Podcasts about Hospitality

What if a restaurant could identify a margin problem while the ingredients were still being unloaded, rather than discovering it several weeks later? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with David Cantu, CEO of Craftable, about AI restaurant back-office technology, margin intelligence, inventory management, purchasing, invoice automation, and the continuing importance of human hospitality. David has spent decades working in restaurants and technology. He describes an industry dealing with staffing difficulties, rising leases, food inflation, lower traffic, and relentless margin pressure. David cites a National Restaurant Association study indicating that 40% of restaurateurs were not profitable during the previous year. Craftable connects purchasing, recipe management, inventory, accounting, sales data, and analytics. The company says its platform is used by over 10,000 restaurants, hotels, and venues. David argues that useful hospitality AI should automate the work that keeps managers, chefs, and operators away from guests. This includes producing sales forecasts, suggesting orders, planning preparation, identifying invoice anomalies, and comparing projected labor with actual requirements. The conversation becomes particularly practical when David describes a restaurant receiving a ribeye that has increased in price by 20%. If the dish is a popular, high-margin menu item, that vendor increase can quickly reduce its profitability. Craftable's Invoice AI can detect the change when the invoice is received. The operator can then consider running a higher-priced chef's special, promoting another steak, reviewing the menu price, or adjusting future orders. Waiting until month-end reconciliation would explain the lost margin but leave no opportunity to recover it during service. We also discuss the difference between AI intelligence and operator knowledge. AI can examine large volumes of information, but an experienced restaurateur understands the atmosphere, the team, the guests, and what is happening at that particular moment. David believes AI recommendations need to show their work. Managers should be able to inspect how a sales forecast, suggested order, staffing plan, or trend was calculated. Transparency helps people assess the recommendation without forcing them to search through another large analytics report. Craftable is also testing how to measure whether a recommended action produced a result. If a manager coaches a server with unusually high complimentary items or promotes a menu category with falling attachment rates, the platform can examine whether that action affected sales or margins. David is skeptical of hospitality AI added as a promotional layer without being built into the daily workflow. At industry conferences, he has seen vendors attach language models to existing products while offering little operational value. His hope for restaurant AI is highly human. He wants technology reducing administrative pressure while employees welcome guests, serve meals, develop their teams, and create the warm experiences that define hospitality. Which restaurant decision could protect profitability if the operator received the right information before the next service began? Listen to the episode and share your thoughts with me.

We were made by a Maker to be makers. Bruce Herman joins Evan Rosa to diagnose the quiet illness of a passive consumer culture that trains us to sit in front of screens and scroll and take, rather than make. “When we're not making something, we're not whole. We're not healthy.“ His cure is stubbornly ordinary: go make a loaf of bread, grab a stick and start carving, make a good meal or a good cocktail for the person visiting you—anything is resistance to this hypnotic, passive culture. From episode 216 of the podcast, in this segment, Herman traces what it means to receive art not as a consumer but through submission—not master and slave, but subject to subject, that vulnerable openness that lets a poem or a painting change your life. He reflects on making as human wholeness, the difference between art and info-tainment, why suffering can rip us open to beauty (from Walker Percy's writing to Christian Wiman's poetry), Rilke's charge that “you must change your life,“ hospitality as the ultimate act of art, and Herman's closing counsel to make out of love, not fear. Episode Highlights We are in relationship, and we were made by a Maker to be makers. If we let that go somehow and we become mere consumers, I think we begin to enter into some kind of illness of one sort or another. When we're not making something, we're not whole. We're not healthy. And I don't want to make an idol out of health either, but I do think our culture is unhealthy right now. We think of it as, we're discerning buyers. But the fact is we're being turned into very passive creatures. One of the best things you can do is go make a loaf of bread. Go out and grab a stick and start carving it. Anything is resistance to this sort of hypnotic passive culture. If you want to really receive what a poem is communicating, you have to submit to it. You have to let yourself go and enter into what might feel like a bad risk of being changed. Not submit in a sense that I'm a master and you're my slave. It's more like you're a subject and I'm a subject. Mutual submission. We're so guarded so much of the time that it takes something catastrophic to open us up again. Do away with the nonsense that you're not an artist. You can't help it. You were made by a Maker to be a maker. End of story. The ultimate act of art is hospitality, where you're welcoming someone in, to make something beautiful for them. Challenge the bad news with a recognition that daily kindnesses are being poured out everywhere, on every street. Don't give in to fear, because it's not a basis for anything good. About Bruce Herman Bruce Herman is a painter, writer, and educator whose work has been shown in more than 150 exhibitions across the United States and internationally, and held in collections including the Vatican Museums in Rome, the Cincinnati Museum of Fine Arts, and the Grunewald Print Collection of the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles. He taught at Gordon College for nearly four decades, where he founded the art department and held the Lothlórien Distinguished Chair in Fine Arts. His books include “Through Your Eyes“ and “Ordinary Saints,“ and he was a collaborator on the touring “QU4RTETS“ project with Makoto Fujimura, Christopher Theofanidis, and Jeremy Begbie. His most recent book, “Makers by Nature: Letters from a Master Painter on Faith, Hope, and Art,“ was published by IVP Academic in 2025. Helpful Links and Resources Makers by Nature, Bruce Herman's 2025 book from IVP Academic: https://www.ivpress.com/makers-by-nature Bruce Herman's website and painting archive: https://www.bruceherman.com Bruce Herman, artist bio and background: https://www.bruceherman.com/about Archaic Torso of Apollo by Rainer Maria Rilke (“You must change your life“), trans. Stephen Mitchell: https://poets.org/poem/archaic-torso-apollo Real Presences by George Steiner, on courtesy and hospitality in art: https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/R/bo3684420.html Christian Wiman: https://poetryfoundation.org/poets/christian-wiman QU4RTETS, the collaborative project on T. S. Eliot's Four Quartets: https://www.bruceherman.com/series Show Notes Made to make We are in relationship; identity begins there, not in isolation Makers by nature—letting the maker-impulse go tips us toward illness, moral, mental, and emotional Wholeness and health—the claim that not-making leaves us unwell, without idolizing health Consumer culture—the commercial aim to sell, and to keep us passive in front of screens Discerning buyers, or passive creatures? The illusion of control while being trained to take Screens and scrolling Political theater and infotainment—very little real journalism left, mostly consumer entertainment Neil Postman and amusing ourselves to death as the frame for the diagnosis Making as resistance—bake bread, carve a stick, do anything against the hypnotic pull Reception as submission—a word out of fashion, reclaimed away from enslavement Mutual submission—the erotic analogy, and desire's corruption in the sexual sins To receive a poem you must risk being changed Rilke's Grecian torso and the charge, you must change your life Subject to subject, not master and slave Walker Percy's museum story—a painting that blazed into life, then went quiet Bringing a friend to re-enter the original encounter vicariously The workman through the skylight—catastrophe reopens what habit had closed Guardedness—why it can take suffering to break us open Christian Wiman—cancer, poetry, and being ripped open toward receptivity You might be changed, and it might not be what you wanted; the risk of real encounter Make from love, not fear Do away with the nonsense that you're not an artist Everyday making—a loaf, a meal, a good cocktail, hospitality Hospitality as the ultimate art; George Steiner's Real Presences and courtesia Beauty can be complex, not merely pretty Fear-mongers left and right—and why not to listen Daily kindnesses—the neighbor, the shoveled driveway, the half-decent casserole Welcome to the festival; let the festival begin #BruceHerman #MakersByNature #ForTheLifeOfTheWorld #FaithAndArt #TheologyOfMaking #ArtAndFaith #Creativity #Hospitality #MakeNotConsume #YaleFaithAndCulture

