Restaurants in Canada's biggest city are taking advantage of being near some of the best growing regions in the world, explains local chef Brad Long. With nearly 2 million acres of protected green space surrounding the city, and swaths of farmland beyond that, there are spectacular areas to pasture animals, grow cash crops and produce more delicate items, Mr. Long says.
An increasing availability of great ingredients is one of the reasons the Canadian-born chef believes Toronto restaurants are coming into their own. "Until recently we tried to be like other places," Mr. Long says. "Now I find Toronto comfortable being Toronto."
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Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Southern Portugal is the location for first six-star service hotel in Europe
PORTUGAL (eTN) - For the wealthy, it seems that five-stars simply aren’t enough when it comes to staying in a hotel. Butlers, Bentleys, and caviar are “de rigueur” and pampering to the needs of guests who have everything are self-proclaimed seven-star properties like the Town House Galleria in Milan, and Dubai’s Burj Al Arab Hotel. The seven-stars rate, like the half dozen, doesn’t officially exist. But the lure of bedding down for the night at a famously prestigious address is undeniably compelling.
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16% rise in hotel guests staying in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has recorded a 16 percent year-on-year rise in the number of hotel guests during the first ten months of this year, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) said on Tuesday.
Between January and October 2010, the number of guests who stayed in the UAE capital’s 118 hotels and hotel apartments reached 1,477,978, the ADTA data revealed.
Johnny Rockets Restaurant to Open on Allure of the Seas
Johnny Rockets announced it will open a location on board Royal Caribbean International's newest ship, Allure of the Seas. The new restaurant will give guests yet another dining option on the world's largest cruise ship, which boasts more than 20 dining venues from restaurants to coffee shops.
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Batali Accuses Workers’ Group of Harassment
A federal judge has ordered Restaurant Opportunities Center of New York to avoid contact with Mario Batali’s restaurants during litigation between the two parties.
The advocacy group for restaurant workers helped 27 current and former workers file a suit against Batali’s acclaimed Del Posto restaurant in October seeking owed wages and tips. Since then the group has been holding regular protests outside of the Chelsea restaurant.
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The advocacy group for restaurant workers helped 27 current and former workers file a suit against Batali’s acclaimed Del Posto restaurant in October seeking owed wages and tips. Since then the group has been holding regular protests outside of the Chelsea restaurant.
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Famous Brands buys O’Hagans
Franchise company Famous Brands has almost doubled its exposure to the pub-restaurant sector it only bought into three months ago, with the purchase of 26 O'Hagans pubs from owner John Weir-Smith.
The 26 O'Hagan's outlets -- 22 in South Africa, one in Botswana, one in Zambia and two in Zimbabwe -- for which Famous Brands only said it paid "less than 0,5%" of its R4bn-odd market capitalisation, adds to the 32 Keg and McGinty's operations in the portfolio the company bought in August.
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The 26 O'Hagan's outlets -- 22 in South Africa, one in Botswana, one in Zambia and two in Zimbabwe -- for which Famous Brands only said it paid "less than 0,5%" of its R4bn-odd market capitalisation, adds to the 32 Keg and McGinty's operations in the portfolio the company bought in August.
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Morgans Hotel Retains Search Firm As It Seeks New CEO
Morgans Hotel Group Co. (MHGC) is seeking a successor for Chief Executive Fred Kleisner, whose contract expires at year's end but is willing to remain on board past then if need be.
The luxury hotel operator has retained an executive-search firm to assist its search committee in the process. Chairman David Hamamoto said the company is "considering a number of highly qualified candidates."
Morgans and an equity partner own the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
Kleisner served as CEO of Wyndham International from March 2000 to March 2005. Prior experience includes senior roles at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. (HOT) and a series of other major lodging companies.
Morgans has posted red ink on an annual basis for at least five years. The company's third-quarter loss was due to write-downs, masking improving operating results at its hotels amid a rebound in the travel sector.
The luxury hotel operator has retained an executive-search firm to assist its search committee in the process. Chairman David Hamamoto said the company is "considering a number of highly qualified candidates."
Morgans and an equity partner own the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
Kleisner served as CEO of Wyndham International from March 2000 to March 2005. Prior experience includes senior roles at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. (HOT) and a series of other major lodging companies.
Morgans has posted red ink on an annual basis for at least five years. The company's third-quarter loss was due to write-downs, masking improving operating results at its hotels amid a rebound in the travel sector.
Woman claims husband died due to Atlantis employees' negligence
A WIDOW has filed a wrongful death suit in a Florida court against Kerzner International alleging that her husband died because of negligence of employees at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island.
Toni Lynn Bell claims that her husband - who was having heart attack symptoms - waited nearly an hour for an ambulance to arrive after a desk clerk promised that a doctor was on the way to the couple's aid. She also alleges that the hotel's assistant manager impersonated a doctor when he came to her room about 45 minutes after she called the front desk for emergency help because her husband appeared to be having a heart attack.
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Toni Lynn Bell claims that her husband - who was having heart attack symptoms - waited nearly an hour for an ambulance to arrive after a desk clerk promised that a doctor was on the way to the couple's aid. She also alleges that the hotel's assistant manager impersonated a doctor when he came to her room about 45 minutes after she called the front desk for emergency help because her husband appeared to be having a heart attack.
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Monday, November 29, 2010
Irish KFC franchise posts after-tax losses of €469,722
THE COMPANY that operates the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) franchise across Ireland went into the red last year, sustaining after-tax losses of €469,722.
Documents just filed with the Companies Office show Herbel Restaurants (Ireland) Ltd recorded a 10 per cent drop in operating profits from €5.1 million to €4.6 million to the end of December last.
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Documents just filed with the Companies Office show Herbel Restaurants (Ireland) Ltd recorded a 10 per cent drop in operating profits from €5.1 million to €4.6 million to the end of December last.
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‘BAHA Career Investment Scholarships’ announced
(Hospitality Business News) At yesterday’s (25 November) 5th Annual Hospitality Finance Conference and Exhibition, BAHA – the UK’s leading educational organisation for professionals involved in financial management, revenue management and IT within the hospitality industry – announced and publicly recognised the first ever recipients of ‘BAHA Career Investment Scholarships’, awarded to outstanding young employees working in finance, revenue management or IT within the UK hospitality industry.
Nominated by senior practitioners within the profession, the five lucky winners of 2010 ‘BAHA Career Investment Scholarships’ – designed to provide career development for upcoming young people currently working in the hospitality industry – are: Kate Baudouin, Assistant Director of Finance at Grosvenor House (European flagship of JW Marriott), Park Lane, London; Daniel Bensusan, Finance Clerk, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Central London; Michelle Jump, Inventory Manager, Travelodge; Andrew Wells, Financial Controller, Macdonald Windsor Hotel (owned by Macdonald Hotels and Resorts) in Windsor, Berkshire; and Chantal Beukes, Sales Executive/Pipeline Coordinator, STR Global. The respective nominators were: Joanna Chugh, Director of Finance, Grosvenor House; Patrick Divall, Area Director of Finance England, Starwood Hotels & Resorts; Patricia Griffin, Regional Revenue Manager – Provincial, Travelodge; Barry Dawson, Hotels Finance Director, Macdonald Hotels; and Thomas Emanuel, Director of Sales, STR Global.
The scholarships afforded the five lucky winners – who had to be 30 years-old and under – an unique opportunity to learn from, be noticed and publicly recognised at, yesterday’s one-day BAHA Annual Conference and IT Exhibition, held at the Sofitel Hotel, London Heathrow at Terminal 5. Pictured from left to right at the prestigious event are: Kate Baudouin; Daniel Bensusan; Michelle Jump; Andrew Wells; and Chantal Beukes.
The prize for winning each of the five Scholarships comprised full-day attendance at the Conference and IT Exhibition – where the candidates’ outstanding achievements were officially and publicly recognised; as well as a place last night at the BAHA Conference Gala Dinner – one of the traditional social networking highlights of the hospitality industry year. And that’s not were it ended – each scholarship recipient will be now featured in BAHA’s monthly magazine ‘BAHA Times’’!
Commenting on the new awards, BAHA Chief Executive Carl Weldon said: “I would like to congratulate all five recipients and their nominators. The winners have each demonstrated, at an early stage in the careers, why they are very worthy recipients of these our first ever annual ‘BAHA Career Investment Scholarships’. Michelle Jump, for instance, won the ‘Travelodge Head Office Team Member of the Year’ award 2009 for her continued dedication, commitment and professionalism. She has been instrumental in a very impressive group growth of the company.
“The ‘BAHA Career Investment Scholarships’ gave the five winners an unrivalled chance to enhance their continuing professional development (CPD) at yesterday’s Conference. They were able to mix with senior delegates and learn from them as well as the comprehensive programme of highly topical ‘best-practice’ educational workshops and presentations, led by a distinguished array of speakers – all experts in their own fields – who addressed the most pressing current issues in hospitality finance, revenue management and IT.”
Operations analytics, looking at your establishment from a different perspective
Many innovative companies use lean operating principles on a daily basis. At Hillstone Restaurant Group, operators of Houston’s Restaurants, every move, abbreviations, and kitchen pickup time is scrutinized under a microscope. They manage to have 3-minute pickup times for appetizers, and 8-minute pickups for entrees, without precooking anything. They accomplish this by embracing the concept of lean production.
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Foreign Hacker Suspected in Seattle Restaurant Data Breach
Federal authorities now say the recent Seattle cyber attack was a much bigger crime than first believed. A U.S. Secret Service agent says more than 1,000 credit and debit cards may have been compromised.
