News Briefs

  • 2/6/2023

    River Cree Resort and Casino Modernizes Security, Surveillance

    Cree Casino

    River Cree Resort and Casino modernized security, surveillance and compliance with a unified solution based on Genetec Security Center.

    As the resort and casino’s analog video system and access control systems aged over the years, surveillance and security teams faced recurring device failures and performance issues that took time away from protecting, securing and surveilling operations. As they sought a solution that could evolve alongside new business objectives, they opted for a fully IP-based video surveillance system with Genetec Omnicast, and migrated their access control system to the platform as well, with Genetec Synergis.

    Bob McDonald, Director of Surveillance and Compliance at River Cree Resort and Casino, said, “An open platform has been key for us. The flexibility and openness helped us reduce initial upgrade costs and transition to IP over time. With Security Center, we know that no matter what we’re looking to do, we’ll have options for new features, built-in modules, cloud solutions, and third-party integrations that will serve our needs.”

    Today, River Cree Casino uses Genetec Security Center to manage over 1150 cameras and 150 doors. They have also connected their fire alarm system and 25 DMP panic buttons within the unified platform. Now, both surveillance and security operators work from a unified view of the casino and resort, from a central command center. Not only does this help them see what’s happening across the entire 49-acre property, they can also quickly respond to alarms with all information at hand.

    The casino has implemented a number of additional features and capabilities to simplify operations and enhance community collaboration. Genetec Plan Manager, the map-based interface of Security Center, plots all cameras, doors, and sensors on a map of the property, enabling operators to quickly locate where alarm notifications are coming from. The KiwiVision People Counter helps with public health compliance, as a backup system to vet numbers from existing people counting solutions. And deploying the Genetec Genetec Clearance™ digital evidence management system simplifies and secures the process of sharing footage with law enforcement, insurance partners, and legal teams while protecting personal privacy. Clearance also helps streamline yearly gaming commission audits.

    River Cree Casino continues to build on the capabilities of its unified security platform, with plans to expand the access control system to simplify the tracking of all staff cardholder privileges and special access requests. 

    Read the full story of the River Cree Resort & Casino’s unified security solution here.

     

  • 2/6/2023

    Salad and Go Expands in Texas

    Salad and Go  salad and iced tea

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • 1/9/2023

    Focus Brands Accelerates Dual Branded Locations

    Foucs Brand dual branded Jamba Juice and Auntie Annes

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

    Drive-Thru Convenience

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

    Flexible Store Formats

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

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

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

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

    Focus Brands has identified four dual-brand concepts:

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

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

     

  • 1/14/2023

    Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux Invests in Tech Transformation

    Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux is making its largest technological investment in brand history.

    Walk-On’s is implementing a systemwide aggregator to consolidate third party orders, partnering with Lunchbox to upgrade its online ordering platform and guest loyalty program, and introducing a partnership with Toast to level up its POS management system.

    71% say the ability to integrate with other systems is driving their POS purchase decisions, according to HT’s2 2023 POS Software Trends Report.

    Walk-On’s new loyalty program and app, designed by Lunchbox, are scheduled to launch in the first half of 2023 with an improved interface and back-end integration that will create a more seamless user experience for guests and operators alike. 

    Continuing with marked enhancements to the guest experience, Walk-On’s is also partnering with BOWEN to modernize the brand’s website presence and streamline the online ordering experience. 

    In addition to the upgraded Toast POS system, Walk-On’s is installing Toast Kitchen Display System, and rolling out Toast Go 2 mobile handheld POS devices for tableside and curbside use at current and future locations. 

    Walk-On’s will implement a phased rollout across all current locations throughout 2023 and begin immediate implementation at all new restaurants in their development pipeline. 

  • 2/6/2023

    Toast Teams Up with Google to Launch a New Ordering Channel

    Google food burgers

    Toast announced the Order with Google integration that allows restaurants using Toast Online Ordering to unlock a new channel for more orders. Order with Google is fully integrated with the Toast Point of Sale and is seamless for restaurant owners and guests alike.

    71% say the ability to integrate with other systems is driving their POS purchase decisions, according to HT’s2 2023 POS Software Trends Report.

    With millions of restaurant guests searching for restaurants online, this new collaboration with Order with Google allows Toast restaurants to activate an important new channel and drive awareness by tapping Google Search and Maps as an efficient ordering channel and marketing engine. Order with Google makes it simple for restaurant guests to search for the food they’re craving, connect with restaurants in the area, and pay ahead or on arrival.

    “We’re seeing a big trend where our guests want to order ahead through technology because of the simplicity, so we were excited to turn on the Toast Order with Google integration,” said Michael Lin, President of Sunright Corporation. “Tons of guests find us by searching ‘Bubble tea shops near me’ so it's great how seamless Order with Google is for our guests. All of the information they need is on one page and they can easily browse pictures and then order without being redirected to a new page.”

    Toast’s Order with Google Integration will also allow restaurants to:

    • Take control of takeout and delivery by unlocking new ordering channels: Now, Toast restaurants can sell to guests through three ordering channels: Toast Online Ordering, Toast Takeout App, and Order with Google. Toast empowers restaurants to grow their takeout and delivery businesses while protecting their bottom line from third-party commission fees.
    • Manage ordering channels easily with seamless integrations: Order with Google uses the same menus, hours, and quote times as Toast Online Ordering, so restaurants can customize their settings in one place. Their updates automatically flow through to Order with Google in real time. Plus, restaurants can easily toggle Order with Google on or off at any time, giving restaurants full control of all their ordering channels.
    • Offer a seamless guest experience: With one search, a guest can read reviews, see photos, order, and pay, all in one place. Order with Google supports the full range of off-premise needs from online ordering for takeout and delivery to handling payment ahead of time.
  • 2/6/2023

    Maestro Partners with Anything Hotel

    Maestro PMS partnership with Anything Hotel
    Maestro is focused on building more strategic partnerships that make sense for hotel and resort groups. Recently Maestro teamed with Anything Hotel to give users access to Meta, digital marketing, social marketing, branding, public relations, website design and optimization services.
     
    Warren Dehan, Maestro President, said, “One of our goals for 2023 is to give users easier access to our 800+ solution partners by creating the ‘Maestro Marketplace’ on our website... Today more than ever operators are telling us they want a one-stop-shop for ‘everything hotel,’ and Maestro is committed to delivering just that by adding ‘Anything Hotel’ as our newest strategic partner.”
     

    According to the 2023 Travel Outlook and AHLA Booking Index released this month, 50% of U.S. adults polled say they plan to travel for business or leisure over the next three months, with 75% of business travelers and 52% of leisure travelers choosing a hotel as their lodging accommodation.

    Three in five (60%) say they are more likely to stay in a hotel this year than last. Business travelers’ interest in bleisure travel remains strong, with nearly all workers (84%) whose jobs involve travel indicating interest in extending their work trips for leisure. Reaching and attracting these travelers will take strategic omnichannel marketing.

    Work & Play En Route: How Hotels Can Appeal to Bleisure Travelers

    Propel Your Property

    Anything Hotel provides omnichannel hospitality marketing focused on growing brands through Meta, digital and social marketing, public relations, branding, website design and optimization as well as property-management services. 

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