Latest Bulletins | Hospitality Technology

August 2018

Aug

Sawridge Inns Enters Into Strategic Partnership with Revinate

Alberta hospitality firm to leverage Revinate’s marketing and guest feedback solutions.

Aug

Solution Allows Bars to Integrate Inventory Management, Payments Solutions

DigitalPour, Tidal Commerce partner to provide bars and taprooms with an all-in-one inventory management and payment solution

Aug

Holiday Inn Windsor Upgrades Legacy POS to Tablet-Based POS with Givex

Givex' tablet-based Vexilor POS supports operator's food & beverage outlets and integrates with its PMS.

Aug

Disney Files for VR Technology Patent

Theme park is developing a moving floor to enhance VR

Aug

Mandalay Bay Implements IoT Technology to Digitally Control Lights

Technology maximizes energy savings and transforms the convention center experience.

Aug

Amadeus to Acquire TravelClick for $1.52B

Adding TravelClick's cloud-based CRS, GMS and BI solutions for mid-chain and independent hotels will enable Amadeus to reach all segments of the hospitality market.

Aug

Hospitality-Centric Community Hires Former Yelp VP as CEO

Seasoned connects hospitality professionals with employers

Aug

Truno Signs On as NorthStar POS Reseller

Integrator has 40 years experience helping companies identify and install the technology they need

Aug

SICOM Unveils POS Tablet for QSRs

The tablet connects to the SICOM POS network for line busting at the front counter and the drive-thru.

Aug

HTNG Launches Frictionless Check-in Workgroup

Workgroup to publish guidance that will enable a more consistent arrival and check-in experience around the globe.

Aug

OTA Insight Signs 5 New Partnerships

Rapid expansion leads to expansion of its sales and customer support hub in Dallas.

Aug

Star Micronics Empowers Restaurants to Print Promos on Receipts

PromoPRNT is provided through two services on the Star Micronics Cloud Services dashboard: Promotion Builder and Promotion Scheduler.

Aug

Church’s Chicken Franchise Selects Cloud-Based POS

MobileBytes will be used in 200 new Church’s Chicken locations

Aug

Casino Selects Enterprise POS Service Provider

Ocean Resort Casino in Atlantic City selects Dynamic Minds Consulting to provide all POS professional services

Aug

Luxury Ukrainian Hotel Leopolis Improves Revenue with RateTiger

The property has seen a substantial improvement in efficiency resulting in minimizing overbookings and reducing workloads.

Aug

Drones Deliver Hot Food in Iceland

Online retailer Aha partners with Flytrex to expand on-demand service,

Aug

Alila Hotels and Resorts Chooses Infor to Streamline Operations and Increase Business Efficiency

This is the second Infor solution to be implemented by Alila Hotels and Resorts.

Aug

Wayback Burgers Launches New App

Burger franchisor’s app includes mobile ordering, payment, loyalty and more.

Aug

Hotelogix to Integrate Its PMS with RepUp

Partnership facilitates guest review collection process for hotels, helps hotels manage their online reputation.

Aug

Latest Version of Orderly Flags Product Waste, Theft

Restaurant tech company’s solution uses data to identify over-ordering and highlights where product waste is an issue.

Aug

Distinguished Keynotes to Speak at Upcoming HTNG European Conference

World-famous rock climber Catherine Destivelle and Portuguese National Radio Host Carla Rocha will be keynote speakers.

Aug

Consumers Want Personalized Mobile Wallet: Study

Nearly all consumers surveyed said they’d save content to their mobile wallet IF it was personalized for them.

Aug

The Chateaux Deer Valley Selects ALICE to Improve Staff Communication, Guest Services

Before ALICE, the property used walkie-talkies, excel sheets and email to manage staff work and facilitate communication.

Aug

Resort Casino Adds Robots to Security Team

Robots patrol Pechanga Resort Casino 24-7

Aug

Gather Expands Event Booking Network

Gather Booking Network includes BizBash, Yelp and EVENTup

Aug

Parx Casino to Add Sports Betting

GAN to deliver sports betting for Parx Casino’s retail and online channels

Aug

Berg Liquor Controls Selects Epson Printers for its Liquor Control Systems

Joint solutions streamline bar management.

