The #MondayMotivation edition of MRM’s Daily Bite features Yelp and Grubhub, Fourth, New York WaterMaker, Marina Bay Sands and Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, Portillo’s, Prestige Custom Manufacturing and Emaar Hospitality Group.

Send news items to Barbara Castiglia at bcastiglia@modernrestaurantmanagement.com.

 Yelp and Grubhub Integration Complete

Yelp Inc. and Grubhub announced the successful integration of Grubhub’s restaurant network onto the Yelp platform.

The combination of Grubhub’s restaurant network and delivery infrastructure with Yelp’s large purchase-oriented audience positions us to generate thousands of new diners and millions of orders for Grubhub restaurant partners. Yelp users will be able to order from far more local restaurants, while taking advantage of Grubhub’s overall lowest-cost delivery, the two companies said.

“By tapping into Grubhub’s restaurant network, Yelp now offers users the the ability to order from a larger and better selection of restaurants across the country,” said Jeremy Stoppelman, Yelp’s co-founder and chief executive officer. “Our long-term partnership with Grubhub strengthens Yelp’s competitive position in the restaurant category, which brings millions of users to our platform every day.”

“We’re thrilled to complete our integration with Yelp, which enhances the online ordering experience for diners and will drive more orders to our restaurants from Yelp’s tens of millions of monthly users,” said Matt Maloney, Grubhub’s founder and chief executive officer. “For the first time, Yelp users can order from Grubhub’s huge network of local favorites, some that don’t provide their own delivery services, including many of the most popular restaurants in each market.”

As Yelp continues to provide more options to users, the company is also carefully engineering new product experiences to make it even easier to find, order and transact with restaurants that offer food delivery and takeout. To accompany the inventory, Yelp released a new mobile Delivery tab, available to iOS and Android users, where consumers can find the very best local food delivery and takeout. Through the Delivery tab, Yelp surfaces information — like which restaurants offer free delivery or which hot spots in your area offer delivery — to help consumers find the most relevant ordering options available.

Fourth Predicts Trends 

Fourth revealed the top trends to expect at this year’s biggest hospitality industry events. On the heels of customer wins in the U.S. market, including Bar Louie, Chotto Matte and wagamama, the company will expand its presence this year at the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show, the Multi-Unit Restaurant Technology Conference (MURTEC) and the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC) this year.

“The U.S. hospitality industry is as fast-moving as ever—affected by new regulatory requirements, technology advancements and increasing consumer demands. We are honored to help our customers navigate this landscape with the data and insights that they need to make smarter business decisions,” said Simon Bocca, chief operating officer, Fourth. “We look forward to connecting with fellow hospitality leaders at the key industry events this spring. These events set the tone for the rest of the year, and what we hear and learn is always important to ensure our roadmap continues to reflect how we can make our customers’ lives easier.”

Fourth’s predictions for the top anticipated trending topics at these industry events include:

Envisioning the connected restaurant of the future. The Internet of Things is quickly disrupting life as we know it—from wearables to smart appliances, there’s no doubt that our personal and professional lives are being affected by connected technologies. Restaurants are not immune to these changes. The Internet of Things opens unlimited opportunities for restaurant operators in the areas of improving the guest experience, waste reduction, improving safety and energy management.

Prioritizing cybersecurity. With the rise of connected devices and an increasing dependence on data comes heightened concerns about cybersecurity. To keep employees and customers safe, authentication & security will continue to be top of mind for hospitality leaders.

Managing a multitude of data sources. Restaurants and hotel operators use dozens of tech vendors to manage everything from food orders, to accounting, to staff and getting actionable insight from all this data in context will be key to driving profits and guest loyalty.

Managing costs. Operators will need to be smart in examining every corner of their business and identifying unnecessary expenditure to help offset rising labor and F&B costs. Where can manual processes be automated to save time and money? How can over-scheduling and over-ordering be avoided whilst staffing properly to meet demand and stocking enough inventory to ensure full menu availability?

Perfecting the delivery process. It is predicted that food delivery sales in the U.S. will increase 12 percent a year to $76 billion in 2022. As consumers gravitate toward dining in versus dining out, restaurant operators must ensure that they are staffed properly to handle delivery via staff or a third-party service, like Uber Eats or Postmates. Offering delivery services can also impact menu engineering, as some dishes will travel better than others.

For additional industry insight from Fourth, click here

It’s in the Water

There’s no place in the culinary world like New York City and some say items such as pizza and bagels taste get their distinctive taste due to the water. For decades, restaurants and franchises around the world have spent millions of dollars to attempt to duplicate the New York City food taste and quality to lackluster results. The New York WaterMaker is the system designed to bring the taste of NYC food and beverages to the rest of the world and it’s the only product that can molecularly replicate any region’s source water.

