to take on rivals in the growing market for online meal orders. The merger will create a combined company well positioned to drive more orders to restaurants, deliver a better experience for hungry diners ...

Work starts on creation of new Dubai island

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:26:18 -0400

Work began on Monday on the development of a man-made island in Dubai, 500 metres directly opposite the Jumeirah Beach Residence complex. To be known as Bluewaters Island, the new development will house five star hotels and resorts, al fresco dining and entertainment zones, and residential apartments and villas. The focal point of the island city, which will cost $1.6 billion, will be a 688 ...

Sam Nazarian Larry Levy and Bob Heyat Partner to Launch The Redbury Hotel South Beach

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:30:04 -0400

The Redbury Hotel South Beach . The partnership heralds the first hotel collaboration between leading hospitality industry innovators, Sam Nazarian, Founder, Chairman and CEO of sbe, and restaurateurs/developers Larry Levy and Bob Heyat. Located on Collins Ave. and 18th, The Redbury South Beach represents the encore to the award-winning Redbury Hotel at Hollywood and Vine, which has earned rave ...

Kempinski Hotels Opens the 678-room Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai in Pudong Shanghai

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:30:04 -0400

Kempinski Hotels, the oldest European luxury hotel group, has signed an agreement with Shanghai Suncuba Co. Ltd to take over the management of the Gran Meli Hotel Shanghai in Pudong, Shanghai. Opened in February 2010, the hotel was rebranded as Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai on 15 May 2013 and became the group's 18th property in China. Together with The ONE Executive Suites, which launched ...

Hospitality Net Expands Mobile Presence with Launch of Photo App for App Store

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:30:03 -0400

www.hospitalitynet.org ) today announced the launch of HN PHOTOS - the 1st Photo Sharing App in the hospitality B2B space. The iPhone app enables hotel industry professionals to publish and share newsworthy photos on Hospitality Net. Overview of available features: Upload newsworthy photos to Hospitality Net Browse recent uploads by other users of the app Check out news items linked to ...

Lexington Inn Suites Flag Flies in Yuba City CA

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:30:03 -0400

The former Quality Inn & Suites in Yuba City, CA has switched flags and is now a Lexington Inn & Suites, part of the Vantage Hospitality family of brands. Located in a region commonly referred to as the "Gateway to the Gold Fields," based on the area's significance during the gold rush, the 60-room hotel recently completed a renovation of its onsite restaurant, Fireside ...

Peer-to-peer booking sites no threat to demand | hotelnewsnow.com

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:30:03 -0400

hotelnewsnow.com While searching for a room for last year's Lodging Conference in Phoenix, Vikram Singh found that nearby hotels were either fully booked or well above his price range. So he turned to an innovative alternative: Airbnb. The booking site, which allows consumers to book residential spaces or units from willing private owners, netted Singh a penthouse with city views for only ...

Bobbys Burger Palace boasts massive line for newest location

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:52:29 -0400

Bobby Flay Bobby's Burger Palace has opened its third location in Greater Washington, the latest at Potomac Mills in Woodbridge. Lines for the lunchtime opening stretched down the street and around the block, DC Eater reports. But there will be locations to come. Flay said construction is about to start for a location in Bethesda, and another slated for Towson, Md., will open next ...

Lowes earnings rise in 1Q despite softer sales

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:49:52 -0400

Mooresville-based Lowe's (NYSE:LOW) reports a rise in earnings for its first quarter despite softer sales. Home-improvement retailer Lowes Cos. Inc. (NYSE:LOW) reports net earnings of $540 million, or 49 cents per share, for its first quarter ended May 3. Thats up 2.5 percent from earnings of $527 million, or 43 cents per share, in the corresponding fiscal period in 2012, according to the ...

Sweetgreen headed to Capitol Riverfront

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:32:41 -0400

Sweetgreen Inc. plans to open a restaurant next year at The Yards project in the Capitol Riverfront. The restaurant will be in the Twelve12 building, a residential property under construction in the Forest City Washington development. The sweetgreen, at 1212 Fourth St. SE, will open in mid-2014, according to Forest City. Twelve12, anchored by a Harris Teeter grocery store, will also house a Vida ...

Courthouse welcomes Sweet Leaf Cafe

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:24:13 -0400

Sweet Leaf Cafe's third location in the area quietly opened its doors last weekend and handed out free food. Now, it's officially open for business, ARLnow.com reports. Sweet Leaf, at 2200 Wilson Blvd. formerly occupied by Hikaru Sushi, joins its sister locations in McLean and ...

Baltimore food truck on the market for $115000

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:23:58 -0400

The GrrChe food truck is on the market for $115,000. One of Baltimores flagship food trucks is looking for a new owner. Rick Willard, the retired policeman who initially got the GrrChe Grilled Cheese Truck rolling, is looking to sell the truck so he can focus more energy on a startup venture. He recently launched InterProtectGroup, which provides security services, investigations and processing ...

Hotel Clarence and The Red Mill Inn Select Infor Hospitality

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:16:58 -0400

Infor , a leading provider of business application software serving more than 70,000 customers, today announced that JGB Properties, Hotel Clarence and The Red Mill Inn, have ...

Digital Alchemy Continues Expansion into Spa Market with Debut of eClub Opt-In Client Messaging System

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:16:58 -0400

Digital Alchemy, the pioneer of electronic customer relationship management (eCRM) and eMarketing solutions for the global hotel market, introduces Spa eClub, its latest innovation in eMarketing for the spa market. This specialized opt-in email marketing software solution was specifically designed to meet the client communication needs of day spas and hotel spas, and can be seamlessly integrated ...

Maestro Launches Big Data Mobile Business Intelligence and Performance Management Dashboards for Faster “Time to Information” Decisions

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:16:58 -0400

NORTHWIND Announces ResWave2 with Enhanced Direct-Booking and Upsell Capabilities for Guests, Groups: Strengthens Online Package Promotions, Activity Bookings, Group Management, Mobile and Social Media ...

Restel chooses Otrum to provide interactive TV solutions to Cumulus and Rantasipi hotels

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:16:57 -0400

OSLO, Norway -- May 21st, 2013 -- Otrum today announced that it has been chosen to provide TV solutions to all hotels within the Cumulus and Rantasipi brands in Finland. The contract signed between Otrum Finland Oy and Restel Oy covers 30 hotels with over 4.500 rooms, which will all be installed with new LED displays from LG powered by Otrum's interactive TV system. The installations will ...

Milestone for Aloft Hotels as Ten Thousand Guests Choose Not to Check in Traditionally

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:16:57 -0400

Aloft's Pioneering Smart Check-In Program Reaches Milestone 10,000 Users Smart Check-In Set To Expand To More Than A Dozen Additional Aloft Hotels This ...

VFM Leonardo Hosts Visual Storytelling Strategies Webinar for Hotel Marketers

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:04:52 -0400

Show and Tell: Attracting More Guests Through the Power of Visual Storytelling Webinar on May 23rd to Feature Speakers from 200rooms.com and Granite Hospitality. When it comes to attracting more travelers to a particular hotel, using visuals to tell a story online is incredibly effective because travelers rely on hotel visuals as they research and evaluate their options online. Research by ...

AHLA Summer Summit - June 18-19 at The Brown Palace Hotel Spa in Denver Colorado

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:04:52 -0400

Conference features mid-year statistics/social data trends, a special meeting of members, and national awards The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) annual Summer Summit, held June 18-19 at The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa in Denver, Colorado, will include a session featuring top-line forecasting and social data trends, a special meeting of members to vote on a proposed ...