Aug

Google Maps' Match Feature Helps Diners ID New Favorite Restaurants

Google Maps uses AI to make personalized recommendations.

Aug

Consumer Research Reveals Majority of Restaurant and Hotel App Users Engage Once a Week

Oracle Food and Beverage report highlights global consumer trends in hospitality app usage.

Aug

AccorHotels to Acquire 21c Museum Hotels

21c Museum Hotels will join AccorHotels’ MGallery collection of boutique hotels, marking the introduction of the MGallery brand into the North American market.

Aug

WatchGuard Technologies Launches Artificial Intelligence-Based Antivirus to Help Defend Against Zero Day Malware

Latest version of Fireware operating system introduces new IntelligentAV service for malware detection.

Aug

Cisco Announces Intent to Acquire Duo Security

Acquisition will help accelerate Cisco’s Intent-Based Networking Strategy, allowing customers to securely connect users to any application on any network.

Aug

Focus Brands to buy Jamba Juice for $200M

Deal is valued at $200M.

Aug

Virgin Hotels Announces New Sr VP of Ops

Thomas Becker to lead operations and growth for the hotel brand.

Aug

AccorHotel Property in Singapore Debuts IoT Room Management System

Interact Hospitality from Signify enables guests to alter lighting, temperature and make room service requests at the touch of a button.

Aug

Gabriel Moreno Joins La Boulangerie as Senior Director of Retail

Industry vet has experience building and growing quick-service, fast casual and full-service restaurants

Aug

SATO Provides Tokyo Resort Hotel with RFID Wine Cellar Inventory Solution

System provides drastic boost in accuracy and labor savings.

Aug

Roxy Partners with Telkonet to Enable Voice Controlled Hotel Rooms

Speech-Enabled Device to Control In-Room Lights, Blinds and Thermostat

Aug

Como, MobileBytes Bring Data-Driven Tools to Online Ordering and Kiosks

Partnership will help restaurants personalize the guest experience, increase visits and sales.

Aug

Five Guys Uses Real-Time Data Insights to Improve the Customer Experience

Premium burger chain signs on with Looker data platform company to access real-time, live data and insights.

Aug

Alibaba’s Ele.me to Deliver Starbucks in China

Pilot starts next month, includes fulfillment from supermarket

Aug

Wetzel’s Pretzels Adds Veteran CFO

Senior finance executive tasked with ellevating brand’s same store sales

Aug

Abasto Hotel Grows Revenue by 65% with RateTiger Channel Manager

Buenos Aires hotel increases occupancy, sales with effective online distribution.

Aug

HRS Group of Companies Hires Jay Upchurch to Lead HRS Americas

Most recently, Upchurch served with Oracle Hospitality as VP of Strategy and Solutions Management.

Aug

Star Micronics Expands Printer Lineup

The mCollection line includes thermal printers, scanners, scales and a customer display.

Aug

Sylvia Matzke-Hill Leads Famous Dave’s Culinary Team

New head of culinary has decades of industry experience

Aug

HP Unveils New Portfolio of Stylish, Versatile and Secure Technology

New HP solutions allow for a more engaging, interactive and personal customer experience.

July 2018

Jul

Cheetah Digital Acquires Stellar Loyalty

Stellar’s real-time consumer profiles empower B2C marketers to deliver more relevant messages, campaigns and offers.

Jul

Buffalo Wing Factory Manages Reservations, Wait Lines with Digital Diner

Eatery known for its wings operates four locations in Northern Virginia.

Jul

Best Western Loyalty Program Receives Top Ranking from U.S. News & World Report for Sixth Consecutive Year

Best Western Rewards ranked fifth in list of Best Hotel Rewards Programs.

Jul

Sweet Inn Develops Property Management System (PMS) In-House

Company reports highest yields to date in the vacation rentals market since doing so.

Jul

Upserve Buys Inventory Management Platform

SimpleOrder is being renamed Upserve Inventory,

Jul

Sprint Magic Box – Hospitality Edition Helps Hotels Improve Wireless Data Performance

New design aimed specifically for hotels.