The attack happened in late October, and the forensic trail leads overseas, officials say. Card data was stolen on Oct. 22 in a one-day attack by what authorities say for now was one hacker. The Seattle Capitol Hill area restaurant, Broadway Grill, appears to be ground zero for the attack. Secret Service agent Bob Kierstead of the Seattle Electronic Crimes Task Force says the overseas hacker who was able to access the network through Broadway Grill's system appears to have been able to leapfrog from the restaurant's access to a critical server in the transaction process, where account information was available.
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The attack happened in late October, and the forensic trail leads overseas, officials say. Card data was stolen on Oct. 22 in a one-day attack by what authorities say for now was one hacker. The Seattle Capitol Hill area restaurant, Broadway Grill, appears to be ground zero for the attack. Secret Service agent Bob Kierstead of the Seattle Electronic Crimes Task Force says the overseas hacker who was able to access the network through Broadway Grill's system appears to have been able to leapfrog from the restaurant's access to a critical server in the transaction process, where account information was available.
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Hooters of America in buyout talks
Private equity firm Wellspring Capital Management is in talks to buy Hooters of America Inc., franchiser of more than 400 beer, boobs and wings establishments throughout the world.
Fortune has learned that the process began nearly a year ago, with North Point Advisors representing the Atlanta-based company. No info yet on financial terms, although the company is believed to generate around $1 billion in annual revenue.
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Fortune has learned that the process began nearly a year ago, with North Point Advisors representing the Atlanta-based company. No info yet on financial terms, although the company is believed to generate around $1 billion in annual revenue.
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Senate Widens Its Probe Of Bare-Bones Health Plans .
WASHINGTON—A congressional committee is widening its investigation of bare-bones health-insurance policies to encompass potentially hundreds of plans offered by low-wage employers.
What started as a probe into McDonald's Corp.'s insurance plan for store workers is expanding into broad scrutiny of "mini-med" policies that could ensnare large mini-med carriers including Aetna Inc. and Cigna Corp.
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What started as a probe into McDonald's Corp.'s insurance plan for store workers is expanding into broad scrutiny of "mini-med" policies that could ensnare large mini-med carriers including Aetna Inc. and Cigna Corp.
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A gaze into the future of what travellers’ hotel experience will be like in 2020
A major new report, Hotels 2020: Beyond Segmentation, reveals the emerging behaviours and demands of the future hotel guest and what this means for the types of hotels we will see in the future.
The study commissioned by the chosen technology partner and transaction processor for the global travel and tourism industry, Amadeus and carried out by Fast Future Research reveals that the industry faces three major impacts in the next decade which it has to respond to:
· The long-term impact of the recession on travellers’ budgets
· The changing demands of an ageing Western population
· The shift of demand from Europe to emerging markets of Asia and beyond
The report also recognises the industry’s need to innovate and paints a picture of a future hotel featuring such innovations as intelligent furniture, personalized nutrition plans and responsive technologies that cater to individual guests needs. It highlights the new hotel models that may emerge such as invitation-only hotels, hotels co-branded with luxury brands, white-label hotels and catch-all hotel chains that will deliver one-star budget to six-star luxury hotel properties.
As well as looking to a future where increased choice, control and comfort are commonplace, the report acknowledges that the industry must respond to the demographic and economic changes in their guests circumstances.
With an ever aging population globally, hotel groups must consider layout, access issues and facilities to cater to the requirements of older holidaymakers. Additionally, it is predicted that there will be an increase in multi generational holidays, which will bring with herald its own set of requirements.
In addition to this, the report may have some good news for 2020’s business travellers. While currently hotels charge high rates for internet access, far from viewing it as a revenue stream, hotels may well be offering free wifi as standard in order to attract guests.
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Maureen McQuade Named Master of New England Innkeeping
(Hospitality Business News) Cape Elizabeth, Maine November 29, 2010………Maureen McQuade, former Innkeeper and owner of Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth Maine was awarded the prestigious title of Master of New England Innkeeping by New England Inns and Resorts Association (NEIRA) at their annual meeting held at the Stage Neck Inn and York Harbor Inn on October 23, 2010. The NEIRA program, launched in 2003, assigns Masters of New England Innkeeping to outstanding individuals who make a profound and lasting contribution to the culture of hospitality in the region.
NEIRA plans to award Masters’ titles to only twenty-five Innkeepers in order to preserve and archive a living culture of New England Innkeeping at its best over the last century.
Toowoomba Fiveways Hotel brings back topless waitresses
TOOWOOMBA’S religious leaders have condemned the return of topless waitressing to the city.
Patrons packed the Fiveways Hotel on Friday afternoon for the first appearance of the waitresses in more than six years.
But the popularity of the event has been matched by a growing chorus of opposition led by the city’s church leaders.
Garden City Baptist Church Senior Pastor Tim Bunch said the hotel’s promotion was further proof Toowoomba had gone “too far, too fast”.
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Patrons packed the Fiveways Hotel on Friday afternoon for the first appearance of the waitresses in more than six years.
But the popularity of the event has been matched by a growing chorus of opposition led by the city’s church leaders.
Garden City Baptist Church Senior Pastor Tim Bunch said the hotel’s promotion was further proof Toowoomba had gone “too far, too fast”.
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A burglar has walked off with a hotel cash register in broad daylight in Sandown.
Police say it is alleged someone went into the Parkbury Hotel on the Broadway and stole a cash register from behind the bar at approximately 2.30pm on Thursday, November 18, 2010.
The register contained approximately £100 in cash.
Investigating officer PC Rob Quick of the Isle of Wight's Targeted Patrol Teams (TPT) said: "This was a burglary carried out in broad daylight by someone who we believe knew exactly what they wanted to steal. Enquiries over the past week have established that the area around the hotel was busy with passing pedestrians and motorists. It's believed the burglar walked out of the hotel carrying the cash register. I'm appealing to anyone who may have noticed someone acting suspiciously near the Parkbury Hotel last Thursday afternoon to contact police."
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The register contained approximately £100 in cash.
Investigating officer PC Rob Quick of the Isle of Wight's Targeted Patrol Teams (TPT) said: "This was a burglary carried out in broad daylight by someone who we believe knew exactly what they wanted to steal. Enquiries over the past week have established that the area around the hotel was busy with passing pedestrians and motorists. It's believed the burglar walked out of the hotel carrying the cash register. I'm appealing to anyone who may have noticed someone acting suspiciously near the Parkbury Hotel last Thursday afternoon to contact police."
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Hot $99, 3-Day Cheap Vacations on JetBlue!
JetBlue just announced nine cheap vacation packages starting at $99 per person, including airfare and a 3-day hotel stay. Travel between Dec. 5-14, 2010. You pick the destination and the flight, they pick the hotel. Even though you can't pick your hotel, JetBlue guarantees it is a three- to five-star hotel. Taxes and airline fees are extra.
The flights depart from JFK and/or Boston and go to Barbados, Las Vegas, St. Lucia, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Orlando and Cancun. Four of the nine packages cost $99 per person, the other five range from $109-$205.
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The flights depart from JFK and/or Boston and go to Barbados, Las Vegas, St. Lucia, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Orlando and Cancun. Four of the nine packages cost $99 per person, the other five range from $109-$205.
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Hotel Phoenicia caught up in Ireland’s financial storm
Hotel Phoenicia operators Cuffe (Malta) Limited is in the process of refinancing its debt with beleaguered INBS Bank in Dublin, to an “alternative banking institution outside of Ireland.”
The news was revealed to MaltaToday by the operating company, that explained that these negotiations will be concluded by the end of the year.
The hotel property is owned by six Irish investors, who took over the hotel in 2007. Among the hotel’s directors is 65 year-old Paddy Kelly, Ireland’s most notorious developer, who is reported to owe Irish banks almost €1 billion.
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The news was revealed to MaltaToday by the operating company, that explained that these negotiations will be concluded by the end of the year.
The hotel property is owned by six Irish investors, who took over the hotel in 2007. Among the hotel’s directors is 65 year-old Paddy Kelly, Ireland’s most notorious developer, who is reported to owe Irish banks almost €1 billion.
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Pebblebrook buys another hotel
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust continues to add to its portfolio of hotel properties. The Bethesda-based company announced last week it had acquired the boutique-style Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica Hotel for $102.8 million. The 310-room upscale hotel in Santa Monica, Calif., is Pebblebrook's seventh acquisition since the company went public last December.
Chicago's Hotel Blake joins Wyndham Hotel Group
CHICAGO— Hotel Blake, a boutique hotel in Chicago's South Loop will become The Wyndham Blake Chicago, joining Wyndham Hotel Group’s international collection of hotels and resorts on Dec. 8.
At the Wyndham Blake Chicago, guests will enjoy the many benefits of staying at a Wyndham, including:
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At the Wyndham Blake Chicago, guests will enjoy the many benefits of staying at a Wyndham, including:
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Wyndham Grand to operate spa hotel in Colorado Springs
The Mining Exchange, a Wyndham Grand Hotel, is set in four early 20th century buildings and facilities include a large spa.
The property, owned and operated by Mining Exchange Group, is currently under redevelopment and expected to open in Q2 2011.
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The property, owned and operated by Mining Exchange Group, is currently under redevelopment and expected to open in Q2 2011.
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Banks Increase Hotel Financing
JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Wells Fargo & Co. are seeking to increase financing for hotels as lenders recover more money from loans backed by lodging than from debt secured by other types of commercial real estate.
Lenders’ losses on non-performing hotel loans were about 53 percent this year through September, compared with 63 percent for retail property loans, 62 percent for industrial, 61 percent for multifamily and 57 percent for office, according to data from Trepp LLC, a New York-based mortgage-information provider. The figures exclude loans with losses of 2 percent or less. Read More:
L.A. Council may expand worker-retention law
When the city of Los Angeles four years ago made airport-area hotels retain their employees after any sale of the hotel, politicians promised that the law wouldn’t spread across the city.