A Restaurateurs Guide to Successful Digital Marketing - By Emily Ditman

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:04:52 -0400

The restaurant website, its online presence and corresponding digital marketing efforts have become the main point of contact with would-be patrons. And yet, many restaurateurs who willingly spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on décor and furnishings suddenly become cost-conscientious when the restaurant website is concerned. They also completely ignore digital marketing to prospective ...

Holiday Inn Express Manhattan West Side Opens

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:04:51 -0400

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)[LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG] announced the opening of the new Holiday Inn Express® Manhattan West Side, conveniently located near the Broadway Theater District, Times Square and a short walk from the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The new 177-room hotel in the midtown west Manhattan area, at 538 West 48th St., is the closest hotel to the Manhattan Cruise ...

Can You Change a Culture Emphasizing Civility - By John Hendrie

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:04:51 -0400

This may be a lofty goal for other societies, but just might be heeded in China. A national tourism behavior would be something. I am not sure that politeness has ever been the norm for tourists, for that always begins with a respect for culture and practices for the country you visit. We sure did not learn lessons from the Huns and the Romans, much less the Crusades or even the Spanish in the ...

American Eagle Outfitters revenue profit cool with weather

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:39:42 -0400

American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE: AEO) is based in the South Side of Pittsburgh. American Eagle Outfitters Inc. reported lower revenue and profit in the first quarter, thanks to cooler weather that hurt sales of its seasonal clothing. The Pittsburgh-based retailer had net income of $27.97 million, or 14 cents per share, in the quarter ended May 4. That compared to $39.7 million, or 20 cents per ...

Pittsburghs GiftCards.com buys Giftly

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:36:50 -0400

Jason Wolfe, GiftCards.com. Green Tree-based GiftCards.com is acquiring San Francisco-based digital gifting startup Giftly and exploring ways, including VC funding, to amp up its growing mobile commerce. With this deal the company not only gains Giftlys resources, it will also have a San Francisco presence. The move allows GiftCards.com to further build out a gifting platform across commerce with ...

Amys Baking Co. saga adds possible deportation to mix

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:30:29 -0400

As if the events around Amys Baking Co. hadnt gotten strange enough, one of its owners also is facing deportation. The Arizona Republic reported owner Samy Bouzaglo has been fighting with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement about his residency status for two years. A hearing on it was Monday. The Scottsdale restaurant reopened last night after a week in which it was caught up in a social ...

Atlantic Citys Revel exits bankruptcy

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:16:04 -0400

The struggling casino wiped away $1.2 billion of its $1.5 billion in debt, after exiting Chapter 11 bankrupcty, according to the Associated Press. In return, the Revel had to grant lenders an 82 percent ownership ...

Raytown aldermen advance Walmart in 3 a.m. vote

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:02:28 -0400

Capping debate that lasted till 3 a.m. Wednesday, the Raytown Board of Aldermen voted 6-4 to advance a Walmart Neighborhood Market proposed for vacant land at 62nd and Blue Ridge Boulevard, The Kansas City Star reports. The alderman approved rezoning requested by Walmart that eliminates a town square overlay district put in place in conjunction with past efforts to redevelop downtown Raytown. The ...

Cocoa Dolce opening Overland Park store

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:00:44 -0400

Beth Tully Chocolatier Beth Tully is opening a second Cocoa Dolce Artisan Chocolates store in Overland Park, and she expects to eventually open more stores elsewhere in the region. The Wichita Eagle reports the store will be in Overland Park's Prairiefire development on West 135th Street. Tully plans to create a model store she can reproduce elsewhere. Cocoa Dolce opened in Wichita in 2005 ...

Beachfront luxury 15 decadent hotels on the sand

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:00:30 -0400

Everyone loves a beach vacation, but where you stay can make a big difference on just how fabulous your beach trip is. That's why we've found the 15 most decadent hotels on the sand to ensure that you ...

How to bake a social media disaster

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:43:22 -0400

A screen capture of Samy and Amy Bouzaglo, owners of Amys Baking Co. Bakery and Boutique Bistro in Scottsdale, from a photo posted on the company's Facebook page in January 2011. What are the ingredients for a social media public relations disaster? Some of the same traits it takes to be a successful small business: tenacity, drive and focus. When you combine those traits with arrogance, a ...

How to sell beer Dont talk too much

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:22:53 -0400

As Buffalo Wild Wings prepares to launch its own brand of beer, executives are working quickly to learn the rules of making, and selling, craft brews. Nation's Restaurant News reports on a panel talk at the National Restaurant Association Show held in Chicago last weekend, during which officials at Golden Valley-based Buffalo Wild Wings discussed their plans for the chain's new Game ...

No property tax hike in proposed Greensboro Rockingham budgets + Market funding remains in Senate budget

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:21:31 -0400

State money for the High Point Market remains virtually unscathed in the Senate's budget proposal. -- The proposed $458 million budget for Greensboro keeps the property tax rate the same, but includes some fee hikes, the News & Record reports. Those include a proposed 3.5 percent increase in water rates and 7.5 percent increase in water rates for those outside city limits. -- In ...

Genes Last Chance to close

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:19:39 -0400

It will soon be everybodys last chance to go to Genes Last Chance in the Strip District. The long-established bar and restaurant is closing at the end of the month. Business hasnt been up to par, said Gene Paski, owner and namesake of the establishment, who declined to comment further. Becky Rodgers, executive director of Neighbors in the Strip, said Genes Last Chance has enjoyed a run in the ...

Mattress maker Kingsdown to sell in Indonesia

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:09:46 -0400

Mattress-maker Kingsdown Inc. has signed a licensing deal to begin selling its products in Indonesia, according to Furniture Today. The Mebane-based Kingsdown will partner with the Massindo Group, a large Indonesian mattress and furniture producer. As part of the agreement, Massindo plans to open five retail Sleep Centers this year featuring Kingsdown products. Kingsdown is working to ...

Realtor plans to remake Suburban World theater as retail

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:00:06 -0400

The Suburban World theater, the well-placed, historic, but little-used landmark in Uptown, might get a new occupant. But it might see a bunch of sledgehammers first. The Star Tribune reports that the citys Heritage Preservation Commission will consider a proposal next month from Realtor Jesse Olson, who wants to renovate the Granada Theater into a retail store. Granada was the original name for ...

Comfy Cow looking at downtown New Albany

Wed, 22 May 2013 07:56:15 -0400

The downtown New Albany restaurant scene has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, and the city may be set to welcome another offering. The News and Tribune reports that The Comfy Cow, the Louisville-based ice cream and dessert parlor that has three current locations, is considering opening a fourth store at 109 Market St. Co-owner Roy Koons-McGee tells the newspaper that no deal has been ...

Lexington council will consider food truck pilot program

Wed, 22 May 2013 07:56:09 -0400

The Lexington City Council is set to debate the issue of food trucks. Business Lexington reports that a work group, made up of council members and ex-officio members from downtown organizations, the mayors office and downtown businesses and restaurants, has put together a pilot program for the council to consider. Under the program, mobile food vendors who are currently licensed could operate ...

HH Gregg stock tumbles after poor earnings report

Wed, 22 May 2013 07:55:40 -0400

The Indianapolis-based electronics and appliances retailer hh gregg, which has three stores in the Louisville area according to the companys web site, saw its stock drop nearly 12 percent Tuesday after a poor fourth-quarter earnings report. According to The Indianapolis Star, the company had reported an 82 percent drop in net income for the three months ending March 31. The report is impacted by ...

