Restaurant And Hospitality News – April 13, 2015
By Christine Kern, contributing writer
Radisson Blu Aqua Unveils New Blu Art App
Hotel Business reports that hotels are jumping on the app bandwagon to appeal to guests in a variety of ways. The Radisson Blue Aqua Hotel, Chicago has recently released an app that allows guests to take a self-guided tour of the hotel’s art exhibited in the lobby and permanent art gallery. The curated, cultural tour provides background on the pieces in the art collection and the hotel’s design. Pierre-Louis Giacotto, general manager of the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago, explained, “Our guests seek interactive learning experiences, and we wanted to develop an app to engage travelers in search of a more immersive hotel stay. One of the convenience of using your mobile device for travel is the ability to do it yourself, and the Art of Blu app offers guests a seamless way to learn about the hotel and the history of Chicago through the art featured within the hotel.” The app is free and available for download at the App Store, Google Play, or iTunes.
Taco Bell Hopes To Test Delivery Service In 2015
According to Payments.com, Taco Bell is investigating the possibility of testing a delivery service sometime in 2015, though the details have not yet been worked out. “Even though [delivery] is the No. 1 request from consumers, we have to make sure we can give them an experience that’s consistent with Taco Bell, and that’s what we’re working through,” Taco Bell CEO Brian Niccol told Nation’s Restaurant News. “We have to figure it out, and I can tell you right now we don’t have it figured out.” As the chain investigates the possibilities, it has introduced a catering experiment in the Houston market, with plans to expand the service to other areas later in the year. Niccol predicted that the catering trial would extend “well beyond the handful of test markets.” Other plans for the chain include the introduction of a new loyalty plan designed for deeper digital engagement with customers.
Domino’s Has Become A Techno-Driven Machine
Recently, Domino’s has announced a string of changes that has transformed it into something resembling more of a technology company than a quick-service restaurant, according to Digiday. From the introduction of Dom, the voice ordering system, or the ability to order via Smartwatch, Ford’s connected Sync system, or even from your Samsung TV, Domino’s has it covered. This is all part of what Domino’s calls its “Anyware” program, and the company isn’t done yet. Dennis Maloney, vp of multimedia marketing at Dominos, explained, “The platform story is part of our broader tech story. We’re starting to think of ourselves as an e-commerce company that sells pizza. So we can take a few more risks and lean forward a little more. E-commerce companies move fast and launch stuff and learn along the way.” And this is perhaps part of the strategy behind the chain’s recent name change, from “Domino’s Pizza” to just “Domino’s,” “because we sell much more than just pizza.” Apparently, they are also selling technology.
The Rise of the Hotelfie (Hotel Selfie) And Why Hotels Need To Encourage Them
This article from eHotelier highlights the importance of the Hotelfie in helping to brand and market your hotel. Based on the explosion of “selfies” and “usies” on social media, the concept of the Hotelfie (Hotel selfies, or photos taken on vacation at the hotel) is gaining ground. Hotels need to start capitalizing on the trend, leveraging it to their advantage. According to eHotelier, a study of social media habits conducted by research firm YouGov demonstrated that one-quarter of Americans post a photo of themselves within an hour of arrival at their vacation destinations. It also found that 64 percent retake photos in order to ensure that they will garner “likes” on social media. This means that hotels can take advantage of the trend to further their marketing base, letting their guests do their digital marketing for them. Whether their guests are showing off their tans, cocktails, food, or scenery, hotels should encourage their visitors to tag them in the Hotelfies for maximum exposure.