News Briefs

Subway announced that John Chidsey, Global Chief Executive Officer (CEO), will retire from the company at the end of 2024, after five years in the role. Carrie Walsh, Subway's current President of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and former Global Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), will assume the role of Interim CEO, while a search is conducted to identify a permanent successor.

"I am honored to step into the role of Interim CEO, continuing to drive key initiatives to help boost franchisee profitability and delight our guests through innovation," said Walsh. "Through a collaboration with the Subway leadership team, employees and our valued franchisees, we will keep elevating the Subway experience and deliver fresh, quality food to more guests around the globe."

Chidsey joined Subway in 2019 as the brand's first CEO outside of the founding family and led a multi-year transformation of the business. Under his leadership, Subway strengthened its market position by refreshing its menu and guest experience and accelerating digital innovation. Chidsey also led Subway's global growth strategy, with a focus on attracting well-resourced, experienced multi-unit operators and master franchisees. As a result, the brand now has over 10,000 future restaurant commitments and is on track to more than double the number of new restaurant openings in 2024, compared to 2019.

In her role, Walsh will continue to execute Subway's strategic growth plans, leveraging more than two decades of experience building brands across the restaurant, retail and consumer industries, including at YUM! Brands, Pizza Hut and PepsiCo.

Walsh joined Subway in 2019 as a member of Subway's Executive Leadership Team and played a pivotal role in elevating the brand's U.S. and global perception and driving the company's strategic direction. As Global Chief Marketing Officer, she helped bring thousands of new and lapsed fans back to the brand and strengthening Subway's position as a leader in the quick service restaurant and sandwich industries. Most recently, Walsh served as President of EMEA, Subway's second-largest region, where she oversaw operations, finance, marketing and development activity across 50 countries and territories.

Chidsey will transition to a consulting role to ensure a seamless transition, with a particular focus on helping to guide the company's international growth strategy and master franchisee relationships.

In a city where the extraordinary is an everyday experience, Resorts World Las Vegas is ready to elevate luxury and convenience to new heights through an exciting collaboration with technology innovator Alliants. The introduction of an avant-garde contactless guest experience through Alliants technology signals a bold new era for one of Las Vegas's newest state-of-the-art resorts.

Launching in early 2025, the guest experience at Resorts World Las Vegas will be transformed where guests can stroll into their rooms without waiting at the front desk, thanks to a sophisticated contactless check-in process. This remarkable feature also empowers guests to update reservations, add companions, and even share their anticipated arrival time—all before setting foot on the property. The integrated technologies will also support early check-in and check-out capabilities, ensuring guests enjoy maximum flexibility during their stay.

“We are always innovating and finding ways to improve the guest experience,” says Shannon McCallum, Vice President of Hotel Operations at Resorts World Las Vegas. “Creating a truly unforgettable, top-tier, and seamless experience is our highest priority. Alliants is helping us to accomplish that mission with the latest integration of their technology in our resort.”

The suite of services includes a digital key feature that allows guests to access their rooms effortlessly without requiring them to download an app. This innovative service lets guests securely add their hotel room key to their device, providing touchless entry and a seamless experience. Guests can easily navigate their stay, from viewing booking details to accessing their rooms, the pool, the fitness center, and other common areas, all through their mobile devices.

“Our mission at Alliants is to give each of our customers a uniquely tailored experience that works best for them to elevate their guest experiences,” stated Andrew Pirret, SVP Product at Alliants. "By delivering a long-term partnership alongside our technologies, we are thrilled to support Resorts World Las Vegas so they can continue to set new benchmarks in the luxury hospitality industry."

Starbucks is among the retailers impacted by Blue Yonder's ransomware attack.

The attack has disrupted a third-party software system that Starbucks uses to track and manage its baristas’ schedules, forcing the coffee chain to shift to manual mode to ensure its employees get paid properly, a Starbucks spokesperson said in an interview with CNN Monday.

Blue Yonder stated it is “working around the clock to respond to this incident and continues to make progress.” 

The list of companies disrupted by the hack of the supply chain management software provider include United Kingdom-based grocery giants Morrisons and Sainsbury’s. 

Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Blue Yonder was acquired by Panasonic in 2021. In the United States, the company’s customers include large grocery chains such as Albertsons Cos., The Kroger Co. and Wegmans and banners like Harris Teeter.  

BetMGM, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator, today announced a major enhancement to its customer experience by consolidating BetMGM Reward Points (BRPs) into a single account. In addition to users' cash balance, this feature enables BetMGM Rewards Points to travel with them across jurisdictions.

Streamlining BetMGM Rewards Points into a single account is the next phase of BetMGM's single, digital wallet. With single account, users have one set of login credentials and account settings, along with a single cash balance accessible in all states where BetMGM is available. In August, BetMGM became the first sports betting app to offer Nevada bettors seamless, nationwide connectivity through a single, digital wallet. Through operation and partnership with MGM Resorts, this innovative feature makes BetMGM the only legalized sports betting app that allows Nevada residents and visitors to wager in the state and carry their funds to BetMGM mobile markets across the United States. 

"We are committed to streamlining the loyalty experience for our players so they can enjoy the rewards they earn wherever they are in the U.S.," said Adam Greenblatt, BetMGM CEO. "The BetMGM Rewards Program showcases our key differentiators -- omnichannel play, the iconic hospitality and MGM Resorts International's entertainment, and partnerships including our alliance with Marriott Bonvoy. With every bet at the sportsbook and spin of the slot you are earning rewards that can be used online or in-person."  

Players can earn BetMGM Rewards Points and Tier Credits by playing at BetMGM Sportsbook, BetMGM Casino and BetMGM Poker.