From the ICSC Searching for tenants to join Von Maur

Wed, 22 May 2013 06:53:22 -0400

Katie Falvey and Bruce Westling at the International Council of Shopping Centers convention in Las Vegas. Add Katie Falvey and Bruce Westling to the list of attendees at the International Council of Shopping Centers convention who say this year's event has been more productive than previous years. Before the recession, convention attendees weren't always serious about doing deals, said ...

Annapolis residents oppose late-night hours for sidewalk cafs

Wed, 22 May 2013 06:51:40 -0400

Annapolis homeowners with historic windows and row houses that sit close to the street are objecting to a plan that would allow restaurants and sidewalk cafes to serve customers alfresco well into the wee hours, The Annapolis Capital reported. The city has allowed eateries to offer alfresco dining on public sidewalks since 1995, so long as they shut down by 11 p.m. Residents say late-night ...

Casa Ramos restaurant to open in Tampa Palms

Wed, 22 May 2013 06:51:29 -0400

Casa Ramos is set to open in a week in Tampa Palms. The Mexican restaurant will occupy a 6,411-square-foot space that previously held Sushi Tsu Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar at 15363 Amberly Drive near the Shoppes at Amberly plaza, the Tampa Tribune said. The owner of the new restaurant, Mateo Ramos, 34, lives in Orlando and has worked as a district manager in the Tampa area. He comes from a ...

Bradenton to get its first Hobby Lobby

Wed, 22 May 2013 06:51:29 -0400

Hobby Lobby is coming to Bradenton. This Memorial Day, Hobby Lobby will mark the opening of its first store in Bradenton with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Bradentons Hobby Lobbys will be located at 4490 Cortez Road West at Pinewood Square and is part of the national chains efforts at expansion into the state, the Bradenton Herald said. Store manager Craig Dunbar said the chain is a mega store for ...

Todd English returning to D.C. with new restaurant concept

Wed, 22 May 2013 06:45:39 -0400

Todd English Aziz Safi took over the former Galileo III space in downtown D.C. at 600 14th St. NW last year and at the time was mum about his intentions for the space, other than to say the replacement restaurant would be Mexican in flavor. Now, Safi says he's partnering with Todd English, the New York-based personality with a PBS show and a dozen different concepts in his global restaurant ...

Here are the top 5 caterers in Massachusetts BBJ List

Wed, 22 May 2013 06:45:27 -0400

Business models vary widely among the top 5 caterers. No. 1 Rebecca's Cafe booked revenue of $13.4 million at 30,500 Massachusetts events. No. 5 Gourmet Caterers booked $11.5 million at just 951 events. Pictured: organic field green salad with Vermont goat cheese, green apples and candied pecans. For this week's List, the Boston Business Journal Research Department surveyed the top 25 ...

Isiah Leggett talks Montgomery County nightlife woes

Wed, 22 May 2013 06:06:05 -0400

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett addressed the 20-plus-member Nighttime Economy Task Force on Monday at its first-ever meeting in Silver Spring, BethesdaNow.com reported. The task force has six months to come up with solutions to problems that could require major changes in the county's suburban culture to fix, and Leggett said there are many ...

Review Filtering in the Local World – the Good the Bad the Ugly

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:31:58 -0400

A hot topic in the local world is the use of review filters on local platforms. Better customer reviews lead to higher rankings in search engines, so business owners and managers are willing to do just about anything to boost the quantity of positive reviews. Yelp, for instance, has caught ...

Kempinski Hotels Begin Deployment of Nor1’s Data-Driven Upsell Solutions Across Brand Portfolio

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:31:58 -0400

Europe's oldest luxury hotel brand, Kempinski Hotels, announced today that it has selected Nor1, Inc., the technology leader in upsell solutions, to provide its data-driven upsell platform for the portfolio of 80 luxury properties. Since 1897, the pioneering Kempinski Hotels have been on the forefront of hospitality, incorporating innovation into every part of its business. Today's ...

Former Best Western Celebrates One Year as M Star Hotel Clinton

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:31:58 -0400

M Star Hotel Clinton of Clinton, Missouri upon one year as a Magnuson Hotel brand. Formerly the Best Western Colonial Motel in Clinton, Missouri, the hotel upgraded its local, regional and national market to attract business, group and leisure travelers via an affiliation with Magnuson Hotels' global portfolio of nearly 2,000 hotels. "My favorite thing about Magnuson Hotels is their ...

Wyndham Hotel Group Introduces Two Hotel Brands Into Singapore

Tue, 21 May 2013 22:43:31 -0400

WYN ), today announced the company's entry into Singapore with the opening of two properties: Ramada Singapore at Zhongshan Park and Days Hotel Singapore at Zhongshan Park. Both hotels, now opened and managed by Wyndham Hotel Group, are located at Zhongshan Park, the newest development area in Singapore, and are part of an integrated development that includes a commercial tower and ...

Vail Resorts sells land for new condos at Breckenridge

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:13:36 -0400

"." Curious how much it costs to buy a piece of land on a Colorado ski resort mountain? Try $5.2 million per acre. Vail Resorts Inc. (NYSE: MTN) sold 2.1 acres of land at the base of Breckenridge Ski Resorts Peak 8 to an affiliate of Breckenridge Grand Vacations Inc., which developed the Grand Timber Lodge and Grand Lodge at Peak 7. The land carried a $11.1 million cost. Grand Vacations ...

Global factors are strong drivers of Asia hotels revenues.

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:19:39 -0400

A study of global and local factors that drive changes in hotels' revenue per available room (RevPAR) in eight major Asian cities found that the revenues for the hotels in these cities are strongly subject to global forces. "When we initially interviewed the hotel managers, they listed many local events and factors as potential drivers of their revenue, and they were not focused on ...

Survey finds marketers are operationally proficient but strategically stalled.

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:19:38 -0400

The 2013 MPM Survey captured input from more than 400 respondents, enabling ITSMA, Forrester, and VEM to expose valuable insights on the performance measurement and management challenges marketers face. The study, began by VEM initially, is now in its 12th year.VisionEdge Marketing (VEM), ITSMA, and Forrester, organizations committed to helping marketers improve their effectiveness, released the ...

Who Are Next Generation of Luxury Travelers

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:19:38 -0400

The luxury traveler seems to be getting younger and younger; at least, that's the latest hypothesis coming from Starwood's head office. The hotel group, which includes W Hotels, St. Regis, Sheraton, Aloft and more, says its turning its focus to young millionaires - one of the fastest growing segments in the tourism industry. According to Starwood, 85% of Starwood's luxury guests ...

When Strategic Focus Goes Wrong.

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:19:37 -0400

Ask any teenager today who Eastman Kodak is and it is likely that they will not know and yet, little over ten years ago Eastman Kodak was riding high with over $10B in sales and with a famed research and development department that invented the first digital camera in 1975, used in commercial sectors such as medical imaging.Today, Eastman Kodak is still working its way out of bankruptcy ...

Japan Hotel trading and investment market likely to exhibit further improvements.

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:19:37 -0400

Jones Lang LaSalle releases Hotel Intelligence Japan 2013 research report.Jones Lang LaSalle's Hotels & Hospitality Group is pleased to announce that Hotel Intelligence Japan 2013 has been released today. ...

News from around the EMEA region May 22.

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:19:36 -0400

LaSalle Investment Management has purchased the 124-room Travelodge Bath Waterside, in the city of Bath, southwest England, from Cordial Hotels ...