Jul

Guest Loyalty Technology Gets Personal at Rodd Hotels & Resorts

With 7 Luxury Resorts, Hotels and Golf Destinations, Rodd Hotels & Resorts Leverages Enterprise-wide Multi-Property Loyalty and Property Management Software from Maestro

Jul

Kelly Baltes Hired as President of Maggiano’s Little Italy

Prior to joining the Brinker International brand, he previously worked as chairman and CEO of Cheddar’s.

Jul

PB Boulangerie Bistro Adopts Cash Automation Solution

PB Boulangerie Bistro selected Glory’s CASHINFINITY CI-10, which makes cash an electronic payment.

Jul

Wawa Expands Delivery with Uber Eats

Goal is to have 200 stores offering delivery by year’s end

Jul

37% of Gen Z Say Tech has Weakened Their People Skills

McDonald’s Workforce Preparedness Study shows importance of soft skills development in first jobs

Jul

Cvent Introduces New Business Intelligence Tools for Hospitality Cloud Platform

Enhanced data analytics capabilities empowers hotels and ownership groups to better understand their market position and improve sales outcomes.

Jul

Technology Improves Customer Experience: Study

'Digital forward’ brands are gaining the business and loyalty of today’s consumers

Jul

Pizza Kiosk Makes Canadian Debut

TFI Food Equipment Solutions introduces a fully automated pizza oven that makes a pizza in 3 minutes

Jul

Grubhub to Buy LevelUp

LevelUp to accelerate Grubhub's existing POS integration capabilities

Jul

How Small Businesses Can Reach the Connected Consumer

Report offers actionable tips for technology and digital upgrades that small business owners can implement to grow their businesses.

Jul

Krispy Kreme Buys Majority Stake in Cookie Delivery Company

Insomnia Cookies will continue to operate independently

Jul

Kipsu Announces Integration with Apple Business Chat Beta

Integration enables more personal and convenient conversations between guests and hotels.

Jul

How Vacation Rental Property Owners Can Build Brand, Revenue in the Sharing Economy

Private equity firms and major hotel brands are investing in vacation rental properties, bringing their branding power and loyalty tactics to create brand equity.

Jul

AAHOA and GlobalHotelNetwork.com Announce Strategic Partnership

The partnership will focus on content development and facilitating discussion topics.

Jul

Indevia Accounting Partners with Restaurant365

Restaurant accounting firm will resell software

Jul

Saxon Hotel Villas & Spa Johannesburg Chooses Exterity to Deliver Next Gen Guest Experiences

Exterity is an IPTV solution provider that delivers more than 70 satellite TV channels and VoD entertainment content in The Saxon’s guest rooms.

Jul

ASSA ABLOY Hospitality Enhances VingCard RFID Door Locks with Support of NXP's MIFARE Plus EV1 IC

ASSA ABLOY enhances RFID offerings with the latest evolution of MIFARE contactless ICs, featuring banking grade security features and improved usability.

Jul

ezCater Acquires Catering Platform

GoCater, the Paris-based corporate catering platform, expands ezCater to Europe

Jul

Track Hospitality Software Releases Two-Way SMS Text Messaging

This product is designed to help TRACK users communicate with their customers and leads more effectively.

Jul

Tom Curtis Named EVP of Domino's U.S. Division

Curtis to lead corporate-owned stores throughout the U.S.

Jul

Cowboy Chicken Adds Pronto Pick-Up for Mobile Orders

Guests picking up digital orders skip the line and grab their order from the Pronto Pick-Up shelf.

Jul

IHM-Mumbai Selects Hotelogix to Train Hotel Management Grads on Cloud PMS

As adoption of cloud-based PMS rises in India, students benefit from hands-on training.

Jul

Restaurant Distributor to Integrate RDC, AutoPay and Online Payment Solutions

Saladino’s Foodservice integrates receivables platform to streamline AR operations

Jul

IHG's Kimpton Brand Enters Japanese Market in 2020 with Kimpton Tokyo Shinjuku

The hotel will be located in Shinjuku, Japan's skyscraper district.