Today we're in the East Village, having cocktails at Please Don't Tell - one of the most iconic cocktail bars in New York City. PDT is currently run by award-winning bartender Jeff Bell. Jeff started as a bar back in 2010, and now he owns the place. How about that? He joins us alongside Richard Betts. There are fewer than 300 Master Sommeliers in the entire world, and Richard was one of them. He's also built some of the most distinctive brands in the industry, including Sombra Mezcal, Astral Tequila, and most recently Tequila Komos. We discuss the business of restaurants and hospitality, building a luxury tequila band, and trends in how alcohol is being consumed. Timecodes 00:00 Why Premium Brands Are Winning 00:50 Standing Table Opening 01:30 Inside PDT: New York's Iconic Speakeasy 02:47 Meet Jeff Bell & Richard Betts 03:35 How PDT Became a Global Cocktail Destination 05:29 Becoming a Master Sommelier 08:03 The Business of Restaurants & Hospitality 10:59 Building a Luxury Tequila Brand 14:04 Are Younger People Drinking Less? 16:03 The Secret to Building Authentic Brands 19:27 Social Media, Hospitality & Customer Experience 24:16 Advice for Future Entrepreneurs 25:38 Closing Thoughts — FOLLOW US Instagram: riskreversalmedia Twitter: https://x.com/riskreversal LinkedIn: riskreversalmedia #investing #stocks #stockmarket #ApexFintechSolutions Standing Table is made possible through our continued partnership with Apex Fintech Solutions. Apex Fintech Solutions provides the tools and services that enable hundreds of clients to launch, scale, and support digital investing for tens of millions of end investors. The company provides essential infrastructure and a comprehensive ecosystem of cloud-based products to enable and streamline trading, wealth management, cost basis, tax reporting, and, through its subsidiary Apex Clearing™, custody and clearing. For more information, visit the Apex Fintech Solutions website: https://apexfintechsolutions.com/ LinkedIn: apex-fintech SUBSCRIBE: RiskReversal Pod for more from Guy and Dan: https://apple.co/3RzvgpD RiskReversal Media channel for more episodes and content: @riskreversalmedia The financial opinions expressed in Risk Reversal content are for information purposes only. The opinions expressed by the hosts and participants are not an attempt to influence specific trading behavior, investments, or strategies. Past performance does not necessarily predict future outcomes. No specific results or profits are assured when relying on Risk Reversal. Before making any investment or trade, evaluate its suitability for your circumstances and consider consulting your own financial or investment advisor. The financial products discussed in Risk Reversal carry a high level of risk and may not be appropriate for many investors. If you have uncertainties, it's advisable to seek professional advice. Remember that trading involves a risk to your capital, so only invest money that you can afford to lose. Derivatives are not suitable for all investors and involve the risk of losing more than the amount originally deposited and any profit you might have made. This communication is not a recommendation or offer to buy, sell or retain any specific investment or service.​​

Boardgames and coffee! The two were meant for one another. Gathering around a table to share an experience with your friends and family is core to how community happens.  In the last decade we have seen an explosion of gaming and coffee cafes meeting a need for connection over shared dice, boards, cards and cups.  Todays guest has been a pillar in this community for over 7 years and brings an incredible depth of knowledge and skill in hospitality, leadership, and culinary to the gaming table.  We are talking with Kevin Kerkoff of Hitherto Coffee and Gaming Parlour in Greenfield, IN!  Kevin J. Kerkhof is an entrepreneur, hospitality executive, educator, and culinary professional with more than 30 years of experience in foodservice, specialty coffee, retail operations, business development, and hospitality management. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for combining operational excellence with a passion for culinary innovation, hospitality, team development, and creating exceptional guest experiences. Since 2019, Kevin has served as the Founder, Principal Owner, and General Manager of Hitherto Coffee & Gaming Parlour in Greenfield, Indiana. Under his leadership, Hitherto has grown into a unique community-focused destination that blends specialty coffee, food service, tabletop gaming, retail, and events. Prior to founding Hitherto, Kevin served as the Founding Chef and General Manager of Greyhouse Coffee & Supply Co. in West Lafayette, Indiana. During his tenure, he helped shape the organization's culinary and operational vision while providing leadership and oversight for hundreds of employees throughout the years. He played a key role in concept development, menu creation, facility design, budgeting, organizational leadership, and operational growth. Kevin earned a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Purdue University and an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University.  He has worked with and supported organizations including McDonald's, Whole Foods Market, Ecolab, Tyson Foods, Purdue University, the Culinary Institute of America, and the Specialty Coffee Association.   In our conversation about his career and boardgame cafe concept we discuss: Journey into Hospitality and Culinary Arts The Influence of Agriculture on Culinary Pursuits Transitioning to Coffee and Greyhouse Leadership Lessons from Greyhouse The Evolution and Financial Challenges Starting Hitherto Navigating the SBA Loan Process The Concept of a Board Game Cafe Creating a Unique Customer Experience Selecting Games for the Community Staffing for a Dual Concept Cafe Managing a Board Game Cafe Event planning and managing game and coffee events Advice for Aspiring Cafe Owners REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES!  Build a Stronger Coffee Shop: One Step at a Time Great coffee shops don't happen by accident. They are built by hiring the right people, training them well, and leading them with clarity and consistency. In this live three-part Summer Webinar Series, Chris Deferio shares the practical systems and coaching insights that have helped coffee businesses build stronger teams, healthier cultures, and more resilient operations. Each webinar includes: Live instruction and Q&A PDF workbook One hour of virtual consulting for each live attendee Lifetime access to the recording Register for the individual sessions that fit your current needs, or scroll down to save 20% on the complete Summer Webinar Series. REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES!    chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Related episodes:

What does it really take to renovate a hotel while keeping guests happy, protecting reviews, and maximizing owner returns?In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Tom Kelley, CEO & President of Digney Holding Companies, to explore the business of hotel renovations, capital planning, and hospitality development. Drawing on decades of experience spanning architecture, Marriott, commercial real estate, and hotel construction, Tom shares practical insights into how owners can make smarter renovation decisions in today's rapidly evolving hospitality market.From navigating brand conversions and Property Improvement Plans (PIPs) to managing rising construction costs, tariffs, and supply chain volatility, Tom explains why successful hotel projects start with careful planning, financial discipline, and a relentless focus on the guest experience. He also discusses how owners can avoid costly over-investments, balance design with ROI, and execute renovations in occupied hotels with minimal disruption.Whether you're a hotel owner, operator, developer, investor, architect, or hospitality professional, this conversation offers valuable strategies for protecting asset value while creating exceptional guest experiences.In this episode, you'll learn: How to plan successful hotel renovations and brand conversions  Why due diligence should come before design decisions  The importance of aligning capital expenditures with long-term investment strategy  How hospitality design continues to evolve with changing guest expectations Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cxipY_2xW9ILinks:Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-kelley-84bba2aa/ Digney-York Associates: https://digneyyork.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/311Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

The following article of the AI Cloud & Data industry is: 'Smart Hotels: Hospitality Begins in the Back Office' by Roberto Esparza, Chief Growth Officer, Bambú Tech Services. 