Nevertheless, Councilwoman Janice Hahn now wants the City Council to extend the worker-retention ordinance to cover all large hotels in Los Angeles. And local business leaders and hotel executives have few reservations about their anger.
Gary Toebben, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce chief executive, said business leaders are upset that the city appears to be breaking its promise to limit the ordinance to Los Angeles International Airport-area hotels.
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Nevertheless, Councilwoman Janice Hahn now wants the City Council to extend the worker-retention ordinance to cover all large hotels in Los Angeles. And local business leaders and hotel executives have few reservations about their anger.
Gary Toebben, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce chief executive, said business leaders are upset that the city appears to be breaking its promise to limit the ordinance to Los Angeles International Airport-area hotels.
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Hell’s Kitchen Winner: Gordon Ramsay “Betrayed Me”
What? It didn’t work out? The winner of last season’s Hell’s Kitchen thought she’d scored an epic job: head chef at the Savoy Grill, a Gordon Ramsay restaurant project inside the massively renovated (£220 million) Savoy Hotel in London, which opens today.
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Merukh acquires Singapore hotel and office complex
Merukh Enterprises, a major Indonesian investment company in the mining industry, officially began the operation of its first property in Singapore over the weekend, one of the company’s important steps in its expansion program outside of the mining sector.
The company’s president director, Rudy Meruck, said in Singapore on Sunday that the property unit, which comprises a hotel and office building, was recently acquired from Singapore-based leading property company Royal Brothers Group for S$218 million (about Rp 1.05 trillion).
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The company’s president director, Rudy Meruck, said in Singapore on Sunday that the property unit, which comprises a hotel and office building, was recently acquired from Singapore-based leading property company Royal Brothers Group for S$218 million (about Rp 1.05 trillion).
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181-room Sheraton Metairie - New Orleans Hotel sold
The Plasencia Group announced the company served as the exclusive advisor in the marketing and sale of the Sheraton Hotel in Metairie, Louisiana.
The seller was The Situs Companies as special loan servicer to a CMBS trust; the buyer was Songy Partners Limited of Atlanta in a joint venture with Aimbridge Hospitality and Argonaut Private Equity. The transaction, which closed in mid-October, was completed for a purchase price of $9.8 million.
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The seller was The Situs Companies as special loan servicer to a CMBS trust; the buyer was Songy Partners Limited of Atlanta in a joint venture with Aimbridge Hospitality and Argonaut Private Equity. The transaction, which closed in mid-October, was completed for a purchase price of $9.8 million.
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Setai Fifth Ave. sued over brand name
The Setai Fifth Avenue, a striking 60-story luxury hotel and condo that opened to guests earlier this month, has been hit with a lawsuit by the Setai Group, which wants its brand name taken off the property.
The Setai Group, a hotel and development company, alleges that the building's owners are in breach of contract, according to the complaint filed in New York state Supreme Court Monday. The suit alleges that the hotel's developer, Bizzi & Partners Development, owes Setai $1.4 million and improperly marketed the hotel. It is also seeking for the property to cease using its brand name.
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The Setai Group, a hotel and development company, alleges that the building's owners are in breach of contract, according to the complaint filed in New York state Supreme Court Monday. The suit alleges that the hotel's developer, Bizzi & Partners Development, owes Setai $1.4 million and improperly marketed the hotel. It is also seeking for the property to cease using its brand name.
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Paris-based Carlyle Group Plans $200 Million Hotel Expansion in France, Germany and Italy
The Carlyle Group, a Paris-based investment firm with 400 professionals in 19 countries, says its recent entry in bed and breakfast-style hotels was an opportunity to help its budget hotel brand expand throughout Europe.
The company's growth goal will add at least 100 hotels to the portfolio in key countries such as its home base of France, Germany and other smaller European countries, Franck Falezan, managing director with The Carlyle Group, told HotelNewsNow.com
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The company's growth goal will add at least 100 hotels to the portfolio in key countries such as its home base of France, Germany and other smaller European countries, Franck Falezan, managing director with The Carlyle Group, told HotelNewsNow.com
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Carlyle's $614 Million Takeover Bid of Malaysia Fast-Food Company Rejected
Kulim (Malaysia) Bhd. rejected a 1.94 billion ringgit ($614 million) takeover bid from Carlyle Group and a matching rival offer for Southeast Asian fast-food chain operator QSR Brands Bhd., saying it has no desire to sell.
“As QSR and subsidiaries are currently experiencing robust growth, the board believes that more value can be realized in the long term and therefore the companies should be retained within the group,” Kulim, QSR’s biggest shareholder, said in a statement today. Read More:
Kraft Challenges Starbucks Attempt to End Coffee Distribution Agreement
Kraft Foods Inc. said it would challenge Starbucks Corp.’s attempt to end a retail grocery coffee-distribution agreement between the two companies and has initiated an arbitration proceeding.
To end the deal Starbucks must compensate Northfield, Illinois-based Kraft for the “fair market value” of the business, plus possibly a premium of as much as 35 percent of that value, Kraft said today in a statement.
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Friday, November 26, 2010
Kentucky man arrested for flooding hotel room and pulling alarm to evade police
FAIRFIELD, Ohio (FOX19) - A Kentucky man was arrested, Tuesday, for flooding his hotel room with hundreds of gallons of water and then pulled the fire alarm to try and get away from police.
Charles R. Weaver, 46, from Hindman, Kentucky, was arrested at the downtown Cincinnati Courtyard by Marriott.
A police report stated that water was coming out from under the door to Weaver's room and was leaking into rooms next door and into the lobby.
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Hotel investor HEI sells Embassy Suites Irvine
Two months after selling two hotels in Philadelphia, HEI Hotels & Resorts, a Norwalk, Conn.-based investor in hotel properties, has sold the 293-suite Embassy Suites Irvine-Orange County Airport for an undisclosed price.
"With the comprehensive renovation completed in 2008, we have achieved our long-term ownership vision for this hotel," said Steve Mendell, HEI's president for acquisitions and development. "Combining our intimate knowledge of both the hotel and the market, however, we believe we will continue to add value to this asset as a third-party operator."
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"With the comprehensive renovation completed in 2008, we have achieved our long-term ownership vision for this hotel," said Steve Mendell, HEI's president for acquisitions and development. "Combining our intimate knowledge of both the hotel and the market, however, we believe we will continue to add value to this asset as a third-party operator."
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Thursday, November 25, 2010
Man uses fake Bob Dylan security pass to order 178 pizzas.. then disappears without paying
A restaurant has fallen victim to a prankster who had them make 178 pizzas by claiming they were for singer Bob Dylan and his crew.
An imposter wearing a fake pass for a Dylan concert called in an Antonio's restaurant and placed the huge order worth more than $3,900.
He told the owner the pizzas were for Dylan and his crew who had appeared in concert in Amherst, Massachusetts.
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Lisbon hotel denies Georgian delegation scandal
The management of Lisbon's TIARA hotel denied claims that the Georgian delegation to the recent NATO summit held a party with around 80 prostitutes during their stay, the Georgian InterpressNews agency said on Thursday.
"I am the general manager; I live in the hotel and am here 24 hours a day. I can assure you that nothing happened," IntepressNews quoted the hotel's manager as saying.
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"I am the general manager; I live in the hotel and am here 24 hours a day. I can assure you that nothing happened," IntepressNews quoted the hotel's manager as saying.
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Jumeirah Group announces second VENU hotel, in Azerbaijan
A luxury hotel constructed on the shores of the Caspian Sea will be managed by the Jumeirah Group, under its VENU brand, the Dubai Holding owned hotel company announced on Thursday.
Scheduled to open in 2011 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the VENU Bilgah is the second hotel to be announced in the rollout of VENU as a collection of contemporary lifestyle hotels that are geared towards “connecting guests with the location.”
Armani Hotel (Dubai) waiter 'stole from guest's room'
DUBAI // A waiter at the Burj Khalifa's Armani Hotel, accused of possessing more than Dh300,000 in stolen cash and goods, yesterday admitted stealing from a guest's room at the luxury address.
KM, a 20-year-old South African, told the Dubai Criminal Court of First Instance that he stole around Dh1,500 in cash from the room of a Saudi hotel guest on August 10. Earlier this month he was charged with stealing a Kuwaiti businessman's Dh53,000 gold Rolex watch.
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KM, a 20-year-old South African, told the Dubai Criminal Court of First Instance that he stole around Dh1,500 in cash from the room of a Saudi hotel guest on August 10. Earlier this month he was charged with stealing a Kuwaiti businessman's Dh53,000 gold Rolex watch.
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Phone Prank causes Motel Guest to Trash Room To Find 'Midget'
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. -- In what was apparently a phone prank that has taken place in other parts of the country, a motel guest said someone called his room and told him to smash the things inside in order to free a "midget" trapped next door.
Watch The Video
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Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Seven Best Deep Fried Turkey Disaster Videos
Tomorrow's Thanksgiving, and a whole bunch of people are going to just toss a frozen turkey willy-nilly into a deep fryer, film the exploding fireball that results and post it on YouTube. (For which we, of course, are very thankful.) Most likely, you're doing it wrong and should probably stick the bird in the oven. Word to the wise: if you absolutely must fry a turkey, defrost it completely and make sure to dry it inside and out before dunking it in oil.
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Jamie’s Italian named Restaurant Chain of the Year
Jamie’s Italian has been voted this year’s Best Restaurant Chain at the second annual R200 awards, run by Restaurant magazine.
