Kimberly Gore

Jul 1, 2024 | hotelmanagement.net | Kimberly Gore

In many respects, the U.S. lodging industry is back to normal after the upheavals caused by the pandemic and the subsequent aftershocks experienced by the economy. For example, Reuters reported that two major chains—Marriott and Hilton—are looking for revenue per available room to increase no more than 5 percent this year after jumps of nearly 15 percent and 12 percent respectively, in 2023. Even with the rebound effect now in hospitality’s rear-view mirror, consumer demand remains healthy.

Dec 27, 2023 | modernrestaurantmanagement.com | Kimberly Gore

The U.S. restaurant industry will continue to shake off the aftereffects of the pandemic in 2024, but that doesn’t mean the challenges that remain are easily dispelled. Even though cooling inflation is a positive, it’s still ahead of the Federal Reserve’s 2 percent target and has not yet resulted in relief on costs. Stubbornly high interest rates also keep operators squeezed by the cost of money, both long-term debt and revolving credit lines.

Oct 19, 2023 | hotelmanagement.net | Kimberly Gore

The surge in extended stay lodging isn’t a fleeting phenomenon. Even esteemed hotel brands are channeling substantial investments into this burgeoning market, with their extended stay portfolios expanding by more than 50 percent over the past decade. In 2023, the overall hotel occupancy rate is estimated to reach a robust 63.8 percent—only 2.1 percentage points behind pre-pandemic numbers.

Oct 19, 2023 | modernrestaurantmanagement.com | Kimberly Gore |Sean Clements

It’s hard to escape the continuing boom in restaurant franchises. Quick-serve brands are leading the trend, and not just for restaurants, but for franchises overall. But it’s not just newbies to franchising – or restaurant franchises themselves, for that matter – that need to stay on top of the management intricacies that characterize the business.