Industry News
Industry executives look ahead to 2019
REPORT FROM THE U.S.—The year isn’t over yet, but executives from public companies on third-quarter earnings calls were sharing what they expect to see in 2019. There are headwinds ahead for some hotel brand companies and real estate investment trusts, but the overall tone on calls in regards to next year was positive. (Hotel News Now)
The fast-food CEO who took over Burger King when he was 32 explains how to find and develop young talent, and how to rise in your own career
Daniel Schwartz is the CEO of Restaurant Brands International, which owns Burger King, Tim Horton’s, and Popeyes. Schwartz started at the investment firm 3G Capital, which appointed him CFO as Burger King before promoting him to CEO of the company in 2013, when he was only 32. (Business Insider)
Eateries, retailers compete for holiday help
The labor crunch is only going to get worse as Thanksgiving and Christmas loom, and restaurants and retailers across the U.S. are tossing out perks to fill their workforce holes before the holiday rush. In the Washington D.C. area, cooks at Clyde’s Restaurant Group eateries can now clock out, grab a seat at the bar and get a 25-percent discount on oysters and wine. (Bloomberg)
Starbucks to cut 5% of its corporate workforce
Starbucks is laying off 5 percent of its corporate workforce, according to a memo obtained by CNBC. The coffee giant had previously indicated it would cut non-retail employees as it shakes up its organizational structure. (CNBC)
Restaurant Prices are Rising, and Traffic is Declining
As this past month’s restaurant results suggest, the industry’s health is in a better place than it was a year ago. It’s far from a full recovery, though. (QSR)
Marriott CEO: Don’t Worry About Our Soft Third Quarter
Like many of its hotel peers, Marriott International saw a relatively softer third quarter in terms of its domestic revenue per available room (RevPAR), but CEO Arne Sorenson isn’t letting the “sobering” third quarter numbers distract him or his team from the bigger tasks at hand — continuing the success of Marriott’s integration of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Nor will Marriott view the softer performance as an indication that more challenging times lie ahead for the overall economy. (Skift)
Marriott maintains small-company values
David Marriott says his family’s hotel company has always placed importance on its people. “My granddad was always late to meetings because he might be talking with a housekeeper about her personal problems. (Hotel News Now)
Taco Bell, Jersey Mike’s feed firefighters, evacuees in Calif.
Wildfires raging in California have destroyed chain restaurants including KFC, McDonald’s and Jack in the Box units, according to news reports. Other eateries have been forced to close, and some including Taco Bell and Jersey Mike’s franchisees have been feeding evacuees, firefighters and volunteers. (Nation’s Restaurant News)
U.S. Hotel Construction Pipeline Continues Modest Growth
In the third quarter of 2018, the total U.S. hotel construction pipeline reached 5,376 projects and a combined 650,576 rooms—up 7 percent from last year, according to analysts at Lodging Econometrics. In 2017, the third quarter pipeline stood at 5,011 projects and 608,837 rooms. The total pipeline has been growing modestly over the past two years and is expected to continue its ascent at least into the first quarter of 2019. (Lodging)
National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation honors veterans, offers career assistance
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation is developing programs to assist veterans seeking careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry. (National Restaurant Association)
For the best kiosk customer experience, don’t remove the human touch
As eateries clamor to add new tech features, self-serve kiosks and tabletop tablets are popping up in more restaurants, from quickserve to fine dining. Kiosks offer many benefits and opportunities, but the technology also presents hurdles and questions. (SmartBrief)
US Veterans at Subway relay the gifts the Armed Forces give business
While the images called to mind every Veterans Day typically revolve around uniformed soldiers who are in or near battle situations, it’s important to remember that the nation’s veterans are well represented across every business category, including QSR. In fact, turns out the “military way” just happens to also be a great way to learn the rigors and rough-and-tumble of QSR management, according to leadership at sandwich chain, Subway. (QSRweb)
Hospitality Convention Honors Professionals in Restaurants, Hotels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: Morgan Huether, local communications manager, 360-956-7279 ext. 135, morganhuether@wahospitality.org Hospitality Convention Honors Professionals in Restaurants, Hotels SEATTLE – Hospitality professionals from across the state
L&I Schedules Additional Listening Sessions on Overtime, Salary Threshold Rules
The Department of Labor & Industries will hold additional listening sessions on a revised version of the overtime and salary threshold employment rules for executive, administrative and professional (EAP) workers.
Seattle may soon have overabundance of hotels
SEATTLE — When it officially opens in December, the Hyatt Regency at Eighth Avenue and Howell Street will be both the largest hotel in Washington state and among the most closely watched. With its 1,260 rooms, conference facilities, and proximity to the planned expansion of the Washington State Convention Center, the Hyatt is key to Seattle’s ambitions to play in the big leagues of the convention business and bid for massive corporate events only a handful of American cities can currently handle. (Walla Walla Union-Bulletin)