News Briefs
Restaurant Brands International's Former CTO Named CEO
Joshua Kobza will become Restaurant Brands International's Chief Executive Officer, effective March 1.
Kobza has held increasingly senior roles with the company over the last 11 years, including Chief Financial Officer (2013-2018), Chief Technology Officer and Development Officer (2018-2019) and Chief Operating Officer (2019-2023), including accountability for strategy, technology, human resources, global procurement, supply chain and international development. Kobza was integral to the acquisitions of Tim Hortons in 2014, Popeyes in 2017 and Firehouse Subs in 2021.
Kobza will undertake his new role reporting to, and working together with, Patrick Doyle, Executive Chairman of RBI. José Cil will remain with the company for one year as an advisor and assist in the transition.
"Over the past several years, the Board of Directors has worked with management to build a thoughtful succession plan for key positions, so this is a natural transition for Josh to lead our next phase of growth. Personally, I'm motivated to work with and help such a talented person like Josh as he steps into this new leadership position," said Doyle.
Subway Explores Possible Sale
Subway announced today that its shareholders are exploring a possible sale of the company.
There is no indication of timing or assurance that a sale will occur.
The management team remains committed to the future and will continue to execute against its multi-year transformation journey, which includes a focus on menu innovation, modernization of restaurants and improvements to its overall guest experience.
The company recently announced another record-setting year, ending 2022 exceeding global sales projections and achieving eight consecutive quarters of positive same-store sales growth.
J.P. Morgan is advising the company and will conduct the sale exploration process. The company does not intend to make any further public comment regarding the process until it has been completed.
As one of the world's largest quick service restaurant brands, Subway has 37,000 restaurants in 100 countries. Subway restaurants are owned and operated by Subway franchisees.
Nomadix, RN Projects Partner in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East
Nomadix Inc., has partnered with RN Projects, a multi-regional network system integrator. RN Projects specializes in the design and delivery of complex data networks into existing businesses and planned constructions across Australia, the South Pacific, Asia and the Middle East, and will offer the full Nomadix Networks portfolio across the hospitality, multi-tenant, office and aged-care markets.
RN Projects will capitalize on strong regional demand for technologies to enhance the connected experiences across their vertical markets by offering the Nomadix Networks range of products, including robust wireless access points, controllers and LAN switches, alongside its full portfolio of solutions.
“Nomadix has seen incredible growth year on year, and our reach has expanded to over 100 countries. RN Projects was a natural choice as a partner; they are one of the fastest growing system integrators across many key verticals and markets, which will enable us to better serve our customers across multiple regions,” said Hauke Lenthe, managing director, EMEA and APAC at Nomadix. “Together, we will deliver significant benefits to our customers, combining the quality of the Nomadix Networks portfolio, with the high level of in-region technical, logistics and customer support from RN Projects.”
With RN Projects, Nomadix can help accelerate the implementation of these networks.
HotelPORT Partners with Media Production Company
HotelPORT has announced a partnership with Runway 4, a media production and storytelling company. This latest collaboration will allow hotels to improve their marketing efforts with high-quality media production and engaging storytelling. Through this partnership, HotelPORT and Runway 4 will provide hotels, restaurants, and spas with media services including ideation, video production, photography, and content creation, including 3D and VR experiences.
The partnership will provide hotels, restaurants, and spas with the tools and resources they need to effectively market themselves and stand out in a competitive environment. It will help hospitality businesses attract more guests and improve bookings, ultimately leading to increased revenue.
TAILOS Robotics Partners with Aimbridge Hospitality
Aimbridge Hospitality has partnered with TAILOS Robotics to use the TAILOS Robotic Vacuums at its hotels.
While labor shortages have been a persistent issue in the hospitality industry, TAILOS' technology provides a solution that can help alleviate these challenges. The robots can effectively clean hotel rooms, hallways, conference rooms, and large banquet spaces, freeing up staff to focus on other tasks and allowing hotels to operate more efficiently.
TAILOS' advanced robot technology has proven to significantly improve guest satisfaction scores (GSS) and increase overall cleanliness. The robots are designed to deep clean carpets up to 95% of the surface area, leaving no spot untouched and ensuring a spotless environment for guests. No setup, mapping, or integration is required. Simply "Press Play, Walk Away" and let the vacuum do the dirty work.
With the implementation of our carpet cleaning robots, Lorraine Cruz, General Manager at Fairfield San Antonio, recognizes the tremendous benefits this technology brings to her properties. "We love using TAILOS in the hallways, and our guests love it too. It does an outstanding job keeping those areas clean," says Cruz.
Krystal's Fans Vote for New Marketing Tagline
Krystal's, new brand tagline that was chosen wholly by its fans. The new tagline – "Now You Know." leans into the concept that while people previously might not have known the hype around Krystal, now they know.
2 Chainz, Head of Krystal's Creative Marketing, kicked the poll off on February 6 for fans on his Twitter. This was after Charlamagne Tha God and Ray J echoed 2 Chainz on The Breakfast Club radio morning show challenging brands to put fans in the marketing co-pilot seat.
Krystal Designs New Prototype with Off-Prem Dining in Mind
"Now You Know." highlights the brands evolution and puts concepts such as The Side Chik campaign, celebrity partnerships, nationwide expansion, and even a late-night trip to Krystal with your friends, front and center.
"Now You Know.' celebrates the idea that our brand has cultivated a strong personality," said Casey Terrell, Chief Marketing Officer for Krystal. "People know us for our delicious food, but they also recognize our cultural resurgence. When we share about what we have been up to and what is in the works we will hear "I didn't know you all were doing that," well now they know."
Through polling the week of February 6, the brand brought guests to the front of the process and connected with the people they serve on a daily basis. Fans voted via social media between the options of "Now You Know." and "Who Else?" for Krystal's new tagline. "Now You Know." won fans hearts and votes by a 2:1 ratio.