Hospitality Archives

Restaurant Strategies for a Tough Economy

(Profitable.com) In today’s economy it is more important than ever for restaurants to promote their services. Eating out is, after all, a luxury – and a battle rages for the almighty dining dollar. This leaves restaurants in a sticky situation.

“Restaurants need to promote the benefits they offer, and they need to do it at little or no cost,” says Troy Brackett, owner of RestaurantNews.com. “Fortunately, we’ve been helping independent restaurants and restaurant chains do exactly that for over 12 years.”

It doesn’t matter how big or small a restaurant is, each one can make good use of a press release to promote their restaurant news, gain exposure and grow their customer base.

But it isn’t enough to write a press release and tell everyone how great your restaurant is. The most important thing for restaurant owners and operators to remember is to make sure their press release is newsworthy.

For example, if you are about to open a new restaurant, this would be a newsworthy event. If you just want to promote your restaurant even though nothing new is happening there, you need to find an angle.

The good news is that there are plenty of things you can easily promote to gain publicity for your restaurant. For example:

New menu selections and product launches
Facebook or Twitter promotions
A restaurant remodel
Community service events
Charitable donations made
Celebrating a restaurant’s anniversary
Holiday and special events marketing
Personnel promotions

RestaurantNews.com offers press release services for independent restaurants and restaurant chains. Whether you’re looking for a one-time release or need multiple releases, RestaurantNews.com provides an affordable restaurant marketing option.

For more information, please visit http://www.restaurantnews.com/press-release/

RestaurantNews.com also offers exposure for restaurant chains looking for potential franchisees. Please contact troy@restaurantnews.com for more information.

About RestaurantNews.com

RestaurantNews.com has been providing the latest online restaurant news for over twelve years. RestaurantNews.com offers press release services and exposure for restaurant owners and operators looking to market their restaurants. For diners, RestaurantNews.com offers current and upcoming restaurant deals, specials and promotions.

For more information about RestaurantNews.com, please contact troy@restaurantnews.com or visit http://www.RestaurantNews.com.

Top Restaurant News of 2011

Athens, GA (Profitable.com) RestaurantNews.com has released a report detailing its Top 20 stories of 2011.

20) Mesob Ethiopian Restaurant Owners Receive 2011 Faces of Diversity Award
In April, the National Restaurant Association honored Ethiopian sisters Berekti and Akberet Mengistu, owner-operators of Mesob restaurant in Montclair, N.J., with its 2011 Faces of Diversity American Dream Award. The Mengistu sisters have operated Mesob for over seven years with Berekti handling the business operations and Akberet serving as chef.

19) Seafood Specialties, Culinary Confections Ring In The New Year At The Grand Central Oyster Bar
Grand Central Oyster Bar made a surprising, last minute jump into our Top 20 with the annoucement of executive chef Sandy Ingber special New Year’s Eve menu of seafood delicacies available for lunch and dinner at the historic restaurant “below sea level” in Grand Central Terminal.

18) Outback Steakhouse Free Steak Dinner Deal a Restaurant Marketing Win
Outback Steakhouse made a move that dominated restaurant marketing news in August by giving away one million free steak dinners in its Great Aussie Steak Out promotion. The promotion was designed to introduce Outback’s new wood-fire grill steak preparation and new menu options. RestaurantNews.com served up a tasty review of the campaign.

The complete report can be found here:
http://www.restaurantnews.com/top-20-restaurant-news-stories-2011/

About RestaurantNews.com

RestaurantNews.com has been providing the latest online restaurant news for over twelve years. RestaurantNews.com offers press release services and exposure for restaurant owners and operators looking to grow their restaurants. For diners, RestaurantNews.com offers current and upcoming restaurant deals, specials and promotions.

For more information about RestaurantNews.com, please visit http://www.RestaurantNews.com.

First-Ever Collaborative Online Network for Restaurants and Their Vendors

Minneapolis, MN (Profitable.com) Nitch, an online collaborative platform that allows restaurants to collaborate as well as the ability to find and manage vendors, launched last week. The free platform allows restaurants to exchange industry-specific information in order to collaborate and learn from one another’s experiences.

“Facebook builds communities of friends online,” says Nitch founder Michael Noble. “In a similar way, we are grouping together Restaurants with one another to give them a single location to manage their vendors, source new ones, engage in e-commerce, save money on deal offers, find software to run their business and more.”

The platform is designed to be intuitive and easy to use.

“To create a bidding opportunity to source a new product or service, it is as simple as filling out two fields,” says Noble. “Vendors automatically get your email and can respond to the bid opportunity. Most restaurant owners and managers don’t have the time to call vendors and get multiple bids and offers. With Nitch, restaurants save time and money using our platform.”

Restaurants can build out their “Vendor Pods” on Nitch to carve out their vendor communication from their normal inbox, view vendor twitter feeds and see specials and deals. Vendors can also be reviewed by other businesses.

“Our goal is to help independent businesses save money and to give B2B vendors the ability to be more targeted in their marketing activities,” says Noble. “We’re excited about what we’re doing and believe we can truly build a platform to help small business owners thrive.

Nitch is free to join. Go to www.nitch.biz to learn more.

Contact

Michael Noble
45 University Ave SE, #705
Minneapolis, MN 55414
mnoble@nitch.biz
952.657.4743

Restaurant Marketing Tips for the Holiday Season

(Profitable.com) The holiday season is the perfect time of year to promote your restaurant. Shoppers are hungry for holiday deals and special dining experiences. An online press release can be an affordable, effective restaurant marketing tool for owners and operators this time of year.

Here are some ideas that can help your restaurant make the most of the holidays with an online press release:

Community Involvement – Are you working in the community to make the season brighter for others? If you’re collecting food or toys for those in need, donating time or resources to local charitable events or working a fundraiser, those are all noble and newsworthy events.

Holiday Promotions – Holiday shoppers are hungry for a great meal and deal. If you’re preparing a special holiday menu, or running a limited time offer, let current and potential guests know about it. This is also a good opportunity to remind people of your holiday hours.

New Products – Deep fried turkeys, party platters, eggnog shakes, pumpkin pies and other holiday treats are all the rage this time of year. Tempt their taste buds with a mouthwatering press release.

Catering Options – Catering can be an excellent sales and profit builder. Although feeling the economic pinch, many large companies and small businesses are still spending money to show appreciation for their staffs as the year winds down.

Gift Cards – One of the most popular gift items during past holiday seasons has been restaurant gift cards, and even more of them are expected to be sold this year. The National Restaurant Association reports that 78 percent of adults say they would like to receive restaurant gift cards or certificates on gift occasions. Your restaurant’s gift cards should be a press release priority.

Social Media Festivities - Facebook, Twitter and other online networking sites should, of course, play a part in your overall restaurant marketing strategy. During the holidays, however, you have the opportunity to provide interactive holiday fun with online contests and promotions.

RestaurantNews.com’s online press release service offers an affordable restaurant marketing solution for owners and operators.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.restaurantnews.com/press-release/

For daily restaurant news updates, subscribe to the RestaurantNews.com email newsletter at http://www.restaurantnews.com/subscribe/.

About RestaurantNews.com

RestaurantNews.com has been providing the latest online restaurant news for over twelve years. RestaurantNews.com offers press release services and exposure for restaurant owners and operators looking to grow their restaurants. For diners, RestaurantNews.com offers current and upcoming restaurant deals, specials and promotions.

La Quinta Inns & Suites Announces Edgar Garin as Director of Franchise Development for Central And South America

Dallas, TX (Profitable.com) La Quinta Inns & Suites announces the appointment of Edgar Garin, as Director of Franchise Development for Central and South America. Garin brings more than 25 years of hospitality management and sales experience to La Quinta. He most recently served as Vice President of Development for Radisson Hotels & Resorts Latin America. He will report to David Wilner, La Quinta’s Senior Vice President of Development.

“We are pleased to welcome Edgar Garin to our management team for Central and South America,” said Rajiv Trivedi, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer for La Quinta. “This announcement represents another critical building block in our drive to accelerate La Quinta’s growth throughout Latin America and Central America.” He concluded, “As La Quinta grows and expands internationally, we continue to stay focused on providing travelers with consistent quality, reliable service, comfortable and spacious rooms and secure facilities. We are proud to continue our growth, and look forward to making some significant additional announcements in the coming weeks.”

La Quinta currently has hotels open in the key Mexico markets of Cancun; San Luis Potosi; Ciudad Juarez, Poza Rica and, soon to open, in Pueblo. The brand has an additional 25 hotels in the development pipeline in Latin America, expects to more than triple its presence in Mexico in the next six to twelve months and is working closely with developers in Brazil and Columbia to introduce La Quinta in those countries. La Quinta has dedicated Franchise Development and Services offices in Mexico.

Edgar Garin said, “I am excited and happy to assume my new responsibilities at La Quinta.” He concluded, “This is a dynamic and promising moment to join the La Quinta development team – and I look forward to helping promote and accelerate the brand’s growth in Central America and South America, very quickly.”

In addition to his most recent position at Radisson, Garin has held management positions at Lexington Services/Vantis International/TravelClick; Carnival Hotels & Resorts; and at Taj Hotels, Potomac Hotel Group and Sonesta International. Garin holds a B.S. from the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration and a Master’s degree in International Business from Florida International University. He resides in Miami Beach, Florida and can be contacted at (305) 790-7395 or edward.garin(at)laquinta(dot)com.

About La Quinta

LQ Management L.L.C. is one of the largest operators of limited-service hotels in the United States. Based in Dallas, Texas, the Company operates and provides franchise services to more than 800 hotels in 46 states, Canada and Mexico under the La Quinta Inn® and La Quinta Inn & Suites® brands. For reservations or more information about La Quinta, please visit http://www.LQ.com or call 1-800-SLEEPLQ. Follow La Quinta Inns & Suites on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LQ or become a Facebook fan at http://www.facebook.com/laquinta.

Restaurant Gift Cards Expected to be Hot Holiday Gift Option

(Profitable.com) The weather is becoming colder and the colors of autumn are fading, signaling the start of the holiday gift giving season. Each year millions of shoppers struggle to pick the perfect gift without going over their budget. Trying to juggle gift buying with the other responsibilities of life makes the process stressful and irritating instead of enjoyable. Picking out just the right gift that each person in your life would love makes the process repetitive as well. Instead of struggling this year, take the easy route to a perfect gift and choose a restaurant gift card.

