Restaurant And Hospitality News Roundup – October 20, 2014
By Christine Kern, contributing writer
In news this week, Starbucks uses Cloud technology to manage innovation and keep their edge, Schlotzky’s is focused on mobile loyalty and millennials, and a new business diners’ survey finds Olive Garden at the top. Meanwhile, Radisson Blu rolls out #BlueRoutes for fitness-conscious travelers, and Amadeus announces its first North American Hackathon.
Cloud Technology Helps Starbucks Manage Innovation
This article from Computer Weekly discusses how Starbucks has adopted a host of cloud services to address its IT innovative strategies and disruptive technologies in order to maintain its competitive edge. As Robert Teagle, Starbucks Coffee’s EMEA IT director explains in the article, “Technology on its own won’t result in great innovations. It must be places as part of overall business processes.”
How Schlotzsky’s Focuses On Mobile Loyalty and Millennials
This interview with Schlotzsky’s CMO Mark Mears from The Nation’s Restaurant News is part of a monthly series examining how leading executives are making their way through the ever-changing landscape of restaurant marketing. Mears discusses brand turnaround, emphasis on digital and mobile marketing, competition in the marketplace, and the role of millennials for the industry.
Olive Garden Earns Business Diners' Top Rating
CNBC reported that the results are in from the latest new set of restaurant rankings, provided by Certify. This report rates restaurants by analyzing several million business travelers’ receipts dated from July to September. The top five restaurants were Olive Garden, with an average rating of 4.5 stars out of five, followed by Chick-fil-A. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Panera Bread, and Dunkin’ Donuts, according to the report.
Radisson Blu Introduces #BluRoutes For Fitness Enthusiasts
According to eHotelier.com, Radisson Blu has introduced #BluRoutes, a new program that may be accessed via the Radisson Blu One Touch app. It provides one or more local running and cycling routes of varying length and difficulty to guests at select hotels to help them maintain their normal exercise routines while traveling.
Amadeus to Host Hackathon Focused on Shaping the Future of Travel
According to Hotel News Resource, Amadeus has announced its first North American Hackathon, Amadeus HACK@1050, designed to bring together developers and visionaries in an effort to develop innovations to propel the travel industry forward. The Hackathon is scheduled for November 7-9, 2014, at Amadeus’ new Research and Development Center in Waltham, Massachusetts. The free three-day event is open to college students, professionals, and hackers. Teams of three to five participants will compete for a total of over $30,000 in cash prizes for solving one of four travel industry challenges.