News Briefs

Mark Shambura has joined Panera Bread as Chief Marketing Officer. Shambura will lead all aspects of marketing at Panera, including Brand Building, Digital & Loyalty, Product Strategy & Consumer Insights. An accomplished marketing leader with broad expertise in the restaurant industry, Mr. Shambura has previously held marketing leadership roles during pivotal growth periods for top brands including Chipotle, MOD Pizza, and most recently Papa Johns.

"Mark brings an impressive background building brands and leading marketing teams for fast-casual restaurants, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to Panera Bread,” said José Alberto Dueñas, Chief Executive Officer. “As Panera continues to evolve our brand, guided by listening to our guests, Mark’s depth of experience and ability will help drive our growth as a brand that serves great food you feel good about eating.”

Shambura previously served as CMO at Papa Johns, where he led a revitalization of the brand by enhancing its iconic “Better Ingredients, Better Pizza” platform, and developing a more modern, innovative omnichannel approach to transform how Papa Johns appealed to both new and loyal consumers. As Executive Director at Chipotle, Mr. Shambura guided the marketing function through periods of both sustained growth and transition, providing leadership over brand strategy, advertising, digital, social, events/sponsorships, promotions, and field marketing, including playing a key role in spearheading its “Real Ingredients” brand strategy.

“I’m proud to join the Panera Bread team and excited to build on the momentum of the brand's transformation as it continues to evolve in service of our guests,” Mr. Shambura said. “Panera propelled and cemented its position at the top of the fast casual restaurant segment through its promise of high-quality ingredients and freshly prepared food, and I’m thrilled to join a highly talented team to help shape its next chapter.”

Prior to his tenure in the restaurant industry, Mr. Shambura gained extensive marketing agency experience, working with a broad array of top global consumer brands for over a decade. Shambura will report directly to José Alberto Dueñas, Chief Executive Officer, and officially assumed the role of Chief Marketing Officer on July 29, 2024.

Global restaurant brand, Jollibee today announced the launch of its first-ever loyalty program, Jollibee Rewards. With the debut of its dynamic new loyalty program, Jollibee is unlocking a new world of joy – one that amplifies the fun-spirited, personal connections that have made the brand beloved by so many, both in North America and around the world.

Jollibee Rewards members can easily earn rewards online or in store, with dollars spent converted into Jolly Points. Every $1 spent earns 10 points, which can quickly add up to a choice of delicious freebies, exclusive members-only deals, and delightful surprises.

• 82% of customers want to receive discounts from a hotel or restaurant loyalty program, according to HT's 2024 Customer Engagement Technology Study

"It's no secret that we have the most loyal fans in the world – so much so, that we truly see them as our friends, not just customers. Our Jollibee Rewards program is tailor-made to amplify the special sense of community that we share with them and thoughtfully reward them for their steadfast support and passion for our brand," said Luis Velasco, Senior Vice President and Marketing Head, Jollibee North America. "We also invite brand newcomers to enjoy the many joyous perks that come with being a faithful Jollibee Friend as we continue to spread joy with every bite, every visit, every connection – and now, every new reward!"

As a thank you to those who join Jollibee Rewards and spend $35 or more by November 15, Jollibee will treat them to $5 off their order. Members who get their family and friends to sign up have the chance to receive 200 Jolly Points to put toward their favorite menu item.

With Jollibee Rewards, members can redeem their Jolly Points at checkout, either online or in store. To help customers learn more, Jollibee has created a helpful list of Frequently Asked Questions.

Jollibee is the flagship brand of Jollibee Group, which is on a mission to become one of the top five restaurant companies in the world.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop announced two leadership appointments: Patrick Kirk – previously Chief Marketing Officer has been named President and Chief Marketing Officer. Marshall Claycamp, previously Executive Director of Operations Services for IHOP, was named Chief Operations Officer.

In these new and expanded roles, Kirk will continue to define the Fuzzy’s Taco Shop experience, guide the brand’s future growth, and manage all organizational aspects. Claycamp will lead all operations and franchise restaurant operations for the brand.