Restaurant gift cards have been growing steadily each year in popularity for the winter holiday season. A gift card is a flexible present that honors the recipient’s ability to pick their own perfect item. This has made it one of the most given and most wanted items. While gift cards were once limited to relationships that weren’t very close, you can now give these cards or certificates to spouses and children. Instead of trying to guess what they need based on their interests, you can simply hand over a pre-paid card that allows them to make the choice.

According to the National Restaurant Association, about 32 percent of consumers received a gift card for a restaurant last year. Restaurant gift cards are one of the most popular types to give. Since the recession has had a freezing effect on the dining habits of many Americans, a restaurant gift card allows the recipient to enjoy a nice dinner without worrying about picking up the tab. This is part of a greater trend of interest in experience based gifts rather than giving goods. Experiences have a longer effect on your mood, and can be far less expensive than a new watch or television set for the buyer.

Almost all major chains offer a gift certificate or prepaid card option, including Red Lobster, T.G.I. Friday’s and Outback Steakhouse. Local, independent restaurants also offer these options because they know that it brings in guaranteed business. Many diners first experience their new favorite restaurant through a gift. They dine out at a place they would have never tried otherwise, but end up enjoying the experience.

With the online options for shopping for restaurant gift cards you don’t even have to leave your home to finish your shopping this season. Even if you do want to pick it up yourself, a restaurant is usually a lot less packed and hectic than a large retail store on Black Friday. Instead of buying your grandmother another knitted scarf, or trying to guess the gift preferences of a co-worker you hardly know, stick with a gift card. The thanks you get from the recipient will be far more authentic.

Restaurant Owners Can Benefit from Black Friday and Holiday Efforts

Athens, GA (Profitable.com) Black Friday has become a truly massive national event, with retailers pulling in millions of dollars in just one day. Shoppers have come to expect deep discounts and amazing deals in exchange for waking up in the early hours of the morning. With all of the money being spent on this one day, many restaurant chains are getting in on the business with Thanksgiving hours and special holiday menus.

IHOP is catching travelers and shoppers with their Thanksgiving Day hours, which vary by location. The chain is also serving up its festive Holiday Hotcakes throughout the season. The twin chains of Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes are offering 15 new take-home dishes for diners who prefer to eat their delicious cobblers and salads instead of cooking. Popeyes is also appealing to the family looking for a way to make holiday dinners quicker by selling fully cooked Cajun Style Fried Turkeys. Other chains serving a special holiday meal or offering discounts include Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Cracker Barrel, Boston Market and many more.

The economy has hit the restaurant industry hard, with most of the burden falling on independent restaurant owners and operators, and rising food costs have eaten into the profit margins on almost every menu item.

RestaurantNews.com is offering a special holiday deal on press releases to help restaurants advertise like a national chain without the budget of one. For only $49.95, restaurant owners can advertise just like the large restaurant chains, and reel in those hungry shoppers with their tasty deals and savings.

The press release format is perfect for advertising your restaurant without spending a lot on direct mail, website ads or social media management. For those who haven’t taken advantage of the power of a press release in the past, it basically begins with a snappy, attention grabbing headline to hook viewers. Next, include your location so the search engines and news sites can pick it up for locals looking for information in your city and state. The opening paragraph sums up the press release so readers quickly understand what your restaurant has to offer and what makes it unique. The rest of the press release outlines your restaurant’s menu and special holiday offerings, your hours, any special promotions or deals you have going on and other important information. Your contact information, including any website or social media addresses you have, is included at the bottom of the release.

RestaurantNews.com wants to help you grow your restaurant’s business by taking advantage of the holiday spending season. As shoppers gather gifts and hunt down bargains they’ll get hungry, and they won’t be returning home just to get a sandwich. By offering press release services for only $49.95, RestaurantNews.com is helping restaurants make the holidays a success.

For more information, please contact:
Troy Brackett
troy@restaurantnews.com
http://www.restaurantnews.com/press-release/

Grand Opening of Five Guys Burgers and Fries at The Point in Robinson Centre, Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh, PA (Profitable.com) Five Guys Burgers and Fries will open its newest store at 324 McHolme Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15275 on Monday, November 21^st, 2011.

Started in 1986 in Arlington, Virginia, Five Guys has built a cult-like following and garnered accolades for its freshness and quality such as “Heaven on a Bun” by the Tampa Tribune and “Willy Wonkas of Burgercraft” by the Washington Post. Five Guy’s has been ZAGAT survey rated every year since 2001 and has been voted the Washingtonian Magazine’s “Readers’ Choice” #1 Burger every year since 1999!

Five Guys business philosophy has remained consistent from the beginning: Keep it simple, focus on “food,” not “fast,” and use honest-to-goodness fresh ingredients of the highest quality you can buy.

There are now over 850 Five Guys stores in operation throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Chris Abell, General Manager of the new Robinson store says, “We are very excited to have a presence in Robinson. It is often difficult selecting a place to eat as there are so many options. Now that Five Guys is in the area, dining dilemmas just got a little more exciting. Our focus will be to deliver a great experience our guests have come to expect.”

Derek Stevens, Director of Training and New Store Design, adds, “What excites me about Five Guys is our upbeat atmosphere. We have assembled a great team of local employees who are talented, friendly, outgoing and energetic. We look forward to giving our Robinson area guests the total Five Guys experience.”

Five Guys is open daily 11am-10pm. Store Phone: 412-788-5777 Online orders: www.fiveguys.com

Five Guys FAQS

There really are 5 guys! The 5 Murrell sons are the owners and namesake of the restaurant company which has more than 850 locations in the U.S. and Canada.

Almost 100% of the Five Guys marketing budget is used for crew bonuses. Five Guys will distribute nearly 14 million dollars in bonuses to crew this year!

Five Guys locations have no freezers; only coolers, because nothing is ever frozen.

Each burger is hand-pattied daily from fresh 80% lean ground beef and is cooked to order.

Five Guys rolls are baked fresh daily and shipped to each store.

Potatoes are cut daily, soaked in water, cooked boardwalk style in no-cholesterol peanut oil.

There are over 250,000 possible ways to order a burger at Five Guys!

Wholesome Burger is a franchisee of Five Guys with plans to develop 40+ stores across Northeast Ohio and Pittsburgh.

Navigating a Night on the Town Made Easier with New Android Apps

Redwood City, CA (Profitable.com) Imagine standing on a busy street corner in the nightlife district of an unfamiliar city. You want to find someplace to have a good time, but you’re not sure where to go. A new series of QuickClick apps from Marketimpacts.com makes finding places to go as easy as on button tap.

The QuickClick Locale Series offers a number of apps, each focused on a specific need. Apps for a night out include:

Nightlife
Restaurants
Fast Food
Casinos
Coffee
Dessert
Gas Stations
Parking
ATMs

“There are times when you need information very quickly and easily” said Don Cowan, the lead QuickClick apps developer and Director of Software Engineering at Marketimpacts.com. “We designed these apps to deliver instant results with as little as one click. People can mix and match our apps to give themselves a custom group of easy to click icons.”

“We put a lot of effort into designing the user interface” said Cowan. “If you need to enter some extra information, such as the type of cuisine for a restaurant, it can all be done on just one QuickClick screen.”

“Studies, and our own experiences, have shown that the popularity of an app is directly correlated with how quickly it can be learned and used. QuickClick apps are designed around these needs.”

According to statistics on the Android Developers Console, downloads of the QuickClick apps are growing at a rate of 20% month over month and they have been installed in over 50 countries.

QuickClick Apps are available for download on the Android Market and more information can be found on the QuickClick Apps web page. To find the apps from a smartphone or tablet, search the Android Market for “QuickClick Apps”.

The Marketimpacts.com team develops software for smartphones, tablets and PCs.
Marketimpacts, QuickClick and Locale are trademarks of Arelinda Technology Group, Inc.
For more information, visit http://www.marketimpacts.com.

Hilton Garden Inn Launches ‘BizWords’ Mobile App

Let’s circle back later. Is that plan fully baked? This team has great synergy! Hilton Garden Inn today launched BizWords, a new interactive iPhone/iPad app, to help business travelers decode and navigate the business speak that has become so common in the workplace. The free app will also serve as a professional social network and a practical tool for on-the-go business travelers.

Once the BizWords app is downloaded from iTunes, users are greeted by the home screen and prompted to create a profile, which becomes their business card complete with a BizWords job title. Users can “climb the corporate ladder” to more important titles based on additional interactions with the app. The app features a crowd-sourced collection of trending business buzzwords and phrases from across the country, and the hottest local terms – all of which can be viewed on a dynamic virtual heat map of the U.S. Users can add their favorite business terms and acronyms by simply entering the word and a definition – a leader board tracks business buzz words frequency.

“The BizWords app was developed as an extension of the brand’s “We Speak Success” positioning, combined with the insight that business professionals have created a unique lexicon of words and phrases,” said Judy Christa-Cathey, vice president, global brand marketing, Hilton Garden Inn. “We know that mobile usage indexes very high with both our business and leisure guests, so we developed the BizWords tool to give them a platform to connect, share, and have fun all while giving a wink to the business-speak we’ve all become accustomed to using. “The BizWords app also contains a link to the Hilton Garden Inn mobile booking application, which will allow users to easily make hotel reservations on-the-go.

Other app features include a word detail screen, which offers an entertaining definition and use of the word or acronym. This screen will also be home to a virtual map of the United States that displays areas where the game is being played and how specific words are trending across the country. To encourage friendly competition among users, a leader board will display the top 25 app users, allowing other players to view their business cards.

For more information on Hilton Garden Inn, visit www.hgi.com or www.hgimediacenter.com. To download the free BizWords app, visit the iTunes Store.

About Hilton Garden Inn

Hilton Garden Inn is the award-winning, value-focused and dependable hotel brand guests can count on to ensure they have everything they need to find success on the road. From our oh-so-comfortable Garden Sleep System® bed to complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access in all guestrooms, count on Hilton Garden Inn to support its guests on their roads to success, through a trusted and appreciative experience forging a loyal relationship. Whether on the road for personal or business reasons, Hilton Garden Inn offers the reliable amenities and services for guests to sleep deep, stay fit, eat well and work smart while away from home. For more information about our locations around the globe, visit www.hgi.com or call 1-877-STAY-HGI.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,750 hotels and timeshare properties, with 615,000 rooms in 85 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. For more information about the company, visit www.HiltonWorldwide.com or connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.HiltonWorldwideGlobalMediaCenter.com.

Aulani, a New Disney Resort & Spa, Brings a Touch of Magic to a Family Vacation Paradise in Ko Olina, Hawaii

A Disney-inspired Hawaiian celebration launched the grand opening of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Thursday night with music, sparkling colored lights and the ceremonial mixing of sand with pixie dust. Aulani combines the magic of Disney storytelling and guest service with the beauty and traditions of Hawaii, creating an unforgettable family vacation experience on a beautiful lagoon along the coast of Oahu.