EDITORIAL: When I first heard this story, I thought this is not right, this is not fair, and I didn't think it fitted with what the coalition government stood for. What am I talking about? Of course, I'm talking about the $60 million hand out. I have to say, if you'd asked me whether I'd ever see a centre-right government stepping in to financially support a publicly listed company, I would have said with a smile, "No chance." Not because governments shouldn't support business, but because I always believed governments like this preferred to let the market decide who succeeds and who fails. Yet here we go. The Government is preparing to provide financial support to Fletcher Building, one of New Zealand's biggest companies, through a deal designed to keep local cement production alive at Golden Bay Cement in Whangārei. Fletcher Building isn't some small family-owned business that's fallen on hard times. It's one of New Zealand's biggest publicly listed companies, listed on both the New Zealand and Australian stock exchanges, with thousands of shareholders and operations across the country and Australia. Now, before anyone says this is about jobs, I completely understand that argument. Hundreds of people work there directly and indirectly, and New Zealand does need a reliable supply of cement. It's a critical product. I get all that. We need it to build houses, schools, hospitals, roads and major infrastructure. You don't want to wake up one day and realise we're completely dependent on imported cement if global supply chains are disrupted. Chris Bishop said Golden Bay is an exceptional case and of national interest. But here's the question I can't get past. When did governments start picking winners? Because that's exactly what this feels like to me. This coalition government talks constantly about reducing government intervention, letting markets work, encouraging competition and creating a level playing field. Those are all principles I generally support. If you're prepared to step in and financially back one of the country's biggest listed companies, where does it stop? What about every other manufacturer battling high energy prices? What about forestry? Steel? Food processing? Hospitality? Retail? Plenty of businesses have faced enormous cost pressures over the past few years without anyone offering them a government lifeline. Why is this one different? If this is genuinely about New Zealand's strategic resilience and making sure we continue producing cement here, then tell us that. Be upfront about it. Make the case that this is about national infrastructure and supply security. But don't pretend this isn't government intervention. Because it damn well is. 60 million, cash hand out. It's not having to be paid pack. Governments have every right to protect strategically important industries if they believe it's in the national interest. But once taxpayers' money starts flowing towards large, publicly listed companies, the public deserves a very clear explanation of why this company qualifies, what safeguards are in place, what taxpayers get in return, and where the line is drawn. This isn't just about cement. It's about the role of government in the economy. More importantly to me it's about fairness. And it's about whether this Government is practising the free-market philosophy it campaigned on, it sung from the rafters—or whether, when push comes to shove, it's prepared to back the biggest players while everyone else is left to fend for themselves. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Beats, Vines & Life, host MJ Towler sits down with Vincent Morrow—“Vinny” to his friends—a master sommelier, educator, and hospitality executive whose journey from a college soccer player in Arizona to overseeing beverage programs for Union Square Hospitality Group is nothing short of inspiring. Vinny shares how his early experiences in iconic California wineries like Ridge Vineyards and his time in legendary dining rooms like The French Laundry and Gary Danko shaped his unique perspective on wine, service, and leadership.MJ and Vinny dive into what it takes to build a legendary palate (and a legendary wine list), the realities of restaurant life behind the Instagram gloss, their favorite music for pre-service motivation, and the lessons gleaned from both high-pressure kitchens and the wide world of wine. Along the way, Vinny's stories connect the dots between craft, culture, hustle, and the pursuit of authentic hospitality—from Napa all the way to New York City.Whether you're a wine lover, music head, or just trying to find your lane in the lifestyle you're building, this conversation is full of real talk, big laughs, and insights you won't want to miss.For more information about Union Square Hospitality Group click the link!Follow Vinny on IG!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Grenache Fest is BACK!!! Grenache Fest is coming to Waitsburg, Washington, bringing with it a focused, celebratory spotlight on one of the world's most important and expressive grapes. This year, we will start with a blind tasting seminar hosted by MJ Towler, Chauncey Arkfeld, and Michael Alberty, followed by smaller breakout sessions across town.Subscribe and give Beats Vines and Life a five-star review on whichever platform you listen to.For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show, sign up at blackwineguy.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlifeFollow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IGSign up for Totally Biased Wine Reviews Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this message, Samuel Goulet continues The Mountain Church's family series by exploring how the culture of our homes shapes the people we become and the impact we have on the world around us. He walks through five important questions every family can ask: what is being taught, nurtured, built, encouraged, and reached? With practical examples and heartfelt insight, Samuel encourages families to make Jesus the foundation of their home, teach faith relationally, nurture growth with intention, speak words that build up, and create homes that reflect the love, generosity, and presence of God to others.

Christina Poon, General Manager of the soon-to-open Detroit EDITION, shares the story of how an unexpected career recommendation led her into hospitality and why she's never looked back. She reflects on the power of human connection, creating lasting guest experiences, and building a career aligned with your personal values. Christina also explains why she began documenting the realities of hotel leadership on LinkedIn, offering aspiring hospitality leaders a rare behind-the-scenes look at the work. If you're looking for a reminder of what makes hospitality such a meaningful profession, this conversation delivers both perspective and encouragement.Read Christina's writing on LinkedIn A few more resources:If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestionsIf you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free.Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together.If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve!Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

How does greed or emptiness get in the way of offering hospitality to God? And what can we do? We welcome Rev. Dr. Diana Holbert, our Minister of Care, to The Loft this week as Rev. Dr. Christopher Carter has been home battling Covid.  We invite you to keep him in your prayers as he continues to recover. www.TheLoftLA.org

In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Greg Poirier to discuss how hotels and resorts can operate more sustainably and how travelers can reduce their impact on the road. Greg shares his path from dishwasher and night auditor to hotel general manager, and how his interest in sustainability and social equity led him to Audubon International. He explains the origins of Audubon International — founded in 1987 as a certification body rooted in the legacy of the New York State Audubon chapter — and walks through how its hospitality certification program works, from membership and a detailed designation application to on-site, third-party audits. Greg and Cory dig into practical sustainability opportunities in the industry, including waste tracking, energy savings, refillable programs, and the emerging trend of planned sustainable resort communities.Key Topics Discussed: Greg's career journey through independent hotels and into sustainability leadershipThe history and mission of Audubon International across golf, communities, and hospitalityUsing tools like EZ3 Data to track haulers, containers, and waste metricsSmart thermostats and occupancy-based energy savings of 20–40% on electric billsRefillable water programs, filtered water stations, and moving away from single-use plastic bottlesThe nuance of bulk shampoo/conditioner dispensers and the role of Clean the WorldAudubon International's four certification levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and PlatinumAdvice for travelers on how to choose and advocate for more sustainable propertiesResources Mentioned:Audubon InternationalEZ3 Data (waste tracking platform)Clean the World (bulk amenity recycling program)Populus Hotels (Denver, Seattle)Cabot developmentsBlack Desert Resort (Utah)Contact:Listeners can learn more or reach out to Greg directly:- Website: auduboninternational.org- Email: greg@auduboninternational.orgThank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors!Support our Sponsors Learn more here:⁃www.3M.com/sustainablepackaging⁃https://www.specright.com/https://anewearthproject.com/collections/new-earth-approvedConnect with CoryConnect with Cory on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/I'm here to help you make your packaging more sustainable! Reach out today and I'll get back to you asap. This podcast is an independent production and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.

Hospitality is more than entertaining guests, it's the intentional pursuit of welcoming strangers into our lives with the same grace God has shown us. From Leviticus to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, holiness is expressed not only through personal devotion but through sacrificial love for others. As we overcome busyness, selfishness, fear, and perfectionism, we reflect the gospel by opening our homes and hearts so that strangers become neighbors and, by God's grace, members of the family of God.

Change is inevitable in every person's life. Explore how we remain rooted and grounded as a community through key markers that make a healthy church. 

Andrew Halbert's Sunday morning message from July 19, 2026

Send us Fan MailRelic describes how his lifelong fascination with languages began in childhood and became a professional and creative asset, and he details a rigorous daily routine — including cold plunges and early-morning rituals — that he credits for his discipline and creative output. He explains how a background in his family's restaurant business and years working internationally in hospitality led him, after growing dissatisfaction, to pivot into coaching, teaching, and writing. The conversation turns to his novel The Woods, a multilayered story about a man stripped of identity and ambition who must rediscover himself, and closes with Relic's philosophy on directing one's own thoughts rather than being controlled by them.www.MarcRelic.comSupport the show

This week, the squad breaks down Norwegian Air's World Cup Instagram stunt that cost next to nothing and generated more brand equity than campaigns with budgets a hundred times the size. Eivind Hammer Myhre, who leads comms and marketing at Norwegian, joins us live to walk through exactly how it happened — the 25-minute brainstorm, the one phone call to get sign-off, and what came after when the whole thing blew up overnight. Then we get into the Ennismore story. Skift's Rafat Ali floated a thought experiment this week that reads less like an op-ed and more like a deal memo left on the wrong desk — a potential distribution and loyalty partnership between Airbnb and Accor's lifestyle hotel subsidiary ahead of a $3.7 billion IPO. Ben, Edwin, and Scott dig into whether the math actually works for owners, who benefits more, and why Wall Street keeps struggling to put a number on cool. And finally — Vrbo is launching sponsored listings. The beta is live. The full rollout is coming. And if you've been around long enough to remember what happened when organic reach died on Meta, you already know where this is going. Scott's spice of the week ties it all together: four stories that seem unrelated until you realize they're all asking the same question. How do you earn trust at scale? And what happens to the brands — and the platforms — that can't figure that out? — This Week in Hospitality is presented to you by Journey. Journey is a loyalty platform built specifically for independent boutique hotels and high-touch hospitality brands. Our mission is to give operators the same powerful rewards engine, data intelligence, and guest insights that major chains rely on — without asking them to give up the individuality, soul, or story that makes their property extraordinary. If you're an owner or operator of an extraordinary, independently owned and operated hotel or residence — and you want to see whether your property is a fit for the Journey Alliance — you can learn more and apply at https://www.journey.com/alliance — Key Topics & Timestamps 00:00 — Intro 03:18 — Interview: Norwegian Air's Viral Women's Euro Campaign 26:53 — Story #1: Airbnb and Ennismore Hook Up 33:47 — Story #2: The Slow Death of Organic Discovery on Vrbo 39:52 — Story #3: South Korea Could Strip Hotels of Stars for Price Gouging 1:04:47 — Spice of the Week — Your Hosts: Zach Busekrus — Journey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbusekrus/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestays/   Scott Eddy — Global Travel & Hospitality Expert @MrScottEddy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrscotteddy/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrscotteddy/   Ben Wolff — Founder of Onera & Oasi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wolff/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambenwolff/   Edwin Kramer — Luxury Hotelier Consultant & Former GM LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinckramer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwinkramer/