The New York WaterMaker will enable restaurateurs and franchise owners to offer customers improved food quality, consistency, and taste that is only possible by cooking with New York water. This patent-pending water source replication system functions as a commercial water filter and replicator of the exact hardness, molecular structure, and chemical composition of a specific location’s water, with a key focus on replicating New York City water.

Through this innovative system, recipes will be tastier, bread will be crispier, and pizza and bagels will be authentic New York City style (not an imitation). Furthermore, it improves the taste and texture of bread, coffee, tea, water, carbonated beverages and other recipes. In return, consumers will reward these restaurants with increased business.

Company officials said The New York WaterMaker will appeal to restaurants, food service organizations and other establishments looking to replicate a specific geography’s signature taste (e.g. New York City bagels or pizza), and to franchisors looking to grow their business but not affect their food’s taste; something that is commonly impacted by each franchisees’ water supply. 

“We haven’t even released the New York WaterMaker to the public, and yet we have received numerous inquiries from restaurant chains and franchises interested in hearing more about our system,” says Paul Errigo, President & CEO of New York WaterMaker. “I’m not sure how they’re hearing about us, but we’re confident this will be a game changer for the culinary world.”

Black Tap in Singapore

Marina Bay Sands is set to welcome Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, the New York-based restaurant with its classic craft burgers, unique craft beers and world famous CrazyShake™ milkshakes. The opening of Black Tap Singapore will mark the New York import’s first foray into Asia.

Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Joe Isidori and restaurateur and nightclub developer Chris Barish, Black Tap opened in New York in 2015. Isidori earned his Michelin star while serving as Executive Chef of fine dining restaurant DJT, while Barish is behind some of the most successful nightclubs and restaurants in the US including Light, Martini Park, Gordon Ramsay Pub and Grill and Gordon Ramsay Steak.

Chef Joe Isidori said, “We already have a huge fan base in Asia, so it’s incredibly exciting for us to bring our craft burgers and CrazyShakes to Singapore.”

Barish added, “Marina Bay Sands is an incredible property and we’re thrilled to be partnering with them for our first location in the region.”

Christine Kaelbel-Sheares, Vice President of Food & Beverage, Marina Bay Sands said, “We are excited to be introducing another first-to-market culinary concept to our growing stable of signature restaurants here at Marina Bay Sands. Black Tap’s bold take on craft burgers and its colourful, inventive milkshakes will certainly give our diners another compelling reason to visit Marina Bay Sands.”

The menu will feature Black Tap’s craft burgers including the All-American Burger and the award winning wagyu beef Greg Norman Burger; Black Tap’s signature chicken items like the Crispy Chicken Sandwich and award-winning Spicy Korean BBQ Wings; and a variety of sides including hand cut fries and crispy Brussel sprouts.  Black Tap’s famous CrazyShakes™ menu will include the original Cotton Candy strawberry shake with a blue and pink pearl chocolate rim, a pink lollipop, rock candy, whipped cream and cotton candy, and newcomer the Bam Bam Fruity Pebbles shake, with a fruity pebbles rim and rice krispy treat, a strawberry pop tart and laffy taffy.

Black Tap will be located at the South Promenade of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. The space will have over 150 seats and also house a commissioned wall mural, depicting elements of urban life in Singapore. Black Tap Singapore is slated to open in the third quarter of 2018.

 Lazy Dog Expands

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, top photo, is opening its second Denver area location at Southlands Mall in Aurora, CO on March 19, located at 24110 E. State Street.

Reimagining the casual dining experience, Lazy Dog is known for its small-town hospitality; a menu that highlights seasonal ingredients and an ambiance that celebrates the majestic scenery and artisan authenticity of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where founder and CEO Chris Simms and his family spend time each year.

“It has been an amazing journey opening our doors in Denver and we are grateful to all of our loyal guests who have welcomed us into the community,” said Chris Simms, founder and CEO of Lazy Dog Restaurants. “We are excited to continue our story in Southlands and look forward to serving and expanding our Colorado family.”

The first Denver area Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar opened in December at The Orchard Town Center, located at 14618 Delaware Street in Westminster.

Portillo’s at Chase Field

Portillo’s, the fast casual concept known for its menu of Chicago-style favorites has a new outpost at Chase Field (401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ), home to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Fans can enjoy the brand’s signature menu items, including Chicago-Style Hot Dogs and Italian Beef Sandwiches, beginning Opening Day, March 29. Portillo’s will be located along the main concourse at section 110.