Draft D.C. budget report returns $5M for D.C. Water relocation at The Yards

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:16:37 -0400

D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson wants to return $5 million of the $8 million that a council committee stripped from a Capitol Riverfront economic development project. The draft fiscal 2014 Budget Request Act, dropped by Mendelson Tuesday ahead of Wednesday's budget vote, invests $6 million next year to move D.C. Water facilities out of a site that is planned to be redeveloped by Forest ...

Retail drives increase in Houstons commercial building permits

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:05:39 -0400

Year-over-year growth was evenly spread among residential and nonresidential permits. Residential permits increased 44.5 percent from $117.8 billion in April 2012 to $170.3 billion in April this year. Commercial permits grew 48.1 percent from $176.7 billion in April last year to $261.6 billion in the same month this year. Retail stores in Houston accounted for one-third of the year-over-year ...

Big plans for expanding Safeway at Howe and Fair Oaks

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:58:31 -0400

Sacramento's University Village shopping center has submitted plans for a big expansion for Safeway. Sacramentos University Village shopping center has submitted plans for a big expansion and new configuration. The owners of the center at Howe Avenue and Fair Oaks Boulevard propose expanding the existing Safeway supermarket, adding a two-level parking structure, demolishing some commercial ...

Sacramento Kings investors buying Downtown Plaza

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:58:12 -0400

The investors who bought the Sacramento Kings now have a deal to buy the most of the site where a new arena will be built. The investors who bought the Sacramento Kings now have a deal to buy the most of the site where a new arena will be built. JMA Ventures LLC said Tuesday afternoon that it will sell Downtown Plaza mall to the group led by Vivek Ranadiv. San Francisco-based JMA, which bought ...

More restaurants getting a kick start from crowdfunding

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:31:10 -0400

Sarah and Evan Rich of Rich Table. Using Kickstarter to crowdfund new San Francisco restaurant and food projects is officially a thing. Just this week, Linea Caffe launched a project seeking $10,000 to open a new coffee and waffles joint in the Mission, while Caf St. Jorge, another caf-bakery, hopes to raise $30,000 by the middle of next month. Sandbox Bakery in Bernal Heights also has taken to ...

District sues Labor Department over CityCenterDC wage ruling

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:28:51 -0400

The District filed suit Tuesday against the Labor Department in U.S. District Court, seeking to overturn a ruling that could spike the cost of the CityCenterDC project by $20 million. The D.C. Office of the Attorney General contends that the Davis-Bacon Act, which requires a higher wage for construction jobs on public buildings and public works, should not apply to the 2.5 million-square-foot ...

Schnucks says credit-card breach could cost it $80 million just in Illinois

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:09:52 -0400

The cost of the massive payment card hack that struck Schnucks in recent months could cost the company $80 million in Illinois alone, according to a court filing.In a motion filed last week, the Maryland Heights-based chain asked that a lawsuit against the company be heard in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, rather than in St. Clair County Circuit Court, because the ...

Program to certify healthy meals at Denver-area restaurants

Tue, 21 May 2013 16:45:35 -0400

About 40 Denver-area restaurants will offer dietitian-verified healthy meals under a new program being launched Wednesday by the University of Colorado's Anschutz Health and Wellness Center. The Healthy Dining in Colorado program builds on a national template that Healthy Dining, a nutritional consulting company, has undertaken by listing good-for-you options at participating restaurants on ...

Upcoming Hotel Activity Looking to Stay Flat

Tue, 21 May 2013 16:41:15 -0400

Hotel Industry Leading Indicator - HIL - Up In April Future business activity in U.S. hotels increased in April according to the latest reading of the Hotels' future business conditions (HIL) indicator. e−forecasting.com's HIL, a composite indicator that gauges future monthly overall business conditions in the U.S. hotel industry, went up 0.2% in April to 113.2, after staying ...

Urban Commons Acquires Two Hotels

Tue, 21 May 2013 16:41:14 -0400

, LLC, together with Brighton Management, announced the purchase of the Radisson Plaza in San Jose , with plans to convert to Four Points by Sheraton® San Jose. The property is a full service, 5-story, 196 room hotel situated on 2.75 acres of land, located just one mile east of the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport and two miles north of downtown San Jose. Known as the ...

Westin Jekyll Island to Open September 2014 in Georgia

Tue, 21 May 2013 16:41:14 -0400

Jekyll Oceanfront Hotel, LLC (JOFH) and New Castle Hotels & Resorts today broke ground on the $41 million Westin Jekyll Island, a 200-room, convention-class, beachfront hotel that will open in September 2014 as part of the Jekyll Island Beach Village project. The ceremonies were held at the construction site, 110 Ocean Way, adjacent to the new Jekyll Island Convention ...

US Hotel Occupancy Increases 3.5 to 63.8 Month of April 2013

Tue, 21 May 2013 16:41:13 -0400

ADR increases 3.8% to US$110.02 The U.S. hotel industry reported increases in all three key performance metrics during April 2013, according to data from STR. Overall, the U.S. hotel industry’s occupancy rose 3.5 percent to 63.8 percent, its average daily rate was up 3.8 percent to US$110.02 and its revenue per available room increased 7.5 percent to US$70.24. "A favorable Easter ...

Target to hire 200 for new Denver store

Tue, 21 May 2013 16:37:21 -0400

"." Target Corp. will begin hiring 200 new employees for its new Tamarac Square store with a three-day job fair that starts Thursday, the company said Tuesday. The 135,000-square foot store, at the corner of East Hampden Avenue and South Tamarac Drive, is scheduled to open in July. Its one of 11 stores the Minneapolis-based company (NYSE: TGT) is opening nationwide in 2013. It will be the ...

Dallas to build shopping strip to complement convention center

Tue, 21 May 2013 16:19:00 -0400

The Dallas Convention Center and the Omni Hotel are connected in downtown Dallas. Dallas city leaders are hoping a new 15,000 square-foot strip of retail and restaurants they are planning to build near the Dallas Convention Center will help the city attract more businesses. It's all part of a bigger plan that includes a 350-space parking garage, pedestrian streetscapes and streetcars. The ...

Panera expands HQ in Sunset Hills

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:44:02 -0400

Heres some good news on the restaurant front: Panera Bread Co. is growing its corporate presence in St. Louis, with an expansion at the companys Sunset Hills headquarters. The company plans to hire 85 people for the St. Louis support center this year, company officials said. Panera currently occupies 116,277 square feet at 3630 S. Geyer Road; late last year the fast-casual chain signed a lease ...

Planning for CVS Pharmacy at Howe and Fair Oaks

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:24:10 -0400

Developers will release a draft environmental impact report for public review within a few weeks for a CVS Pharmacy store they propose to build at Howe Avenue and Fair Oaks Boulevard, at the site of a vacant Hubacher auto dealership. Developers will release a draft environmental impact report for public review within a few weeks for a CVS Pharmacy store they propose to build at Howe Avenue and ...

Dalys Pen Shop to close Grand Avenue shop due to lack of retailers

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:18:05 -0400

Brad Bodart of Dalys Pen Shop Dalys Pen Shop is moving out of the Shops of Grand Avenues Plankinton Arcade by the end of the year because, owner Brad Bodart said, the startups the mall owner moved into the space dont generate any foot traffic. The Plankinton Arcade is on the east end of the mall, located on West Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Milwaukee. The malls owner has been filling that space ...

Red Robin to speed up new store openings sees steady same-store sales growth

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:03:33 -0400

Red Robin CEO Steve Carley (file) Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. achieved its 11th consecutive quarter of year-over-year same-store sales increases during the first three months of 2013, leading the company to announce that it will open more restaurants this year than originally projected. The Greenwood Village-based burger restaurant chain (Nasdaq: RRGB) increased its quarterly revenue 2.3 ...

