News Briefs

Appetronix, a rapidly emerging leader in food robotics, is unveiling the next phase of its fully-autonomous kitchen platform, redefining how quick-service restaurants (QSRs) operate at scale. Following the successful launch last week of a fully-autonomous kitchen for Donatos Pizza in Columbus, Ohio, Appetronix announces it is now actively developing two new robotic cuisine verticals: Asian and Mexican, further demonstrating its capability to serve diverse food categories with exceptional quality, speed, consistency, and zero human intervention.

Designed for operational excellence and rapid deployment, the Appetronix kitchen integrates robotics, AI, and advanced systems engineering to consistently produce high-quality meals in high-traffic, labor-constrained environments.

“Our team, strategic partners, investors, and early customers have allowed us to build a next-gen QSR system that’s ready to scale across airports, hospitals, office towers, stadiums, and universities,” said Nipun Sharma, CEO of Appetronix. “We’re enabling top restaurant brands to achieve real estate flexibility and round-the-clock operations—while solving the industry’s labor crisis.”

Appetronix is also proud to highlight the visionary partners, Viam, N49P, and AlleyCorp, who have been instrumental in bringing its current innovations to market and shaping the future of the company’s autonomous foodservice technology:

Viam - The Appetronix system is powered by Viam’s advanced AI and automation platform, which enables real-time food quality monitoring, predictive maintenance, and smart inventory management. For their most recent autonomous kitchen, Appetronix utilized Viam’s complete vision system  to automatically inspect each pizza for sauce coverage and consistency, cheese coverage, pepperoni distribution, and final quality before it’s served.

Their full-stack solution connects hardware, AI models, and APIs to Appetronix’s POS and ordering systems, enhancing accuracy and customer experience. By leveraging Viam’s platform, Appetronix can scale quality assurance across locations without building internal AI infrastructure.

"Viam's work with Appetronix is a great example of the wide-ranging applications of Viam's AI and computer vision technology, " said Eliot Horowitz, Founder and CEO of Viam. "We see huge potential to help drive automation, efficiency and consistent quality in the quick service restaurant space." 

N49P - As the first institutional investor in Appetronix, N49P has played a critical role in strategic planning, technical direction, and financing since the company’s inception.

“N49P has supported Appetronix from the very start, recognizing the team’s exceptional blend of expertise in robotics, software, and food industry insights,” said Alex Norman, Managing Partner at N49P. “Their goal has always been to create a fully automated restaurant that could transform an industry facing significant challenges. Their recent opening of the Donatos kitchen in Columbus is a major step forward in realizing that vision.”

AlleyCorp - A leading early-stage venture firm, AlleyCorp identified Appetronix’s product-market fit and believes the company is on track to achieve unicorn status.

“Appetronix has built not just a product, but a platform that’s solving real pain points in the food industry including labor shortages, consistency, and scalability,” said Abe Murray, General Partner at AlleyCorp. “Their autonomous kitchen system is already proving itself in real-world environments, and we believe they’re on track to become the defining company in food robotics.”

As Appetronix prepares for a nationwide rollout, the company is actively welcoming new investment partners to accelerate its growth. With a foundation of robust technology, a clear use case, and industry-leading backers, Appetronix is poised to redefine how food is prepared, served, and scaled in the QSR world.

Fast-growing breakfast chain Keke’s Breakfast Cafe has selected PAR Technology Corp. to support its next phase of growth, implementing PAR POS, PAR Pay, and hardware solutions across its locations. This technology partnership provides a modern, scalable foundation for operational efficiency and connected guest experiences.

Since its acquisition by Denny’s in 2022, Keke’s has expanded beyond its Florida roots, with 73 locatiosn open and more than 140 units in development. This tech upgrade aligns with a larger brand transformation—including brighter, more inviting store designs and a reimagined menu aimed at families and food lovers alike.

Tech-Powered Transformation

Amid this rapid growth, Keke’s is embracing technology to improve service and streamline operations. With mobile tablets running PAR POS and PAR Pay, team members can take orders more efficiently, reduce wait times, and deliver faster service—without losing the personal touch that defines the brand.

“Keke’s has always been about providing the best for our guests,” said David Schmidt, President of Keke’s Breakfast Cafe. “Partnering with PAR allows us to bring that philosophy into the digital age. With PAR’s innovative solutions, we’re creating efficiencies that empower our team and enhance every guest interaction.”

PAR’s cloud-based platform and open API architecture ensure seamless integration across systems, creating a tech stack that’s flexible, reliable, and ready to grow with the business. Behind the scenes, this infrastructure enables smoother operations and aligned data—creating experiences guests may not see, but always feel.