The chain, which is now 19-strong, was named the winner for its “vibrant blend of innovation, theatre, operational efficiency, smart marketing, service, atmosphere, and great food”.
It beat off competition from Byron and Cote to secure the award, which was presented at an exclusive R200 seminar at The Berkeley this afternoon.
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The chain, which is now 19-strong, was named the winner for its “vibrant blend of innovation, theatre, operational efficiency, smart marketing, service, atmosphere, and great food”.
It beat off competition from Byron and Cote to secure the award, which was presented at an exclusive R200 seminar at The Berkeley this afternoon.
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First Jamaican restaurant in Scotland to open in Inverness
Two Jamaican chefs are hoping to bring a taste of their homeland to the Highlands by opening Scotland’s only Jamaican restaurant in Inverness.
The 36-seater restaurant, called Cool Runnings – A Taste of Jamaica, will open on the site of a former pizza takeaway on Church Street.
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McDonald's to launch its own accredited degree
McDonald's is going to introduce its own degree course for its restaurant managers in the UK.
The foundation degree, which will be accredited by Manchester Metropolitan University, marks the fast-food company's latest move into education.McDonald's will also announce that its apprenticeship scheme has been approved by Ofsted inspectors.
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Cracker Barrel fiscal 1Q profit rises 32 percent
Restaurant operator Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. said Tuesday its fiscal first-quarter profit rose 32 percent on higher revenue.
Net income rose to $23.7 million, or $1.01 per share, in the three months ended Oct. 29, from $18 million, or 78 cents per share, a year ago. Revenue rose 3 percent to $598.7 million from $581.2 million.
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Net income rose to $23.7 million, or $1.01 per share, in the three months ended Oct. 29, from $18 million, or 78 cents per share, a year ago. Revenue rose 3 percent to $598.7 million from $581.2 million.
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Japan Now Neck-and-Neck With France in Culinary Prowess
Japan’s capital was awarded more stars than any other city by the tire company’s newly released restaurant guide, which includes outlying cities Yokohama and Kamakura for the first time. The 2011 volume goes on sale Nov. 27. Tokyo increased its envious roster of three-starred restaurants to 14 – that’s three more than last year.
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Georgian Delegation parties hard at NATO Conference Hotel
(Hospitality Business News) A member of the Portuguese parliament has called for an investigation in a party held by the Georgian Deligation to the Lisbon NATO summit. MP Levan Vepkhvadze, a vice-speaker of the Parliament from the Christian-Democratic Movement (CDM) said that the matter is about “our country’s reputation” and required probe.
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Hotel firm Travelodge joins bids for Kent UK site as regeneration gathers pace
National chain Travelodge wants to build a 56-room hotel as part of ambitious proposals to transform the dilapidated Bell Centre. And, yesterday (Tuesday), officials at supermarket giant Morrisons announced a firm commitment to open a store on the old paper mill site and bring hundreds of jobs to the area.
This followed confirmation last week that Tesco has submitted three massive planning applications.
Bell Sittingbourne LLP, owner of the rundown Bell shopping centre and surrounding buildings, has teamed up with Travelodge and submitted four planning applications.
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This followed confirmation last week that Tesco has submitted three massive planning applications.
Bell Sittingbourne LLP, owner of the rundown Bell shopping centre and surrounding buildings, has teamed up with Travelodge and submitted four planning applications.
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STR’s revised US forecast reflects demand spike
The FINANCIAL -- STR predicts the United States hotel industry’s performance in 2010 will exceed its original forecast, but the hotel benchmarking company is standing firm on expectations for the industry in 2011.
In its latest revised forecast, STR qualifies 2010 as a successful year because there are indications that a recovery is in the offing, according to Mark V. Lomanno, STR’s president. The biggest reason Lomanno shies away from saying a recovery is in full swing? The lack of growth in average daily rate.
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In its latest revised forecast, STR qualifies 2010 as a successful year because there are indications that a recovery is in the offing, according to Mark V. Lomanno, STR’s president. The biggest reason Lomanno shies away from saying a recovery is in full swing? The lack of growth in average daily rate.
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Salem Marriott Sold
Peabody-based Analogic Corp. has sold the 258-room Boston Marriott Peabody on Centennial Drive to a Danvers corporation controlled by Analogic's founder and former head, Bernie Gordon, for $11.5 million.
The hotel and Analogic are next to one another in the Centennial Drive office park.
Analogic and its subsidiary, Anadventure II Corp., announced last month that they had agreed to sell the hotel and the land it's on to Sigma Phi Alpha Corp., according to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Marriott Corp. will continue to manage the hotel.
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£52k hotel fraudster facing jail after court hears of lavish lifestyle
A CROOKED book-keeper fleeced a family-run business of s52,500 to help fund a lavish lifestyle of holidays abroad, flash cars and even a personal chef.
Lesley Rafferty, 44, whose home in an exclusive seaside street is worth around s500,000, stole so much from the business, it had to go to the bank for an overdraft.
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Lesley Rafferty, 44, whose home in an exclusive seaside street is worth around s500,000, stole so much from the business, it had to go to the bank for an overdraft.
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Auckland Hyatt sold, but to whom?
The Hyatt Regency Auckland Hotel - the recipient of South Canterbury Finance's biggest individual loan and the subject of a Serious Fraud Office inquiry - has been sold for between $50m and $60m.
The identity of the buyer, and the total debt carried by the hotel – in addition to the $42.3m South Canterbury loan secured by second mortgage, first mortgages were held by Westpac and ASB – remains a mystery.
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The identity of the buyer, and the total debt carried by the hotel – in addition to the $42.3m South Canterbury loan secured by second mortgage, first mortgages were held by Westpac and ASB – remains a mystery.
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Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Turkey's Madımak Hotel seized by court
A local court in the Anatolian province of Sivas has ordered the confiscation of the Madımak Hotel, where 37 people, mostly Alevis, were killed in 1993 in a fire started by an Islamic mob, news agencies reported Tuesday.
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Hong Kong to host eye-watering 900 US dollar meal
HONG KONG — Famously relaxed with conspicuous consumption, Hong Kong is set to host a dinner costing nearly 7,000 Hong Kong dollars (902 US dollars) per head, according to one of the city's hotels.
US-born chef Thomas Keller is being flown in by the Mandarin Oriental to cook for 450 diners -- in what the hotel says will be Hong Kong's most expensive meal this year.
A top-priced, 11-course dinner during Keller's November 29 to December 2 stay will set gourmands back 6,888 HK dollars each, excluding service. Slightly more frugal diners can enjoy lunch for just over 2,000 HK dollars.
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US-born chef Thomas Keller is being flown in by the Mandarin Oriental to cook for 450 diners -- in what the hotel says will be Hong Kong's most expensive meal this year.
A top-priced, 11-course dinner during Keller's November 29 to December 2 stay will set gourmands back 6,888 HK dollars each, excluding service. Slightly more frugal diners can enjoy lunch for just over 2,000 HK dollars.
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15 Tunes Hotels to be Opened in London, UK
A group of experienced investors have formed a new company, Raag Hotels Limited ("the Company"), with committed initial equity capital of £38m, to develop a chain of budget hotels in London operating under the Tune brand. The Company has exclusive rights to operate Tune Hotels' franchised properties in London and plans to acquire or develop 15 Tune Hotels providing 1500 rooms and investing over £100 million in the business over the next 5-7 years.
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Former Singapore hotel manager sentenced to jail, caning
SINGAPORE: A former general manager of Hotel Grand Central was sentenced to jail and caning on Tuesday for various offences including molest and forgery.
Forty-five-year-old Tan Hwa Kok was also fined for accepting a bribe and intentionally helping the management of a Marina Square Chinese restaurant employ two foreigners without valid work permits.
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Forty-five-year-old Tan Hwa Kok was also fined for accepting a bribe and intentionally helping the management of a Marina Square Chinese restaurant employ two foreigners without valid work permits.
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Can Italian Coffee Major Push Starbucks Into A Corner?
There has been a widespread wall street optimism especially in the Food and Beverage sector after Starbucks (SBUX: 30.40 -0.47 -1.52%) impressive quarter results announced last week, but with the coffee major has publicly announced its willingness to part ways with Kraft Foods Inc (KFT: 30.23 -0.32 -1.05%) and the upscale Italian coffee company, IllyCaffe SpA, making inroads onto Starbucks Corp.’s turf by serving coffee to well-heeled travelers in upscale hotels is now being seen as two potential moves that could shake up the single-cup coffee market in U.S. grocery stores.
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Judge says Pittsburgh hotel can become a Wyndham
U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Jeffery A. Deller today cleared the way for the former Pittsburgh Hilton to become a Wyndham Grand hotel.
Lender BlackRock Financial Management Inc. had opposed the switch to Wyndham, arguing that the chain is inferior to Hilton.
The former Hilton has been struggling to make ends meet without a hotel flag, according to lawyers for Shubh Hotels Pittsburgh LLC, owner of what is now called the Grand Pittsburgh Downtown.
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Monday, November 22, 2010
Hooters restaurant opens in Cardiff
Hooters, the American founded restaurant famous for its hotpant-clad hosts, has opened in Cardiff.
After a failed feminist campaign against the licence for the new food outlet, the high-energy restaurant today opens its doors as the first of its kind in Wales – complete with 56 Hooters Girls.
We went along to the VIP opening event which saw the Hooters Girls – uniformed in orange shorts and tight Hooters trademark vests – test out their newly learned dance and chant routines.
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After a failed feminist campaign against the licence for the new food outlet, the high-energy restaurant today opens its doors as the first of its kind in Wales – complete with 56 Hooters Girls.
We went along to the VIP opening event which saw the Hooters Girls – uniformed in orange shorts and tight Hooters trademark vests – test out their newly learned dance and chant routines.