Jul

Scott Shotter Joins Back Yard Burgers as CEO

Scott Shotter was previously vp of operations at Moe's Southwest Grill

Jul

Brandon Rhoten Brought in to Lead Marketing at Potbelly

Sandwich shop plans to leverage his experience creating quirky, engaging social media marketing

Jul

Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ SureStay Hotel Group Surpasses 100 Hotels in North America

The brand has more than 189 properties worldwide.

Jul

M3 Adds Enhanced Indexing Capabilities to Streamline Hotel Data Entry

New functionality will help eliminate manual workloads associated with extracting key data from imported documents.

Jul

Partnership Connects Restaurants, Event Venues with Diners

Gather pairs its event management software with Yelp

Jul

Online Marketplace Offers Local Foods to Restaurants

ChefHero provides restaurants access local producers

Jul

GetLinked Adds Interfaces to POS System

With Embed Card System integration, GetLinked enters the game room industry

Jul

Beachfront Hotel Offers Guests Personalized Service from Staff with ALICE

San Luis Resort will be able to more quickly service guest demands.

Jul

Dos Toros Outsources Store-Level Accounting

Fast-casual Mexican concept signs on with xtraChef, will use invoice processing app

Jul

Nuvola Announces Partnership With Maestro PMS

Integration will incorporate Maestro's PMS solution in Nuvola's platform and provide better operating processes and an elevated guest experience.

Jul

Indian Budget Hotel Endorses RateTiger Channel Manager for Online Distribution

Seamless OTA connectivity simplifies business operations for Kolkata based IndiSmart Hotel.

Jul

Former OmniHotels Executive Named Chief Innovation & Engagement Officer for SalesBoost

SalesBoost is a SaaS sales training, coaching tech solution for hospitality.

Jul

FanDuel to Launch Internet Sports Betting in NJ

FanDuel plans to launch a website and mobile app offering Internet sports betting later this year.

Jul

Ocean Resort Casino Manages Uniform, Linen Inventory with RFID Tech

The RFID system from InvoTech will manage approximately 3,500 uniforms and 10,000 linen items.

Jul

Visual One PMS Adds Mobile Guest Check-in, Check-out

Additional features include mobile housekeeping, online booking and additional payment integrations.

Jul

Nonius Now Interfaces with Maestro PMS

Nonius PMS Middleware integration with Maestro enhances guest engagement experience for luxury properties.

Jul

Chatbox Launches Messaging Ecosystem for Personalized Customer Experiences at Scale

Chatbox Instant Apps facilitate the dynamic exchange of rich, structured data within messaging streams and can be deployed to any channel, carrier or hardware.

Jul

Sprout Social Announces Pinterest Integration

Pinterest integration enables social marketers to create, publish and measure visual content within Sprout Social.

Jul

CHMWarnick Launches Proph+IT Technology Platform Hotel Asset Management 2.0

The technology platform harnesses big data to optimize hospitality investments.

Jul

WhyHotel Announces New Board Member and D.C. Expansion

New 95-unit pilot program will drive further expansion in the northeast region.

Jul

Uber, Venmo Partner to Offer Payment Service

Customers will be able to split and share the cost of Uber Eats using Venmo

Jul

Veturis, SiteMinder Partner to Grow Europe and Asia Presence

Bedbank currently supports more than 180,000 hotels via a B2B interface and connections with travel agencies in more than 70 countries.

Jul

Panda Restaurant Group Improves Ops with Business Intelligence Software

Interface Security Systems completes rollout of BI software engine at 1,960 stores

Jul

Lodging Interactive Launches Fully Managed LinkedIn Marketing Service for Hotels

Hoteliers benefit from maintaining a presence and aggressively building and engaging with their LinkedIn community.

Jul

Parx Casino to Add Internet Gaming in PA

GAN to Launch Parx Casino Internet Gaming in Pennsylvania

Jul

StaffConnect Adds New Features to Its Mobile Employee Engagement Platform to Boost Engagement, Increase Corporate Communication and Improve Data Privacy and Protection

Employee engagement solution integrates seamlessly with enterprise systems to deliver employee access hubs along with enhanced security to support GDPR and compliance requirements.

