News Briefs

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.

IDeaS, a SAS company, the world’s leading provider of hotel revenue management software and services, has released its annual trends report, 5 Predictions That Will Shape Hospitality in 2025. To help hospitality companies navigate the new year and beyond, IDeaS collected insight from some of the top minds in the industry, including hoteliers, management companies, and technology partners to identify the major trends hospitality organizations are likely to see, as well as how to implement new strategies and technologies to succeed. 

Key predictions include:

• The generational changing of the guard: Hoteliers are getting serious about the growing travel demand driven by both experienced and first-time travelers. Rising disposable income and the need to cater to the diverse preferences of everything from Baby Boomers to Gen Z and Millennials will be critical when building a personalized approach that is both sustainable and meaningful to all ages.
• Experiential travel demand fuels new opportunities: As over-tourism continues to be a challenge for popular destinations, there are new opportunities for hotels to promote less-traveled areas. Focusing on personalized, curated experiences will be key to enhancing the guest experience. 
• Ancillary revenue and events will have a renewed focus: Room pricing pressure will play a role in the increased adoption of online booking and dynamic pricing for meetings and events. Hoteliers will also look to automate smaller events to streamline operations and staff efficiency.
• Hotels will continue to invest in next-generation technology: With a focus on AI applications to drive real value and efficiency, the collaboration between humans and AI will increase for optimal pricing and revenue management. 
• The cloud revolution will continue to accelerate: Hotel systems continue to reach end-of-life cycles, forcing an ongoing migration to the cloud. As increased access to data empowers next-generation hospitality solutions, modern tech stacks will become crucial to meet next-generation guest expectations. 

Klaus Kohlmayr, chief evangelist and development officer, IDeaS, said: “The hospitality industry is undergoing a profound digital transformation. As guest expectations continue to evolve and technology advances, hoteliers must adapt to stay competitive. By leveraging data-driven insights and innovative solutions, businesses can optimize revenue, enhance guest experiences, and build sustainable models. The future of hospitality lies in the intersection of technology, data, and human creativity - which is why we worked with some of the best and brightest in the industry to help shape this report. We hope these predictions will help hoteliers gain insights into future trends and leverage that information to begin thinking about what’s likely to come in the year ahead.” 

IDeaS collected insights from key industry thought leaders, including: Amadeus, Bookassist, Bookboost, Busy Rooms, D-EDGE, HOTELCUBE PMS, Jonas Hospitality, Mews, Newbook, Oaky, Optimand, Profitroom, Revinate, Sabre Hospitality, Stayntouch, Summerstar Tourist Parks, TrustYou, Userguest and UpsellGuru.

Download the full white paper to discover the 5 Predictions That Will Shape Hospitality in 2025.

Designed with accessibility and financial freedom in mind, the new Instant mobile app is released with a list of innovative new features and functionality including:

• Faster Access to Earned Wages: Employees have access to their hard-earned wages in fewer steps, with an improved user interface (UI) and key elements surfaced more prominently within the app.
• Modern Security Features: State-of-the-art security protocols, such as facial and fingerprint biometrics, multi-factor authentication, and encryption technologies protect user information and provide peace of mind.
• Flexible Payment Options: Users have the freedom to choose how and when they access their wages. Whether it’s through direct deposit, the Instant card, or a mobile wallet, the new app offers a greater degree of flexibility for all employees, ensuring convenience for all.
• Clear and Informative Design: With improvements to the user interface (UI), the app offers a user-friendly experience, empowering users to make informed choices and navigate the app confidently.
• New Technology Framework: Underpinned by a new technology infrastructure, the new Instant mobile app is faster, more responsive, and built to allow for additional features and functionality to meet the needs of employees and how they are paid.

“Employee demands regarding how they access their wages are constantly shifting, and our new app is meeting that head-on,” said Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial. “Whether it’s to cover unexpected expenses, avoid predatory loans, or simply to enjoy more control over their finances, Instant is continually revolutionizing the way people get paid.”

By releasing this enhanced version of its mobile app experience, Instant is furthering its mission of delivering pay to employees, when they want, where they want, and how they want, all free of fees.

Pickpad, a modular system of smart pads powered by sensors and machine learning, has been awarded the prestigious CES 2025 Innovation Award for its pioneering concept to transform the customer experience in restaurants. The Award, produced by the Consumer Technology Association, is an annual competition honoring outstanding design and engineering in 33 consumer technology product categories.

Pickpad’s innovative solution is designed to enhance operational efficiency and boost customer retention for busy restaurants. Seamlessly integrating with existing tech systems, setups, and designs, it operates in the background to automate key processes — double-checking order accuracy, updating statuses, collecting data points, and delivering a uniquely personalized customer experience. This enables restaurants to focus on what truly matters: providing exceptional hospitality.

This new concept has captured the attention of industry experts, earning Pickpad the CES 2025 Innovation Award in the most competitive “Artificial Intelligence” category.

"There are no longer separate digital and physical experiences — there’s only phygital: a seamless customer journey that unites both worlds. Pickpad is designed for this new reality" said Yaro Tsyhanenko, founder and CEO of Pickpad. “We worked tirelessly to develop a solution that not only benefits restaurants, but completely redefines customer experience. This award reflects our commitment to innovation and we are excited to continue pushing the boundaries of technology in the restaurant industry."