110 Tower launches last phase of $15M renovation

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:02:28 -0400

The seventh and eighth floor renovation at 110 Tower in Fort Lauderdale marks the end of a $15 million renovation for the building. Demolition of the seventh and eight floors at 110 Tower in downtown Fort Lauderdale has begun, marking the last phase of a $15 million renovation. Once redeveloped, the floors will offer 40,000 square feet of office space with a two-story mezzanine design concept. ...

Best Western International First US Hotel Company to Establish Presence in Myanmar

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:13:09 -0400

Announces agreement to take over the management of the Green Hill Hotel, a property located in the heart of Myanmars largest city, Yangon. Best Western International becomes the first US hotel company to establish a presence in Myanmar, following the exciting recent developments that have allowed the country to welcome new foreign investment. The six-month-old Green Hill Hotel, which ...

Educational Institute Honors Navy Lodge Training Programs for Excellence

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:13:09 -0400

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (EI) honored the Navy Lodge program with the first Military Certification Excellence Award during the Navy Lodge annual conference on April 26. The award recognizes Navy Lodge’s outstanding commitment to professional development through certification. In 2012, Navy Lodge personnel earned a remarkable ...

12 Luxury Hotels Under Construction in Mecca Saudi Arabia

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:13:09 -0400

For hoteliers there is one prime hotel market should one be interested in delighting Muslims: Mecca. As of today all large hotel chains are present in the holy city or are currently investing. Currently 12 new top hotels with a total number of more than 6,000 rooms are in the construction and development pipeline. This data has been revealed in a global hotel market report issued by ...

Asha Companies Purchases 10 Hotels

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:13:08 -0400

Jay Patel, CEO/CFO of Asha Companies announced the purchase of 10 new hotels consisting of 860 guest rooms located within North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, and Texas. Asha Companies’ focus with these hotels is on the Energy Shale areas and have contracted with Hospitality Management Corporation (HMC) for management of the properties. HMC is slated to transition the properties under ...

Regent Hotels Resorts Top-off Regent Porto Montenegro Hotel Residence

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:13:08 -0400

To date, almost 71 million US dollars have been invested in the hotel with the opening scheduled for summer 2014. Regent Hotels & Resorts and Adriatic Marinas recently topped-off the new Regent Porto Montenegro Hotel & Residences, a luxury hotel and residence development in the Adriatic’s premier superyacht marina. To date, almost 71 million US dollars have been invested in the ...

SP cuts rating on J.C. Penneys term loan

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:59:13 -0400

Standard & Poor's lowered its rating on J.C. Penney's term loan. Standard and Poor's Ratings Services on Tuesday announced it is lowering the rating it gave Plano-based J.C. Penney's term loan further into junk status, to "B-" from "B." Bloomberg Businessweek cited an AP story that said the service cut the rating because Penney (NYSE: JCP) raised the size of term ...

Heres the price tag for Phase 2 of the Banks

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:43:44 -0400

The next major phase of the Banks development will start sometime this fall. The new apartment building will have a curved facade. The second phase of the Banks has a price tag. The total project investment for Phase 2 of the Banks riverfront project will be $67 million, according to the 2012 State of Downtown Report from Downtown Cincinnati Inc. Spokeswoman Libby Korosec confirmed the cost is in ...

Oceanic Time Warner Cable to move Ala Moana customer center to Ward

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:23:22 -0400

The Oceanic Time Warner Cable customer care center inside the Sears store at Ala Moana Center will close June 1 and reopen at Ward Gateway Center. Oceanic Time Warner Cable will move its customer care center that's located in the Sears store at Ala Moana Center to the Ward Gateway Center. KITV reports the Oceanic center at Sears will close on June 1 and reopen on the second floor of the ...

More hotels offering free breakfast

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:07:33 -0400

In a bid for more loyal customers, Marriott International is going after their stomachs.Starting June 22, Marriott Rewards Gold and Platinum Elite members plus a guest will get free continental breakfast ...

E-470 responds to drivers demands for food fuel

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:06:57 -0400

The E-470 Public Highway Authority, known for offering commuters a smooth ride on the 47-mile toll road that arcs east of metro Denver, wants to offer drivers access to a gas station and convenience store without having to leave the toll road. The authority on Tuesday said it's issued a request for qualifications for a developer-operator who would finance, build and operate a gas station and ...

Pegasus Solutions Reports that Global Corporate Bookings Set New Growth Record in April

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:06:31 -0400

Pegasus Solutions , the single largest processor of electronic hotel transactions. The jump is the highest year-over-year increase in reservation volume through the global distribution systems (GDSs) since August 2011. Previously, January had the strongest growth this year, climbing +7.9% over 2012. April's solid performance over last year also established a year-to-date pace of +4.0% in ...

Lausanne Switzerlands Beau-Rivage Palace Completes First Phase of Major Renovation Unveiling 37 Newly Renovated Rooms and Suites

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:06:30 -0400

The renowned Beau-Rivage Palace, Lausanne's destination for the world's elite and jet-set for over 150 years, has completed the first phase of a major renovation, unveiling 37 new guestrooms and two luxury suites in the hotel's Palace Wing. With 61 additional guestrooms set to be completed in April 2014, the renovation will cost approximately US$28 million and is being overseen by ...

Wells Fargo Chase slow foreclosure sales while Bank of America continues

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:06:09 -0400

Three large banks have nearly halted foreclosure sales while making sure they are meeting revised standards on how troubled homeowners are to be treated. Wells Fargo and Co., JPMorgan Chase and Co. and Citigroup Inc. have nearly halted foreclosure sales after federal regulators revised orders on the how troubled borrowers were to be treated before losing their homes. But Bank of America Corp. is ...

107 Room Hilton Garden Inn RochesterPittsford Opens

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:54:04 -0400

Operated and managed by affiliates of Widewaters Hotels, LCC, the Hilton Garden Inn Rochester/ Pittsford's proximity to Greater Rochester International Airport, the University of Rochester, the Finger Lake Casino and Ravenwood Golf Course make it the ideal place for business, leisure, and stud "At just 17 miles from the airport, within a 15 mile radius of several universities, ...

University of Phoenix and American Hotel Lodging Educational Institute Announce Educational Partnership

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:54:03 -0400

The partnership will help EI students leverage their EI training and professional certifications to further their postsecondary education, an increasingly important step for those looking to advance in the hospitality industry. The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (EI) and University of Phoenix® today announced plans to partner to expand academic opportunities for ...

Aloft Hotels Reaches 10000 Users for Its Smart Check-In Program

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:54:03 -0400

Aloft Hotels the brand from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), has reached a milestone 10,000 users of its industry-leading Smart Check-In Program, the brand announced today. One of the easiest and fastest check-in experiences offered in the industry, Smart Check-In allows guests to bypass the front desk and head directly to their rooms. Now available at Aloft hotels in ...

Nobody Asked Me But... No. 102 - By Stanley Turkel MHS ISHC

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:54:02 -0400

For the past 25 years, I have written hundreds of articles, columns, essays, editorials and blogs. They have appeared in many different formats. Before the Internet, I was published in the following print outlets: Cornell Quarterly, Lodging Hospitality, Hotel & Motel Management, National Real Estate Investor, The Bottomline, The Info Franchise Newsletter, Lodging, The Franchisee Voice, AAHOA ...

Amid Economic Uncertainty 1 in 4 Americans Plan to Spend More on Travel This Summer

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:54:02 -0400

According to a recent survey released by TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation (NYSE:AMTD), the majority (78%) of Americans say yes, a summer vacation is on the agenda. The weather is getting warmer and school is winding down, and that means one thing: It's time for a summer vacation. But, amidst continued economic uncertainty, are Americans planning to travel this summer? According to a ...