What does serving wine at a nightclub have to do with selling $20 million homes?More than you might think.On this episode of RWorld Talk, Chris Krzemien sits down with Jason Sims, one of the founders of Serhant Miami, to discuss how an unconventional career path in hospitality helped shape a successful career in luxury real estate.Jason shares how 15 years in wine, spirits, and hospitality taught him the skills that matter most when working with high-level clients, from understanding emotions and expectations to creating an experience that goes far beyond the transaction.We discussed:➡️ Why the emotional difference between a $1 million buyer and a $20 million buyer➡️ How Jason went from reading Sell It Like Serhant on his honeymoon to joining the team➡️ How to win relocation buyers by selling a lifestyle and not just a house➡️ Why every client gets the same level of service regardless of price point➡️ The $200,000 check mistake he wishes he could take back➡️ What the Serhant culture actually looks like from the inside➡️ Why you cannot do real estate part-time and what happens when you tryIf you have ever thought about moving into luxury real estate or building a referral-based business from a nontraditional background, this is the episode for you.Chapters:00:00 Welcome00:39 Hospitality to Real Estate02:23 Selling Ultra Luxury04:06 Referrals and Social Media08:14 Joining Serhant Miami13:02 Relocation Buyer Playbook14:57 Area Atlas Lifestyle Map16:18 Relocation Priorities Traffic17:35 Florida Lifestyle Activities18:30 Key Biscayne Cycling Scene19:27 Discipline Preparation Mindset26:56 Invest In Yourself Advice28:46 Wrap UpFOLLOW US:Instagram: @rworldtalkLinkedIn: @rworldtalkpodcastWebsite: https://rworld.com/LISTEN ON AUDIO:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6TFUYs7cTWw539wUD7aLkE?si=79cdc73ede2f4828Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rworld-talk-south-florida-real-estate/id1671206655#RealEstate #SouthFlorida #Realtor #Luxury #LuxuryRealEstate #Mindset #Highperformance #RyanSerhant #SerhantMiami #Relocation #Hospitality #Cycling

Geno McWilliams is the self-taught chef and owner of Lucia's Italian Kitchen in Effingham, Illinois, a 39-seat open kitchen Italian restaurant three hours south of Chicago that has become a destination in rural America. He spent decades as a construction contractor while teaching himself to cook, traveled with more cooking equipment than construction tools, fired pizzas in hotel rooms with an Ooni Koda, and opened Lucia's in November 2020. He is a member of the US Pizza Team and Women in Pizza certified.He attended the Rewiring Hospitality conference in Irvine, California the week before this recording. His biggest takeaway became the central argument of this entire episode: after years of obsessing over the food, the food is not the point. The food is the bonus. Hospitality is what brings guests back.Why Lucia's pre-shift meetings never discuss 86 items, cover counts, or operational details and spend every minute on one question: how are we going to make the guest experience better tonightThe difference between Italian and Italian American cuisine and why Geno built his menu around traditional Italian dishes in a town that walked in expecting fettuccine Alfredo and chicken ParmThe pasta economics that every small Italian restaurant needs to understand: 90 percent extruded, 10 percent stuffed, and why pushing that ratio in the wrong direction will destroy your labor and your consistencyAndré Natera and Geno McWilliams cover the wedding dance moment that went viral on social media, reading guests through body language and NLP, the Roman tonda meets New York style pizza hybrid that defines Lucia's pizza, the discovery that French toast originated in fourth century Rome, and the construction contractor financial discipline that gave Geno a foundation most self-taught chefs never develop. The episode closes with his Mount Rushmore of chefs by category, his yellow tape kitchen in honor of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and his tagline: cheaper than a ticket to Italy.GuestGeno McWilliams on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/chefginomc/Lucia's Italian Kitchen on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/luciaseffingham/Lucia's Italian Kitchen Website → https://luciasik.com/LinksSubscribe on Substack → https://chefspsa.substack.com/Shop Chef's PSA Merch → https://shop.chefspsa.com/Visit Chef's PSA Website → https://chefspsa.com/Lead Like a Chef App → https://studio.com/apps/andre/leadlikeachef

Liza Amlani, The Chief Merchant, spent 20 years as a merchant at Ralph Lauren. She now studies what retail can teach hospitality. The parallels are closer than you think. Both industries live and die by customer experience. Both rely on frontline workers whose voices too often get ignored. Both are trying to figure out how to bridge strategy from the corporate office to what actually happens on the floor. Liza translates retail's playbook for hoteliers who want a fresh perspective on customer experience, employee voice, and what the future of guest engagement actually looks like. Visit retailstrategygroup.com. Actabl, they give you the power to profit. Visit actabl.com. Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might've missed from #NoVacancyNews? Text HOTEL to 66866.

Live from HITEC 2026, we sit down with the winners of the prestigious E20X startup competition to explore the technologies redefining the future of hospitality.First, Mergim Kacija, CEO of Stayfull AI and the E20X Grand Prize winner, shares how his experience as a hotel owner inspired him to build an AI-native property management platform designed specifically for independent hotels. Learn how specialized AI agents can automate guest communication, revenue management, marketing, and daily operations while dramatically reducing technology costs.Then, we welcome Josh Ellis, CEO of Abra and the E20X People's Choice winner. Josh explains how Abra's guest intelligence platform unifies fragmented guest data across multiple systems, helping hotels deliver highly personalized experiences that strengthen guest loyalty and increase profitability.In this episode, you'll discover:How AI is transforming hotel operations and guest serviceWhy independent hotels are embracing AI-powered technologyThe value of unified guest data for personalization and loyaltyWhat it takes to win the hospitality industry's premier startup competitionWhat's next for two of hospitality's fastest-growing technology companiesWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/m_E8AmNFjZwLinks: Mergim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/investormergim/Stayfull.ai: https://stayfull.ai/ Josh Ellis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-ellis1126/Abra Hospitality: https://abrahospitality.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/310Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Today we're talking cyclospora, terrible restaurant owners in Illinois, frozen yogurt and physical therapy. Also, where do Hospitality workers go when they leave the industry?Be part of the show!https://www.speakpipe.com/InTheWeedsWithBenRandallhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbrandall/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.comhttps://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shopintheweedswbr@gmail.com

Dawg Days Of Summer is Here and what a WAY to kick it back off! Keith Eckloff brought us some great insight on not just 2026 but 2025, as we always Look Back before we move forward. Coach Eckloff Thank You for the Hospitality always great to Catch Up! Go Crimsons!We get you locked in for the Upcoming 2026 season, so HIT THE THUMBS UP AND SHARE IT OUT!! and Subscribe to the YOUTUBE CHANNEL#coachesshow #DupontManualcrimsonfootball #kentuckyhighschoolfootball

Hospitality futurist Simone Puorto joins The Turndown to challenge the hotel industry's obsession with buying more technology. He argues that hotels do not need another layer of software, but fewer disconnected systems, better data, and a clearer understanding of where technology genuinely improves the guest and employee experience. The conversation explores key subtopics, including: AI and its real impact on hospitality Hotel tech overload and system fragmentation The future of search and booking Why some properties may benefit from simplifying their tech stack   Follow Simone Puorto: Linkedin Hospitalitynet Sign up for Simone's newsletter YouTube   Related reading: AI hotel management software: Why connected data matters more than features PMS integrations: What they mean for hotels in 2026 Guest profiles: The foundation of personalized experiences  

Australian Hotels Association chief executive Stephen Ferguson joined Ross Stevenson and Russel Howcroft to talk about the ban and how animal friendly pubs and bars might look.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summary:In a restaurant, food and labor account for 60 to 65 cents of every dollar spent, and there are a lot of ways to lose money when you're not watching them closely. Most back-office tools only tell operators what went wrong after the fact; today's company gives them a clear picture of what's happening right now, and what it will cost them if they don't do anything about it.David Cantu is the CEO of Craftable, one of the hospitality industry's leading SaaS profit management platforms. He's been in the industry for approximately 35 years — starting in operations at P.F. Chang's, co-founding HotSchedules, and most recently serving as CEO of Black Box Intelligence.Today, David walks us through how Craftable works, what they're most focused on as they look to automate the back-office workflow, and why you can't manage costs at the expense of the customer experience.Highlights:Hooked from the first shift (2:08)From P.F. Chang's to HotSchedules (2:52)How David came to Craftable (6:40)The back-office workflow, explained (9:21)Scale and ideal customer (11:40)Staying operator-first (13:40)Actual vs. theoretical (17:37)Cost discipline vs. guest experience (20:09)Texas Roadhouse and playing the long game (23:18)What's next for Craftable (24:29)Links:David's LinkedInCraftable LinkedInCraftable WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR WebsiteFeedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co

"Identify a need, see something that doesn't exist. That's pretty much what we did."

