Restaurant And Hospitality IT News For VARs — August 8, 2014
By Christine Kern, contributing writer
In the news this week, two hotels are rolling out new technology aimed at enhancing the customer experience. Also, the National Restaurant Association reports although trends softened somewhat in June, restaurants are optimistic about the coming months.
Hilton Rolls Out Mobile-Check In, Smartphone Key Apps
In a press release, Hilton Worldwide has announced that its guests using mobile devices, tablets, and computers will have the ability to check-in and choose their exact room from digital floor plans, as well as to customize their stay by purchasing upgrades and making special requests for items to be delivered to their rooms. Check-out will also be through this technology. The company states that by the end of 2014, digital check-in and room selection will be available at more than 4,000 Hilton Worldwide properties across 11 brands in 80-plus countries via members’ Hilton HHonors accounts.
Choice Hotels Offers Hands-Free Hotel Reservations For Ford Vehicles
In a press release, Choice Hotels has announced hands-free hotel reservations for Ford vehicles. Using the SYNC AppLink, customers can download Choice Hotels’ Android app, which will enable them to use voice commands to search for available rooms at nearby Choice Hotels. The chain will be adding the same functionality for iPhone users in the near future.
Restaurants Optimistic About Sales In The Months Ahead
Although traffic trends softened in June, most restaurant operators remain bullish about the months ahead, according to the monthly Restaurant Performance Index by the National Restaurant Association. Although The RPI, a monthly composite index that tracks the health of and outlook for the U.S. restaurant industry, fell from 102.1 in May to 101.3 in June, it still marked the 16th consecutive month with a score above 100, which indicates expansion on the key indicators measured. According to the survey, 55 percent reported a same-store sales gain in June compared with the prior year, a decline from 65 percent who said the same in May.
Wendy’s Weigh Strategic Initiatives Against Data
In a press release, Wendy’s has announced that they will continue licensing APT’s Test & Learn software for another three years, and will use the software to test strategic initiatives in menu changes, remodels, marketing, pricing, and operations across its system of more than 6,500 company and franchise-operated restaurants.
For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s Hospitality Tech Center.