Vancouver, B.C. — Ready, a financial technology company that offers seamless self-pay and food ordering solutions to hospitality venues across North America, launches its “virtual ordering kiosks” to businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, waiving its standard fees until June 1 so the venue will pay no extra than the cost of the transaction to continue to operate. This technology allows restaurants to shift to a contactless on-premise pickup ordering model, supporting the safety of the community and allowing businesses to remain operational. “The safety of the …
— By Dr. Andrae Holliday, Sr. Accessibility requirements for your retail and restaurant parking lots. According to ADA.gov, more than 50 million Americans — 18% of our population — have disabilities. Each one is a potential customer. Studies show that once people with disabilities find a business where they can shop or get services in an accessible manner, they become repeat customers. Are your parking lots ADA compliant? If you’re unsure, you could be losing business or — worse still — facing lawsuits and fines. Since its inception …
San Francisco — As cities around the country shut down amid COVID-19 fears, few industries are feeling the effects quite as harshly as restaurants. The long term impact on restaurants and their staff is predicted to be devastating. In a matter of weeks, restaurants have gone from service as usual to, in many cases, a 100% loss in income. According to a report by the Job Quality Index (JQI), a research project from Cornell Law School and the Coalition for a Prosperous America, in the restaurant industry alone more than …
Orlando, Fla. — Orlando, Fla.-based Williams Company, one of the Southeast’s largest and most respected construction companies, has promoted Bob Lipscomb, a 33-year company veteran, from CEO to chairman. He joined Williams Company as a project manager in 1988 and has been at the core of developing the overall company culture and performance standards. Second, Taylor Huddleston was promoted to chief executive officer, having previously served as president. A 20-year company veteran, Huddleston began his career at Williams Company in 2000 as a preconstruction manager and later served as director …
Dallas — Connex, the multi-site facilities network, formerly known as PRSM, is postponing CONNEX2020 National Conference to 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated effects nationwide and following extensive deliberations and consideration by the Connex board of directors and staff, Connex is unable to move forward with CONNEX2020 National Conference. No suitable resort was available to reschedule CONNEX2020 this year. Therefore, the next Connex National Conference will be CONNEX2021 and is scheduled for April 19-21, 2021 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Md. …
Louisville, Ky. — Yum! Brands, Inc. has provided an update on the next phase of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Working together, we can limit the spread of COVID-19 while offering convenient, affordable food in a low contact environment,” says David Gibbs, CEO of Yum! Brands. “But our employees — like millions of others — are worried and our franchisees are under stress. We need to support them so they can be there for our customers. As the situation changes rapidly, KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and The Habit …
Minneapolis — Target Corporation has made business adjustments to its remodel and new store opening schedule in response to the impact from novel coronavirus (COVID-19). As the COVID-19 crisis has evolved, the company has been experiencing unusually strong traffic and sales, particularly in its stores and same-day services, as guests rely on Target for essential items like food, medicine, cleaning products and pantry stock-up items. As a result, the company has adjusted the expected timing of some of its strategic initiatives, including new store builds and remodels. Updated plans for …
Mt. Prospect, Ill. — Diversified Foodservice Supply, LLC (DFS) is expanding its Do It Yourself (DIY) program by introducing new videos that enable foodservice operators to make DIY fixes for common kitchen repairs and to handle preventive maintenance tasks that keep kitchens up and running. It also committed to ongoing educational alerts that help operators adhere to changing sanitary protocols. In addition, the company is expanding capabilities to provide quick response and nationwide distribution of product rollouts. These new offerings supplement the existing library of DIY products and resources available …
Bloomfield Hills, Mich. — As of March 19, 2020, Taubman Centers, Inc. temporarily closed all but two of the company’s U.S. shopping centers in response to COVID-19. The closures will continue through March 29, or later if required by state or local government. “After numerous discussions with state and local officials, we will temporarily cease operations in all but two centers this evening,” says the company’s chairman, president and CEO, Robert S. Taubman. “We are clearly in unprecedented times and this is right decision for our shoppers, retailers, employees and …
— By Eric Brownlee — Is your landscape management program doing all it can to highlight your brand? How do you see the landscapes on your properties? Do you consider landscaping as a brand asset, or is it simply something you must maintain to avoid violation notices or adhere to landlord requirements? Often a facility’s landscape is overlooked, expectations are not aligned, and the overall asset is not providing all the possible benefits. One key benefit not to be overlooked is curb appeal. When dining out, you may …