“Who doesn’t love breakfast? It’s the one meal that brings everyone together,” said Savneet Singh, CEO of PAR Technology. “Keke’s knows how to make that experience unforgettable, and we’re excited to help them take it even further. We’re bringing together the warmth of breakfast with the power of smart technology to make mornings smoother, faster, and more enjoyable.”

With PAR’s expertise and technology, Keke’s is not just modernizing its operations—it’s setting a new standard in the breakfast space. By blending speed, convenience, and hospitality, the brand is building a future-ready experience for guests across the country.

IDeaS, a SAS company and a provider of hospitality revenue management software, today announced its latest Lessons in Revenue eBook, “Data-Driven Revenue Management in the Cruise Industry: Navigating the Groundswell,” to help cruise organizations navigate today’s challenging operating environment while capitalizing on opportunities to optimize revenue.

The recent surge in cruise demand presents substantial opportunities for growth, yet cruise lines face significant challenges, including intensifying competition, labor shortages, inflated costs and delayed adoption of revenue technologies. The eBook highlights key capabilities and challenges facing cruise revenue leaders, and shares ways cruise organizations can leverage revenue management technology to maximize the potential of their voyages as they chart their course into the future. 

IDeaS’ Cruise Revenue Management System (RMS) uses advanced data analytics and automation to predict demand, execute dynamic revenue strategies, boost profitability and maintain a competitive edge for cruise operators. By embracing cutting-edge technology and data-driven strategies outlined in the eBook, cruise operators can optimize pricing and inventory management to increase profitability and outperform competitors.

Crystal Pernici, global director – Cruise RMS, IDeaS, said: “Cruise operators are becoming increasingly aware of the potential—and the value—of revenue strategies guided by revenue optimization technology. By basing their decision-making on data-driven insights rather than personal experience or selective reporting, cruise leaders are opening up their vessels to a new range of revenue opportunities.”

Cruise industry forecasting, revenue optimization and more will be on the agenda for the upcoming Cruise Council, an invite-only event taking place at the company’s Converge Client Summit on July 22-23 in London.

The full eBook can be accessed here. For more information, visit www.ideas.com. 

Fingermark is now an official Deliverect Certified Partner.

Deliverect, a global leader in order management and integrations, connects digital ordering channels directly with restaurant POS systems to help QSRs run more efficiently and deliver better customer experiences. Being certified by Deliverect means that Fingermark and its Supersonic Kiosk platform is now formally recognized as a trusted integration partner.

What This Means for Fingermark's Kiosk Customers:

Seamless Integration
Fingermark kiosks now integrate directly with the Deliverect platform, enabling a smoother, more automated connection to POS systems. This eliminates the need for manual data entry, reduces errors, and speeds up service across busy QSR environments.

Accelerated Growth
Certification positions Fingermark to partner with other global brands already using Deliverect that are seeking innovative and compatible self-service kiosk solutions, opening the door to exciting new opportunities in key markets.

Stronger Market Presence
As a certified partner, Fingermark strengthens its position as a leading QSR technology provider in the global market, further reinforcing its vision to empower restaurant operations with intelligent, customer-focused solutions.

Property management software Hospitable has helped US hosts recover more than $1.2 million in direct booking revenue so far this year — not through aggressive marketing or deep discounts, but by simply following up with guests who almost booked¹.

The bookings — all abandoned at the final step of checkout — were recovered using Hospitable’s Abandoned Bookings feature, first launched in November 2024. In its first week, the tool reclaimed over $36,000 in lost revenue. Now, fresh 2025 data shows that what began as a simple re-engagement tool has scaled into a high-performing, high-value recovery channel — proving that a well-timed reminder can turn hesitation into confirmed stays.

The feature automatically detects when a guest selects dates, enters their details, and then drops off just before confirming — triggering a personalized follow-up email. So far this year, over 300 bookings have been recovered this way, totalling $1.2 million in reclaimed revenue. The average recovered booking value is $3,970 and nearly 70% of recipients engage with the email. What’s being reclaimed isn’t just volume — it’s high-intent reservations that were already in motion, simply interrupted.

This data suggests that many guests aren’t walking away, they’re pausing. That moment of drop-off might come from comparing options, needing more time, or simply weighing up costs — especially in today’s climate of economic caution. But it points to a clear trend: today’s cautious traveler often needs a little extra reassurance to move from intent to action — and small, well-timed nudges are helping hosts recover significant revenue.

For hosts, it’s a reminder that a strong direct booking strategy doesn’t stop at checkout. Whether through visible trust signals, clear policies, or smart follow-ups, supporting guests at the final step can be the difference between an abandoned cart and a confirmed stay.