Bob Iger, president and chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, and Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parksand Resorts, joined Hawaiian officials for the grand opening event at sunset. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse added to the fun at the beachside event.

“Aulani is a stunning resort that offers something unique in the vacation industry,” said Iger. “It’s an incredible family paradise that combines the beauty and culture of Hawaii with a touch of Disney magic and we are confident that guests from around the world will continue to enjoy it for many years to come.”

Aulani serves as a gateway to the islands of Hawaii, noted Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts.

“Aulani truly has something for everyone,” said Staggs. “With specific spaces and experiences created for kids, teens and adults, as well as places where families can relax and make memories together, Aulani is just the answer for families who want to experience the incredible storytelling and great guest service of Disney while enjoying all that Hawaii has to offer.”

Hawaiian heritage and Disney magic

Each day of their stay, Aulani guests will be able to customize their experience – relaxing on the beach or in Laniwai, a Disney Spa, playing in the pools and snorkeling at Rainbow Reef, or discovering the island on a specially planned excursion. Among the unique experiences at Aulani are the Makai Preserve stingray adventure, the Painted Sky teen lounge and spa, and the Menehune Bridge, a water play area full of fun and surprises.

Aulani traditionally means “a messenger of a chief – one who delivers a message from a higher authority.” The name Aulani is fitting as the resort serves as a messenger of the Hawaiian spirit, people and culture.

“The name ‘Aulani’ expresses a connection to tradition and deep storytelling – and its roots are in this land right here,” said Joe Rohde, senior vice president and creative executive, Walt Disney Imagineering, who led the design of the resort.

“We want this resort destination to reflect the vibrant culture that surrounds it. We believe in artistry, in excellence, and in the beauty of a well-done thing. Our commitment to excellence mirrors the cultural values one sees in the arts of Hawaii.”

Aulani occupies 21 acres of oceanfront property in Ko Olina, adjacent to a nine-acre, crystal-blue lagoon and white-sand beach.Ko Olina is 17 miles from Honolulu International Airport and approximately 30 minutes from Waikiki.

When all phases are complete, Aulani will include 359 traditional hotel rooms and 481 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club villas in two towers, each featuring rooms that offer thrilling views of the ocean, mountains and the magnificent, lush surroundings.

Something for everyone

Family-friendly resort amenities include the 18,000-square-foot Laniwai, a Disney Spa, with 15 treatment rooms and a fitness center. Many spa treatments draw upon Hawaiian healing traditions.

Aulani also features two signature restaurants – the full-service `AMA`AMA and the buffet-style Makahiki – offering foods unique to Hawaii.

At the chic, beachside `AMA`AMA, ocean breezes soothe the spirit as chefs use fresh local ingredients and island flavors to create distinctive dishes at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu includes vegetarian options and classic cocktails with new twists, plus desserts house-made daily.
The buffet-style Makahiki offers guests breakfast among Disney characters or, in a magical midday transformation, dinner in artful surroundings, including a stunning ceiling light sculpture and beautiful wall murals hand-painted by local artists.

Young guests have their very own kids’ club, Aunty’s Beach House. Here children can explore Hawaiian culture through supervised entertainment, including interactive touch tables, wildlife and nature programs, arts and crafts, Disney movies and traditional Hawaiian games.

Children of all ages will delight in Waikolohe Valley, Aulani’s seven-acre water play area. The overall landscape mimics the flow of a watershed as it moves from the mountain to the ocean, complete with the Waikolohe Stream, the resort’s mysterious (yet fun) tube-floating watercourse. Here guests encounter bubbling water, a cloaking mist and several hundred feet of additional surprises.

Adventure, conventions and weddings, too

For those who love waterslides, Tubestone Curl, the resort’s tube slide, and Volcanic Vertical, Aulani’s tunnel slide, provide thrills galore. Guests will also interact with native Hawaiian fish, including angelfish, butterfly fish and tangs, in the 3,800-square-foot Rainbow Reef snorkel lagoon, the only one of its kind on Oahu.

The Makai Preserve conservation pool offers an interactive experience that allows guests to stroke the velvety backs of gentle stingrays (available by reservation only). A portion of the proceeds from this activity will support research and conservation efforts in Hawaii through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund. Water activities at Aulani also include a quiet adult pool, wading pool and, for the ultimate relaxation, sunset-facing whirlpool spas.

Looking beyond its own magical grounds, Aulani offers a menu of discovery excursions with the aid of local experts. These include exploring tropical forests, hiking local mountains, sailing aboard catamarans, swimming with dolphins, cooking with local chefs, following a ghost tour and more. The excursions are specially designed for Aulani guests by Adventures by Disney and feature a knowledgeable, friendly Adventure Guide.

Aulani is the ideal place for events. When all phases are complete, groups will find nearly 50,000-square-feet of meeting space, including a 14,545-square-foot conference center, the main ballroom (which is divisible by six), four breakout rooms and generous pre-function space.

Since outdoor events are so popular in Hawaii, Disney also has created three distinct event lawns, including an oceanfront wedding lawn for Disney Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons.

About Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa

Uniquely designed for families and inspired by the wonders and traditions of Hawaii, Aulani is a family paradise with a touch of magic. Aulani offers kids, adults and families Hawaiian vacation experiences with a special magic that only Disney can create. Delightful rooms and spacious Disney Vacation Club villas, a perfect location on a beautiful beachfront lagoon, and renowned Disney service and enchanting entertainment let dreamers of every age savor their time together on Hawaii as never before.

Top 50 Restaurants for Foodies in the U.S. Revealed

As restaurants around the country gear up for the bounty of fall and a busy dining season, OpenTable, Inc., a leading provider of free, real-time online restaurant reservations for diners and reservation and guest management solutions for restaurants, is pleased to announce the Diners’ Choice Awards for the top 50 restaurants that are “fit for foodies.” The list of winners is derived from more than 10 million reviews submitted by OpenTable diners for more than 12,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The San Francisco Bay Area, home to scores of innovative chefs, such as Daniel Patterson (Coi), Melissa Perello (Frances) and Thomas Keller (The French Laundry), made a strong showing, earning 14 places on the list. Chicago chefs Stefanie Izard and Graham Elliot helped the Windy City grab six awards, for second place. Meanwhile, New York City trailed with five wins, including Amanda Cohen’s Dirt Candy. Seattle and the greater Boston area each boast five recipients, including a win for Boston’s Barbara Lynch. Farther west, the Twin Cities scored a hat trick with three standout spots on the list: Hauteland, Heartland Restaurant and Piccolo. Arizona, Colorado, Philadelphia, Oregon and South Carolina, among others, are also represented.

“With great reviews from scores of foodies comes great responsibility, and these restaurants embrace that responsibility in powerful and creative ways,” says Caroline Potter, OpenTable’s Chief Dining Officer. “These restaurants have been singled out for being able to satisfy the folks for whom dining is practically sport — those avid, passionate eaters, often armed with cameras who take careful notes and relish every bite. While the restaurants on this list specialize in different cuisines and styles of cooking, each winner is pushing a boundary, maintaining an ethic, and practicing perfection with each dish.”

Based on feedback collected from OpenTable diners between September 2010 and August 2011, the following 50 restaurants, listed in alphabetical order, received the highest scores for late night dining from OpenTable diners. For more information about this list, please visit http://www.opentable.com/foodies.

Abattoir – Atlanta, Georgia
Ad Hoc – Yountville, California
Aldea – New York, New York
Annisa – New York, New York
Bergamot – Somerville, Massachusetts
Bibou – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Blackbird – Chicago, Illinois
Blue Hill – New York, New York
Bonsoiree – Chicago, Illinois
Camino – Oakland, California
Canteen – San Francisco, California
Cascina Spinasse – Seattle, Washington
Coi – San Francisco, California
Commis – Oakland, California
Commonwealth – San Francisco, California
Craigie on Main – Cambridge, Massachusetts
Dirt Candy – New York, New York
FIG – Charleston, South Carolina
Fond – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Forage – Salt Lake City, Utah
Frances – San Francisco, California
Frasca Food and Wine – Boulder, Colorado
The French Laundry – Napa, California
Gather – Berkeley, California
Girl & The Goat – Chicago, Illinois
Graham Elliot – Chicago, Illinois
Hatfields – Los Angeles, California
Haute Dish – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Heartland Restaurant & Farm Direct Market – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Hungry Mother – Cambridge, Massachusetts
Local 127 – Cincinnati, Ohio
Menton – Boston, Massachusetts
Mistral Kitchen – Seattle, Washington
noca – Phoenix, Arizona
o ya – Boston, Massachusetts
Osteria Mozza – Los Angeles, California
Park Kitchen – Portland, Oregon
Piccolo – Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Publican – Chicago, Illinois
Range – San Francisco, California
Saffron Restaurant & Lounge – San Francisco, California
Saison – San Francisco, California
Sprout – Chicago, Illinois
Spur Gastropub – Seattle, Washington
Staple & Fancy Mercantile – Seattle, Washington
The Tasting Kitchen – Venice, California
Tilth – Seattle, Washington
Ubuntu – Napa, California
wd-50 – New York, New York
Wexler’s – San Francisco, California

Diners can also find additional information on the Diners’ Choice Awards for the Top Foodie Restaurants in the U.S. by visiting the OpenTable “Dining Check” blog at http://blog.opentable.com.

Tiare Technology Launches Wireless WineList™ System at Award-Winning Centro and Django Restaurants

Orchestrate Hospitality Introduces Tiare Technology Innovation for Wireless Ordering on iPad Tablets to Showcase their Italian- and French-focused Wine Lists

Tiare Technology Launches Wireless WineList System at Award-Winning Centro and Django Restaurants CHERRY HILL, New Jersey (Profitable.com) Tiare Technology announced today that it has deployed its patented Wireless WineList™ solution at two leading, wine-oriented restaurants managed by Orchestrate Hospitality. Centro and Django restaurants in Des Moines, Iowa, will now offer their guests the Tiare iPad menu ordering solution for wine and cocktails.

The Wireless WineList application allows restaurant guests to easily view and order wines using a wireless Apple iPad tablet or other wireless device and Tiare’s proprietary software. Guests can use the tablets to browse the wine list to discover the breadth of wines offered. They can also quickly sort the wines to display by region, varietal, price range or other categories, or click to search the database and pinpoint a specific selection.