Holiday Inn Express Guadalajara UAG Purchased by Mexican REIT Fibra Inn

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:54:01 -0400

Fibra Inn paid Ps. 186.9 million for the hotel, excluding taxes and acquisition expenses, and the adjoining land where the Company is planning a room expansion. Deutsche Bank Mexico, S.A., Banking institution, Trust Division F/1616 or Fibra Inn (BMV: FINN13), a Mexican real estate investment trust specializing in the hotel industry serving the business traveler, announced that it has completed ...

Accor Group Reaches Milestone with 2000 Hotels Offering Meetings Events Facilities

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:54:00 -0400

Accor unveiled today, during the annual IMEX Frankfurt tradeshow, its new milestone of a network of 2,000 Meetings & Events hotels. With a secured pipeline of 250 hotels to open in the 2 coming years, Accor should offer meeting facilities to business clients and meeting planners in 2,250 hotels by 2015. The Group has more than 10,400 meeting rooms, in 90 countries, in key business hubs, ...

Online Distribution Channels Experience Healthy Growth in First Quarter 2013

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:54:00 -0400

Growth on Online Channels Still Steady In the first quarter 2013, online channels that include Online Travel Agents (OTAs) and hotel websites (Brand.com) continued to experience the most growth according to data from the TravelClick North American Distribution Review (NADR; Second Quarter 2013), which aggregates hotel bookings by channel for the transient segment (individual leisure and ...

HOSPA and HFTP in Initial Discussions to Expand Associations Showpiece HOSPACE Hospitality Conference and Exhibition

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:53:59 -0400

It has been announced that initial discussions are underway between HOSPA (Hospitality Professionals Association for Finance, Revenue Management and IT) and its strategic partner U.S.based HFTP (Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals) for expanding HOSPACE Europes leading annual conference, exhibition and networking event for hospitality finance, revenue management, IT and ...

2012 U.S. Hotel Industry Profit Close to Peak Level Recorded in 2007

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:53:59 -0400

Following an increase in 2011, U.S. hotel industry profits recorded another strong gain during 2012, based on data from STR Analytics 2013 HOST Almanac. Based on nearly 6,000 hotels reporting income and expense statements to STR, U.S. hotel-industry profit came in just under the peak level recorded in 2007. Total industry revenue levels topped an estimated US$162 billion, with house profit ...

Sprinkles readies Dallas cupcake ATM looks at Fort Worth location

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:52:54 -0400

Sprinkles Cupcakes is looking to expand to Forth Worth, according to a company spokeswoman. The site would be the company's second North Texas location. Sprinkles Cupcakes has turned its attention to Fort Worth, after spending the past year planning new additions to Dallas, a company spokeswoman said. Joanne Yurich said Sprinkles is looking for sites in Fort Worth for its second North Texas ...

New restaurantbar tenants in downtown Slideshow

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:40:04 -0400

Avenue Gastrobar, under the same ownership as Bento Cafe and Mochi Frozen Yogurt, is set to open on May 24. Downtown Orlando seems to have created a pretty vibrant restaurant scene, and change is necessary to keep that going. For example, the popular Hue restaurant in Thornton Park is set to close this summer so the owners can bring something newer and more progressive to that space. If you ...

Texas lawmakers pave way for stronger craft beer industry

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:39:34 -0400

The five bills that passed through the Senate provide a new approach to help grow the expanding craft beer industry and update several business practices and regulatory issues in the Alcoholic Beverage Code, according to the Beer Alliance of Texas. Its bottoms up for craft beer brewers in Texas after the House passed a package of bills Monday to help create a more robust craft beer ...

Augusta Walmart Supercenter opens June 12

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:36:11 -0400

The new Walmart Supercenter in Augusta will open June 12, its manager told me this morning. The new Walmart Supercenter in Augusta will open June 12, its manager told me this morning. The Supercenter on the west end of town at U.S. 54 (Seventh Street in Augusta) and Lulu Street will open at 7:30 a.m. that day, says Don Kendrick. The store will operate 24 hours daily. Walmarts existing Ohio ...

MOA Mayo 3M get perks in final tax bill

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:23:33 -0400

Here is a rendering of the next stage of the Mall of America expansion, located between the MOA and Ikea. The building on the left is a hotel, and the building the right is an office building. The Minnesota Legislature approved millions in incentives for several high-profile economic-development projects, including the Mayo Clinic's Destination Medical Center in Rochester, the Mall of ...

Freddys Frozen Custard Steakburgers in Moore Okla. spared by EF-4 tornado

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:18:29 -0400

Scott Redler The Freddys Frozen Custard and Steakburgers in Moore, Okla. was largely spared by a devastating tornado that on Monday ripped through sections of the Oklahoma City suburb. Scott Redler, co-founder and chief operating officer for Wichita-based Freddys, tells me that damage to the Moore restaurant was minimal, and work Tuesday morning amounted to what he described as cleanup. The Freddys ...

Golf Galaxy has down quarter for Dicks

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:08:49 -0400

Dicks Sporting Goods is working to bolster its slumping golf store concept as it continues to introduce new store types. Golf Galaxy, the golf big box retailer the company acquired a few years ago, saw its sales decline of 11.8 percent in the first quarter of 2013, the company reported Tuesday. Golf Galaxy had 12 percent sales growth in the same period a year ago. We had a meaningful sales miss ...

How South Floridas corporate titans split CEO and chairman role slideshow

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:56:45 -0400

No. 1: World Fuel (NYSE: INT) Michael J. Kasbar is president and CEO, while Paul H. Stebbins is executive chairman. The debate over whether Jamie Dimon should keep both his CEO and chairman roles at JPMorgan Chase (NYSE: JPM) was settled this morning he will -- but it made me wonder how South Florida's largest public companies are structured. There's quite a bit of variation as shown in ...

Trust International’s Flexible Distribution Solutions Proactive Partnership Win Over AmericInn Hotels

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:57:19 -0400

Trust International Hotel Reservation Services GmbHUnterschweinstiege 2-12Frankfurt, 60549GermanyPhone: +49 69 664 089 1503Fax: +49 69 664 089 ...

New Italian restaurant-bocce bar opens in District

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:30:36 -0400

Vendetta, a new Italian restaurant and bocce bar combination, has opened to the public starting Monday, DC Eater.com reports. Located at 1212 H St. NE in the former Red Palace space, it features a full fare of Italian dishes, including Vespas suspended from the ...

Logan Circle welcomes ZenGo Cycle

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:28:16 -0400

ZenGo Fitness is coming to Logan Circle. The indoor cycling studio, whose flagship location is in Bethesda, will open its second Washington-area site on the terrace level of 1508 14th St. NW. The Logan Circle outpost will be rebranded "ZenGo Cycle," said Marc Caputo, the founder of ZenGo Fitness LLC, and is expected to open in ...

Hoamgar opens first international boutique in Bethesda Row

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:26:25 -0400

Hoamgar, a popular fashion house with product lines in China, Mongolia and Singapore over the last two decades, has opened its first boutique outside of Asia at Westfield Montgomery Mall, Robert Dyer ...

New condos coming to H Street NE

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:21:08 -0400

Alteration and repair permits were issuedfor 712 Seventh St. NW, where FrozenYo will take the place of the former Ruby Tuesday that closed last month. Monday was a busy day in permits. Read on for news about new H Street NE condos, Eat the Rich oyster bar, the new Columbia Heights Petco and another ...

