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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Wednesday, November 17, 2010
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.
Leading Hotels of the World add seven properties
After a couple of years of shedding luxury hotels that didn't quite fit its image, Leading Hotels of the World this week announced seven additional properties - with just one in the USA.
The seven properties range from a newly constructed hotels in New York City that just opened to tiny, luxury camp in South Africa for wealthy safari fans.
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The seven properties range from a newly constructed hotels in New York City that just opened to tiny, luxury camp in South Africa for wealthy safari fans.
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Even most loyal road warriors could switch hotels in bad economy
A new survey of 1,000 business travelers suggests that their fierce loyalty towards hotel chains is being tested by this new economy.
A whopping 30% of business travelers surveyed recently on behalf of consulting firm Deloitte LLP say that their hotel brand - Hilton, Marriott or Hyatt, for instance - is so important to them, that they'll stay at that specific hotel even when it's not the most convenient location.
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A whopping 30% of business travelers surveyed recently on behalf of consulting firm Deloitte LLP say that their hotel brand - Hilton, Marriott or Hyatt, for instance - is so important to them, that they'll stay at that specific hotel even when it's not the most convenient location.
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Luxury hotel group thinks 'Mini' for new hotel limousines
The luxurious Peninsula Hotels in New York and Chicago are thinking "mini" when it comes to hotel limousine service.
This week, the hotels will introduce chauffer-driven Mini Cooper cars fully decked for the hotels - just in time for the holiday shopping season.
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This week, the hotels will introduce chauffer-driven Mini Cooper cars fully decked for the hotels - just in time for the holiday shopping season.
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Sunday, November 14, 2010
Hotel to be built Debt Free in New York City
The new hostelry is being developed with financial backing from Brack Capital Real Estate, which was behind the recently opened James New York Hotel in SoHo. The project is being funded with $50 million in equity coming directly from Brack Capital, as well as from private investors. There will be no debt used.
Brack recently purchased 218-222 W. 50th St. for an undisclosed price and entered into a 99-year ground lease with a partner—a company that has developed several hotels in Europe and wishes to remain unnamed—to develop the 78,000-square-foot hotel. The site is currently occupied by a parking garage.
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Brack recently purchased 218-222 W. 50th St. for an undisclosed price and entered into a 99-year ground lease with a partner—a company that has developed several hotels in Europe and wishes to remain unnamed—to develop the 78,000-square-foot hotel. The site is currently occupied by a parking garage.
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