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Hotwire Reveals Hotel Rate Report for November 2010
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Hotwire.com®, a leading discount travel site, today announced the results of the November 2010 Hotwire® Hotel Rate Report. The report features the top five cities in North America where hotel rates have dropped the most and the top five cities where rates have experienced the biggest price increase. While one report guides customers to the destinations that will maximize their travel dollars, the other helps inform travelers when using Hotwire to save money will be even more essential.
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Londons' Hoxton Hotel Owner Explores Sale
The owner of the Hoxton Hotel, located on the outskirts of London’s main financial district, are exploring a possible sale of the venue that may raise as much as 67.5 million pounds ($108 million).
Knight Frank LLP was appointed as adviser during the process and expressions of interest have been received, owner Bridges Ventures Ltd. said today in a statement.
The hotel has 208 bedrooms, seven meeting rooms and the Hoxton Grill restaurant. It was established in 2006 by co-owner Sinclair Beecham, who also helped found the sandwich chain Pret A Manger.
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Knight Frank LLP was appointed as adviser during the process and expressions of interest have been received, owner Bridges Ventures Ltd. said today in a statement.
The hotel has 208 bedrooms, seven meeting rooms and the Hoxton Grill restaurant. It was established in 2006 by co-owner Sinclair Beecham, who also helped found the sandwich chain Pret A Manger.
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Pebblebrook Hotel Trust Acquires the Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica Hotel
BETHESDA, Md., Nov 22, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Pebblebrook Hotel Trust /quotes/comstock/13*!peb/quotes/nls/peb (PEB 18.33, 0.00, 0.00%) (the "Company") today announced that it has acquired the boutique-style Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica Hotel for $102.8 million. The 310-room, upper-upscale, full-service hotel features over 10,000 square feet of meeting space, two food and beverage outlets and is located in Santa Monica, California, just minutes from the beach and all of Santa Monica's leisure attractions. The property will continue to be managed by the Viceroy Hotel Group. The transaction was funded by the Company entirely with available cash.
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Expedia and Wyndham Hotel Group Sign Long-Term Agreement
BELLEVUE, Wash., Nov. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Expedia, Inc. /quotes/comstock/15*!expe/quotes/nls/expe (EXPE 25.82, -0.05, -0.18%) , the world's largest online travel company, today announced it has signed a long-term global agreement with Wyndham Hotel Group /quotes/comstock/13*!wyn/quotes/nls/wyn (WYN 28.89, +0.00, +0.01%) , the world's largest hotel company with nearly 7,200 properties in 65 countries worldwide. Under this renewed agreement, Wyndham Hotel Group will continue to be available on more than 90 Expedia(R) and Hotels.com(R) sites in over 60 countries, as well as on more than 10,000 active affiliate sites through the Expedia Affiliate Network.
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Sunday, November 21, 2010
Harrah's Shelves $531 Million IPO
Harrah’s Entertainment Inc., the world’s biggest casino operator, terminated its $531 million initial public offering, the first private equity-backed company to pull its U.S. IPO in six months.
Harrah’s, taken private by Apollo Global Management LLC and TPG Capital in a leveraged buyout in 2008, canceled its sale because of “market conditions,” according to the Las Vegas- based company’s statement today. The postponement was the first from a private equity-backed company since Americold Realty Trust, owned by billionaire Ron Burkle’s Yucaipa Cos., shelved its offering in May, data compiled by Bloomberg and Greenwich, Connecticut-based Renaissance Capital LLC showed.
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Harrah’s, taken private by Apollo Global Management LLC and TPG Capital in a leveraged buyout in 2008, canceled its sale because of “market conditions,” according to the Las Vegas- based company’s statement today. The postponement was the first from a private equity-backed company since Americold Realty Trust, owned by billionaire Ron Burkle’s Yucaipa Cos., shelved its offering in May, data compiled by Bloomberg and Greenwich, Connecticut-based Renaissance Capital LLC showed.
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Pay-to-play infects Chicago beer market
The Wit Hotel in the Loop is a trendy hangout for the after-work and weekend crowd. Clubbers dressed to the nines party year-round on its 7,000-square-foot rooftop and, 27 stories below, in the State & Lake bar off the lobby.
The boutique hotel also is on the front line of Chicago's brutal—and at times illicit—battle over beer.
When the Wit opened in 2009, bar managers stocked State & Lake's 16 taps with an impressive selection of microbrews, including Stone, Anderson Valley, Two Brothers and Metropolitan, a new hometown brand.
Then, in June, most of the craft beers from smaller distributors disappeared,, replaced by 11 specialty brands carried by Chicago Beverage Systems LLC, a powerhouse distributor of Miller, Coors and other labels.
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The boutique hotel also is on the front line of Chicago's brutal—and at times illicit—battle over beer.
When the Wit opened in 2009, bar managers stocked State & Lake's 16 taps with an impressive selection of microbrews, including Stone, Anderson Valley, Two Brothers and Metropolitan, a new hometown brand.
Then, in June, most of the craft beers from smaller distributors disappeared,, replaced by 11 specialty brands carried by Chicago Beverage Systems LLC, a powerhouse distributor of Miller, Coors and other labels.
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Saturday, November 20, 2010
Hotel refuses to refund deposit after Dog eats passport
(Hospitality Business News - November 20, 2010) A honeymoon trip to Mexico planned by a Massachusetts couple went to “the dogs” recently when Mexican authorities refused to grant the couple entry into the country.
Two days before Eric Mann and Brooke Blew left on their trip the couples dog chewed Mann’s passport.
Although the couple made it through Boston’s tough security at Logan Airport, upon arriving in Cancun Mexico the Mexican immigration officials said that the condition of the passport was unacceptable and that they had to return to the USA
JetBlue refunded the couples airfare, but the Hotel said “No hablo Engles, que?”
Sleepwalking hotel guest awarded 10M Euros
A businessman was celebrating today after winning a €10m libel case following a bizarre naked sleepwalking incident.
The sum is more than five times larger than any previous Irish libel settlement. The court in Dublin ordered that only €500,000 be paid out pending an expected appeal.
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Donal Kinsella, 67, from Dunleer in County Louth, Ireland, took the case against his employer, Kenmare Resources, after the firm issued a press release that, he claimed, suggested he had made inappropriate advances to a female colleague while on a business trip to Africa in 2007.
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Super 8 Guest robbed of $350,000
(Hospitality Business News) Police are looking for two men they say pulled off one of the highest-dollar robberies ever to take place in the area after they stole $350,000 in jewelry from a guest staying at the Super 8 Motel in Dumfries VA.
Police said on Nov. 18 at 8:14 a.m. a 50-year-old man from Great Neck, N.Y., reported to police that two unknown men pulled up in a silver four-door vehicle and blocked him in while he was trying to get into his car parked at the hotel, located at 17416 Jefferson Davis Highway.
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The Power of a Brand
The Grand Pittsburgh Downtown hotel which used to be a Hilton, has been struggling since it lost its’ brand affiliation. It is laying off employees, drastically cutting the hours of others, and shutting down its bars and restaurants on some days as the bankrupt hotel struggles to make ends meet.
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Sheraton Room Attendants protest "Green Initiative"
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| Sheraton Toronto |
(Hospitality Business News - November 20, 2010) Is it a “Green Initiative”, a cost cutting program during tough times, or both? Room attendants at the Sheraton Centre in downtown Toronto think it’s a cost cutting move and is costing jobs.
According to a report by the Toronto Star about 20 hotel workers, politicians and labour leaders barged into a morning housekeeping meeting at the downtown Sheraton Centre on Thursday to protest a Green Choice initiative they say cuts jobs.
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Verdict - Hotel to Pay $4.5M
(Hospitality Business News) An Alabama jury rendered a $4.5 million verdict Thursday evening against the owners of an Oxford hotel where two people contracted Legionnaires’ disease in 2008.
According to an article in the Anniston Star, it took the jury less than an hour to reach the verdict in a civil lawsuit against Devi LLC, an Oxford-based company that owns the Oxford Fairfield Inn and Suites and Courtyard by Marriot. The Fairfield Inn, which was previously named Wingate Inn in 2008, was where the incident occurred.Read More:
According to an article in the Anniston Star, it took the jury less than an hour to reach the verdict in a civil lawsuit against Devi LLC, an Oxford-based company that owns the Oxford Fairfield Inn and Suites and Courtyard by Marriot. The Fairfield Inn, which was previously named Wingate Inn in 2008, was where the incident occurred.Read More:
New Wyndham inside Disney Orlando
(Hospitality Business News) Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, LLC, a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE:WYN), announced its expansion in the Orlando area with the addition of the full-service, 626-room Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort, an official Walt Disney World® hotel located inside the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
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Westin Hilton Head Resort Owner Files for Bankruptcy
(Hospitality Business News) -- The current owner of the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort in South Carolina and the Westin La Paloma Resort in Tucson, filed for bankruptcy court protection from its creditors.
According to a story filed by Bloomberg, Transwest Resort Properties Inc., which also owns the Westin La Paloma Resort and Country Club in Tucson, Arizona, listed assets of $10 million to $50 million and debt of $100 million to $500 million in documents filed yesterday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Tucson.
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Hotels Profit from Attrition and Cancellation Income
(by Robert Mandelbaum) One of the lessons learned by hotel management during the 2001 to 2003 industry recession was the importance of attrition and cancellation clauses in group contracts. Because of 9/11 air travel stigma and the ensuing economic recession, meetings were canceled and attendance dwindled. All of the sudden, those attrition and cancellation paragraphs in the group contracts that were frequently viewed as “boiler plate” were rediscovered and helped to salvage some degree of revenue.