Tiare Technology Launches Wireless WineList System at Award-Winning Centro and Django Restaurants The system displays extensive information about the restaurant’s wines, including tasting notes, vintage information, and background on the winery, the region or grape varietals. Photos, wine labels, maps, videos and other information are also easily displayed.

“We selected Tiare’s Wireless WineList system because it allows our guests to effortlessly navigate the wine list. The system engages the guest and provides a unique and accessible way to experience our wine collections,” says Paul Rottenberg, President of Orchestrate Hospitality.

Tiare’s Wireless WineList system is designed to meet the needs of both the wine expert and the wine novice. It offers powerful tools to allow oenophiles to easily sort, analyze and locate a particular selection, view a vertical collection or explore regional specialties. Casual users can learn about the restaurant’s extensive offerings at their leisure, without the worry of intimidation.

The system is intended to complement, rather than replace, the personal attention of the sommelier or server. Guests can place several selections onto the system’s Consideration List™ for discussion with the restaurant’s staff. The system can also be configured to page the staff with the guest’s selection, or even place the order directly to the restaurant’s point of sale system.

Centro and Django are two iconic restaurants in downtown Des Moines, each with a distinctive brand and character. Centro is a lively, casually-upscale restaurant featuring Italian inspired dishes including coal-fired brick oven pizzas, wood-grilled specialties and house-made pastas. Django is a casual, brasserie-style restaurant offering everything you love about French food – without the attitude.

Tiare Technology Launches Wireless WineList System at Award-Winning Centro and Django Restaurants “Tiare’s design and content management tools have made it easy for us to showcase our Italian and French wine selections and convey the unique style and personality of our two restaurants through the technology,” says Rottenberg. “The system’s menus at Centro are designed to convey the sleek, sophisticated feeling of a modern Italian restaurant, while the screens on the Django iPads show the casual warmth of a neighborhood French bistro.”

“Our guests have really embraced the system, appreciating how easy it is to use and how quickly they can find the wine they are looking for,” reports Rod DeAngelo, General Manager of Centro. “The system gives a lot of information to our guests, including food pairing recommendations which help guide their wine selection and enhance their overall dining experience.”

“The Wireless WineList system encourages our customers to interact with the staff, and that allows us to offer a more personalized service experience,” says Don Tamillo, General Manager of Django. “The detailed wine descriptions provide an inspiration for discussion not only among fellow diners but also with our staff to determine a final wine choice.”

Paul Rottenberg is already seeing the financial and operational benefits from the system. “The Tiare Wireless WineList system is generating an increase in sales, as the customers are being exposed to wines they might not have noticed before on a traditional wine list.” Rottenberg goes on to say, “Not having to reprint the wine lists constantly brings not only a financial advantage, but also real benefits for the environment.”

The restaurants’ wine selections are easily displayed to the guest on the wireless touch screens. Not just for featuring wine, the Tiare Technology system also provides access to the restaurant’s extensive selection of specialty and classic cocktails, domestic and international beer, single-malt Scotch and other liquors, port and dessert wine.

“The Wireless WineList system gives a restaurant the tools to easily manage their wine offerings,” says Julie Werbitt, CEO of Tiare Technology. “Pricing, vintage and availability information can all be updated immediately, in real time. A guest is never disappointed by ordering a wine that’s out of stock – which can happen all too often with a paper menu.”

The system also allows the restaurant to enhance its relationship with the guests, by providing the option to email themselves their wine selections as a memento of their experience at the restaurant. The wine preferences of the guest can also be stored for future offerings and communication between the guest and the restaurant.

Werbitt adds, “Tiare’s Wireless WineList system can be tailored for any size restaurant and customized to complement any décor – making it the ideal solution for all restaurants looking to increase revenue through beverage sales.”

About Tiare Technology

Tiare Technology develops and markets to the global hospitality and leisure industry wireless communication products and software services, using patented technology, that increase revenue, generate labor savings and enhance customer service. The company offers solutions that allow guests at hotels, resorts, casinos, cruise ships, stadiums and other leisure locations to order food, beverages, merchandise and services using wireless devices featuring proprietary software and wireless technology. Tiare products include the intelliChaise®, VIPSeat™ Restaurant, VIPSeat™ Gaming, VIPSeat™ Stadium, Wireless WineList™ and Tiare GuestBook™ ordering systems. The solutions offer interfaces to major point of sale systems including Agilysys, HSI and MICROS. Tiare products seek to eliminate, where possible, the use of paper – promoting an eco-friendly platform to provide guests with information and services. The product platform has been granted U.S. and international patent protection (U.S. Patent 7,945,477). Founded in 2002, Tiare Technology is a privately held corporation based in New Jersey. For more information, visit www.tiaretech.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Orchestrate Hospitality

Orchestrate Hospitality is Central Iowa’s leading hospitality management and development company. Orchestrate’s client roster includes a number of prominent restaurants, hotels and a gourmet market. The company specializes in complete concept development and full-service management of daily operations. Orchestrate was founded in 2001 by Paul Rottenberg.

Centro is a casually-upscale restaurant featuring Italian inspired dishes including coal-fired brick oven pizzas, wood-grilled specialties and house-made pastas. The lively vibe of this urban eatery and its expansive menu has made Centro an iconic hot spot in downtown Des Moines.

Django is a casual, brasserie-style restaurant offering everything you love about French food – without the attitude. The restaurant features classic dishes such as Steak Frites and Duck Cassoulet, as well as fresh salads and juicy burgers made with house-ground beef. At the heart of the restaurant is an interactive chef station offering cheese, charcuterie and jet-fresh seafood from a beautiful raw bar.

For more information, visit www.ohospitality.com, www.centrodesmoines.com and www.djangodesmoines.com.

Rent My Ocean Home Today in Martha’s Vineyard Opens Store Under Franchise Rent My Vacation Home

Rent My Ocean Home Today dot com opened a store in Martha’s Vineyard located at North Line Road, Suite 15, Edgartown, MA. 02539, Phone 508-939-3492.

All stores are company-owned, as the firm has more than 11 locations and 83 web sites. RentMyVacationHome.com has more retail locations in America than any other retailer. The company, founded in Maryland in 1984, is looking to expand in Florida, California and Massachusetts by the end of the year. More stores are planned for 2012 all in the USA.

A Labor Day Monday grand opening celebration at the Martha’s Vineyard store included a $99 Homeowner gift card for the first 25 homeowners and a free t-shirt for the first 200 shoppers. Homeowners can join for 99.00 a year and are guaranteed rentals vacationers have 70,000 listings to chose from and a guarantee against fraud.

Rent My Vacation Home dot com has 83 Sites & 70,000 listed. Also, 5,000 people a day use the site. Rent My Vacation Home operates its family of franchised stores and websites designed to help owners of vacation rentals and home vacationers find each other in a pro setting with all aspects of online vacation rental management, including:, Private-Label Online Availability Calendars, Real-Time Online Booking and Reservations Management, Credit Card Processing, Travel and Damage Insurance and distribution of an owner’s vacation properties to a Global Distribution Network of affiliates, Travel Agents, Resort Associations, Property Managers, Property Developers, Real Estate Companies and Travel Indexes .

Listed on the top 83 Websites in the USA for 99.00 a Year and no other fees while the sale lasts.Sop by the Location of Rent My Ocean Home Today dot com. The same Franchise also has Rent a Cape Cod Vacation Home dot com.

Marriott Takes Back Operation of Waikiki EDITION

After an overnight raid last Sunday seizing control of the Waikiki EDITION from Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR), the owners of the hotel were ordered by a New York state judge to return the hotel to Marriott’s control as of 8:30 p.m. today eastern time, which is 2:30 p.m. Honolulu time.

Arne Sorenson, Marriott International’s president and chief operating officer, said, “The past few days have been trying, frustrating and confusing for our guests and employees. We’re glad the judge returned the Waikiki EDITION to our hands. We are in the process of resuming operations, quickly returning the hotel and its service to EDITION standards.

“We take great pride in providing the gracious, sophisticated, and personalized service that has won Edition accolades from media and guests as a dramatic and dynamic new brand, and we look forward to serving our guests again very soon.”

Ed Ryan, Marriott International executive vice president and general counsel, said, “We took swift legal action following this event and are gratified that a New York court ordered operational control and management of the Waikiki EDITION returned to us pursuant to our contract.”

Marriott was represented before the New York court by the firm of Jenner & Block, with the owner represented by Bickel & Brewer.

Reservations for the Waikiki EDITION can be made through Marriott.com and Marriott voice reservations, as well as through numerous online and other travel providers.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Restaurant Management Jobs Serve Up Fresh Opportunities for Career Growth

Restaurant Management Jobs Serve Up Fresh Opportunities for Career Growth You don’t have to be a great chef to get a well-paying restaurant job. If you’re better at managing workers, coordinating the efforts of multiple departments and handling sticky situations than chopping carrots, consider taking on the role of the restaurant manager. Restaurant or food service managers need to have all of the same management skills as other industries require but must also have knowledge and experience in how a kitchen and dining room should run.

Restaurant management jobs involve all of the day-to-day operations of the restaurant. As the manager you’ll be responsible for ensuring the staff is properly trained, treats each other with respect and keeps on task. You will hire new employees and fire those that aren’t doing their job correctly. The restaurant manager is who coordinates shifts and fills in when the flu keeps half of the kitchen staff at home. On top of this restaurant management jobs also require you to do the basic paperwork of writing out schedules, handling some accountancy responsibilities and signing payroll checks.

Large, full-service restaurants may have a hierarchy of restaurant management. This usually consists of a general manager at the top, followed by a kitchen manager and a dining room manager. The kitchen manager is usually the executive chef, and a dining room manager may also be called a shift manager. Fast food or smaller establishments may just have a general manager and an assistant manager so that all shifts are covered.

Managers may also be responsible for helping the chef set menu items or ordering food supplies and equipment. This is the main part of this restaurant career that makes actual food service experience and training mandatory. If you don’t know how many pounds of chicken the restaurant needs or the differences between a grill and a stove top you’ll need more training before you can manage a restaurant.

The hours that restaurant management jobs require are balanced out by a fair salary. In May of 2008 the average annual salary was $46,000, with a top cap of about $75,000. Positions are constantly opening up across the country. If you can handle the heat of the kitchen you may find restaurant management to be the ideal career for you.

To search or post restaurant management jobs, please visit RestaurantRecruiter.com.

Hilton Lisle/Naperville Wins Meetings Midamerica “Best Of” Award For 2011

The Hilton Lisle/Naperville, located just west of Chicago in Lisle, Illinois, was recently named a winner of Meetings MidAmerica “Best Of’ Award for 2011. This marks the second consecutive year to earn this prestigious honor.

