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News Briefs

  • 4/4/2023

    XTM Signs People2.0 to Its Earned Wage Access Payment and Staff Management Platform

    XTM Inc.

     XTM Inc., a Miami and Toronto-based Fintech creator of payment innovations and staff management solutions in the hospitality, personal care and service space, welcomes People2.0 to its Today Financial™ platform for Earned Wage Access (“EWA”) and to its Timely Staff Management Platform for shift management and staff callouts.  

    People2.0 provides global, mobile, flexible, and remote work arrangements. The company's employer of record (EOR) and agent of record (AOR) establishments around the world create a unique global ecosystem within which talent suppliers can engage any category of worker in any work arrangement, anywhere, while independently-working professionals have access to business support services and portable benefits.

    According to Marqeta's CEO, over 80% of workers want instant access to their earning.

    “The welcome addition of People2.0 to our platform is the result of a team effort, namely Shean Dillon, CEO and founder of U. Inc., whose innovation and drive will greatly improve the quality of the employee experience and Curtis Khan, innovator and founder of BookJane, our staff management partner,” said Marilyn Schaffer, CEO, XTM.  “Together, we are setting out to disrupt and inspire today's workforce and employers with advantages driven by digital automation, featurization and instant access to earnings.”  

    “I have years of experience in staffing, resourcing and dignifying workers like the important assets that they are,” said Shean Dillon, Founder and CEO of U. Inc.  “The mission of U. Inc. is to focus on the work-life quality of workers across North America, bridging digital featurization such as Earned Wage Access between employer and staff.  We are thrilled to be part of the XTM and People2.0 EWA program and look forward to fully leveraging each party's strengths.”

  • 3/31/2023

    QSR Automations Recognized for Excellence in Customer Service

    QSR Automations customer service team

    QSR Automations earned recognition for excellence in customer service and support.

    At MURTEC, QSR Automations’ VP of Hardware Solutions and Support, Kathi Klein, received fHospitality Technology ’s 2023 Top Women in Technology Lifetime Achievement Award. 

    During her more than 30 years in the restaurant technology industry – half of those at QSR Automations–Klein has amassed incomparable knowledge in understanding and troubleshooting kitchen display, front-of-house, and the associated hardware and networking platforms needed to run them. 

    But what truly sets Klein apart is her natural ability to nurture relationships and foster talent, which has made her an effective leader in QSR Automations’ Support Services Team. During her long tenure at QSR Automations, Klein has built one of the industry’s strongest and most effective support teams. In fact, under Klein’s guidance, the team has received a 99 percent satisfaction rate from customers in 2021, and last year handled more than 16,000 inbound and outbound calls, which earned them a bronze award for Excellence in Customer Service from the 2022 Stevie Awards. 

    This was the third bronze Stevie award for the team, as last fall, Klein accepted two additional bronze awards from the Stevie Women in Business Awards on behalf of QSR Automations–one for excellence in customer service, and the other for growth. QSR Automations was selected for these honors from more than 1,500 nominations from around the world.

    “Just as our technology is the heart of a restaurant kitchen, our people are truly the heart of this business,” said Angela Leet, CEO of QSR Automations. “My colleagues are passionate about innovation both in and out of the office, and it’s immensely gratifying to see them recognized for these achievements.”

    QSR Automations, headquartered in Louisville, Ky., with offices in the United Kingdom, is a global industry leader in kitchen automation and guest management services.

  • 2/6/2023

    Salad and Go Expands in Texas

    Salad and Go  salad and iced tea

    Up and coming QSR  Salad and Go  is expanding in Texas with three new locations opening in February in the Houston markets of Katy, Richmond and League City.

    The Katy store located opened February 1, the Richmond location at  is set to open February 17, and the League City store plans to open its doors on February 22. These new locations will mark the start of rapid brand expansion across the Greater Houston area.

    These suburbs were strategically selected as ideal markets for Salad and Go as some of the fastest growing communities in the region. Conveniently located in some of Houston's most popular suburbs, the new locations will provide fresh, high-quality meals with quick and easy convenience at an affordable price.

    As Salad and Go continues growing its national presence with a strong focus on Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, and Nevada, the brand's expansive growth has it on a positive trajectory to provide fresh and affordable food to communities in more than 125 locations by the end of 2023. Houston is the next step in the brand's expansion across Texas with plans to open additional stores in the market throughout the new year.

    Salad and Go's chef-curated menu provides guests with food for any time of the day by offering a variety of delicious and healthy items including salads, wraps, breakfast burritos and soup as well as beverages including hand-crafted lemonades, teas and cold brew coffees.

    Salad and Go ensures each meal contains fresh, quality ingredients while keeping prices low by vertically integrating operations and distribution, and sourcing ingredients directly from high-quality local farmers and suppliers whenever possible. The brand's mission to make fresh, nutritious food convenient and affordable for ALL extends beyond its stores and is demonstrated in the work the brand does to donate 4,000 meals every week to those in need, as well as in partnerships with nonprofits to support and fundraise for various worthy causes.

  • 1/9/2023

    Focus Brands Accelerates Dual Branded Locations

    Foucs Brand dual branded Jamba Juice and Auntie Annes

    Focus Brands says dual branding is the future of QSR, and the parent company of Auntie Anne’s®, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Schlotzsky’s, is leading the charge. Today, the Focus Brands portfolio boasts 175-plus open dual branded units with at least 65 more in various stages of development across the country. 

