Random Spottings: Good night, Irene
A hurricane is disruptive whenever it hits, but as the full force of Irene swept the East coast over the weekend—the most lucrative days for restaurants—industry folks had to instantly come up with their own disaster plans. And they had to let their customers know pretty quickly. Alerts sent out through Facebook, Twitter, texts and blogs ranged from the serious to the quirky.
Cinco de Mayo
The holiday of Cinco de Mayo may draw its origins from Mexican culture, but it has firmly established its roots in the American restaurant scene. Operators across the country are gearing up for the fiesta on May 5 with celebratory food, drink and other activities.
Traditional is meeting contemporary, as beverages are revamped for a changing palate, pocketbook and generation of consumers. Benchmark Hospitality International’s “Top 10 Beverage Trends for 2010” shows how the beverage industry is embracing change and satisfying consumers—whether it’s rediscovering retro cocktails or welcoming new wine varietals.