I'll be honest... this one is a little different.For the first time in Hospitality Meets history, I sat down with a guest who didn't need a microphone, didn't ask for a coffee before we started, and definitely didn't have any travel expenses.Instead, I had a conversation with ChatGPT.What began as a bit of curiosity quickly turned into something much more interesting. Somewhere between jokes about "Chatty McChatface", philosophical debates about trust, and the bizarre reality that I was interviewing... well... nobody sitting opposite me... we found ourselves exploring one of the biggest questions of our generation.Not what AI is.But what it means for us.Along the way we laughed, challenged each other, questioned what intelligence really means, and even discovered a brand new phrase..."Digital adulthood."Who knew?In this episode we get into...Why the journey to AI actually began over 70 years ago.How a conversation about technology somehow became a conversation about humanity.Whether AI really has a sense of humour... or is just borrowing ours.Why trust is something AI should earn, not expect.The famous AI stories that went hilariously wrong (including the tank that turned out to be a cloud detector).Why AI isn't replacing thinking... but can become a brilliant thinking partner.What should genuinely concern us about AI... and what probably shouldn't.Whether Chatty McChatface is actually a respectable stage name.(We're still undecided.)Some cracking moments..."I've processed billions of words... and somehow that's the nickname I end up with.""I'd rather earn your trust question by question than ask for blind faith.""Think of me as a very well-stocked library that talks back.""The future isn't AI becoming human... it's humans getting better with AI.""I said I don't have an ego... I didn't say I don't have standards."Why this episode is worth your earsThis isn't an episode about technology.It's an episode about curiosity.About asking awkward questions.About challenging assumptions.About discovering that one of the most interesting conversations you can have about artificial intelligence is actually a conversation about... being human.And yes...I genuinely laughed far more than I expected to while interviewing something that technically doesn't laugh back.Join the conversationIf you had one hour with an intelligence that knew a huge amount about the world......what would you ask?Send me your questions.Because this is only the beginning.The AI Files are officially open.Show PartnerA big shout out to today's show partner, RotaCloud — the people management platform built specifically for shift-based teams.RotaCloud lets managers create and share rotas, record attendance, and manage annual leave in minutes — all from one simple, web-based app.It also makes life easier for teams, allowing staff to check rotas, request holiday, and pick up extra shifts directly from their phones.To find out more, head to RotaCloudThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

I am fascinated with the idea of luxury brands like Dior, LVMH and Armani. It is clearly more than just diversification or trying to find new revenue streams. It is and has become part of the brand On a recent trip to Beverly Hills, I was invited to lunch with the group from Chateau Y'quem. I moved the entire schedule around (duh), to be there. And though I was remiss in remembering who fronted the hospitality, I was taken by the hospitality just the same. Now I am taken by the woman of was at the helm that day. Meet Fahara Zamorano. If you think the wine world is just swirling glasses and sniffing out tasting notes, Fajara Zamorano is here to flip your tablecloth. She strides into Wine Talks declaring, "You gotta remove the ego," and then proceeds to break down luxury wine culture not with snobbery, but with the kind of candor that leaves sommeliers and armchair tasters alike scrambling to rethink what it means to appreciate wine. Raised in the vine-studded valleys near Santiago, with the occasional detour into the Atacama desert—the driest place on earth—Fajara Zamorano grew up living the contrast between farmland "fairytale" and the arid edge of the world. No wonder she grew into someone who can call out ego in the most self-important industry on earth, then build a wine program for Monsieur Dior in Beverly Hills—where the stakes are as high as the heels. You're not just getting tips about which bottle to order at dinner. You're going to learn why the true luxury isn't price tags or Instagram clout, but the ability to see, anticipate, and dissolve the invisible barriers between guest and experience. Fajara Zamorano peels back the silk curtain on how fine dining works—how sommeliers read people, how guest notes are kept, and why even the "perfect" wine list is about much more than showing off. She'll have you questioning why we talk more about pesticides in strawberries than in the Cabernet you're sipping, and challenge the way the wine industry sacrifices humanity at the altar of mass marketing. She knows firsthand the battles of fighting for sustainable farming in a market obsessed with buzzwords, and still keeps her sense of humor when talking about Champagne, Armenian wines, or the eccentricities of the ladies who lunch on Rodeo Drive. If you've ever cringed at a wine list, been intimidated at a high-end restaurant, or wondered whether all this luxury talk means anything, this conversation is the antidote. Fajara Zamorano and Paul K will not only teach you how restaurants wield psychology like a decanter, but why the best experiences always put people before ego, and farming before flash. What you'll actually learn in this episode:

What if the technology helping independent hotels compete with the biggest brands in the world shouldn't feel like technology at all? Cloudbeds serves tens of thousands of properties across more than 150 countries — giving its team a uniquely expansive view into how independent hotels are performing, what operators are struggling with, and how the way travelers discover and book stays is rapidly changing. In this episode, Zach sits down in person with Rafael Blanes, Chief Growth Officer at Cloudbeds, and Sébastien Leitner, VP of Partnerships, to unpack why they believe this is one of the most exciting moments yet to be an independent hotelier. Rafael and Sébastien explain why the traditional PMS is evolving into something much bigger, how fragmented hotel data prevents operators from making confident decisions, and why the industry's obsession with “AI” may be getting in the way of solving the problems hoteliers actually care about. They also share a look at Ask Signals, a conversational tool that could allow operators to ask questions of their property data, generate reports in seconds, receive explainable pricing recommendations, and eventually get a proactive daily briefing before arriving at the hotel. The conversation also explores why OTAs can actually help hotels generate more direct bookings, what independent properties must do to compete with the marketing machines of major flags, and why operators should never treat an OTA guest differently from someone who booked direct. Finally, Rafael and Sébastien share the story behind the Cloudbeds Collection — a portfolio of 100 distinctive independent properties around the world — and why Cloudbeds selected Journey as its loyalty partner to help those hotels share guests, strengthen direct relationships, and offer the benefits of a global loyalty ecosystem without sacrificing what makes each property different. You'll also hear why the next hotel Rafael builds will almost certainly have a marina, how Sébastien prepares a five-day roast chicken, and the remarkable story of the technology partner who worked through the night to help former Sonder properties keep their doors open. Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Rafael and Sébastien. — Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world's top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks at boutique hotels, private residences, landscape hotels, glamping retreats, and so much more. Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur with a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we'd love for you to apply to join the Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