    Drive-Thru Convenience

    The Focus Brands portfolio brands have signed agreements to open more than 50 dual and tri-brand locations in the coming year, many of which include drive-thrus for added convenience as interest in dual branded franchise opportunities continues to surge.

    Flexible Store Formats

    Focus Brands is among the brands introducing new store formats, including Krystal, Jack-in-the-Box and Panera Bread, which opened its Panera To Go, solely offering Rapid Pick-Up and Delivery shelves where guests and delivery drivers can easily pick up orders.  

    Focus Brands has long pioneered the concept of dual branding, predominately in malls and non-traditional locations with Auntie Anne’s and Cinnabon. Now, the company’s portfolio brands have found new opportunities with streetside dual branded units, which is paving the way for immense franchise growth. 

    “Dual branding is the future of our brands, especially on the specialty side of the business,” said Brian Krause, Chief Development Officer at Focus Brands. “There will always be a place in malls, but there is an immense amount of growth opportunity in streetside venues, and, by dual branding, there is more opportunity for enhanced revenue.”

    The company invested heavily in consumer research to identify how to create combinations of its iconic brands to resonate with consumers and meet them where they want to be met.

    Focus Brands has identified four dual-brand concepts:

    • Auntie Anne’s/Cinnabon
    • Auntie Anne’s/Cinnabon/Carvel
    • Auntie Anne’s/Jamba
    • Cinnabon/Carvel – Cinnabon Swirl. 

    While key consumer benefits vary by dual-brand combination, one consistent benefit has been convenience. Having these brands together in one location makes them far more accessible than they are individually. This convenience also creates opportunity for franchisees, as co-branding leads to an expansive menu that drives enhanced unit-level volume. 

     

  • 4/5/2023

    Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings to Offer Starlink High-Speed Internet On Board Fleet

    logo, company name

    Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., a global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line (“NCL”), Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands, announced its plan to improve connectivity for guests and crew at sea by offering SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed internet on its ships. Using advanced low earth orbit satellites, Starlink delivers industry leading broadband internet connectivity which will improve the capacity, speed and reliability of internet on board. The Company is currently testing Starlink, beginning with Norwegian Breakaway, with the intent to rollout this game-changing technology across its entire world class fleet in a phased manner.

    “We are thrilled to offer Starlink on board our ships to improve internet connectivity at sea. This initiative is a testament to our continuous quest to find new and innovative ways to enhance the experience for both guests and crew while sailing on our award-winning brands,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO-elect of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “Ensuring that this technology meets our high standards of excellence for our guests is incredibly important to us, which is why we are introducing this cutting-edge technology across our fleet in a phased manner. Once deployed, guests and crew will have a faster and more reliable method to stay connected with friends and family including by sharing in real-time the incredible memories they create while at sea.”

    If trials are successful, the Company is targeting to equip 7 additional vessels with Starlink by year-end, including all three of the Company’s exciting new additions this year, Oceania Cruises’ Vista, Norwegian Viva and Regent’s Seven Seas Grandeur. A comprehensive rollout plan is under development and details regarding timeline and availability on specific ships will be communicated once finalized. In addition to enhancing the guest and crew experience, the extra bandwidth will also allow for more flexibility for onboard services and improve the ship-to-shore connection for operational needs.

  • 4/5/2023

    Jumeirah Group Debuts Biometric Check-in Technology

    smart phone displaying Jumeirah check-in technology

    Jumeirah Group, a global luxury hospitality company and member of Dubai Holding, in partnership with Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), announced the introduction of Jumeirah Mobile Check-In, a biometric and digital technology solution. The avantgarde solution empowers guests to complete all check-in formalities prior to arrival through their mobile phone, delivering a seamless arrival experience and reducing the check-in process by up to 10 minutes.

    Showcased during GITEX 2022, the technology allows Jumeirah guests, who booked directly on Jumeirah.com or its mobile application, to upload all essential identification documentation within 48 hours pre-stay. The process includes an industry-first verification step, where guests take a selfie from their mobile phone and upload this image to complete the check-in process. A digital or physical key, subject to guest preference, is then received upon arrival. In accordance with best practices to ensure privacy and security, and subject to guest approval, the service further uses guest identity to customise and create truly personalized experiences both on and off property.

    Thomas B. Meier, Chief Operating Officer of Jumeirah Group said: “Placing the guest at the heart of all we do is a top priority for Jumeirah Group, and we are always looking at new and innovative solutions to further enhance and personalize our hospitality experience. Jumeirah Mobile Check-In delivers on our promise of Stay Different, providing our guests with a secure, quick and easy check-in process, in addition to simplifying future reservations and facilitating payment processes.”

    The innovative and user-friendly contactless check-in solution integrates Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts’ ecosystem with the UAE Government-approved check-in protocols and security features, providing guests a safe and secure check-in.

    Shaikha Ebrahim AlMutawa, Director – Hospitality Affairs Department, Business and Registration Licensing Sector, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism said: “We are committed to creating unique value and providing the best guest experience, as we continue to work with our stakeholders and partners to further enhance the overall hospitality offering. We understand that time is precious for our visitors and are constantly exploring ways to make their travel experience in Dubai as seamless as possible by pushing the boundaries of innovation. This novel mobile check-in facility launched by Jumeirah Group promises an unrivalled experience for global travelers, further highlighting Dubai’s position as a must-visit destination.”

    Currently available at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Jumeirah Mobile Check-In will be rolled-out across several of the group’s 13 hotels and resorts in the United Arab Emirates this year.

    For more information, please visit https://www.jumeirah.com/en/online-check-in.

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