Hundreds of meeting planners and subscribers of Meetings MidAmerica Magazine voted for their top hotel choices across the country, by region, based on the quality of meeting space, guest rooms, guest services and amenities, food and beverage service, high-tech services and equipment, recreational facilities and activities, the efficiency and helpfulness of staff; and overall value and experience.

“We are so proud to have been chosen by our clients for this coveted award! It is one thing to win awards from Hilton Hotels and our peers but to be recognized from our clients as a “Best Of” Hotel is as good as it gets!” says Richard Brink, the hotel general manager. “Our staff works very hard and receives continuous training in order to insure the ultimate in hospitality and service,” adds Brink. The hotel was also ranked in Top 10 of all Hilton Hotels in the U.S. for Service and Hospitality! The hotel’s awards continue for the restaurant as well. In March, 2011, OpenTable announced that Allgauer’s Restaurant at the Hilton Lisle/Naperville won the 2011 Diners’ Choice Award – Top 50 Best Brunch in the U.S.!

For additional information, contact: Meg McArdle, Director of Marketing at 630.584.0081 or email Meg.McArdle(at)Hilton(dot)com

The Hilton Lisle/Naperville hotel and Allgauer’s Restaurant with its banquet facility, catering, conference rooms and world class cuisine, is the perfect place for your business meeting, convention, board meeting, family reunion, wedding, social event or just for a romantic weekend getaway. Just west of Chicago, the Hilton Lisle/Naperville near Naperville, Illinois offers something for everyone. Convenient to downtown Chicago and O’Hare Airport, this hotel is ideally located at I-88 and Naperville Road.

To plan your event or for more information, please call 800-552-2599, email Joni.Augustine(at)Hilton(dot)com or visit http://www.HiltonLisleNaperville.com.

Contact:
Meg McArdle, Director of Marketing
Hilton Lisle/Naperville
630.584.0081
Meg.McArdle(at)Hilton(dot)com
http://www.HiltonLisleNaperville.com

BeABartender.com | Bartending School Sees A Sharp Increase In Course Enrollment

Have you ever considered attending a bartending school? Contrary to popular belief, bartending schools are still regarded as one of the most useful processes for upcoming bartenders. These bartending schools, despite what some bartenders may state, are considered by those hiring and do in fact make quite the difference. A 100 person survey done by BeABartender.com claims an astonishing 86% job placement rate within 45 days of completing the course. BeABartender.com conducted the survey following a spike in online registrations.

Bartending school will not only help you get confidence needed to get a job, but anyone can use them, at any time. According to BeABartender.com, recreational use has also increased. Over 25% of those who took the survey claim the reason for signing up was for personal interest rather than a new job or career choice. One of these graduates, John Paige, stated, “I originally took the course because I wanted to make drinks for friends during our parties, but soon after graduating I also needed to find employment. Using the knowledge I had learned I aced an interview, which included making a few drinks. I had a new, fun and well paying job behind the bar before the college semester even started.”

An issue with a hands on bartending school, especially for college students, is the cost and flexible schedules.Online bartending school, like BeABartender.com, offer an option to complete the course “at your own pace”. This allows anyone to complete the course, chapter by chapter. The cost for online schools is dramatically lower than the in person counterparts. In-class courses cost upwards of $500 whereas an bartending school online such as BeABartender.com is a fraction of the cost. BeABartender.com offers job placement within the users area, a plethora of tutorial videos and an online store to purchase any utensils that help expedite the learning process. This helps ensure that taking the class online is far more convenient, yet offers the same education as in-class options.

Just like many colleges are now allowing courses online, many trade and certification courses are doing the same. This online bartending school is refining their services and allow participants to feel the entire experience in a cost effective way. With their offerings, you can receive everything a normal brick and mortar class offers – minus the high cost and inconvenient hours.

Check out BeABartender.com if you’ve ever considered an online course to help you brush up on skills or get a new full or part-time job. Alternatively, as Taylor Davis said, “When I was done I was able to get a bartending job and do what I enjoyed doing most, make money and impress my friends.”

Summer is dying down but that doesn’t mean the jobs are. With holidays around the corner, experience is what you need, school is about to start, college students need jobs, and everyone needs cash. The economy may be down- but bartending jobs are on the rise and have historically been a steady job in all types of economic situations with high pay nights and great atmospheres for most people. Look into bartending courses online and let the money and fun roll in.

Taco Cabana Draws Culinary Inspiration From Visits to Mexico, Introduces Fajitas Puebla Steak and Chicken Tacos

Taco Cabana Draws Culinary Inspiration From Visits to Mexico, Introduces Fajitas Puebla Steak and Chicken Tacos Taco Cabana® introduces another Mexican favorite by adding all-new chicken and steak fajitas puebla tacos to its menu for a limited time.

The new fajitas puebla tacos are made with marinated steak or all-white meat chicken, topped with a mix of fresh pico de gallo, shredded lettuce and chopped bacon. For the final touch, Taco Cabana created a creamy avocado sauce made with avocados, jalapenos, sour cream and chopped cilantro topped off with a hint of fresh lime juice.

“The inspiration for the sauce came from the traditional avocado salsa we saw in restaurants and at street stands on our culinary team’s trip to Mexico last year,” said Smokey Waters, corporate chef of Taco Cabana. “We added our own spin by using sour cream to give it a smoother texture and a richer flavor.”

As part of its ongoing commitment to bring guests the traditional and emerging flavors coming out of Mexico, Taco Cabana’s culinary team will visit Mexico again this September to find additional inspiration for its menu.

“This latest offering comes as Taco Cabana continues to infuse its menu with the true flavors of Mexico,” said Todd Coerver, chief marketing officer at Taco Cabana. “We wanted to give our guests a new way to enjoy the fresh taste of avocados, which are indigenous to central Mexico and serve as a staple ingredient in traditional Mexican cooking – it’s all about infusing flavor into the fun at Taco Cabana.”

Inspiration from Puebla, Mexico

The creative blending of diverse ingredients is the hallmark of Mexican cooking, and in the state of Puebla, it is a passion. Legend has it mole poblano, a sauce that blends approximately 20 different flavors, originated in Puebla, as did chiles en nogada, a famous dish that represents the green, white and red of the Mexican flag (1). The avocado found in a cave located inCoxcatlan, Puebla, Mexico that dates to around 10,000 BC is used to enhance many handmade Mexican specialties seen in open-air markets and restaurants throughout the region (2). Today, Taco Cabana draws on inspiration from areas such asPuebla to create dishes that appeal to guests while celebrating the restaurant’s Mexican heritage.

About Taco Cabana®: The Flavors of Mexico

In 1978, Taco Cabana began as a taco stand in San Antonio, with the unique recipes and ingredients that reflect our rich Mexican culture and food. With more than 156 restaurants in 3 states, Taco Cabana continues to redefine the Mexican fast-casual dining experience through ongoing menu and service enhancements. We are committed to providing our guests the true flavors of Mexico, served up in a relaxing, patio cafe environment. From our kitchens’ daily fresh-made tortillas and handmade salsas to our flame-grilled fajitas and refreshing margaritas, our commitment to quality lives on, making Taco Cabana one of the region’s most enduring and beloved Mexican food brands. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter for offers and updates from Taco Cabana or for more information, please visit www.tacocabana.com.

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc.

Taco Cabana is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc., which is one of the largest restaurant companies in the United States. The Company operates three restaurant brands in the quick-casual and quick-service restaurant segments with 550 company-owned and operated restaurants in 16 states. Carrols is also the largest Burger King® franchisee, based on number of restaurants. In the Carrols’ family of companies, Fiesta Restaurant Group owns and operates two Hispanic Brand restaurant chains, Pollo Tropical® and Taco Cabana®. Carrols announced plans earlier this year to spin-off Fiesta Restaurant Group as a stand-alone public company. The spin-off is anticipated to be completed later this year.

References

(1) – Wikipedia.com – Puebla ”Cuisine” – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puebla,_Puebla#cite_note-chilesnogada-32

(2) – Wikipedia.com – Avocado “History” – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avocado

Franchising Continues to be an Important Growth Avenue for Chain Restaurants, Finds Technomic

As the restaurant industry seeks growth during a sluggish economic recovery, a new report by Technomic and Restaurant Finance Monitor finds franchising of restaurant brands continues to be a major avenue pursued by chains. As a result of the recession franchisors began commonly offering incentives such as credit support and fee reductions to lure investors, and those practices have continued as traditional sources of credit are still not easy to come by for many potential franchisees.

“Franchising continues to be a way for chains to grow unit counts with less capital expenditure, allowing the franchisor to focus on system-wide branding initiatives while franchisees deal with operations at the unit level. It is an attractive scenario for many entrepreneurs as well. They can take advantage of the brand strength and resources of these national brands while reducing their own start-up and operating costs.”

The findings are part of the 2011 Top 400 Restaurant Franchise Company Report, produced by Technomic in conjunction with Restaurant Finance Monitor. Other findings include:

The Top 400 restaurant franchise companies generated an estimated $33 billion in sales in 2010 and accounted for almost 10 percent of the total commercial restaurant industry’s $361 billion sales. Total units from the Top 400 came to 27,117, comprising nearly 5 percent of the commercial restaurant industry’s units.
NPC International continued to dominate franchise sales with $934.8 million in 2010. As the largest Pizza Hut franchisee, it operated 1,136 restaurants at the end of last year, a slight decrease (-1.1 percent) from 2009.
Eighty-seven percent of McDonald’s sales came from franchised stores for a total of $28.1 billion in 2010, whereas Subway’s system is 100 percent franchised, meaning that all $10.6 billion was generated by franchisees. The next largest chain in terms of total U.S. franchise sales was Burger King with $7.6 billion.

The 2011 Top 400 Restaurant Franchise Company Report is designed to help operators and suppliers identify the leading restaurant franchise companies in order to develop sales and marketing strategies; discover the brands behind the Top 400 franchise companies; understand where franchising opportunities exist within restaurant brands; and benchmark sales, units and growth against industry leaders.

The report’s comprehensive appendices sort the Top 400 companies alphabetically and offer concept breakdowns by franchise company and brand, regions of company operations, and selected franchise cost-structure analysis for leading restaurant brands. A listing of franchise company headquarters and selected contacts is also included.

To purchase or learn more about this report, please visit www.technomic.com or contact one of the individuals listed below.