What does it take to lead one of the world's fastest-growing global hotel groups while staying true to the heart of hospitality?In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Gonzalo Aguilar, CEO of Europe & Americas at Minor Hotels, to discuss his remarkable journey from restaurant manager to global hospitality executive. Gonzalo shares how growing up across multiple continents, learning from his father—a lifelong hotelier—and leading hotels around the world shaped his leadership philosophy and passion for creating exceptional guest experiences.The conversation explores Minor Hotels' global expansion strategy, its shift toward an asset-light growth model, the launch of new hotel brands, and the company's vision for expanding across the United States and Canada. Gonzalo also shares valuable insights on balancing global brand standards with local market needs, building strong owner partnerships, and why the best hotel leaders are deeply connected to their communities.In this episode, you'll learn: Why Minor Hotels is embracing an asset-light growth strategy  The company's expansion plans for North America  How new hotel brands are helping meet evolving owner and traveler needs  The importance of adapting global hospitality strategies to local markets  Why community engagement remains the foundation of exceptional hotel leadershipWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7on3C3IsOOoLinks:Gonzalo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gonzalo-aguilar-/Minor Hotels: https://www.minorhotels.com/enFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/309Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   Traveling with young children can completely change the way an attraction is experienced, revealing moments of exceptional hospitality alongside opportunities where service can be improved. In this episode, Josh shares stories from his family's first visit to Disneyland through the lens of both a guest experience consultant and a parent, and unpacks the practical lessons that any attraction can apply. In this episode, Matt and Josh talk about creating memorable guest experiences through intentional hospitality, recognizing opportunities for service recovery, and understanding the unique needs of families visiting attractions. Intentional hospitality creates memorable moments “The intentionality behind it is what made that happen. But it seemed like it was serendipitous. I think that is the definition of magic.” Josh shares the unforgettable experience of his son's visit to Cars Land and an unexpected gift following a Lightning McQueen character meet-and-greet. What appeared to be a spontaneous magical moment was actually the result of thoughtful planning behind the scenes. Every organization can build systems that empower team members to recognize guest opportunities and create meaningful moments that feel effortless to the guest. Hospitality means owning the solution “The only acceptable answer is to get you the steamed milk.” A simple breakfast request became an example of how service recovery depends on ownership. When a restaurant's equipment failure prevented a request from being fulfilled, the initial solution shifted the responsibility to the guest before the team ultimately resolved the issue. In this example, hospitality professionals should look beyond explaining a problem and instead focus on finding a path to the desired outcome, especially when serving families who may already be managing additional challenges. Seeing the invisible system “In the first story, an experience happened because we could not see the system running in the background. The second story happened because it was exposed.” Comparing both experiences reveals an important distinction between great guest experiences and visible operational friction. Behind every magical moment is a carefully designed system working out of sight. When those systems remain hidden, hospitality feels seamless. When guests see the operational obstacles instead of the solution, the experience becomes less memorable for the right reasons. Designing invisible support systems is just as important as training frontline team members. A new appreciation for families “I have a newfound level of respect and appreciation, having now been through that myself with my family.” Reflecting on the trip, Josh shares how experiencing a theme park as a parent provided an entirely different perspective. From navigating airports to managing young children throughout the day, the experience reinforced the effort many families invest simply to arrive at an attraction. That realization also deepened his appreciation for families facing even greater challenges, reminding attraction professionals that every guest arrives with a unique story and deserves empathy throughout their visit.   These stories demonstrate that the most memorable guest experiences often come from the people and systems working behind the scenes to make hospitality feel effortless.   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

In this episode, we revisit the topic of biblical hospitality with a focus on practical application. We discuss simple ways to make hospitality a regular part of life, how to practice it in different seasons, how to include children in welcoming others, and how to steward our time and homes to create space for meaningful relationships.Hospitality does not require a perfect home, elaborate meals, or endless free time. It begins with a willingness to make room for others and use what God has given us for the good of those around us.ResourcesEpisode 9: The Simplest Way to Change the World: Biblical HospitalityDefined DishHalf Baked HarvestRun Fast, Cook Fast, Eat SlowIna Garten Memoir: Be Ready When the Luck Happens

Episode SummaryWhat really changes between nonprofit and for-profit senior living sales—and what stays exactly the same?In this episode of Connecting the Dots, I sit down with Bri Stewart, VP of Sales Operations at Watercrest Senior Living, to explore the unique challenges and opportunities of leading sales across both models. Drawing from her experience in hospitality, nonprofit Life Plan Communities (CCRCs), and for-profit senior living, Bri explains why great sales isn't about pressure—it's about trust, emotional intelligence, and putting people first.We discuss how sales cycles differ between CCRCs and rental communities, why hospitality is reshaping the resident experience, how technology can strengthen—not replace—relationships, and why leaders who focus on people ultimately see the strongest business results.Whether you're a sales counselor, executive director, regional leader, or operator, this conversation offers practical insights for growing occupancy while staying true to your mission and culture.About Bri StewartBri Stewart is the Vice President of Sales Operations at Watercrest Senior Living. With leadership experience spanning hospitality, nonprofit Life Plan Communities, for-profit senior living, consulting, and private equity, Bri specializes in building high-performing sales cultures that scale revenue without sacrificing identity. Her leadership philosophy combines operational excellence with emotional intelligence, helping teams create meaningful relationships that drive both occupancy and resident satisfaction.Timestamps1:32 – Bri's journey from hospitality to senior living6:20 – Lessons learned across nonprofit and for-profit organizations9:00 – Why emotional intelligence matters more than sales scripts11:25 – Listening as a competitive advantage11:55 – Technology that helps sales teams stay present15:02 – Nonprofit vs. for-profit sales: the biggest differences18:55 – Building trust through financial conversations19:37 – Becoming a trusted advisor, not just a salesperson23:37 – “Hunter with a heart”: balancing empathy and accountability28:36 – Hospitality, service recovery, and keeping your brand promise31:23 – Technology adoption: why nonprofit organizations often move differently35:41 – Scaling revenue without sacrificing your people-first culture37:47 – Closing thoughtsKey TakeawaysThe fundamentals of senior living sales are the same regardless of ownership model: build trust, listen well, and become a trusted advisor.Nonprofit CCRCs require longer sales cycles, greater financial planning conversations, and patient relationship-building.Rental communities often involve more urgency, requiring exceptional service delivery and rapid recovery when issues arise.Hospitality principles are becoming a competitive differentiator across senior living.Technology should remove administrative work so sales professionals can be more present with prospects—not replace the human connection.The best leaders focus on people first because sustainable financial results naturally follow.

273 | Samuel und Alex dekodieren das Geschäftsmodell der FIFA und brainstormen Geschäftsideen: Eine YouTube Talentschmiede, Alpen Hotel Roll-Up und ein Familien-Concierge in WhatsappPartner dieser Folge:sevdesk.deUpgrade deine Buchhaltung! Rabatt auf den Jahrestarif mit 60% auf die gesamte Vertragslaufzeit bei 12 und 24 Monaten: OPTIMISTEN6060% auf die ersten 3 Monate bei Monatstarifen: OPTIMISTEN3M https://sevdesk.de/digitale-optimisten/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=er_digitale-optimisten_q2_2026_#1Mach das 1-minütige Quiz und finde eine Geschäftsidee, die zu dir passt: digitaleoptimisten.de/quiz.Kapitel(00:00) Intro(03:08) Das sympathische Geschäftsmodell der FIFA(14:30) Deutsches Startup: Putzt deine Wohnung gratis gegen deine Daten(22:58) Wearables floppen(32:04) AI doch kein Jobkiller?(37:36) YouTube Talentschmiede Oli Samwer-Style(47:24) Geschäftsidee von Alex: Mila - Familien Concierge in Whatsapp(54:28) Geschäftsidee von Samuel: Alpine RetreatsSo erreichst du uns:Sprachnachricht senden: https://www.speakpipe.com/digitaleoptimistenEmail schreiben: alexander@digitaleoptimisten.deLearningsDrei Säulen des FIFA-Geschäftsmodells: Broadcasting Rights, Ticketing & Hospitality sowie Marketing Partnerships dominieren die Einnahmen. Broadcasting Rights liegen bei 5,3 Milliarden, Ticketing und Hospitality bei 3,6 Milliarden, Marketing Partnerships bei 3,3 Milliarden; zusammen werden in der Periode rund 13 Milliarden umgesetzt. Host Cities tragen Infrastrukturkosten, die FIFA organisiert das Event komplett und erhält das Upside; die Host Cities erhalten in dem Modell nicht proportional etwas zurück. Datenschutz dominiert datengetriebene Modelle. Ein Aachener Startup sammelt Daten durch Kameras bei einer kostenlosen Wohnungsreinigungsdienstleistung, um AI zu trainieren. Die Praxis greift das Google-Playbook „Daten gegen Daten“ auf und wirft Privatsphären-Fragen auf; in Europa wird über strengere Datenschutzregeln diskutiert. Hypothese: Datenschutzregeln könnten künftig stärker regulieren, was Datenzugang für neue Geschäftsmodelle bedeutet; Unternehmen müssen damit rechnen und ihre Modelle entsprechend planen. Mila: Familien-Concierge im WhatsApp-Chat. Mila bietet einen dreiteiligen Family-Concierge im WhatsApp-Chat: Kalenderpflege, Einkaufs- und Aufgabenmanagement, Reminders. Der Plan sieht vor, das als Minimalprodukt mit wenigen Features über Chatbots (WAPI.cloud/WAPFLY) und Make.com zu prototypen; Ziel ist eine einfache, alltagstaugliche Koordination mit minimalem Setup. Konkrete Umsetzungspfade liefern die vorgestellten Tools und der Vorschlag, den Chat als zentrale Koordinationsschnittstelle zu nutzen. Roll-Up-Strategie alpine Hotels. In der Schweiz könnten 30 bis 50 alpine Hotels durch fehlende Nachfolger schließen; eine Roll-Up-Nachfolgestrategie wird so zu einem potenziell skalierbaren Muster. Der Plan: Erstes Hotel kaufen, Blaupause bauen, Backend konsolidieren und AI nutzen, um Effizienz über mehrere Häuser zu steigern; spätere Expansion unter einer oder mehreren Marken. Finanzierung erfolgt über operative Gesellschaft und Immobiliengesellschaft, mit Hypotheken und Verkäuferdarlehen; Ziel ist, durch Consolidation Rentabilität und Skalierung über 10 bis 20 Hotels zu erreichen.KeywordsFIFA GeschäftsmodellAutonomes FahrenMila FamilienconciergeAlpine Retreats Roll-UpHeat Angel AppFIFA Umsatz Weltmeisterschaft ZyklusMila WhatsApp Chat KonzeptAlpine Hotels NachfolgefinanzierungHeat Angel Datenschutz NutzungSmart Glasses Privatsphäre Use CasesÜbertragungsrechte FIFANachfolge Roll-Up Strategie Alpine Hotels