Country Club Plaza for sale

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:20:54 -0400

The Business Journal reported last week that industry insiders say the grocer taking the long-shuttered Gottschalks space is WinCo. The owners of Country Club Plaza have put the Sacramento mall up for sale with the hope of receiving an acceptable offer by July. The long-struggling shopping center at Watt and El Camino avenues also has a signed lease for the former Gottschalks space and is ...

Swipely raises $12M for new breed of payments processing

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:00:31 -0400

Swipely, whose founder and CEO is Angus Davis, has raised a $12 million Series B round. Swipely, a Providence-based firm offering merchant payments processing paired with customer analytics, said Tuesday it's raised a $12 million Series B round led by new backer Shasta Ventures. Also taking part in the round were existing investors First Round Capital, Greylock Partners and Index Ventures. ...

88 of Golfers Get Seven Hours or More of Sleep a Night Showing Better Sleep Equals More Drive

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:53:41 -0400

Survey, uncovering the sleeping habits of PGA TOUR golfers during tournament weeks. Leading up to the 2013 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, ...

Common Global and Local Drivers of RevPAR in Asian Cities | By Crocker Liu Ph.D. Pamela Moulton Ph.D. and Daniel C. Quan Ph.D.

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:41:54 -0400

A study of global and local factors that drive changes in hotels' revenue per available room (RevPAR) in eight major Asian cities found that the revenues for the hotels in these cities are strongly subject to global forces. The study, "Common Global and Local Drivers of RevPAR in Asian Cities," by Crocker H. Liu, Pamela C. Moulton, and Daniel C. Quan, is available at no charge from ...

Cornell Studies Examine Global Hotel Industry Strategy and Restaurant Social Media

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:41:54 -0400

The Center For Hospitality Research (CHR) at The Cornell School Of Hotel Administration 537 Statler HallIthaca, NY 14853United StatesPhone: 607-255-9780Fax: ...

Magnuson Hotels reports 5 brand conversions from Best Western

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:41:54 -0400

free hotel property management system , Magnuson Hotels, the world's largest independent hotel group, reports a sudden rise in hotel brand conversions from Best Western. Hotels completely rebranding as part of the Magnuson Hotels chain are ...

Report Philly Convention Center in trouble

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:25:48 -0400

The newly expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center has not delivered on its promise to grow the hotel, restaurant and hospitality sectors of the local economy, AxisPhilly reported. The $780 million expansion, which doubled the size of the facility two years ago, has failed to meet expectations and AxisPhilly says the future looks ...

Activists push for diversity at local retailer

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:23:16 -0400

Urban Outfitters was targeted by activist shareholders for a lack of diversity on its board of directors, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Sponsors of a proposal for next weeks annual shareholder meeting want the clothing retailer to broaden the pool of candidates it considers for the board, which the Inquirer says currently has no women or ...

R Street warehouse redevelopment approval appealed

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:55:41 -0400

Jim Quessenberry is one member of a group of investors who plan to convert the former Fred Rader Mill Supply building into a space that will attract offices and retail with lower rents than comparable midtown buildings. A nearby resident appealed approval of the redevelopment, saying it would create parking and noise problems, and that it's an inappropriate location for public alcohol ...

Apartment building planned for Pagliaccis restaurant site

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:33:31 -0400

A notice posted on the Pagliaccis website indicating its plans to close last year. TreeHouse Development plans to build a 61-unit apartment complex on the site of Pagliacci's Italian Restaurant, a North Denver landmark that closed its doors last August after 66 years in business. The Denver Post's Ray Mark Rinaldi reports that work on the $15 million Lumina building at West 33rd Avenue ...

Adaco to Launch Analytics for Adaco.Net at HITEC 2013

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:30:38 -0400

The global provider of SaaS-based procurement solutions is unveiling a new hospitality product that provides hoteliers with a three-dimensional view of their data and an unprecedented return on investment; Visit Adaco in Booth ...

protel App connects housekeeping staff with the front desk in real time

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:30:38 -0400

All housekeeping functions in the palm of your hand: With "protel Housekeeping" protel hotelsoftware from Dortmund, Germany, presents yet another mobile solution for the hotel industry. The native app for the Apple iPod touch and the iPhone connects housekeeping staff and janitors with the front office in real time, substantially speeding up the information exchange in regard to the ...

Scandic Hotels turns 50 - Trendsetting hotel chain looks to the future

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:30:37 -0400

The year was 1963. On 20 May, the Esso Motor Hotell opened its doors in Lax and welcomed its first guests. Fast-forward 50 years and the hotel chain has enjoyed strong growth, making its mark on both the Swedish and the international hotel industry along the way. In 1984, Esso Motor Hotell changed its name to Scandic Hotels, a chain that now has 155 hotels and around 30,000 rooms across Europe. ...

kerzner International announces plans for new OneOnly resort in Jeddah

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:30:37 -0400

Kerzner International Holdings Limited, which, through its subsidiaries, is a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts and luxury hotels, has entered into an agreement with Al Khozama Management Company, an award-winning Saudi developer and owner of luxury hotels, in partnership with Saudi Oger, to develop and operate a new One&Only resort in Jeddah on the Red Sea. ...

Best Western Arrives in Myanmar

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:30:37 -0400

Best Western International has announced plans to launch its famous hotel brand in the world's most exciting emerging market, Myanmar. The 'World's Largest Hotel Chain' has sealed an agreement to take over the management of the Green Hill Hotel, a modern new property located in the heart of Myanmar's largest city, Yangon. In doing so, Best Western International becomes ...

Chipotle Papa Murphys planned for East Sacramento shopping center

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:29:38 -0400

Chipotle Mexican Grill is coming to a new 5,926-square-foot building constructed in front of the Save Mart-anchored shopping center on Folsom Boulevard near 59th Street in East Sacramento. This is an existing Chipotle. After months of rumors, heres an answer about two of the tenants locating in a new building within the Camellia Center in East Sacramento. Chipotle Mexican Grill is indeed coming ...

Best Buy beats again on earnings but sales are short of mark

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:29:08 -0400

An employee attaches price tags to displays at a Best Buy Co. store in Emeryville, California, U.S., on Tuesday, March 27, 2012. Best Buy Co., the electronics, appliance and entertainment retailer, is expected to release quarterly earnings on March 29. Photographer: Three months ago, Best Buy Co. Inc. cheered up investors with a better-than-expected show of revenue and earnings, and investors ...

Legislature wraps session with taxes and bonding

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:26:15 -0400

The Minnesota Legislature made its deadline of passing a budget by five minutes sending a bill that will raise taxes on the richest Minnesotans (and others) and resolve a $627 million deficit. The Star Tribune has a report on the $2.1 billion tax bill, which passed 36-30. DFL leaders said it would resolve years of deficits run by the state, while Republican opponents said it raised taxes ...

Kroger may turn food waste to biofuel

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:03:14 -0400

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) is using organic food waste to power a California distribution center and may add similar systems to other locations throughout the country. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the Cincinnati-based grocery chain is expected to process more than 55,000 tons of waste into energy each year to power the 59-acre center, which serves its Ralphs and Food 4 Less store chains. A ...

Macys will close downtown St. Louis store

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:02:56 -0400

Two years after downsizing its downtown St. Louis store, Macys Inc. (NYSE: M) will close the location, which dates to 1924. The St. Louis Business Journal reports that the Cincinnati-based department store chain cites low customer activity for the decision. There are eight other Macys locations in the St. Louis ...