“The D-backs are excited to offer more dining options for fans during our 20th anniversary season,” said D-backs President & CEO Derrick Hall. ”Portillo’s has gained a tremendous amount of popularity in the Valley and we are thrilled to be able to offer the same conveniences and favorites at the ballpark that our fans enjoy in their everyday lives.”

Originally founded in 1963, Portillo’s expanded into Arizona in 2013 with locations in Scottsdale and Tempe. The brand currently owns and operates 54 locations in seven states.

“We’re excited to expand our footprint in The Valley by partnering with a world-class organization like the D-backs,” said Keith Kinsey, Portillo’s CEO. We can’t wait to serve our food to all of the D-backs fans throughout the season.”

In 1963, Dick Portillo invested $1,100 into a small trailer to open the first Portillo’s hot dog stand in Villa Park, IL, which he called “The Dog House.” Years later, Portillo’s has grown to include restaurants in more than 50 locations across several states. The Portillo’s brand also includes Barnelli’s restaurants that serve award-winning ribs, pastas with homemade sauces, and fresh sandwiches, soups, and salads. Portillo’s Home Kitchen is the company’s fast-growing catering business.

Growing Demand for Food Trucks and Concession Trailers

Prestige Custom Manufacturing  is expanding again due to high demand for food trucks and concession trailers. The expansion will involve a second manufacturing line to increase capacity and help reach a company-wide goal to shorten delivery times to 8 to 12 weeks (note: time frame is based on each individual project/truck/build).

The expansion will happen in the form of increasing staff and production slots at the current Prestige Food Trucks and Custom Concessions USA warehouse, which is located in a 30,000 Sq. Ft. manufacturing facility in Elkhart, Indiana. Prestige Custom Manufacturing is the parent organization of Prestige Food Trucks and Custom Concessions.

With the new manufacturing setup, Prestige Custom Manufacturing has a goal of 100-plus truck builds in 2018.

“We are extremely excited to be able to offer our industry leading quality and customer service to even more people and businesses across the world,” said Jeremy Adams, co-founder of Prestige Food Trucks.

Prestige Custom Manufacturing is also considering an additional food trailer manufacturing site to increase capacity in the future. Prestige is certified to build in all 50 states, and works with its customers to ensure food trucks and concession trailers pass all local health and fire codes. Custom Concessions is a business that specializes “in custom fabrication, manufacturing the best food trucks and concession trailers on the market.” Prestige also works with numerous international partners and has delivered food trucks to more than a dozen countries outside of the United States.

Prestige Custom Manufacturing’s client list that includes Taco Bell, Texas Roadhouse, Dunkin’ Donuts, U.S. Army, White Castle, Harrah’s, Johnny Rockets, Auntie Anne’s, Nathan’s, Pizza Hut and so many others.

‘World’s Greatest Hospitality Talent’

Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure business of Dubai-based developer Emaar Properties, has announced a global initiative to scout for the ‘World’s Greatest Hospitality Talent.’  Open for all below the age of 26 years from anywhere in the world, the talent scouting competition aims to identify and nurture the most talented individual for a senior position through a three-year all-expenses paid program. 

Olivier Harnisch, CEO of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “With the guest profile changing and a new generation of travellers and entrepreneurs demanding new hospitality experiences, it is important to have youthful thinking and young leaders, who can lead the industry to the next era. This unique initiative aims to open doors to learn about the industry from the experts and build a rewarding career in a managerial role. At Emaar Hospitality Group, we embrace diversity and encourage talents from any background to apply.”

Those with a passion for the industry can apply online by submitting a personal video here. Eight candidates will be short-listed and invited to Dubai in July for a one-week casting that will combine traditional and innovative selection techniques.

A casting centre will evaluate the short-listed candidates for their personality, creativity, innovative approaches and genuine passion for the industry. One will emerge as the winner – the world’s greatest hospitality talent – who will undergo a three-year training under Emaar Hospitality Group’s senior leaders and work across the board.

The winning candidate must be below 26 years old and hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from any discipline, when the training commences in September 2018. She/he will be stationed in Dubaiand take part in a comprehensive development programme. The winner will receive remuneration as per industry standards including housing, transport allowance, and other perks. In the role of Interim General Manager, she/he will work across diverse aspects by shadowing the CEO and senior managers, and will pursue a fully-funded executive MBA programme in Dubai.

Emaar Hospitality Group has 11 operational hotels and three serviced residences in Dubai under Address Hotels + Resorts; the upscale lifestyle Vida Hotels and Resorts; and the contemporary midscale Rove Hotels, and several upcoming projects in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey and Maldives.