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New DoubleTree in Norwalk CA
NORWALK, Calif., (Hospitality Business News) – Doubletree Hotels has announced the opening of the Doubletree Hotel Los Angeles-Norwalk in Norwalk, Calif. Located along one of Southern California’s busiest commercial business corridors at the crossroads of Interstate Highways 5 and 605, the upscale, full-service hotel is located in a fine, residential community that is just 20 minutes from Los Angeles, Long Beach or Orange County.
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Control your Hotel Recommendations
(Hospitality Business News - Berlin, 13 November 2010) Personal recommendations are becoming more and more important on the Internet. Buyer power is increasingly being strengthened through "Like" buttons and other recommendations. Guest reviews have become one of, if not the most important "web currency" for hotels. Now, with myHotelRank, the Berlin-based travel technology specialist GIATA has developed an innovative tool for the efficient managing of hotel reviews, which can also generate bookings from GIATA's partner sites.
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Friday, November 19, 2010
Caesars dealers OK 5-year deal with 18 pct raise
Dealers at Caesars Atlantic City overwhelmingly approved a five-year contract with the casino that will increase salaries by 18 percent over the life of the agreement.
The ratification vote by the United Auto Workers, which was completed Thursday, marks the second contract the union has reached with an Atlantic City casino, following a pact with the Tropicana Casino and Resort in August.
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The ratification vote by the United Auto Workers, which was completed Thursday, marks the second contract the union has reached with an Atlantic City casino, following a pact with the Tropicana Casino and Resort in August.
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Doormen at Montreal Fairmont charged with extortion
Montreal police say the six men have been pressuring cabbies to pay up before picking up passengers at the storied Queen Elizabeth hotel.
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Thursday, November 18, 2010
SOL Kerzner hits out on Baha Mar
Says Baha Mar deal violates agreements made with his company
The proposed deal between the Government of The Bahamas and Baha Mar violates previous agreements between the government and Kerzner International, charged Sir Sol Kerzner yesterday.Read More:
Hilton Worldwide’s Offering Slashed to $1.56 Billion
A bond offering linked to the buyout of Hilton Worldwide Inc. was slashed in size as investors demanded additional yield to buy the securities.
The unrated Hilton sale, backed by interest in all of the assets of the hotel chain, was trimmed to $1.56 billion, according to people familiar with the transaction who declined to be identified because terms aren’t public. Bank of America Corp. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. earlier marketed $2.66 billion of the bonds, people familiar with the transaction said Oct. 25.
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The unrated Hilton sale, backed by interest in all of the assets of the hotel chain, was trimmed to $1.56 billion, according to people familiar with the transaction who declined to be identified because terms aren’t public. Bank of America Corp. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. earlier marketed $2.66 billion of the bonds, people familiar with the transaction said Oct. 25.
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Chatham Lodging delays 7m share offering
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA Chatham Lodging Trust has postponed a planned public offering of 7 million common shares due to unfavorable market conditions.
The hotel REIT, focused on acquiring upscale extended-stay hotels and premium branded select-service hotels, is delaying indefinitely its share offering that was first announced last Friday. Chatham’s share price slipped 5.8% between Friday’s share sale announcement and Wednesday.
Chatham owns 13 hotels with an aggregate of 1,650 guestrooms across nine states.
The hotel REIT, focused on acquiring upscale extended-stay hotels and premium branded select-service hotels, is delaying indefinitely its share offering that was first announced last Friday. Chatham’s share price slipped 5.8% between Friday’s share sale announcement and Wednesday.
Chatham owns 13 hotels with an aggregate of 1,650 guestrooms across nine states.
Mike Tyson to Launch New High-End Restaurant Chain?
Mike Tyson might be getting into the restaurant and food business.
As reported in the Tuesday edition of The New York Post, the former heavyweight champ is in talks with Moshe Malamud of the Franklin Mint regarding the launch of a high-end restaurant chain. The report says Tyson, who started and has adhered to a strict vegan diet last spring, is supposedly interested in “breaking into the kosher food business.”
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Hooters security attacked woman who disputed bill
A woman claiming she was attacked by a security guard at a south suburban Hooters restaurant after disputing her bill filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the restaurant chain.
Livier Torres claims a Hooters security guard attacked her Jan. 10 inside a restaurant on the 9100 block of South Cicero Avenue in Oak Lawn after she disputed charges on her bill, according to a suit filed in Cook County Circuit Court.
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Livier Torres claims a Hooters security guard attacked her Jan. 10 inside a restaurant on the 9100 block of South Cicero Avenue in Oak Lawn after she disputed charges on her bill, according to a suit filed in Cook County Circuit Court.
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Texas-based restaurant chain sues Ark eatery owner
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A Texas-based restaurant chain is suing an Arkansas restaurant owner for trademark infringement.
Texas-based chain Twin Peaks features scantily-clad female servers in a mountain snow lodge-style atmosphere. The Arkansas owner, Kevin Laughlin, incorporated his company called Grand Tetons LLC in July 2009 and plans to open a restaurant called Northern Exposure next month.
In the lawsuit filed in federal court in Dallas, Twin Peaks claims Laughlin approached the company in spring 2009 and spent time learning about the business. The company claims it helped him select a location for a Twin Peaks franchise in Fayetteville.
The lawsuit claims Laughlin pulled out of the negotiations after a few months, saying he'd develop his own business model.
The Northwest Arkansas Times reports the staff at Laughlin's restaurant said he was too busy to be interviewed Wednesday.
Texas-based chain Twin Peaks features scantily-clad female servers in a mountain snow lodge-style atmosphere. The Arkansas owner, Kevin Laughlin, incorporated his company called Grand Tetons LLC in July 2009 and plans to open a restaurant called Northern Exposure next month.
In the lawsuit filed in federal court in Dallas, Twin Peaks claims Laughlin approached the company in spring 2009 and spent time learning about the business. The company claims it helped him select a location for a Twin Peaks franchise in Fayetteville.
The lawsuit claims Laughlin pulled out of the negotiations after a few months, saying he'd develop his own business model.
The Northwest Arkansas Times reports the staff at Laughlin's restaurant said he was too busy to be interviewed Wednesday.
Former Fairborn hotel manager sentenced in rape case
XENIA, Ohio -- 42-year-old Hitesh Patel, the Fairborn Motel 6 general manager found guilty of rape and other sexual misconduct involving employees was sentenced to six years in prison yesterday in the Greene County Common Pleas Court.
Patel had faced a maximum of 16-and-a-half years for the eight charges a jury convicted him of on September 29. He was ordered to serve his time in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
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Massachusetts Fines UBS $100,000 In Hedge-Fund Hotel Case
NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--Massachusetts fined UBS Securities LLC $100,000 to settle a complaint the firm didn't enforce the full disclosure of its arrangements with hedge fund advisers.
UBS Securities, a unit of UBS AG (UBS, UBSN.VX), settled the allegations without admitting or denying wrongdoing, a spokesman for Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth William F. Galvin said Thursday. UBS spokeswoman Allison Chin-Leong said, "we're pleased to have resolved the matter."
The case dates back to a 2002 inquiry into ABN Amro Securities LLC, a prime broker that offered hedge funds office space, technology and other services in an arrangement known as a "hedge-fund hotel." UBS acquired ABN Amro's prime brokerage business in 2003 for $250 million. Massachusetts' Galvin said UBS didn't enforce a requirement that its hedge-fund hotel clients disclose their arrangements with the bank to investors.
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UBS Securities, a unit of UBS AG (UBS, UBSN.VX), settled the allegations without admitting or denying wrongdoing, a spokesman for Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth William F. Galvin said Thursday. UBS spokeswoman Allison Chin-Leong said, "we're pleased to have resolved the matter."
The case dates back to a 2002 inquiry into ABN Amro Securities LLC, a prime broker that offered hedge funds office space, technology and other services in an arrangement known as a "hedge-fund hotel." UBS acquired ABN Amro's prime brokerage business in 2003 for $250 million. Massachusetts' Galvin said UBS didn't enforce a requirement that its hedge-fund hotel clients disclose their arrangements with the bank to investors.
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Judge says Disney can't bar Anaheim hotel cabbies
SANTA ANA -- A judge says Disney Resorts can't bar cabbies from Disneyland, California Adventure, Downtown Disney and its three hotels.
Orange County Judge James Di Cesare on Wednesday granted a temporary restraining order until he hears arguments claiming Disney and Anaheim's Hilton and Marriott hotels are creating a monopoly by favoring one cab company. There are three licensed cab companies in Anaheim. Read More:
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
How Much Is Sysco Worth?
Sysco (NYSE: SYY) is practically the epitome of boring. The company distributes foodstuffs to hundreds of thousands of customers around the country so that those customers can chop, fry, cook, and put delicious meals in front of us when we go out to eat.
The company is a big dog in an even bigger industry, but it's neither a sexy industry nor one that promises scorching growth. On the flip side, though, Sysco's competitive position, scale, and industry make it a particularly safe and stable pick in a world where security seems to be AWOL. At the same time, Sysco's stock pays a none-too-shabby 3.6% dividend and has an enviable record of growing its payout.
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The company is a big dog in an even bigger industry, but it's neither a sexy industry nor one that promises scorching growth. On the flip side, though, Sysco's competitive position, scale, and industry make it a particularly safe and stable pick in a world where security seems to be AWOL. At the same time, Sysco's stock pays a none-too-shabby 3.6% dividend and has an enviable record of growing its payout.
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Tulsa Crown Plaza becomes a Hyatt
The Crowne Plaza Hotel, once mired in bankruptcy and foreclosure, will soon have new life as a Hyatt Regency.