Contacts
Press Inquiries: Darren Tristano, 312-506-3850, or dtristano@technomic.com
Purchasing Details: Patrick Noone, 312-506-3852, or pnoone@technomic.com
Report Details: Naomi Van Til, 312-506-3844, or nvantil@technomic.com

About Technomic

Technomic provides clients with the facts, insights and consulting support they need to enhance their business strategies, decisions and results. Its services include numerous publications and digital products, as well as proprietary studies and ongoing research on all aspects of the food industry.

About Restaurant Finance Monitor

Published monthly, the Restaurant Finance Monitor provides its readers with an in-depth analysis of the restaurant financing marketplace—the most complete understanding of financing markets that one can find anywhere in the restaurant industry. For more information about the Restaurant Finance Monitor visit www.Restfinance.com

Sargento and Chef Tiffany Collins Celebrate National Panini Month

Sargento Foods Inc. has teamed up with chef and cookbook author Tiffany Collins to reinvent the classic panino during the third annual National Panini Month. Too often, sandwiches are seen as a lackluster meal option. Throughout the month of August, Sargento and Chef Collins encourage food lovers to put a twist on their typical sandwich routines with recipes inspired by quality cheese.

Chef Collins created exclusive recipes, such as Open Faced Eggs Benedict Panini and Island Pineapple Chicken Panini, that pair seasonal ingredients with natural cheese to jazz up the traditional grilled sandwich. Sargento and Collins invite home cooks to challenge their culinary skills and experiment with flavorful ingredients to expand their panino palate.

“Panini offer many mouth-watering possibilities with zesty sauces, premium natural ingredients and unique flavor combinations. And they’re relatively simple to make, considering how delicious they are,” Tiffany Collins, author of “200 Best Panini Recipes” said. ”For a quality, homemade panino, it’s best to start with a natural cheese, like Sargento sliced natural cheese, that brings real flavor to your sandwich.”

Sargento Deli Style Sliced Cheeses are sliced from 100 percent natural, never-processed cheese and are available in many varieties, including Sharp Cheddar, Baby Swiss and the new Natural Blends Cheddar-Mozzarella.

To celebrate National Panini Month, Collins will judge a panino-making competition at The Culinary Institute of America, hosted by Sargento. Teams of student cooks will compete before a panel of top judges and their peers to create the best original panino featuring Sargento cheese. The competition will take place at the CIA’s Hyde Park campus during its Welcome Back weekend on August 13.

“A panino is a perfect way to make any meal special or celebrate any occasion, from elegant brunches to casual parties. It’s easy to cook and even allows your guests to customize their meals with flavors suited to their individual palates,” Collins said.

To view Collins’ recipes, receive more information on Sargento cheeses, and locate a store near you that carries the product, visit www.sargento.com or https://www.facebook.com/SargentoCheese.

About Sargento Foods Inc.

Sargento Foods Inc. has demonstrated its passion for cheese and cheese-based meal solutions throughout its history. Founded in 1953 in Plymouth, Wis., Sargento is a leading manufacturer, packager and marketer of natural shredded, sliced and snack cheeses, cheese appetizers, ingredients, sauces and other culinary solutions. Sargento is owned and operated by the Gentine family, and has net sales of more than $900 million. For more information, please visit www.sargento.com.

Savored Announces Partnership with OpenTable

On the heels of a new name, a revamped web site and a significant market expansion, Savored, the web’s leading service for accessing insider pricing at premier restaurants nationwide, announces today a partnership with OpenTable, Inc. (NASDAQ: OPEN) to provide Savored 30% Off Deals on OpenTable.com. The Savored program debuts today on the San Francisco Bay Area homepage of OpenTable and will expand to other U.S. markets over time.

The extension of Savored dining offers to the OpenTable network, which seats more than 7 million diners each month, is designed to help fill more restaurant tables that would otherwise go empty and to streamline operations by integrating with the OpenTable Electronic Reservation Book at the host stands of participating restaurants. The Savored offers provide diners with 30 percent off the price of their entire meal at premier restaurants on select dates and times in exchange for a $10 reservation fee.

“By partnering with OpenTable, we will be able to provide our marquee restaurant partners across the country with additional exposure to and seamless redemption from diners,” says Ben McKean, Chief Executive Officer of Savored. “We are excited to further develop our service with OpenTable and to continue delivering value to both our restaurant partners and our diners, who look to discover the best restaurants across the country.”

“Savored dining deals complement our existing offers programs, including Spotlight and 1,000-point tables, by providing compelling promotions in association with specific dates and times – a great value for diners and a powerful tool for restaurants to grow their businesses profitably,” said Matt Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of OpenTable. “Savored has a broad selection of great restaurants offering an appealing promotion, and we believe that by working together we can enhance the experience and benefits for both restaurateurs and diners.”

OpenTable diners can access the new offers program by visiting the Deals and Local Events section on the San Francisco Bay Area section of OpenTable.com. From there, diners can quickly see a list of all restaurants participating in 30% Off Deals and then find and book qualifying reservations. For a table of four OpenTable diners with an average estimated dining check totaling $170, 30% off translates into a savings of more than $40 after accounting for the $10 reservation fee.

Once the diner makes a reservation, that reservation is automatically flagged in the restaurant’s OpenTable Electronic Reservation Book as a Savored offer booked via OpenTable so that Savored’s commitment to discretion is maintained: diners don’t need to print and present paper coupons or certificates to redeem their deals.

“Our partnership with Savored has allowed us to increase our reservations at times when tables may have otherwise gone unseated,” says Jon Sloane, manager of Mountain View’s Michelin recognized Chez TJ. “It’s important that we always have total control over the amount of tables we discount, so the combined effort of Savored’s business model coordinated with the ability to utilize our OpenTable Electronic Reservation Book for redemption is truly the perfect match for offering diners premium dining experiences.”

Savored currently serves Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. with over 500 high-end restaurant partners.

About Savored

Savored is a members-only service offering insider pricing of 30% off all food and drink at leading restaurants in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. With Savored, members access a curated selection of restaurants, book reservations online and enjoy 30% discounts discreetly applied to their final bill. The company’s mission is to help members enjoy unforgettable dining experiences. For more information, visit Savored.com.

About OpenTable, Inc.

OpenTable is a leading provider of free, real-time online restaurant reservations for diners and reservation and guest management solutions for restaurants. The OpenTable network delivers the convenience of online restaurant reservations to diners and the operational benefits of a computerized reservation book to restaurants. OpenTable has more than 20,000 restaurant customers, and, since its inception in 1998, has seated more than 200 million diners around the world. The Company is headquartered in San Francisco, California, and the OpenTable service is available throughout the United States, as well as in Canada, Germany, Japan, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. OpenTable also owns and operates toptable.com, a leading restaurant reservation site in the United Kingdom.

Food Franchising Back on the Front Burner

Franchise consultants with iFranchise Group (www.ifranchisegroup.com), a leading franchise consulting firm based in the Chicago area, recently cited several market factors and franchisor success stories that point to a strong improvement in the overall health of the restaurant franchising sector.

Since the recession began, the tight credit market and lack of financing options had affected most franchises, and hampered their ability to sell and open additional locations. Recent improved access to capital and other factors are helping franchisors, especially those in foodservice, get back on track.

“While we are still in a tight credit market, franchise financing is much better than it has been over the last two years,” states Mark Siebert, CEO of iFranchise Group. “Franchisees are finding it easier to get the funding they need to open units, and we’re seeing more restaurant franchisors hit, and even exceed, their franchise growth goals as a result.”

Improved credit availability is not the only factor that is helping restaurant franchising climb out of the recent recessionary period. Current labor and real estate conditions, while challenging for individuals and property owners, are actually favorable for franchise systems looking to expand.

Continues Siebert, “The availability of quality labor is unlike what we’ve seen in just about any other period. There are more qualified workers out there looking for employment, and employers are able to hire them less expensively than before.”

In addition to advantageous labor and wage conditions for employers, franchise systems are also benefitting from an increased availability of prime restaurant locations, and the fact that landlords are more willing to negotiate lease terms than they had been in the past.

“The recession caused a high number of restaurants to shutter,” adds Siebert. “This in turn has opened up the market of desirable locations. Faced with vacant properties in their portfolios, owners and landlords are cutting deals and offering incentives that are simply unprecedented. There hasn’t ever been a better time for a franchise restaurant owner to be able to get favorable terms on space and lease options.”

Given the shift in market conditions facing restaurant franchises, iFranchise Group franchise consultants and executives point to a number of their young foodservice franchise clients that have seen dramatic sales and expansion in recent months:

How Do You Roll?, an Austin, Texas-based alternative sushi bar, is experiencing rapid growth. The chain, founded in 2009 and first franchised in 2010, has over 65 franchises contracted to open in Texas, Florida, and California over the next eight years, including 10 slated to open in 2011 alone.
Newk’s Express Cafe, with the original founders of McAlister’s Deli at its helm, has sold 70 franchises since the beginning of 2010, with 115 overall in development and plans to continue on an aggressive growth track in the months and years ahead.
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, another Texas-based fast casual dining chain which features a Baja-style Mexican food menu with a cult-like customer following, has sold 130 franchises with very limited franchise marketing efforts.
Hot Head Burritos, an Ohio-based concept founded by a Subway franchisee which started franchising in 2010, will have 28 locations open by year end and 50 in some stage of development.

Siebert concludes, “All signs point to an ongoing period of healthy growth in restaurant franchising. For restaurant franchisors that have a compelling brand and a concept that is working in ‘the new economy,’ there is a booming market for franchise sales.”

About iFranchise Group: iFranchise Group (www.ifranchisegroup.com), is a leading franchise consulting firm that offers the skills of the nation’s top professionals in franchise strategic planning, operations training and documentation, franchise marketing and sales, advertising fund management, franchise recruitment, and development of Internet-based applications for emerging and established franchise companies worldwide.

For Limited Time, Expedia Offering Rewards Points for Cruise Vacations

Expedia.com®, the world’s largest online travel agency, announced today that, for a limited time, travelers who book qualifying cruise vacations with Expedia® can earn up to 10,000 Expedia Rewards Points. This is the first time Expedia has offered Expedia Rewards Points for cruise vacations. This promotion is open to members of the Expedia Rewards loyalty program.

The point breakdown is as follows:

Earn 1,000 points on cruises between $500 and $999
Earn 2,000 points on cruises between $1,000 and $1,999
Earn 3,000 points on cruises between $2,000 and $2,999
Earn 5,000 points cruises between $3,000 and $4,999
Earn 10,000 points on cruises above $5,000

Expedia also has a bonus offer for Expedia Rewards members. If a traveler purchases a Norwegian Epic Europe 7+ day sailing (balcony category or above), Expedia will give that traveler an additional 15,000 Expedia Rewards Points. Sailings eligible for this promotion must take place between today and must be completed by October 16, 2011.