The CES Innovation Awards program is highly competitive and recognizes the most innovative and cutting-edge products and services in the technology industry. The judges, consisting of a panel of independent industrial designers, engineers, and members of the media, evaluated submissions based on criteria such as engineering, design, and user value. Pickpad's win in the category of “Artificial Intelligence”  is a testament to its potential to revolutionize the restaurant industry.

The CES 2025 event will take place in Las Vegas from January 9–12, 2025, showcasing the most innovative products across a variety of industries. Pickpad will be featured in the Eureka Park, alongside other groundbreaking startups.

Following this milestone, Pickpad is poised to expand its presence across the U.S., targeting quick-service restaurants to help them achieve unprecedented operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. With successful pilots already completed, the company is gearing up for a broader rollout in 2025.

In an increasingly digital business landscape, the value of face-to-face meetings remains undeniable. New research from Accor, a global leader in hospitality, indicates that professionals globally across industries believe their ability to generate revenue could increase by 36% if all important meetings were conducted in person. The study underscores a key takeaway: while digital tools like video and phone conferencing are useful, the human connection fostered by in-person interactions is perceived as significantly more effective in driving business success and performance.

Human Connection Leads to Revenue Growth

The Accor study, which gathered insights from 9,000 professionals around the world, indicates a strong belief among professionals in the power of face-to-face meetings to drive revenue growth. A striking 85% of respondents expect that prioritizing in-person meetings would significantly boost their revenue, with an average projected increase of 36% over the next year. This statistic highlights the tangible business benefits of face-to-face meetings, suggesting that companies looking to enhance their commercial performance might want to rethink their approach to client interactions.

One respondent stated, “Business professionals expect to close 37% more deals if they were able to conduct all their important meetings face-to-face.” This sentiment is shared by a majority of the professionals surveyed, with 81% indicating they believe they would achieve better business outcomes if they could prioritize in-person meetings.

Face-to-Face Meetings Drive Business Impact

Understanding in-person meetings are an investment, 35% of professionals globally agreed meeting in person is worth the investment in both time and costs. The study shows compelling data in favor of in-person business, with 92% of professionals agreeing it’s important with external clients – 67% stating it’s very important - and 85% of workers agreeing face-to-face interaction is important with internal colleagues.

The data highlights a strong preference for in-person meetings across various business functions, with many professionals believing they offer greater impact and value than virtual alternatives. In fact, respondents believe that one in-person meeting has the same impact as three virtual meetings - a clear indication that face-to-face communication fosters deeper connections and more successful business outcomes.

Around 41% agree that face-to-face interactions are more effective for business, particularly when it comes to sales, closing deals, and overall business success. Nearly 40% emphasize the importance of in-person meetings for their work, with 38% noting that the investment in time and costs is worthwhile. Furthermore, 37% believe in-person meetings are key to fostering company culture, while 35% report higher attendee engagement during these interactions. However, 33% acknowledge that virtual meetings make it more difficult to build personal relationships, underscoring the value of physical presence in the professional world.

Commercial return drives business travel

The primary driver of business travel is commercial, with 34% of professionals polled globally stating that closing a deal is their main reason to travel, closely followed by client (31%) and contract negotiations (30%). Events and trade shows remains a key priority with 30% of professionals saying it’s a primary reason to travel for business. Building and designing business strategy remains vital, the 5^th most significant reason to travel for business, a priority for 20% of professionals.

Global professionals overwhelmingly prefer in-person interactions for key business activities, underscoring the continued value of face-to-face engagement in critical situations. A significant 68% favor conducting client presentations in person, compared to just 17% who prefer virtual formats. Site inspections show an even stronger preference for in-person involvement, with 77% choosing this method over the 11% opting for virtual alternatives. High-stakes business moments, such as closing a deal (74%) and contract negotiations (70%), also see a clear preference for in-person meetings, highlighting the importance of direct human interaction in building trust and finalizing agreements. These findings emphasize that, despite the rise of virtual alternatives, professionals still recognize the unique benefits of face-to-face meetings in fostering strong business relationships and commercial value.

A Hybrid Future for Business Interactions

Looking ahead, the research suggests that hybrid business models—combining both digital and in-person meetings is now the norm. As businesses continue to rely on digital solutions, the human touch provided by face-to-face meetings will remain an irreplaceable aspect of closing deals and fostering strong business relationships. While digital tools offer convenience and global connectivity, they cannot fully replicate the effectiveness of personal interactions.

Sophie Hulgard, Chief Sales Officer, Accor, commented on the findings, noting: “The potential 36% revenue gain from meeting face-to-face will be worth billions to the global economy. People need to connect, and while technology brings us together from around the world, it doesn’t replace the connection, culture and commercial value that comes from in-person interactions. Digital is powerful, but face-to-face is valuable.”

She adds: “Business is about people. Whether you are driving culture or commercial priorities, people are central to business strategy. Our study reveals that businesses stand to benefit greatly from prioritizing in-person meetings, particularly for important negotiations and client engagements. As the world adapts to a new business as usual, companies that find the right balance between virtual and face-to-face interactions are likely to see stronger results, both in terms of deal closures and revenue growth.”

Conclusion: Face-to-Face Meetings as a Competitive Advantage

In a world that increasingly embraces digital transformation, the value of face-to-face communication has never been more evident. Accor’s findings show that business professionals recognize the importance of human interaction in achieving impactful results. With the potential to significantly boost revenue and close more deals, companies should view face-to-face meetings not just as a traditional practice, but as a competitive advantage in an evolving business landscape.