New movie theater concept set for Butler County development

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:00:28 -0400

The latest rendering of Liberty Center, a mixed-use development from Steiner + Associates. Steiner + Associates, the developers of Liberty Center in Butler County, has a deal with Cobb Theaters to open a CineBistro concept at the mixed-use center, according to the Cincinnati Business Courier. CineBistro is the second of two anchors announced for the 1.1 million-square-foot Liberty Center, joining ...

RunTex owes lender $625000 lawsuit claims

Tue, 21 May 2013 07:59:15 -0400

Paul Carrozza Austin-based RunTex Inc.'s money woes are becoming more complicated, as a lender alleges it is owed $625,000, and has filed a lawsuit to ensure it collects that money prior to the landlord of the shuttered flagship store receiving his funds a $150,000 judgment. Court records indicate that Run-Tex Lending LLC composed of "local fans of the brand" wanting to help the ...

Ideal Diner planning a relaunch

Tue, 21 May 2013 07:55:27 -0400

Ideal Diner, the tiny, long-lived Central Avenue eatery that was closed for vacation, then closed for real, might be opening again. That, for now, is pretty much all the information that there is. Mpls.St. Paul Magazine writer Stephanie March spotted an "opening soon" sign in the shuttered-since-winter restaurant, along with a posting seeking cooks. There's no telling who's behind ...

3500 apartments are coming. Somebodys going to need shirts

Tue, 21 May 2013 07:52:59 -0400

The planned Opus rental tower in Minneapolis A bevy of residential developments could reshape Minneapolis' downtown core in the coming years. Haberdasher Bob White just bet $200,000 on it. White, the owner of men's store Hubert White, just finished a pricey upgrade of his shop at IDS Center, the Star Tribune reports one of just a handful of independent clothiers (others include Len ...

Chef Yono headlines Bounty of the County gala to benefit Schoharie recovery

Tue, 21 May 2013 07:02:09 -0400

Chef Yono Purnomo will prepare a six-course charity dinner with 10 local chefs Tickets go on sale this week for the June 29 Bounty of the County, a fundraiser organized by the Albany Chefs Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine for the Arts to support restoration efforts in Schoharie County. Esteemed chef and restaurateur Yono Purnomo, the owner of Yonos in downtown Albany, leads the lineup of 10 chefs ...

Hello Bistro to locate at Market Square

Tue, 21 May 2013 07:02:05 -0400

The Hello Bistro in Oakland. It's about to open on the South Side and will open by next year at Market Square in downtown Pittsburgh. Hello Bistro, the casual restaurant owned by Eat'n Park Hospitality Group, has signed on in Market Square. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said a 10-year lease deal has been reached for 4,000 square feet at Forbes Avenue and Wood Street. Eat'n Park will ...

Hospitality News latest RSS headlines - New Jersey Telegraph.com

GrubHub and Seamless to merge

Work starts on creation of new Dubai island

Sam Nazarian Larry Levy and Bob Heyat Partner to Launch The Redbury Hotel South Beach

Kempinski Hotels Opens the 678-room Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai in Pudong Shanghai

Hospitality Net Expands Mobile Presence with Launch of Photo App for App Store

Lexington Inn Suites Flag Flies in Yuba City CA

Peer-to-peer booking sites no threat to demand | hotelnewsnow.com

Bobbys Burger Palace boasts massive line for newest location

Lowes earnings rise in 1Q despite softer sales

Sweetgreen headed to Capitol Riverfront

Courthouse welcomes Sweet Leaf Cafe

Baltimore food truck on the market for $115000

Hotel Clarence and The Red Mill Inn Select Infor Hospitality

Digital Alchemy Continues Expansion into Spa Market with Debut of eClub Opt-In Client Messaging System

Maestro Launches Big Data Mobile Business Intelligence and Performance Management Dashboards for Faster “Time to Information” Decisions

Restel chooses Otrum to provide interactive TV solutions to Cumulus and Rantasipi hotels

Milestone for Aloft Hotels as Ten Thousand Guests Choose Not to Check in Traditionally

VFM Leonardo Hosts Visual Storytelling Strategies Webinar for Hotel Marketers

AHLA Summer Summit - June 18-19 at The Brown Palace Hotel Spa in Denver Colorado

A Restaurateurs Guide to Successful Digital Marketing - By Emily Ditman

Holiday Inn Express Manhattan West Side Opens

Can You Change a Culture Emphasizing Civility - By John Hendrie

American Eagle Outfitters revenue profit cool with weather

Pittsburghs GiftCards.com buys Giftly

Amys Baking Co. saga adds possible deportation to mix

Atlantic Citys Revel exits bankruptcy

Raytown aldermen advance Walmart in 3 a.m. vote

Cocoa Dolce opening Overland Park store

Beachfront luxury 15 decadent hotels on the sand

How to bake a social media disaster

How to sell beer Dont talk too much

No property tax hike in proposed Greensboro Rockingham budgets + Market funding remains in Senate budget

Genes Last Chance to close

Mattress maker Kingsdown to sell in Indonesia

Realtor plans to remake Suburban World theater as retail

Comfy Cow looking at downtown New Albany

Lexington council will consider food truck pilot program

HH Gregg stock tumbles after poor earnings report

From the ICSC Searching for tenants to join Von Maur

Annapolis residents oppose late-night hours for sidewalk cafs

Casa Ramos restaurant to open in Tampa Palms

Bradenton to get its first Hobby Lobby

Todd English returning to D.C. with new restaurant concept

Here are the top 5 caterers in Massachusetts BBJ List

Isiah Leggett talks Montgomery County nightlife woes

Review Filtering in the Local World – the Good the Bad the Ugly

Kempinski Hotels Begin Deployment of Nor1’s Data-Driven Upsell Solutions Across Brand Portfolio

Former Best Western Celebrates One Year as M Star Hotel Clinton

Wyndham Hotel Group Introduces Two Hotel Brands Into Singapore

Vail Resorts sells land for new condos at Breckenridge

Global factors are strong drivers of Asia hotels revenues.

Survey finds marketers are operationally proficient but strategically stalled.

Who Are Next Generation of Luxury Travelers

When Strategic Focus Goes Wrong.

Japan Hotel trading and investment market likely to exhibit further improvements.

News from around the EMEA region May 22.

Draft D.C. budget report returns $5M for D.C. Water relocation at The Yards

Retail drives increase in Houstons commercial building permits

Big plans for expanding Safeway at Howe and Fair Oaks

Sacramento Kings investors buying Downtown Plaza

More restaurants getting a kick start from crowdfunding

District sues Labor Department over CityCenterDC wage ruling

Schnucks says credit-card breach could cost it $80 million just in Illinois

Program to certify healthy meals at Denver-area restaurants

Upcoming Hotel Activity Looking to Stay Flat

Urban Commons Acquires Two Hotels

Westin Jekyll Island to Open September 2014 in Georgia

US Hotel Occupancy Increases 3.5 to 63.8 Month of April 2013

Target to hire 200 for new Denver store

Dallas to build shopping strip to complement convention center

Panera expands HQ in Sunset Hills

Planning for CVS Pharmacy at Howe and Fair Oaks

Dalys Pen Shop to close Grand Avenue shop due to lack of retailers

Red Robin to speed up new store openings sees steady same-store sales growth

110 Tower launches last phase of $15M renovation

Best Western International First US Hotel Company to Establish Presence in Myanmar

Educational Institute Honors Navy Lodge Training Programs for Excellence

12 Luxury Hotels Under Construction in Mecca Saudi Arabia

Asha Companies Purchases 10 Hotels

A Restaurateurs Guide to Successful Digital Marketing - By Emily Ditman