“With this promotion, cruisers enjoy the benefits of the Expedia Rewards program, which gives travelers an opportunity to earn free travel from Expedia.com. Savvy travelers can earn points quickly, especially with extra points being awarded for booking packages, Elite Plus hotels and activities,” said Tim MacDonald, senior vice president and general manager, Expedia.com. “Points can add up fast and our customers can earn free hotel stays and flights quickly.”

Expedia Rewards Points will be awarded based on the total cruise cabin price. Cruise cabin price is the total price of the cruise-only fare based on the first and second guest in the cabin and does not include insurance or government fees and taxes. For more information on the Expedia Rewards promotion please visit cruise.expedia.com.

Launched earlier this year, Expedia Rewards a first-of-its-kind program created for loyal Expedia customers. The program allows members to earn one to four points per dollar spent on the hotels, flights, packages and activities they book on Expedia.com. Travelers can redeem those points for flights on more than 140 airlines, or on hotel coupons at more than 70,000 hotels, with the option of mixing and matching airlines and choosing between a wide range of national brand and independent hotels. All of this is possible with no blackout dates or restrictions. Travelers can sign up to become members of Expedia Rewards at www.expedia.com/rewards. Membership is free.

To qualify for the cruise Expedia Rewards promotion, travelers must spend a minimum of $500 on any of the participating cruise lines. Travel must be booked by 11:59 p.m. Pacific time on August 12, 2011, and completed by December 31, 2011. Travelers must provide their 12-digit Expedia Rewards ID at the time booking or call Expedia Cruise (888-249-3978) prior to the end of the offer date on August 12, 2011 to share their Expedia Rewards ID over the phone.

About Expedia.com

Expedia.com is the world’s leading online travel site, helping millions of travelers per month easily plan and book travel. Expedia.com (http://www.expedia.com/, 1-800-EXPEDIA) aims to provide the latest technology and the widest selection of vacation packages, flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises and in-destination activities, attractions, and services. With the Expedia Best Price Guarantee, Expedia.com customers can get the best rates available online for all types of travel.

Expedia, Expedia.com and Expedia Extra are trademarks or registered trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners. ©2011 Expedia, Inc. All rights reserved. CST: 2029030-50

Web site: http://www.expedia.com/

Restaurant Consultant Reveals Top 50 Menu Engineering and Design Tips

Addresses issues ranging from colors and fonts to implications of new technologies such as digital menu boards and restaurant industry uses for the iPad.

Restaurant Consultant Aaron Allen has just published his firms list of the Top 50 Menu Engineering and Design Tips. Relevant for both independent and chain restaurant operators, the list covers both the scientific and artistic aspects of successful menu strategy and offers advice in the context of the significant emerging issues facing the global industry.

His firms list covers techniques rooted in science – such as the way an eye flows over a menu, how colors can be used to motivate purchases and certain behaviors, and pricing techniques that can help consumers feel better about their perceived value. The list also covers the “art” of menu design – such as using columns with nested pricing, tips for writing more appealing menu descriptions and copy, and rules of thumb for menu printing and production.

“The tectonic plates of the restaurant industry are shifting at a faster rate than they have in decades. New emerging technologies, globalization, evolving consumer dining behavior, emerging markets and industry segments, food shortages, transformations in psychographics and the rise of Millennial’s – these things are all among the forces that are ushering the industry down the path of its future and are certainly impacting approaches to culinary development as well as menu engineering and design.”, Allen said.

With food commodity prices expected to soar past pre-recession levels this year, restaurant companies around the world are bracing for dramatic shifts in recipe costs and many are responding with new menus. “We felt this was the best timing to release such a list. Restaurants operate on razor thin margins with an industry average of just 5% profit. Procurement executives are expecting 25% and higher spikes in costs and consumers are expecting to pay 8% more in restaurants. The industry is projected to grow by 6% this year, but with menu prices expected to grow by 8% we’re not seeing real growth; it’s growth from price hikes, not volume. Just a few months with an ill-conceived menu strategy can cost a restaurant its life. The operating environment is chaotic and we wanted to do our part to help operators focus on proactive approaches before the commodity price roller coaster starts its next accelerated gyration of spirals and loops”, Allen added.

Aaron Allen’s full list of the Top 50 Menu Engineering and Design Tips can be found on his website at:
http://aaronallen.com/articles/boosting-restaurant-revenue-part-5-of-10/

Restaurant Consultant Aaron Allen is a third generation restaurateur who has lead complex and multi-disciplined consulting teams for some of the world’s largest restaurant chains and foodservice industry suppliers. He is a top drawing industry speaker, trusted analyst, and has been an industry source for media such as The Wall Street Journal, TIME, Fortune, Entrepreneur, Rueters, and National Public Radio. Based in Orlando, Florida, Allen visits more than 300 restaurants annually and spends more than 300 nights per year in hotels with roughly one-third of his time spent abroad.

Contact:
Aaron D. Allen
aallen@aaronallen.com
(+1) 407-278-5159
www.aaronallen.com
Twitter @QMG
Orlando, Florida (USA)

Restaurant Consultant Reveals 80 Most Common Restaurant Mistakes

Chains and independents both share common challenges, restaurant consultant finds through field work conducted in 45 countries

Restaurant Consultant Reveals 80 Most Common Restaurant Mistakes Restaurant Consultant Aaron Allen – who has represented more than 10,000 restaurants spanning six (6) continents and 45 countries – has just released his list of the 80 Most Common Restaurant Mistakes found among both independent and chain restaurants.

His list of common restaurant mistakes covers twenty (20) service mistakes; ten (10) exterior design and facilities issues; ten (10) interior design and facilities errors; twenty (20) menu design mistakes; and twenty (20) restaurant marketing mistakes. Allen also provides his firms recommendations on restaurant cost cutting ideas at the base of the list.

“Our clients have ranged from mom and pop restaurants with just $250,000 in annual revenue to global restaurant industry giants with revenues in excess of $12 billion. This list of the 80 Most Common Restaurant Mistakes isn’t inclusive of all that occurs, but it does represent those most frequently observed and universal across industry segments, geography and company size,” Allen said.

While the global business mood is still in the doldrums, Allen believes recessions can actually benefit the restaurant industry. “Among other things, recessions offer restaurants a good opportunity to recruit better staff, improve facilities, shore up their operations by fixing some of these common mistakes, and generally shine when the competition can’t afford to,” Allen added.

Aaron Allen’s full list of the 80 Most Common Restaurant Mistakes can be found on his website at: http://aaronallen.com/articles/restaurant-audits-80-of-the-most-commonly-found-mistakes/.

Restaurant Consultant Aaron Allen is a third generation restaurateur who has lead complex and multi-disciplined consulting teams for some of the world’s largest restaurant chains and foodservice industry suppliers. He is a top drawing industry speaker, trusted analyst, and has been an industry source for media such as The Wall Street Journal, TIME, Fortune, Entrepreneur, Rueters, and National Public Radio. Based in Orlando, Florida, Allen visits more than 300 restaurants annually and spends more than 300 nights per year in hotels with roughly one-third of his time spent abroad.

Contact:
Aaron D. Allen
aallen@aaronallen.com
(+1) 407-278-5159
www.aaronallen.com
Orlando, Florida (USA)

Armed Forces Military Vacation Travel – Summer Discounts

Armed Forces Military Vacation Travel - Summer Discounts Active duty military personnel, including spouses, family members, and retirees, can book discount hotels and vacation rentals through the TDY Lodging reservation website from now through August. Government and military discounts are available at popular travel locations including San Diego, Washington DC, sunny Florida, as well as dozens of other stateside vacation spots. The latest travel deals for military families and Armed Forces service members vacationing or on leave from overseas assignments are available at discounts of up to thirty-percent off the standard rate. Most of the Military Vacation Discounts will be available until Labor Day weekend.

Armed Forces vacation club travel options through TDY Lodging are available to DoD personnel including military, government civilians, and defense contractors. Matthew Foster, founder of TDY Lodging and military veteran of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, announced the recent travel discounts for government and military personnel: “We’re pleased to offer this free service to the Department of Defense community. Our nation’s military has earned our support and in return for their service we’re featuring significant Military Vacation Discounts for travel to many destinations including Las Vegas, Miami, and San Diego near Sea World, among dozens of other travel spots.” Military vacation rentals in Florida include short-term Tampa Corporate Housing options and fully furnished condos and hotels and resorts in Destin and Panama City Beach.

Military vacation rentals and discount hotels are also available in our nation’s capital for government personnel and service members or families interested in traveling to the national capital region. Our featured Washington DC Military Lodging includes fully furnished corporate housing and furnished apartments for stays of at least one week, as well as hotels offering government rates for shorter stays in the downtown DC metro area. Armed Forces service members and families can find military vacation rentals directly though the TDY Lodging website, or though the TDY Lodging Blog, which features daily and weekly specials. The TDY Lodging blog also mentions key developments such as the recent addition of 83 Extended Stay Hotels to the TDY Lodging program in April of this year.

TDY Lodging is the fastest growing government lodging website offering the widest range of accommodations for official and off-duty travel. The recent addition of 83 extended stay hotels offers a great option for travelers wanting to vacation for several days or weeks while having amenities like a full kitchen in their hotel room. TDY Lodging Military Vacation Discounts offer some of the best military vacation club options and discounted travel packages for military members and families of service members in the U.S. Armed Forces. Most lodging providers offering military discounts through TDY Lodging may require a military ID card or dependant identification at time of check-in to receive the Armed Forces travel discount.

Hotels and corporate housing providers interested in marketing their hotels or corporate housing to the government and military travel community can list their properties on the TDY Lodging website for a nominal marketing fee. Lodging providers join the site through an annual membership, and can list their property on the TDY Lodging network without having to pay a commission or third party booking fees.

To learn more, visit http://www.tdylodging.com, email info@TDYLodging.com or call 1-888-805-7188.

Hotels.com Announces Easter Hotel Deals

Hotels.com Announces Easter Hotel Deals Hotels.com offers travelers the opportunity to hop on Easter hotel deals perfect for holiday getaways this season with its Easter Sale. Visiting family is a piece of cake with up to 30% savings through April 24, 2011, for travel between April 21 and April 26, 2011. Hotels.com has a destination fitting for every traveler’s needs, from Myrtle Beach, S.C. to California. As always, hotels.com offers a Price Match Guarantee, to ensure travelers receive the best deal possible.

