Restaurant And Hospitality News – July 27, 2015
By Christine Kern, contributing writer
In news this week, New York Fast Food Wage Board passes a landmark minimum wage ruling; augmented reality can provide the next level of innovation for hoteliers to draw in customers ; and Dave & Buster’s takes gaming mobile.
New York Fast Food Wage Board Recommends Phasing In $15 Hourly Minimum Wage
The Nation’s Restaurant News reported that the New York Fast Food Wage Board has voted to phase in a tiered $15 hourly minimum wage for restaurants that operate more than 30 units. This creates a faster transition for New York City operators than for those in the rest of the state. It also marks the first state law to increase the minimum wage for a single segment of the workforce, according to WSKG News. The vote was unanimous. The requirement for New York City is set to take effect on December 31, 2018, meaning that workers will not feel the full effects of the phase in until 2019. The phase in will apply to workers across the rest of the state by July of 2021. Governor Cuomo predicted that other states will follow New York’s lead and adopt a $15 hourly minimum wage. The decision is not sitting well with many in the restaurant industry. Ken Pokalsky, of the State’s Business Council, predicted that the new rules will speed up a growing trend, that of automation of many fast food services, including kiosk-based ordering and automatic drink filling. The state’s restaurant association has called the ruling an “extremist policy” that singles out one sector of the industry and has alleged that the wage board was stacked against them. “Today's New York wage board decision to discriminate against the quick-service food industry will cost jobs and potentially cause small businesses to close,” said Steve Caldeira, president and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “Applying a new mandatory minimum wage increase to a narrow group of businesses creates an un-level playing field for owners that provide important entry level jobs and valuable experience for millions of workers across the state of New York. If Governor Cuomo wishes to advance a wage increase, it should cover all of New York’s businesses, not just a select few,” he said.
Augmented Reality as a Tool for Hoteliers
This article from ehotelier.com examines how hotels can employ augmented reality as a tool to bolster their existing marketing efforts. Some hotels have already begun to incorporate virtual reality technology, as demonstrated by Thomas Cook’s ‘Try Before You Fly” Campaign, and Marriott’s ‘Teleporter” campaign, both of which promote travel via virtual reality. Now, hotels should begin to explore the possibilities that augmented reality can offer. It can be an extension of your concierge, provide increased convenience, and provide the next generation of pamphlets, the article explains.
The most important thing that augmented reality offers hotels,” the author states, “is the image that the hotel is on the cutting-edge of innovation. Using augmented reality will show guests that a hotel is doing everything in its power to satisfy their technology needs.”
Dave & Buster’s Takes Gaming Mobile
Dave & Buster’s, the restaurant-and-arcade chain designed for adults, has made the leap to mobile gaming by making three of its branded mobile games available for free download on Android and iOS. The three games are Big Bass Wheel, Speed of Light, and Tippin’ Blocs. Kevin Bachus, co-creator of Microsoft’s original Xbox, is behind the move. He joined the chain in 2012 to help move the chain’s arcade experience to a new multiplatform level. He told Venture Beat, “We wanted to enhance our in-store experience by providing a virtual experience. Now guests can keep the Dave & Buster’s fun going even when they’re not at our restaurant. They can download these new mobile games and win tickets to redeem for prizes on their next visit.” He explained, “We didn’t just put an arcade game on your phone; we made these games feel ‘native’ to mobile. These games are about more than winning tickets – these are really good, really fun games you will want to play.” Dave & Buster’s operates 76 restaurants nationwide that combine arcade fun and food for the adult crowd. “It’s a smart model,” Stephen Baer, managing partner at The Gaming Agency, a digital marketing agency that specializes in games and mobile apps, not associated with Dave & Buster’s apps, told DigiDay. “If you can get someone into retail via an app, it’s a huge success, and it builds loyalty to the Dave & Buster’s brand.”