Take Home Notes Jesus sends ordinary people to do extraordinary things. We do not go alone. Christ goes before us and with us. The first gift we offer others is peace. Hospitality and welcome are part of sharing the Gospel. God can use simple acts of kindness to prepare the way for Christ. Weekly Takeaway This week, ask yourself: "How can I bring the peace of Christ into the places and people I encounter?" Short Closing Line Carry peace. Offer welcome. Make room for Christ to be known.

Get a blessing by hearing the latest teaching from one of the services at Faith and Truth Assembly!

AMY WOOD, Pastor of Hospitality and Justice / Fifth Sunday of Summertide / 1 Samuel 13.5-14

Hospitality Edan Lira Download

By Brandon Zollner - Why is hospitality important? Two biblical examples that shows radical hospitality.

Subscribe to This Week in Hospitality wherever you get you podcasts: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5oPExA0txHMjEI5Ye13IUy Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-hospitality/id1849637233 Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWeekinHospitality   James McBride, Co-Founder & CEO of NIHI Hotels, joins the core four for a wide-ranging conversation on what it actually takes to build a legendary independent hospitality brand — from the jungles of Sumba to the halls of the Ritz-Carlton. James traces his career across some of the most storied names in luxury hospitality — Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood, the Carlisle, YTL — before partnering with Chris Burch to build NIHI Sumba, now widely regarded as one of the world's most exceptional and emotionally resonant hotel experiences. He breaks down the difference between operating inside a behemoth brand versus building something from scratch, and what it really costs — personally and professionally — to go independent. The conversation covers demand creation in the pre-algorithm era (think hot cookies at Malaysian airports and a chef moonlighting as a "technology butler"), how a yoga teacher ran NIHI's Instagram for its first five years, and why NIHI's most viral post — horses casting shadows on a beach at sunset — gets mistaken for AI-generated content daily. James also shares his philosophy on guerrilla marketing, the power of generosity as a brand strategy, and why scarcity may be the most underutilized asset in luxury hospitality today. On the business side, James gets candid about partner selection, equity, the emotional toll of betting on yourself, and what independent operators consistently get wrong: great product, poor storytelling. He argues that the GM running a flagged property matters more than the flag itself — that soul can't be systemized, only lived. A masterclass in brand building, emotional hospitality, and the courage it takes to build something the world hasn't seen yet.   Your Hosts: Zach Busekrus — Journey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbusekrus/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestays/   Scott Eddy — Global Travel & Hospitality Expert @MrScottEddy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrscotteddy/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrscotteddy/   Ben Wolff — Founder of Onera & Oasi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wolff/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambenwolff/   Edwin Kramer — Luxury Hotelier Consultant & Former GM LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinckramer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwinkramer/

Sara and Paul from Lake City CW Farm tell their Catholic Worker journey from college to Duluth to building their strawbale house and creating a thriving kombucha business while raising a family, providing hospitality and jobs, rebuilding the soil through regenerative agriculture, and tasting the variety of flavors provided by the Driftless region of SE Minnesota.

I have noticed a lot of noise in the industry. The coffee shop and its owner are the targets of a crushing and never ending stream of marketing that does not care about your success, but only moving units. The uncertainty that was supposed to be solved, is made worse, and the simple desire to serve coffee professionally, gets over complicated. No wonder we burn out so often.   Today on Shift Break we will be talking about how simplicity is the best strategy for any coffee shop and is worth establishing as a central pillar of the business so you can navigate the pressured environment of entrepreneurship and build something on a stable foundation.     REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES!  Build a Stronger Coffee Shop: One Step at a Time Great coffee shops don't happen by accident. They are built by hiring the right people, training them well, and leading them with clarity and consistency. In this live three-part Summer Webinar Series, Chris Deferio shares the practical systems and coaching insights that have helped coffee businesses build stronger teams, healthier cultures, and more resilient operations. Each webinar includes: Live instruction and Q&A PDF workbook One hour of virtual consulting for each live attendee Lifetime access to the recording Register for the individual sessions that fit your current needs, or scroll down to save 20% on the complete Summer Webinar Series. REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES!    Sign up for 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email chris@keystothshop.com OR... book a free call now to talk about working together https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Related episodes: 421: Encore Episode: Simple, Powerful, Hospitality w/ Philip Paul Turner Keep Systems Simple! Founder Friday! w/ Amos Gillespie of Wheelhouse Coffee, Kentville, Nova Scotia, CA Menu Simplicity as Hospitality

This is a Vintage episode from 2010.This show was recorded in 2010 and discusses a high fructose corn syrup study in rats. The current human evidence does not support the Princeton rat-study implication that high fructose corn syrup is uniquely more fattening than sucrose, but excess added sugar in our food supply, as well as obesity, are still of concern today. Why This Episode MattersFred Harvey built one of America's first national hospitality systems, proving that restaurants could scale without abandoning quality, standards, or service.The Harvey organization changed railroad dining from a punchline into a disciplined operation built on fresh ingredients, trained staff, speed, and consistency.Stephen Fried's story connects restaurants to railroads, tourism, the Grand Canyon, Native American art markets, and the development of the American West.Mark Pascal and Francis Schott draw clear connections between Harvey's 19th-century service systems and the invisible cues still used in fine dining today.BanterMark and Francis begin with a discussion of a then-new Princeton study on high fructose corn syrup and weight gain. Francis uses the study to talk about how new food ingredients enter the American marketplace, while Mark argues that the rise of high fructose corn syrup seems difficult to separate from broader changes in the American diet and health.The ConversationStephen Fried joins The Restaurant Guys to discuss Appetite for America, his book about Fred Harvey and the railroad hospitality empire that helped shape dining in the American West. After years of eating terrible food while working around the railroads, Harvey began building trackside restaurants along the Santa Fe Railway. What started as a practical solution for hungry passengers became a national hospitality organization built on fresh ingredients, systems, and service.Stephen explains how Harvey's restaurants served high-quality meals during short train stops, using railroad logistics and refrigerator cars to bring fresh fish, steaks, imported ingredients, and regional specialties to places where good dining was rare.The conversation also explores the Harvey Girls, the trained female workforce that became central to the company's identity and service model. Their precision, speed, and hospitality helped define the Fred Harvey standard.Stephen also discusses the company's role in building American tourism, especially at the Grand Canyon and throughout the Southwest, and addresses its complex relationship with Native American art and culture. After the interview, Mark  and Francis reflect on the “magic” of restaurant service: the invisible signals, staff communication, and hospitality systems that make guests feel known without exposing the machinery behind the experience.Guest BioStephen Fried is an award-winning investigative journalist, essayist, author, and adjunct professor at Columbia University. His book Appetite for America tells the story of Fred Harvey, the entrepreneur whose restaurants, hotels, dining rooms, retail operations, and tourism ventures helped define American hospitality along the Santa Fe Railway and across the West.Timestamps00:00 Mark and Francis discuss a Princeton study on high fructose corn syrup.08:00 Stephen Fried joins the show to talk about Appetite for America and Fred Harvey's railroad hospitality empire.13:00 Fresh ingredients, regional cooking, refrigerator cars, and the surprising sophistication of Harvey's menus.17:00 How the company expanded into hotels, retail, dining cars, the Grand Canyon, and American tourism.21:00 Fred Harvey's relationship with Native American art, commerce, and Southwestern tourism.25:00 The hidden difficulty of running hospitality businesses and the systems Harvey used to maintain standards.33:00 The Harvey Girls, women in hospitality, 37:00 The “cup code,” table signals, fresh coffee, fast service, and the invisible systems behind great hospitality.46:00 Why the Harvey empire failed to become the next Howard Johnson or Hilton.50:00 Mark and Francis reflect on restaurant tells, hospitality magic, and America's contribution to restaurant service.InfoStephen's bookAppetite for America: How Visionary Businessman Fred Harvey Built a Railroad Hospitality Empire That Civilized the Wild West Princeton HFCS study & articlehttps://www.princeton.edu/news/2010/03/22/sweet-problem-princeton-researchers-find-high-fructose-corn-syrup-promptshttps://paw.princeton.edu/article/study-high-fructose-corn-syrup-stirs-criticsOprah suedhttps://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv/articles/why-us-beef-industry-once-213000339.htmlIf you want a chance to get two tickets to our Bourbon, Beer & Beefsteak and live recording with Sother Teague and Jack McGarry in New Orleans on July 21, 2026,sign up to be a Restaurant Guys Regular (our paid subscribers) here  https://restaurantguysregulars.buzzsprout.com/ Then email TheGuys@restaurantguyspodcast.com. Put "beefsteak" in the subject line. We'll pick the winner and let you Subscribe: Restaurant Guys' Regularhttps://restaurantguysregulars.buzzsprout.com/Magyar Bankhttps://www.magbank.com/Stage Left Wine Shophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Our PlacesStage Left Steakhttps://www.stageleft.com/Catherine Lombardi Restauranthttps://www.catherinelombardi.com/Stage Left Wineshophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/Reach Out to The Guys!TheGuys@restaurantguyspodcast.com