“Patrick is no stranger to the business. At our sister brand, Applebee’s, he disrupted the casual dining industry through beverage innovation, growing the beverage business into a $1 billion enterprise. Since joining the Fuzzy’s team as CMO, he has made an immediate impact,” says John Peyton, Chief Executive Officer, Dine Brands. “His knack for building strategic plans and forming strong brand and franchisee partnerships, all while focusing on creating engaging and fun guest experiences, is undeniable. I’m excited about the fresh expertise and creative thinking he will bring to our talented team.”

With more than 23 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Kirk has been responsible for creating industry-leading beverage programs and building trusted relationships at national brands, including Applebee’s, Tony Roma’s, and Buffalo Wild Wings. In his previous role, Kirk led the vision and strategy for Applebee’s bar and beverage experience across restaurants nationwide, growing his marketing department into a substantial revenue driver for the business.

“I’m a huge fan of Fuzzy’s bold attitude and strong values,” says Patrick Kirk, President and Chief Marketing Officer of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. “Since Dine Brands acquired Fuzzy’s in 2022, I have gotten to know the team and been impressed by how the brand brings its Baja vibe to life and connects with guests. I’m eager to dive deeper with the team and franchisees to unlock the brand’s potential.”

Marshall Claycamp joins Fuzzy’s from IHOP where he served as the Executive Director of Operations Services for the past 5 years. His career spans multiple roles, including Franchise Business Consultant at IHOP, Learning and Development at Applebee’s and years of restaurant operations.

Richtech Robotics Inc. (“Richtech Robotics” or the “Company”), a Nevada-based provider of AI-driven service robots, announced that it is expanding its restaurant operations model with the signing of a binding Letter of Intent (LOI) with Ghost Kitchens America. Under the terms of the LOI, Richtech Robotics agreed to enter into a franchise agreement with Ghost Kitchens America, pursuant to which the Company will acquire exclusive rights to operate 20 Walmart-located restaurants in Arizona, Colorado, and Texas. These restaurants will be directly managed by Richtech Robotics’ subsidiary, AlphaMax Management LLC, with the aim of optimizing restaurant operations through robotics and AI cloud technology. Each location is expected to generate between $700 thousand and $2 million in annual revenue.

Richtech Robotics is deploying its proprietary automation to enhance operational efficiency, augment and personalize customer experiences, and lower operational costs. The establishment and ongoing management of these restaurants is anticipated to provide a clear, repeatable operational blueprint that businesses can use to scale robotic deployment and optimize their business model.

Matt Casella, President of Richtech Robotics, stated: "Richtech Robotics is committed to the commercialization of robotics, through both robotic sales and the operation of our own robot-powered restaurants. This agreement will significantly add to our restaurant portfolio, and these high-traffic locations will bring greater visibility to our brand and our solutions. Our restaurant operations will showcase the very same robotic and AI platforms offered through our RaaS (Robotics-as-a-Service) business model. We expect these platforms to become a fast-growing and stable revenue stream for us as we leverage them to manage thousands, and eventually tens of thousands, of restaurant operations in the future.”

George Kottas, CEO of Ghost Kitchens America, commented: "All Walmart locations where we’ve signed agreements with Richtech Robotics have strong sales numbers and steady customer traffic. Based on our previous collaborations, Ghost Kitchens is confident that Richtech Robotics’ robotic technology and operational management services will maximize the performance of these restaurants. We look forward to further expanding our partnership with Richtech Robotics as we rapidly grow our restaurant footprint."

In addition to today’s announcement, the Company has already secured exclusive operational rights for the Ghost Kitchen at a Walmart location in Rockford, Illinois. Additionally, Richtech Robotics has signed a franchise agreement for another Walmart restaurant in Peachtree, Georgia, which is expected to begin operations later this year.