Pierre-Camille Hamana, CEO and Founder of Hospitable, said: “Today’s travelers are hesitating at the final hurdle. That pause could come from a number of factors, from affordability concerns to simply needing a little more reassurance. But understanding that hesitation, and acting on it at the right moment, is where hosts can move from passive losses to active wins in their direct booking strategy.”

Earlier this year, Hospitable reported that direct bookings had surged 571% across its user base in 2024 — with hosts generating $28.7 million in revenue through their own websites. Now, with the Abandoned Bookings feature capturing high-value reservations that might otherwise slip away, that figure is set to climb even higher in 2025.

Launched in 2016 as a time-saving PMS, Hospitable has evolved into a short-term rental super app that goes beyond traditional property management – automating guest messaging with AI, optimizing nightly rates, managing rental agreements and security deposits, coordinating teams, and powering direct booking websites with built-in payments and property protection.

For more information, visit www.hospitable.com. 

The NYU School of Professional Studies (NYU SPS) Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality and its Hospitality Innovation Hub (HI Hub), in collaboration with RateGain Travel Technologies Limited, and HEDNA, today announced the release of the second edition of its industry benchmark report, The State of Distribution 2025.

The report, based on insights from over 700 hotel brands and 21,000+ properties across 310 cities, the 2025 report presents one of the most comprehensive views into how commercial teams across the hospitality industry are navigating transformation.

The first edition of the report, launched last year, focused on understanding where distribution teams were headed. However, as most commercial teams have begun integrating revenue management, marketing, and distribution to drive greater efficiency and outcomes, the 2025 edition reflects this shift. Recognizing that distribution is no longer a standalone function but part of a broader commercial transformation, this year’s report explores how these functions are evolving. Furthermore, it captures how this growing collaboration is reshaping team priorities, core capabilities, and the technologies hotels depend on to compete.

The report highlights a widening gap between technological potential and operational readiness. While AI is increasingly shaping the guest journey across platforms, many hotel teams are still in the early stages of activating its full value. Technology itself is widely available, but consistent training, streamlined systems, and integrated workflows remain works in progress. Distribution teams are evolving, often with limited resources, and varying levels of investment in talent development and process automation.

As traveler expectations continue to rise, the ability to align people, processes, and platforms is emerging as a key driver of performance.

Key findings from The State of Distribution 2025 include:

• AI adoption remains early-stage: While interest in AI is growing, it currently ranks lower on investment priorities due to gaps in training, talent, and integration readiness.

• Commercial strategies vary by scale: Independent hotels are expanding teams and actively testing new technologies, while larger chains are focusing on system consolidation and operational streamlining.

• Distribution functions are becoming leaner: Even as the complexity of managing parity, APIs, and content grows, distribution team structures continue to shift as it becomes more integrated.

• Reporting practices are still maturing: 80% of hotels spend up to two days a week on manual reporting, highlighting ongoing opportunities for better tools tailored to distribution analytics.

• System integration remains a focus area: Many hotels, regardless of size, are working to improve data connectivity and break down silos to enable more effective cross-functional collaboration.

Christopher Murdock, HEDNA President and Director of Distribution System Support and Strategy at Accor said, “When we launched the inaugural State of Distribution report, our goal was to close a critical blind spot with the absence of a central benchmarking report for the industry. The response to last year’s report validated the need and enabled us to double down on the effort. The findings should provide a clear business case for expertise and technology investments in distribution.”

Vanja Bogicevic, PhD, Clinical Associate Professor & Director, HI Hub Experiential Learning Lab, NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, said, “This year’s report reaffirms what we see every day: hotels are investing in technology, but without investing in people, progress stalls. The State of Distribution 2025 gives hoteliers and educators alike the data to act—spotlighting where training is falling short, where team structures are evolving, and which commercial skills matter most. It’s not just a benchmark for the industry; it’s a blueprint for developing the next generation of hospitality leaders.”

Ankit Chaturvedi, Vice President of Marketing at RateGain, said: “When we launched the survey, we did not expect such an overwhelming response to The State of Distribution. And with over 700 brands sharing their insights, it’s clear that the hospitality industry sees this report as a benchmark for making better commercial decisions.

As every hotel looks to adopt AI across different commercial functions, they first need a unified view of how marketing, revenue management, and distribution are evolving. That’s what this year’s edition aims to provide. Only when commercial leaders understand where each function stands—and how they’re converging—can they make decisions that drive alignment, efficiency, and impact across the entire guest journey.”

The State of Distribution 2025 underscores that technology is essential but without investment in readiness, its potential remains underutilized. For hotels looking to scale, simplify, and stay ahead, success will depend on more than adoption. It will require integration, alignment, and action.

To request an early preview or connect with the research team, visit www.stateofdistribution.com