Jeff Keeley, general manager of the downtown hotel, announced the brand change Monday morning during an interview on local radio station KMYZ.
He said on the air that the changeover, effective Jan. 1, apparently means that the 462-room hotel's new owner, Sorin Real Estate, intends to invest in the property for the long term.
Keeley declined to comment further after the radio show.
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Jeff Keeley, general manager of the downtown hotel, announced the brand change Monday morning during an interview on local radio station KMYZ.
He said on the air that the changeover, effective Jan. 1, apparently means that the 462-room hotel's new owner, Sorin Real Estate, intends to invest in the property for the long term.
Keeley declined to comment further after the radio show.
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Google Hotpot challenges Yelp's restaurant rater
Google is getting into the restaurant rating biz, with its new launch of Hotpot, a sort of Yelp/Foursquare/Facebook mash-up linked to Google Places.
Google maps already aggregate ratings from other rating websites like Citysearch and OpenTable, but Hotpot is more personalized. It tailors its recommendations based on places that you, and others in your social network, have rated highly. (It's similar to Facebook Places, but instead of just "like"ing a place, the user can give a rating somewhere between Love and Hate.) After Yelp rejected Google's purchase offer last year, might this competing product be considered an act of revenge?
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Google maps already aggregate ratings from other rating websites like Citysearch and OpenTable, but Hotpot is more personalized. It tailors its recommendations based on places that you, and others in your social network, have rated highly. (It's similar to Facebook Places, but instead of just "like"ing a place, the user can give a rating somewhere between Love and Hate.) After Yelp rejected Google's purchase offer last year, might this competing product be considered an act of revenge?
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Bravo Brio Restaurant Group, Inc. Reports Financial Results for the Third Quarter 2010
-- Revenues increased 8.9% to $83.7 million from $76.8 million
-- Total comparable restaurant sales increased 1.1%
-- Restaurant-level operating profit increased 3.1% to $14.4 million from
$14.0 million. Excluding a non-recurring gain of $1.2 million recorded
in the third quarter of 2009 related to the sale of a restaurant,
restaurant-level operating profit increased 12.7%.
-- GAAP net loss available to common shareholders of ($0.3) million, or
($0.04) per diluted share, compared to GAAP net income available to
common shareholders of $0.5 million, or $0.07 per diluted share for the
year-ago period.
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-- Total comparable restaurant sales increased 1.1%
-- Restaurant-level operating profit increased 3.1% to $14.4 million from
$14.0 million. Excluding a non-recurring gain of $1.2 million recorded
in the third quarter of 2009 related to the sale of a restaurant,
restaurant-level operating profit increased 12.7%.
-- GAAP net loss available to common shareholders of ($0.3) million, or
($0.04) per diluted share, compared to GAAP net income available to
common shareholders of $0.5 million, or $0.07 per diluted share for the
year-ago period.
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Arturo Carvajal, Miami Doctor, Sues Houston's Restaurant For Not Teaching Him How To Properly Eat Artichoke
Your average person knows how to eat an artichoke: Using your teeth, you scrape the meat from the bottom of each leaf.
But Miamian Arturo Carvajal, a doctor with a family practice in Hollywood and litigant in one of the stranger lawsuits we've ever seen, was mystified by the vegetable.
"It takes a sophisticated diner to be familiar with the artichoke," says Carvajal's lawyer, Marc R. Ginsberg. "People might think that as a doctor, he'd know how to eat one. But he was thinking it was like a food he might have eaten in his native Cuba, where you eat everything on the plate."
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But Miamian Arturo Carvajal, a doctor with a family practice in Hollywood and litigant in one of the stranger lawsuits we've ever seen, was mystified by the vegetable.
"It takes a sophisticated diner to be familiar with the artichoke," says Carvajal's lawyer, Marc R. Ginsberg. "People might think that as a doctor, he'd know how to eat one. But he was thinking it was like a food he might have eaten in his native Cuba, where you eat everything on the plate."
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BankServ and BirchStreet Systems Partner to Speed and Simplify Procurement Payments for the Hospitality Industry
SAN FRANCISCO, CA and NEWPORT BEACH, CA--(Marketwire - November 17, 2010) - BankServ and BirchStreet Systems, Inc. today announced they have entered into a strategic partnership to package remote check capture capability with BirchStreet's award-winning procure-to-pay platform. Under the terms of the deal, BirchStreet clients will gain the option to use BankServ's DepositNow online check deposit and receivables management system to speed and simplify payments related to the global procurement-to-pay process.
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Auction of 1-800-Hotels set to pay creditors
A Tampa Internet hotel booking company whose fight with suppliers left thousands of customers stranded without rooms this summer will be sold to pay creditors.
Bankruptcy Judge Caryl Delano has approved a Nov. 29 auction of 1800Hotels. The company filed for bankruptcy reorganization in July but last month asked the court to liquidate its assets.
Dubliner Graham Peakin founded 1800Hotels to sell discount hotel rooms first by phone, then online to Irish travelers. The company expanded to Tampa in 2008 to tap the U.S. market with the website 1800Hotels.com .
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Bankruptcy Judge Caryl Delano has approved a Nov. 29 auction of 1800Hotels. The company filed for bankruptcy reorganization in July but last month asked the court to liquidate its assets.
Dubliner Graham Peakin founded 1800Hotels to sell discount hotel rooms first by phone, then online to Irish travelers. The company expanded to Tampa in 2008 to tap the U.S. market with the website 1800Hotels.com .
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Bob Evans misses analysts fiscal Q2 expectations
Bob Evans Farms Inc., owner of an eponymous restaurant chain as well as Mimi's Cafe, reported Tuesday that its second-quarter revenue and net income fell. The company beat its own guidance, however, and raised its forecast for the fiscal year.
In the quarter that ended Oct. 29, 2010, the company's earnings fell to $7.8 million, or 26 cents per share, from $15.5 million, or 50 cents per share, a year ago. Analysts, on average, were expecting earnings of 40 cents per share, excluding one-time items, according to Thomson Reuters.
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In the quarter that ended Oct. 29, 2010, the company's earnings fell to $7.8 million, or 26 cents per share, from $15.5 million, or 50 cents per share, a year ago. Analysts, on average, were expecting earnings of 40 cents per share, excluding one-time items, according to Thomson Reuters.
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Steakhouse bigwig Glazier Group files for bankruptcy
The Glazier Group, which owns Michael Jordan's The Steakhouse NYC in Grand Central Terminal and six Strip House restaurants, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday.
Co-owners Peter and Penny Glazier said the filing in U.S. Southern District Court does not affect the company's restaurants or catering venues, including Bridgewaters and Twenty Four Fifth in Manhattan
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Co-owners Peter and Penny Glazier said the filing in U.S. Southern District Court does not affect the company's restaurants or catering venues, including Bridgewaters and Twenty Four Fifth in Manhattan
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McDonald’s raising prices in China
McDonald’s Corp, the world’s largest restaurant chain, increased prices for its burgers, drinks and snacks in China yesterday to offset costs after the country’s inflation surged to a two-year high.
Product prices were raised between 0.5 yuan and 1 yuan (US$0.08 and US$0.15) because of higher raw material costs, Sophia Luan (欒江紅), China spokeswoman for the Oak Brook, Illinois-based company, said in a telephone interview. She declined to provide an average percentage increase.
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Product prices were raised between 0.5 yuan and 1 yuan (US$0.08 and US$0.15) because of higher raw material costs, Sophia Luan (欒江紅), China spokeswoman for the Oak Brook, Illinois-based company, said in a telephone interview. She declined to provide an average percentage increase.
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Charlie Brown Steakhouses the latest to feel the recession squeeze
Charlie Brown's Steakhouse restaurant chain appears to be the latest victim in the steakhouse category since the nation began to feel the recession's squeeze as early as 2006.
Chain owners CB Holding Corp. in Mountainside said Monday that 13 restaurants were closing in New Jersey, including eateries in Tenafly, Clifton and Montclair. According to Charlie Brown's website, 22 remain open, five of them in Bergen and Passaic counties.
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Chain owners CB Holding Corp. in Mountainside said Monday that 13 restaurants were closing in New Jersey, including eateries in Tenafly, Clifton and Montclair. According to Charlie Brown's website, 22 remain open, five of them in Bergen and Passaic counties.
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Man charged over unpaid restaurant bills
An unemployed man arrested at a top London restaurant will appear in court today accused of eating a meal costing a thousand pounds and walking out when it came to paying.
Janis Nords, aged 27, was arrested last night at L'Oranger in central London, which is owned by the Michelin three-star chef Laurent Michel, after being detained by staff.
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Janis Nords, aged 27, was arrested last night at L'Oranger in central London, which is owned by the Michelin three-star chef Laurent Michel, after being detained by staff.
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Marriott Plans to Boost Hotel Count in Brazil to 54 From Four
The company will develop 50 Fairfield by Marriott hotels throughout Brazil in a partnership with Rio de Janeiro-based real estate developer PDG Realty SA Empreendimentos & Participacoes, the Bethesda, Maryland-based hotelier said in a statement today.
Marriott, the largest U.S. hotel chain, said earlier this month that it’s planning to add 30,000 rooms annually for the next three years. Brazil’s economy will expand 7.6 percent this year, its fastest pace in more than two decades, according to the median forecast in a Nov. 5 central bank survey of economists. Read More:
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Hard Rock hotel fires back in trademark lawsuit, claims ‘harassment’
The Las Vegas Hard Rock hotel-casino is hitting back in a trademark lawsuit filed by the owner of the Hard Rock brand, charging in a counterclaim that Hard Rock Cafe International is interfering with its business in Nevada and other states.