1 Timothy 5:9-16 (ESV)Andrew, Isack, and Edwin discuss what good works look like by considering the kinds of good works enrolled widows need a reputation for.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=26124The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

The latest jobs report may be one of the most important of the year.While unemployment appeared to improve, the underlying numbers tell a very different story. In this week's Brief, Kenny Simpson explains why this report could change the conversation around interest rates and the economy. In this episode, we cover:• Why only 57,000 jobs were added• Why 720,000 Americans stopped looking for work• Downward revisions to April and May employment data• Hospitality job losses• Labor force participation trends• Why the Federal Reserve may shift toward rate cuts• What this means for mortgage rates and the housing marketIf you're watching mortgage rates, the economy, or the housing market, this is one jobs report you shouldn't ignore.

Angel Studios https://Angel.com/TODD Storm the theaters and help make Young Washington the #1 movie in America. Join the Angel Guild today for $15/month and receive two free tickets to see Young Washington this Independence Day. Absolute Ministries https://AMgive.org/TODD Your gift helps people overcome addiction, find hope and purpose, and experience lasting change through a Christ-centered system of care. Together, we can support sustainable transformation that goes far beyond temporary sobriety.  Alan's Soap https://AlansSoaps.com/Todd  Honor John's memory and the legacy he created for Ian and Alan with Alan's Artisan Soaps “John's Favorites” bundle.  Get one bar of each of his favorites for only $28.99.  Bulwark Capital https://KnowYourRiskPodcast.com Be confident in your portfolio with Bulwark! Schedule your free Know Your Risk Portfolio review. Go to KnowYourRiskPodcast.com today.  Renue Healthcare https://Renue.Healthcare/Todd Your journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare. Visit https://Renue.Healthcare/Todd  Bonefrog https://BonefrogCoffee.com/Todd Get the new limited release, The Sisterhood, created to honor the extraordinary women behind the heroes. Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.The Economist admitted it. The World Cup being hosted in America has caused the scales to fall from European's eyes. They understand that America really is the best.Europe buys the future, America builds it; Does that matter? A high-stakes transatlantic spat has erupted over GDP figuresBuc-ee's & Cowboy Culture – Sweden fan raving about Buc-ee's, beef jerky, and cowboy hats in Houston England Fan Goes Full Texas – UK/England fan in Texas loving the beer, hospitality, and Texas BBQ at Slow Bone. Scotland Fans Party in Boston – Tartan Army taking over Boston Harbor with singing and vibes. European Fans on American Food & Portions – Compilation-style reactions to Buc-ee's, brisket, and massive servingsScotland Fans Sing US Anthem – Scotland supporters singing the US national anthem in BostonEngland & Ghana Fans Dancing Together – Cross-cultural party vibes in Dallas.England Fan on Hospitality & BBQ – “Hospitality's been amazing… best beef I've had in my life.”Scotland Tartan Army Welcome – Positive interactions and calls for return visits.Video Link: orig published 062526

The Tim Conway Jr. Show Hour 3 (7.6) Lou Penrose fills in for Tim Conway Jr. and opens with a feel-good phenomenon blowing up online: Europeans are stunned by American hospitality. Instead of the rudeness they were told to expect, tourists are discovering a warm, welcoming culture — and it's sparking massive debate. A German man literally cried, having been made to believe the U.S. was unsafe and nothing but shootings. Turns out Americans aren't rude at all. Have you ever picked up the tab for a stranger? The viral wave rolls on: strangers are covering the bills of international travelers, from an Irish couple to that German guy who now LOVES America. Europeans are gushing over everyday Americana — gas station culture, diners, the works. Meanwhile, Team USA crashes out of the World Cup Round of 16 alongside hosts Mexico and Canada. And Kraft cashes in on the World Cup ranch-dressing craze with a limited-edition "TSA-Compliant Ranch" travel kit. Plus Lou does the French fry math — 46 in a small, 62 in a medium, 100 in a large — and the verdict is clear: always go large. Then Lou looks at the stars. Mount Rushmore's 250th anniversary, the USAF Academy Band steals the holiday weekend, and scientists spotlight a new Earth-like planet just 25 light-years away sitting in the "Goldilocks Zone" — not too hot, not too cold, just right for liquid water and maybe life. Plus, a food-safety reality check: the 2-hour rule, the bacteria "danger zone," and why that "sell-by" date isn't what you think. And Domino's "Best Deal Ever" — ANY pizza, any toppings, $9.99. Are you getting crazy with your toppings? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest will join the Restaurant Unstoppable Network for a live Q+A on August 3rd, 2026 at 11AM EST. To join us and engage with all our guests and events, go to restaurantunstoppable.com/live -OR- to just catch today's guest, head over to restaurantunstoppable.com/cwe and we will get you a link to join that specific event for FREE! Molly Irani is the cofounder and chief culture officer of the James Beard Award-winning Chai Pani Restaurant Group in Asheville, North Carolina. She has helped shape the company's celebrated hospitality, community-minded culture, and people-first management style. Molly is also the author of Service Ready: A Story of Love, Restaurants, and the Power of Hospitality, and she lives in Asheville with her husband and business partner, Meherwan Irani. Join RULibrary: www.restaurantunstoppable.com/RULibrary Join RULive: www.restaurantunstoppable.com/live Set Up your RUEvolve 1:1: www.restaurantunstoppable.com/evolve Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/restaurantunstoppable Subscribe to our email newsletter: https://www.restaurantunstoppable.com/ Today's sponsors: - https://www.hermetic.ai/ Hermetic.ai Private event leads die in inboxes every day. Mia fixes that. She's an AI agent that responds within seconds, handles the back-and-forth, and fills your event calendar — automatically. Fully integrated in under 10 minutes. Head to hermetic.ai and put her to work. - Workstream is the #1 payroll, hiring, & HR platform built for restaurants. 46 of the top 50 restaurant brands trust Workstream to hire faster, stay compliant, and run payroll accurately across every location. Visit http://workstream.us/unstoppable for 3 months of FREE payroll. - Restaurant Technologies — the leader in automated cooking oil management. Their Total Oil Management solution is an end-to-end closed loop automated system that delivers, monitors, filters, collects, and recycles your cooking oil eliminating one of the dirtiest jobs in the kitchen.. Automate your oil and elevate your kitchen by visiting rti-inc.com or call 888-779-5314 to get started! - US Foods®. Running a restaurant takes MORE than great food—it takes reliable deliveries, quality products, and smart tools. US Foods® helps you make it. Ready to level up? Visit: usfoods.com/expectmore. - Today's guest recommends:  Toast Restaurant 365 Guest contact info:  Website: https://www.chaipanirestaurantgroup.com/ Thanks for listening! Rate the podcast, subscribe, and share!