Jul

Hooters Signs on with Scheduling Technology for Improved Forecasting

Forecasting capabilities will help chain better predict traffic volume, optimize staffing levels

Jul

Epson Begins Shipping LightScene Accent Lighting Laser Projectors

Empowering Creativity, the LightScene EV-100 and EV-105 project dynamic content for digital art, commercial signage and décor applications.

Jul

Chick-Fil-A Adds Tableside Ordering at 3 Houston Locations

The busiest location has posted a 500% increase in revenues from additional ordering at the table.

Jul

Kroger Unveils App that Combines Nutrition, IDs Healthy Options

OptUP app ties in with pickup and delivery

Jul

71% of Guests Rank Ease of Online Ordering, Payment as Important: Study

Unfortunately only 45% of restaurants have 'excellent' execution of these capabilities

Jul

Caesars Entertainment EMEA Increases Data Protection

EMEA division deploys Pivot3 solutions to support future IT infrastructure needs

Jul

80% of Diners Would Visit a Restaurant More if There Were Digital Coupons: Study

Tillster's Digital Coupons and Loyalty Index examines how a restaurant’s digital coupons or loyalty strategy can help them to grow sales and engage with customers.

Jul

Touch Dynamic Introduces New Widescreen Touchscreen Terminal

Terminal supports both landscape and portrait screen orientations.

Jul

David Hoffmann Named Dunkin’ Brands CEO

President of Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.has overseen the implementation of a multi-year blueprint for growth

Jul

OTA Insight Gains Momentum Heading into NoVacancy Expo

Data intelligence platform expands rapidly into Australia-New Zealand-Pacific region.

Jul

Slim Chickens Hires Franchise Development Director

Franchise concept brings on Focus Brands' top development person to spearhead growth

Jul

Maestro PMS Browser-Based Software Suite Optimizes Guest Experience, Improves Staff Productivity for 10-Property Cape Resorts

Maestro Multi-Property centralizes cross-selling, integrates activity & spa management, event sales, owner relations and guest service for award-winning destination.

Jul

Steamworks Tests Mobile Payments Solution

Glance Pay users can use the mobile payment app at four Vancouver restaurants

Jul

ArrowStream Buys American Restaurant Association

Merger unites supply chain data across foodservice operators to improve decision making and collaborative sourcing

Jul

eRevMax Completes Integration with Argentinian Booking Engine

Interface with Div-it to allow hotels manage their booking engine from RateTiger.

Jul

Good Times Selects Supply Chain Management Platform

Chooses ArrowStream OnDemand Technology for its multi-brand supply chain management solution

Jul

Oprah Invests in Health-Focused Restaurant Chain

Phoenix-based True Food Kitchen plans nationwide expansion

Jul

Upgrading.cc Boosts RevPAR Gains Through Consumer-Driven Technology that Disrupts Hospitality’s Upselling Routines

Launching in the third quarter of 2018, Upgrading.cc is an online travel platform that allows hotels and service apartments to upsell at no investment.

Jul

Seven Suite, SiteMinder to Improve Hotel Efficiencies in Costa Rica as Electronic Invoicing Becomes Law

Integrating Seven Suite's front desk with SiteMinder's channel manager will allow mutual hotel customers to streamline the distribution of room rates, availabilities online.

Jul

Resort’s World Catskills Enhances Gaming Experience with Advanced Visualization Technology

CDI’s GlobalSuite advanced visualization and analysis solution is being used to further maximize product performance to over 2,150 gaming devices.

Jul

Scenic Hotel Group Adopts TravelClick’s iHotelier Booking Engine 4.0

New Zealand independent hotel group selects TravelClick to maximize bookings and drive more revenue.

Jul

Bluefin, Verifone Partnership Provides PCI-Validated P2PE

Merchants can reduce cost to comply with PCI PA DSS requirements and mitigate risks

Jul

Mobivity Raises $5 Million in New Funding

Mobivity Holdings Corp., maker of the re•currency platform that increases customer visits and spend in restaurant and retail, has raised $5 million via a private financing. The financing was led by Talkot Capital, with participation from certain existing shareholders. Mobivity provides a platform to connect national restaurants, retailers, personal care brands, and their partners with customers to increase retention, visits and spend.