“The hotels.com Hotel Price Index™ (HPI®) recently reported that hotel prices are slowly rising,” said Taylor L. Cole, APR, director of public relations and social media for hotels.com. “We know that good deals are still out there, and we are always looking for an opportunity to sweeten a sale for our customers. With our Easter Sale, travelers have the opportunity to save up to 30% during one of the most highly traveled times of the year.”

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Hotels

As travelers continue to look to escape the harsh winter weather, southern domestic destinations are beginning to warm up and are the perfect long weekend getaway. Myrtle Beach’s golf courses offer the perfect atmosphere for egg hunts and for Dad to get in a few rounds of golf. Hotels.com customers can save 25% at Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, which has two golf courses on property. The four-star property, close to The Carolina Opry and Dunes Golf and Beach Club is a luxurious bargain at just $112 per night. For even bigger savings, the Patricia Grand Resort Hotel by Oceana Resorts is offering 33% off on bookings of three nights or more. This beach-front resort is family-friendly with a 150-foot lazy river and kiddie pool, while offering close proximity to Broadway at the Beach and the Coastal Grand Mall. Room rates start at $53 per night.

Santa Barbara, California Hotels

For travelers looking for a west coast escape, Santa Barbara’s Best Western Carpenteria Inn offers a three-star experience for a bargain, with a savings of 15%. Santa Barbara’s most famous historic landmark, Mission Santa Barbara, offers a perfect example of the incredible Spanish architecture dotted throughout the city, and State Street houses the city center’s entertainment activities, with museums, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. With the beach and the Santa Barbara Zoo nearby, sightings of the Easter Bunny are nearly guaranteed. Room rates start at $70 per night.

All deals are subject to availability. To book your hotel room, visit www.hotels.com or call 1-800-2-hotels.

Best Western to Jump-Start Summer Vacations With $50 Travel Card Offer

Best Western to Jump-Start Summer Vacations With $50 Travel Card Offer Best Western is giving its loyalty program members a down payment on their summer vacations. Now through June 5, Best Western Rewards members who register for the promotion and stay with Best Western three separate times will earn a $50 USD Best Western Travel Card®, which can be used like cash at any of the chain’s 4,000 global hotels until November 1, 2011.

In addition, Best Western Rewards members who qualify for the promotion and stay with at least two separate descriptor hotels (BEST WESTERN® and/or BEST WESTERN PLUS®, and/or BEST WESTERN PREMIER®), will be automatically entered in the brand’s biggest-ever points giveaway and one of the biggest-ever one-time points prize giveaways by any hotel company: The grand prize is 6.5 million Best Western Rewards points – the equivalent of more than a year of free hotel stays. Five second-place winners will receive a $650 Best Western Travel Card. All who register for the promotion will be entered into a daily drawing for a $65 Best Western Travel Card.

“We know families want to hit the road this summer, and our $50 Travel Card award is a way to make that a little easier to do so,” said Dorothy Dowling, senior vice president of marketing and sales. “And because we’re celebrating our 65th birthday – 65 years of being travelers’ home away from home – we’re also going to gift a loyal guest with the biggest points prize we’ve ever awarded.”

In addition to the Travel Card, Best Western is layering on a 6,500-point bonus for those who pay for each of their three qualified stays with the Best Western Rewards MasterCard®. Both bonus awards are capped at one bonus per Best Western Rewards member.

Best Western Rewards is one of the industry’s most generous rewards programs and one of few that is truly international. With more than 4,000 locations in 90 countries, Best Western makes it easy for members to earn points that can be redeemed for global free room nights with no blackout dates, dining, shopping and entertainment gift cards, gas cards, airline rewards and more. Best Western’s Status Match…No Catch ® program will match members’ elite status in any other hotel loyalty program free of charge. Rewards program members can book their award nights and purchase travel at www.bestwestern.com.

About Best Western International, Inc.

Best Western International, Inc. is THE WORLD’S BIGGEST HOTEL FAMILY(SM), providing marketing, reservations and operational support to over 4,000* BEST WESTERN®, BEST WESTERN PLUS® and BEST WESTERN PREMIER® hotels in 90* countries and territories worldwide. Each Best Western-branded hotel is independently owned and operated. Now celebrating 65 years of hospitality, Best Western has grown into an iconic brand that hosts 400,000* worldwide guests each night. Equally committed to the business and leisure traveler, Best Western has embarked on a mission to lead the hotel industry in customer care. World Vision is the charity of choice for Best Western in building the world’s biggest family, with our hotels and staff sponsoring children in need around the globe. Our partnerships with AAA/CAA, Michael Waltrip Racing™ and Harley-Davidson® help guests make the most of every trip. For the fastest way to a free night globally, join Best Western Rewards®. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.bestwestern.com.

*Numbers are approximate and can fluctuate.

The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Offers Members Gift Card Promotions for Five or Ten Night Hotel Stays

CHEVY CHASE, Md. (Profitable.com) The Ritz-Carlton Rewards offers members unique experiences described as “Access to the Extraordinary.” This spring, newly enrolled and existing members have an additional privilege, for a limited time, members staying five nights at participating Ritz-Carlton hotels around the world will receive a $100 Ritz-Carlton Gift Card or if members stay 10 nights they will receive a Gift Card valued at $250. * This promotion is valid through June 30, 2011, and Gift Cards can be redeemed for a wide range of options from dining in celebrity chef restaurants and playing on PGA golf courses to pampering spa services.

First introduced in fall 2010, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards offers members the benefits of program partners including Abercrombie and Kent, National Geographic Photo Expeditions and Neiman Marcus. “We believe our guest loyalty program is the best program in the top luxury tier. While our members appreciate points, they also want “Access to the Extraordinary” with memorable and once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” said Herve Humler, president and chief operations officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

The Ritz-Carlton Rewards is free to join and points can be earned and redeemed Ritz-Carlton hotels & resorts as well as at 3,300 partner hotels around the world. Members can also earn and redeem points with 33 international air carriers. For more information about the offer, or to become a member, please visit www.ritzcarltonrewards.com.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 74 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe with future openings which include The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong which will open as the highest hotel in the world. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, an award that originated in 1987. Its purpose is to promote the awareness of quality excellence, recognize quality achievements of companies and publicize successful quality strategies. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company won the award in 1992 and 1999. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR)

Omni Hotels & Resorts Offers Special Savings in April

Omni Hotels & Resorts Offers Special Savings in April IRVING, Texas (Profitable.com) Omni Hotels & Resorts announces a special seven-day offer that will surely put a spring into the step of travelers. To celebrate the coming warm weather and springtime season, guests who book the “Spring for Travel” package at Omni will save 10 percent off a one-night stay, 20 percent off a two-night stay and 30 percent off a three-night stay in April.

Whether planning a round of golf at one of three Audubon International certified sanctuary golf courses at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort in Florida; immersing yourself in American history and New England culture while experiencing the timeless elegance of the nation’s oldest continuously operating hotel, the Omni Parker House; or taking in the steep rolling hills, eclectic architecture and famous landmarks of ‘The City by the Bay’ at the Omni San Francisco Hotel, this offer is a great way to kick-off the spring.

“Warm weather and longer days mean the start of the spring travel season,” said Caryn Kboudi, vice president of corporate communications for Omni Hotels & Resorts. “By providing a terrific value during the month of April, our guests have the perfect opportunity to explore the great outdoors, new destinations or even their own hometown.”

The “Spring for Travel” package is available for purchase March 14-20 for stays in April. Rates range from $109 to $249 per night, are subject to availability and will vary by property and date. To book the package, guests can visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni. Travelers can also follow Omni Hotels & Resorts at facebook.com/omnihotels, at twitter.com/omnihotels or at twitter.com/omnihotelsPR.

About Omni Hotels & Resorts

Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, authentic guest experiences that take guests on “A Total Departure” to 50 distinct luxury hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each Omni showcases the local flavor of the destination while featuring four-diamond services, signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique wellness options. Known for its award-winning, personalized service, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every customer interaction, with a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest loyalty program and the company’s “Power of One” associate empowerment program. The brand is frequently recognized by top consumer research organizations such as J.D. Power and Associates, which ranked Omni as “Highest in Guest Satisfaction Among Upscale Hotel Chains” in its 2010 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study(SM). To get additional information or book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni.

« previous entries

Hospitality Archives

Top 100 Restaurant News Stories of 2011 Released by RestaurantNews.com

Restaurant Strategies for a Tough Economy

Top Restaurant News of 2011

First-Ever Collaborative Online Network for Restaurants and Their Vendors

Restaurant Marketing Tips for the Holiday Season

La Quinta Inns & Suites Announces Edgar Garin as Director of Franchise Development for Central And South America

Restaurant Gift Cards Expected to be Hot Holiday Gift Option

Restaurant Owners Can Benefit from Black Friday and Holiday Efforts

Grand Opening of Five Guys Burgers and Fries at The Point in Robinson Centre, Pittsburgh, PA

Navigating a Night on the Town Made Easier with New Android Apps

Hilton Garden Inn Launches ‘BizWords’ Mobile App

Aulani, a New Disney Resort & Spa, Brings a Touch of Magic to a Family Vacation Paradise in Ko Olina, Hawaii

Top 50 Restaurants for Foodies in the U.S. Revealed

Tiare Technology Launches Wireless WineList™ System at Award-Winning Centro and Django Restaurants

Rent My Ocean Home Today in Martha’s Vineyard Opens Store Under Franchise Rent My Vacation Home

Marriott Takes Back Operation of Waikiki EDITION

Restaurant Management Jobs Serve Up Fresh Opportunities for Career Growth

Hilton Lisle/Naperville Wins Meetings Midamerica “Best Of” Award For 2011

BeABartender.com | Bartending School Sees A Sharp Increase In Course Enrollment

Taco Cabana Draws Culinary Inspiration From Visits to Mexico, Introduces Fajitas Puebla Steak and Chicken Tacos

Franchising Continues to be an Important Growth Avenue for Chain Restaurants, Finds Technomic

Sargento and Chef Tiffany Collins Celebrate National Panini Month

Savored Announces Partnership with OpenTable

Food Franchising Back on the Front Burner

For Limited Time, Expedia Offering Rewards Points for Cruise Vacations

Restaurant Consultant Reveals Top 50 Menu Engineering and Design Tips

Restaurant Consultant Reveals 80 Most Common Restaurant Mistakes

Armed Forces Military Vacation Travel – Summer Discounts

Hotels.com Announces Easter Hotel Deals

Best Western to Jump-Start Summer Vacations With $50 Travel Card Offer

The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Offers Members Gift Card Promotions for Five or Ten Night Hotel Stays

Omni Hotels & Resorts Offers Special Savings in April

Latest News