Through AlphaMax Management LLC, Richtech Robotics is operating these restaurants and advancing the application of robotic technology in the food service industry, with the goal of helping businesses reduce costs and improve efficiency.

The unveiling of the first fly-through video of the Starlab space station by Hilton, Voyager Space, and Starlab Space marks a historic moment in both space exploration and hospitality. This significant event took place at the 75th International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy, offering attendees an unprecedented glimpse inside the innovative space station currently in design.

A Pioneering Partnership

Announced in 2022, the collaboration between Hilton and Voyager Space aims to bring unparalleled comfort to their state-of-the-art scientific discovery and crew habitation spaces aboard Starlab. The new station, operated through a US-led, global joint venture between Voyager Space, Airbus, Mitsubishi Corporation, and MDA Space, is a free-flying commercial space station that will benefit from Hilton's expertise in hospitality and design. Hilton’s partnership will ensure that every stage of the astronaut's journey, from ground preparations to in-space living and their return to Earth, is infused with comfort and hospitality.

Inside Starlab

The fly-through video revealed several key areas within the Starlab space station, including crew communal areas, wellness spaces, and advanced sleeping quarters. Larry Traxler, senior vice president, Global Design Services, Hilton, expressed his excitement about the progress made in the project over the past two years. “This first-look at the Starlab project is just a sneak peek at the exciting progress we’ve made in research and design over the past two years,” Traxler said. “Our team is enthusiastic about the future of human space exploration and how hospitality has an opportunity to touch it all—from pre-flight training, to the in-space experience, to our guests’ return to Earth.”

Space & Sustainability

The 75th International Astronautical Congress focused on the theme "Responsible Space for Sustainability," a subject that Hilton is deeply studying as they support the design of Starlab. The research and design efforts of Hilton for Starlab are not only geared towards space but could also drive advancements in sustainability and design efficiencies for hotels on Earth (and beyond).

The collaboration between Hilton, Voyager Space, and Starlab exemplifies the blending of space innovation with hospitality expertise, promising to transform the future of space tourism and create new benchmarks for comfort and sustainability in space habitation.

To watch the video, click here.

RoomRaccoon, a hotel management system for independent hotels, has announced its two-way integration with Pxier, an advanced software solution designed to meet the diverse needs of hotels in managing events, sales, catering, and spa services.

The latest integration in the RoomRaccoon Marketplace offers independent hotels a comprehensive and cost-effective solution to streamline essential hospitality operations. By harnessing the strengths of both platforms, hoteliers can efficiently oversee and optimize every aspect of their property's operations while elevating guest service capabilities.

Steven Reffin, Global Partnership Manager, shares: "Through our partnership with Pxier, RoomRaccoon is proud to provide independent hoteliers with a complete solution, incorporating essential event and spa management tools into our already robust platform. With real-time data flow from RoomRaccoon's PMS to Pxier’s platform, this integration ensures that all aspects of our users' business—whether it's rooms, conferences, and events, or wellness services—are seamlessly managed without the need for manual data transfer between systems."

"Through Pxier’s partnership with RoomRaccoon, hoteliers can now seamlessly sync real-time data, effortlessly managing events and spa services alongside their property operations. The integration streamlines operations, allowing hoteliers to focus on delivering exceptional service and creating memorable guest experiences," said Jay Menon, Chief Technology Officer at Pxier.

The integration is supported by three robust API connections:

Reservation Feed: Hoteliers can effortlessly access guest and reservation data from RoomRaccoon to enhance CRM efforts, improve communication, and strengthen loyalty programs.

Point of Sale: Streamline billing processes with integrated charges from spa, event, and point-of-sale systems directly into RoomRaccoon, significantly improving operational efficiency and reducing administrative overhead.

Channel Manager: Simplify group and event reservations with real-time access to RoomRaccoon’s rates and availability, ensuring seamless synchronization with the reservation calendar and maximizing occupancy potential.

The RoomRaccoon and Pxier integration is available to hotels and accommodation providers worldwide.