Jul

Angie Hospitality to Participate in Industry Expert Tech Panel at NoVacancy Expo in Sydney

Angie's Michael Vargosko to join other hospitality industry thought leaders in panel discussion on the state of hotel technology and what the future holds.

Jul

Hotel Magnolia Adopts Implements of ASSA ABLOY Hospitality Solutions

Historic Chilean property leverages VingCard Classic RFID door locks to enhance guest convenience and maximize security.

Jul

Corning Introduces Software-Defined Technology Solution to Address Increasing Connectivity and Bandwidth Demands

Corning solution creates a flexible platform for deploying traditional Ethernet or passive optical LAN using the same hardware at the edge.

Jul

Taco Del Mar Sold

On the heels of buying Quiznos, High Bluff Capital buys fast casual taco chain

Jul

Beekeeper Improves Guest Service and Guest Satisfaction Scores at the Watergate Hotel

Washington, D.C. hotel connects more than 280 of the hotel’s frontline workers.

Jul

Upserve Joins HotSchedules’ Partner Network

Integration with Breadcrumb POS gives restaurants insight into staffing needs based on sales data and trends

Jul

Toast Raises $115M in Funding

Toast, a fast-growing restaurant management platform in the U.S., has raised $115 million in Series D funding to accelerate investment in research and development, recruit new talent, and expand its market presence. “The way restaurants serve their customers is going through a fundamental change, and the technology that enables restaurant operations must respond to these new demands. Toast does this,” said Henry Ellenbogen, portfolio manager of T.

Jul

AccorHotels and sbe Entertainment Group Announce Strategic Partnership

AccorHotels agrees to acquire 50% in sbe.

Jul

APOLAN and Industry Experts Cite Market Traction and Growth Opportunities for Passive Optical LAN

The Association teams up with Gartner, Hanover Research and BSRIA to highlight how the adoption and awareness of POL is exceeding industry expectations.

Jul

Slim Chickens Adds Delivery for Online Catering Orders

The new option is tied into the Slim Chickens loyalty program

Jul

HTNG Adds Two New Board Members

Thierry Guiraudios of Louvre Hotels Group and Dan Kornick of Loews Hotels & Co join HTNG Board of Governors.

Jul

Restaurant Rating App Turns Guests into Advertisers

Customers earn money after rating food and sharing their experience with their social network

Jul

Mangalis Hotel Group Adopts TravelClick’s Reservations, Web and Media Solutions

TravelClick offerings enable Mangalis to maximize revenue during rapid expansion across Africa.

Jul

Swiss Hotel Chooses ERP Solution

Swiss International Hotels & Resorts partners with IDS Next

Jul

Chipotle Bets on Tech to Drive Turnaround

QSR will enhance mobile ordering, reorganize in-store pickup

Jul

Restaurant Closes for a Week After Technology Fails

Yotam Ottolenghi's new London restaurant expected to reopen later this week

Jul

Gather Buys Online Marketplace for Venues

Acquisition of EVENTup fuels event business growth

Jul

Mobile Ordering Platform Partners with Speech-Enabled Assistant

MEN and Roxy collaboration will bring POS-integrated ordering platform to rooms

Jul

ML Hoteles Adds Smart TV with WiFi Interactivity

Operator selects Nonius' smart hospitality TVs with cable TV channels and Wi-Fi interactivity

Jul

Jason Rembert Joins FoodMaven as CTO

Rembert was VP of Software Development for Oracle

Jul

HITEC HAPPENINGS

Here's Hospitality Technology's roundup of new products, happenings, plus HT insights from the 2018 HITEC, taking place in Houston, June 18-22, 2018. #HITECTX. https://hospitalitytech.com/hitec

Jul

xtraCHEF Partners with Metz Culinary Management to Automate Invoice Workflow

Dining management contractor chooses rolls out xtraCHEF to 250+ locations

Jul

Bluefin, NCR Expand POS Payment Security to Provide PCI-Validated P2PE

Payment security solution provider, Bluefin, and NCR, a provider of omni-channel solutions, are working together to improve NCR’s clients’ experience by providing Bluefin’s PCI-validated Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE) security solution to restaurants and retailers utilizing NCR’s Counterpoint Retail Solution to process payments through NCR Secure Pay.

Jul