"The (Las Vegas) Hard Rock defendants have done nothing wrong and, in fact, are victims of systematic legal and business harassment by the cafe, which today’s countersuit seeks to remedy," last week's counterclaim says.
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"The (Las Vegas) Hard Rock defendants have done nothing wrong and, in fact, are victims of systematic legal and business harassment by the cafe, which today’s countersuit seeks to remedy," last week's counterclaim says.
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NY landmarks agency OKs change to De Niro's hotel .
NEW YORK — New York City's Landmarks Preservation Commission has approved plans to make the penthouse roof smaller on Robert De Niro's Manhattan hotel.
The commission originally approved plans in 2008 for the Greenwich Hotel in Manhattan. The roof was not part of that design. It was built anyway, and now has to be changed.
De Niro's architect came back with a modified plan, which was approved on Tuesday.
The actor was present for the vote, but did not speak.
No deadline was set for making the change.
The commission originally approved plans in 2008 for the Greenwich Hotel in Manhattan. The roof was not part of that design. It was built anyway, and now has to be changed.
De Niro's architect came back with a modified plan, which was approved on Tuesday.
The actor was present for the vote, but did not speak.
No deadline was set for making the change.
Monday, November 15, 2010
HFTP Installs 2010-2011 Global Executive Committee
Thomas G. Smith, CHAE Installed as HFTP Global President
Smith, of Pewaukee, Wis., is chief financial officer for the Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield, Wis. Smith has been a member of HFTP since 1989 and currently serves on the HITEC Advisory Council. He has previously served on the HFTP Global Board of Directors, Education, ProLinks Education and Leadership Summit Advisory Councils, as well as the Club Committee and Chapter of the Year Award Task Force. Smith is an active member of the HFTP Greater Milwaukee Chapter and has served as its president twice.
“Throughout the years, HFTP members have encouraged me to take leadership roles within the association and now it's led me to being the Global President," said Smith. "This year I plan to give back to the association by encouraging other members to become more involved, as well as focusing on increasing the number of international club members.”
Lisa Funk, CHAE Installed as HFTP Global Vice President
Funk is the controller at Alexis Hotel in Seattle, Wash. Funk has been a member of HFTP since 1997 and currently serves on the Leadership Summit Advisory Council and Chapter of the Year Award Task Force. She is the former co-chair of the HFTP Education Advisory Council and has served on the HFTP Global Board of Directors, as well as the Hospitality Controllers Finance & Technology Task Force. She is active with the HFTP Greater Puget Sound Chapter, where she held various leadership positions, and was previously a member of the HFTP Greater Houston Chapter.
“HFTP has given me many opportunities in my hospitality career including: education, leadership opportunities and a network of colleagues and friends that crosses the globe," said Funk. "Serving as an officer on the Global Board of Directors is my way of giving back to our association and the members.”
Raman P. Rama, CHA, CHTP, CHAE, Installed as HFTP Global Treasurer
Rama is vice president and CTO/CIO of JHM Hotels in Greenville, S.C. Rama has been a member of HFTP since 1991 and currently serves on the PCI Compliance Task Force. He previously served two terms on the HFTP Global board. He also served on the Membership Marketing, HITEC and Education Advisory Councils, as well as various other committees. Rama is an active member of the HFTP South Carolina Chapter, having served numerous leadership roles in the chapter. He has also been a driving force in educating hospitality university students about the benefits of HFTP by creating and supporting the University of South Carolina and the Coastal Carolina Student Chapters.
“The HFTP benefits and educational resources I've accessed as a longtime member have been invaluable to me for developing a successful hospitality company,” said Rama. "After gaining so much from HFTP professionally, I am honored to give back to the association and help bring fresh ideas as HFTP continues to grow worldwide."
Jerry Trieber, CPA, CHAE, CFE, CFF, Installed as HFTP Global Secretary
Trieber is director of field accounting for Crestline Hotels & Resorts, Inc. in Fairfax, Va. He joined HFTP in 1997. He currently serves on HFTP's Education Advisory Council, where he previously served as co-chair of the council. He also previously served on the HFTP Global Board, Leadership Summit Advisory Council, Nominating Committee and Chapter Awards Task Force. Trieber is a frequent speaker at HFTP educational conferences, where he educates the industry on internal controls, fraud prevention, Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance, and PCI compliance. He is an active member of the Greater Washington, DC Hotel Chapter and has served various leadership roles in the North Texas Chapter and the Greater Washington, DC Hotel Chapter.
“Being new to the industry when I joined HFTP, I was happy to meet and network with others who shared the same profession as I did," said Trieber. "Since that time, my passions for the industry and HFTP have grown, and I have found HFTP to be a wonderful place where hospitality professionals can network with peers and learn about issues and trends they encounter on a daily basis. I am proud to be part of an association whose educational and networking opportunities benefit the industry and its members.”
Terry L. Price, CHAE, CHTP, CPA, Installed as HFTP Global Immediate Past President
Price is the chief information officer at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in Asheville, N.C. Price has been a member of HFTP since 1997. He is a frequent speaker at HFTP educational conferences, presenting his popular "I.T. Boot Camp" and "Be the You, You Want to Be" sessions. While serving as the ProLinks committee chair, he helped develop HFTP's ProLinks online communities, which provides online topic-based discussions, as well as education sessions.
Price currently serves on the HITEC Advisory Council, Paragon Award Selection and Nominating Committees. He has previously served as a director on the HFTP board, as well as on the GUESTROOM 20X, Education and Web Content Advisory Councils. In addition, Price is a frequent contributor to HFTP's The Bottomline magazine.
Smith, of Pewaukee, Wis., is chief financial officer for the Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield, Wis. Smith has been a member of HFTP since 1989 and currently serves on the HITEC Advisory Council. He has previously served on the HFTP Global Board of Directors, Education, ProLinks Education and Leadership Summit Advisory Councils, as well as the Club Committee and Chapter of the Year Award Task Force. Smith is an active member of the HFTP Greater Milwaukee Chapter and has served as its president twice.
“Throughout the years, HFTP members have encouraged me to take leadership roles within the association and now it's led me to being the Global President," said Smith. "This year I plan to give back to the association by encouraging other members to become more involved, as well as focusing on increasing the number of international club members.”
Lisa Funk, CHAE Installed as HFTP Global Vice President
Funk is the controller at Alexis Hotel in Seattle, Wash. Funk has been a member of HFTP since 1997 and currently serves on the Leadership Summit Advisory Council and Chapter of the Year Award Task Force. She is the former co-chair of the HFTP Education Advisory Council and has served on the HFTP Global Board of Directors, as well as the Hospitality Controllers Finance & Technology Task Force. She is active with the HFTP Greater Puget Sound Chapter, where she held various leadership positions, and was previously a member of the HFTP Greater Houston Chapter.
“HFTP has given me many opportunities in my hospitality career including: education, leadership opportunities and a network of colleagues and friends that crosses the globe," said Funk. "Serving as an officer on the Global Board of Directors is my way of giving back to our association and the members.”
Raman P. Rama, CHA, CHTP, CHAE, Installed as HFTP Global Treasurer
Rama is vice president and CTO/CIO of JHM Hotels in Greenville, S.C. Rama has been a member of HFTP since 1991 and currently serves on the PCI Compliance Task Force. He previously served two terms on the HFTP Global board. He also served on the Membership Marketing, HITEC and Education Advisory Councils, as well as various other committees. Rama is an active member of the HFTP South Carolina Chapter, having served numerous leadership roles in the chapter. He has also been a driving force in educating hospitality university students about the benefits of HFTP by creating and supporting the University of South Carolina and the Coastal Carolina Student Chapters.
“The HFTP benefits and educational resources I've accessed as a longtime member have been invaluable to me for developing a successful hospitality company,” said Rama. "After gaining so much from HFTP professionally, I am honored to give back to the association and help bring fresh ideas as HFTP continues to grow worldwide."
Jerry Trieber, CPA, CHAE, CFE, CFF, Installed as HFTP Global Secretary
Trieber is director of field accounting for Crestline Hotels & Resorts, Inc. in Fairfax, Va. He joined HFTP in 1997. He currently serves on HFTP's Education Advisory Council, where he previously served as co-chair of the council. He also previously served on the HFTP Global Board, Leadership Summit Advisory Council, Nominating Committee and Chapter Awards Task Force. Trieber is a frequent speaker at HFTP educational conferences, where he educates the industry on internal controls, fraud prevention, Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance, and PCI compliance. He is an active member of the Greater Washington, DC Hotel Chapter and has served various leadership roles in the North Texas Chapter and the Greater Washington, DC Hotel Chapter.
“Being new to the industry when I joined HFTP, I was happy to meet and network with others who shared the same profession as I did," said Trieber. "Since that time, my passions for the industry and HFTP have grown, and I have found HFTP to be a wonderful place where hospitality professionals can network with peers and learn about issues and trends they encounter on a daily basis. I am proud to be part of an association whose educational and networking opportunities benefit the industry and its members.”
Terry L. Price, CHAE, CHTP, CPA, Installed as HFTP Global Immediate Past President
Price is the chief information officer at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in Asheville, N.C. Price has been a member of HFTP since 1997. He is a frequent speaker at HFTP educational conferences, presenting his popular "I.T. Boot Camp" and "Be the You, You Want to Be" sessions. While serving as the ProLinks committee chair, he helped develop HFTP's ProLinks online communities, which provides online topic-based discussions, as well as education sessions.
Price currently serves on the HITEC Advisory Council, Paragon Award Selection and Nominating Committees. He has previously served as a director on the HFTP board, as well as on the GUESTROOM 20X, Education and Web Content Advisory Councils. In addition, Price is a frequent contributor to HFTP's The Bottomline magazine.