Highlights of the streamlined BetMGM Rewards include:

• BetMGM Rewards Points now travel with you in all single account markets (Puerto Rico and Ontario not included).
• When a player creates an account in a new location, their BRP balance consolidates into one balance.
• Players can earn BetMGM Rewards Points and Tier Credits by playing at BetMGM Sportsbook, BetMGM Casino and BetMGM Poker. Players can redeem BetMGM Rewards Points earned through play in the Rewards Store and use them for odds boosts and Gametime credits. BRPs can also be redeemed at MGM Resorts International destinations, exchanged for Marriott Bonvoy Points, and more.

BetMGM currently operates in 29 markets across North America including AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, SD, TN, VA, DC, WA, WV, WY as well as Ontario, Canada and Puerto Rico.

As BetMGM continues to expand to new markets and introduces new features, responsible gaming education remains a key focus. BetMGM is proud to provide resources to help customers play responsibly including GameSense, an industry-leading program, developed and licensed to MGM Resorts by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. Through the integration within BetMGM's mobile and desktop platforms, customers can receive the same GameSense experience they have grown to rely on at MGM Resorts properties nationwide. This complements BetMGM's already existing responsible gaming tools which serve to provide customers with an entertaining and safe digital experience.

Noodles & Company has launched its first-ever Noodles Merch Store. The exclusive Noodles merchandise includes a festive winter-themed sweater, branded holiday onesie, and even matching bandanas for furry friends. With items for everyone, it's the perfect way for every family member to show their love for Noodles all year. 

Loving Noodles Should Always Look This Good

Available exclusively through December 31 while supplies last, the Noodles Merch Store allows fans to flaunt their love for the brand with a limited-edition collection of cozy, must-have winter essentials. Guests can also shop for branded fleece jackets, crewnecks, plush toys, and more. Plus, fans can score other irresistible swag, including: 

• Trendy Noodle Kicks – These stylish sneakers boast Noodles' signature red and yellow brand colors, with the iconic Noodles logo on both sides and a playful macaroni noodle embossed into the sole for a fun, craveable twist.
• Festive Branded Onesie – These cozy white onesies are decked out in a cheerful blue and yellow pattern featuring Noodles icons like best-selling Rice Crispy, bowtie pasta, and festive details like snowflakes, candy canes, and more.
• Cozy Holiday Sweaters – This comfy blue-and-white holiday sweater features a festive design of snowflakes, gingerbread men, and beloved Noodles icons, such as the classic logo, making it the perfect seasonal statement piece.

Even More Reasons to Share Noodles 
To make the holidays even brighter, the limited-edition Noodles onesie will be 50% off from Black Friday through Cyber Monday, allowing fans to stay cozy and stylish for half the price, whether lounging at home or gifting to a fellow noodle lover. The promotion will be automatically applied at checkout, and there is no minimum purchase required to receive this festive deal.

"We're excited to offer our guests a fresh and festive way to celebrate their love for Noodles this holiday season with the launch of our first-ever e-commerce store—just in time for Black Friday," said Danielle Moore, Noodles & Company director of communication. "Our new online merch store is the ultimate destination for limited-edition gear, from cozy holiday sweaters to vibrant bowl koozies. It's a fun and stylish way for our loyal fans to show off their Noodles pride while bringing a touch of Uncommon Goodness home for the holidays!" 

Sign Up to Score Big with Noodles Rewards 
For even more Uncommon Goodness, guests can sign up to join Noodles Rewards for free via the Noodles mobile app or the Noodles website. Upon signing up, new members receive a free regular entree after their first purchase using their Noodles Rewards account and immediately start earning points with every order. Members also have access to exclusive offers such as birthday rewards and the all-new Extra Goodness platform, which guarantees there's always a reward available for members.   

Rewards members and guests can also access Noodles Catering, an excellent option for workplace events, family and friendly gatherings, and more. Guests can conveniently get their noodle fix via quick pick-up or delivery by placing an order online at noodles.com, via the Noodles mobile app, or by visiting their nearby Noodles location. For more information, please visit https://www.noodles.com/rewards/.   

Inn-Flow, the all-in-one operations software for hoteliers, announces its new integration with DailyPay, a worktech company and leading provider of earned wage access. This new integration allows hotel owners, managers, and operations teams to offer staff choice and control over their earned pay, increasing employee satisfaction and boosting their financial flexibility.

Research shows that employee satisfaction is a crucial factor in the hospitality industry, as a motivated and financially secure workforce contributes to smoother operations and higher guest satisfaction.

“In today’s competitive labor market, any advantage in employee benefits can significantly boost a business’s ability to attract and retain talent,” adds John Erhart, Founder and CEO of Inn-Flow. “Flexible financial access is a unique perk that appeals to employees across all roles.”

Inn-Flow’s integration with DailyPay provides hotel owners and managers with a powerful tool to enhance employee retention and reduce turnover by addressing one of the top concerns for workers — financial flexibility. According to Hanover Research Study: Companies with EWA Solutions, 95% of companies offering an earned wage access solution today believe it has a positive impact on employee retention.

The integration fully synchronizes payroll and time tracking between Inn-Flow’s labor management tools and DailyPay, eliminating the need for redundant data entry or manual adjustments. With this streamlined process, employees can access their earned wages at a frequency of their choosing between pay cycles, empowering them to take control over their finances.

By simplifying the payroll process and supporting employees' financial wellness, this integration empowers hotel management teams to focus on providing exceptional service and a more positive work environment.

The DailyPay integration is now available to all Inn-Flow users. Existing customers can contact their Inn-Flow Account Manager to start the process to add this new feature.