News Briefs

Lighthouse has launched Connect AI, a new engine designed to help hotels integrate with AI-powered travel planning platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity. As generative AI becomes a go-to resource for trip planning, hotels have struggled to appear in results due to data access issues. Connect AI solves this by delivering real-time rates, availability, and contextual property details directly to AI agents—making hotels easier to discover and book through these tools.

The new platform is built on the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and allows for direct, commission-free bookings, giving hotels a chance to maintain control over their distribution and avoid reliance on OTAs. Lighthouse, which already powers data for over 80,000 hotels, is piloting the tech through an early access program.

Why Hoteliers Should Care:

• AI-driven travel planning is surging: 50% of travelers say they plan to use generative AI for trip planning in the next year.
• Hotels are currently invisible: Most don’t appear in top AI-generated search results, missing a critical new discovery channel.
• Connect AI enables discoverability: By sharing structured rate and availability data with AI agents, hotels can finally be included in AI-based recommendations.
• Capture more direct bookings: Integration supports commission-free transactions through AI tools, reducing OTA dependence.
• Future-proof your distribution: As AI becomes the first point of contact for travelers, being bookable in that ecosystem is no longer optional—it’s strategic.
• Works across platforms: Whether a traveler uses ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, or Perplexity, Connect AI ensures your hotel shows up and can be booked.

Cloudbeds published an in-depth study analyzing how generative AI platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini recommend hotels. Titled The Signals Behind Hotel AI Recommendations, the research explores which digital signals and property attributes influence AI-generated results when travelers ask for hotel suggestions.

The study is based on hundreds of automated prompts across six global destinations and a deep analysis of 145 frequently recommended properties. It reveals a new reality: branded hotels and those with broad digital visibility, high guest sentiment, and strong OTA presence are more likely to be surfaced by AI assistants.

As hotel discovery shifts from scroll-based search to voice and conversational results, Cloudbeds argues that hoteliers must rethink their digital strategies to remain findable — especially as generative AI tools now shape an estimated 98% of AI-driven travel website traffic.

Why this matters for hoteliers:

• AI is the new gatekeeper: With guests asking tools like ChatGPT where to stay — and often receiving only one or two answers — optimizing for AI visibility is now critical for driving bookings.
• Actionable strategies available now: Hoteliers can improve their AI performance by refining OTA listings, boosting their digital footprint (including YouTube and Reddit), managing reviews, and telling a consistent brand story.
• Independent hotels face higher risk: Branded hotels dominated AI picks in the study, suggesting that independent properties must work harder to compete unless they proactively manage their online presence.

Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK) is pleased to announce the return of Shannon McKinney as senior vice president, chief operating officer and new member of the executive leadership team.

McKinney brings more than 25 years of restaurant industry experience with a deep understanding of driving operational efficiency and a proven track record of developing high-performance teams and delivering best-in-class team member and guest experiences. He started out his quick-service and fast-casual restaurant operations career in various operations leadership roles at Taco Bell, followed by serving as senior director of training & field implementation for Outback Steakhouse, vice president of operations at Crispers, Fresh Alternatives, LLC, and vice president of franchise business management at Bloomin’ Brands. After working at Jack in the Box from March 2019 to August 2021 as vice president of operations and brand performance, he most recently served as regional vice president of operations and vice president of operations, PLK, America at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.

Ryan Ostrom, Jack in the Box chief customer & digital officer, will continue to lead the broader customer experience and strategy. McKinney joins Ostrom’s team to drive operational excellence and scale execution across the Jack in the Box system. “As COO, Shannon will oversee Jack’s operations team, with a focus on strengthening the core of our business to deliver great experiences for both our team members and our guests,” said Ostrom. “Those who have worked with Shannon in the past describe him as a hands-on leader who listens first, positively leads and influences with purpose, and empowers his team, which are qualities that make him a strong fit for our culture and the reason why we are excited to have him back.”

“I am so excited to step into this role as Jack’s chief operating officer,” said McKinney. “I look forward to helping the brand reach a higher level of quality, while partnering with Ryan to unlock growth by delivering consistent, craveable guest experiences that keep our brand top of mind and drive long-term loyalty.”

Nikka Copeland joined Panera Bread as Senior Vice President of the newly created Office of Transformation & Strategy. In this role, Copeland will manage the strategic execution of Panera’s three-year growth plan, driving business model clarity that will be instrumental as the company transforms for sustained performance and growth. Copeland reports to CEO Paul Carbone.
 

A Transformation Strategist

A respected transformation strategist and thought partner, Copeland brings a strong track record of leading complex global transformations, unlocking performance and scaling growth throughout more than 20 years of experience across multiple industries including food service. She is known for leading enterprise-wide initiatives, aligning people, process and technology around strategic outcomes to foster high-performing cultures.

“I look forward to working closely with Nikka as we develop and execute our strategic plan to build a culture of highly engaged and empowered teams, deliver an exceptional guest experience and increase franchisee profitability,” said Paul Carbone, Chief Executive Officer, Panera Bread. “Nikka brings a wealth of experience in finance, strategy and operations that will prove invaluable as we create the blueprint to scale and grow Panera for the future.”

Most recently, Copeland served as SVP, Business Services Domain Lead and SVP Finance at World Kinect, a provider in the global energy industry. She also held finance and strategy positions at National Grid, Aflac and Burger King Corp. 

“Together, we will focus on delivering a great guest experience, high-quality food and good value to accelerate Panera’s momentum and transform the company for sustained growth and profitability,” said Copeland.

Panera Bread operates more than 2,000 locations.  

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.