Russ Spencer

May 26, 2024 | hotelexecutive.com | Russ Spencer

The hospitality sector is eager to embrace the fourth year of operation since the industry was shuttered by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and, with it, the return of tourism. According to AAA 's Year-End Holiday Travel Forecast released in December 2023, 115.2 million travelers were projected to travel 50 miles or more from their homes over the 10-day year-end holiday travel period.

Mar 7, 2024 | hotelspeak.com | Russ Spencer

Inflation may finally start to cool, but the hospitality industry is still battling the rising cost of food. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in January 2024, the food index increased 2.6% over the last year, with food prices rising 0.4% from December to January. Yet it’s not just rising food costs causing challenges to hotel operators. Data from showed that the total operating expenses per available room in the U.S. hotel industry increased by 9.4% year over year in October 2023.

Jan 14, 2024 | modernrestaurantmanagement.com | Russ Spencer

In  a few weeks, bars and restaurants will be filled with hungry and thirsty football fans celebrating their favorite team. Now is the time to get your plays in order to be a winner this Super Bowl Sunday. Themed Menus for the Win: Want to show support for this year’s best teams? Provide special menu options from the cities the contenders hail from – a Philly Cheesesteak if the Eagles make it or a Cuban for Miami.

Dec 14, 2023 | hotelmanagement.net | Russ Spencer

The average U.S. hotel operates with a 30 percent profit margin, which is low compared to other industries, according to Hotel Tech Report. With tight margins to work with in a highly competitive market, it is important for hotel operators to streamline their practices to stay profitable and keep overhead costs low.

Nov 29, 2023 | hotel-online.com | Russ Spencer |Elliott Bryan

By Russ SpencerFor hotel operators, customer satisfaction is the lifeblood of business. It's important to keep guests satisfied and create a memorable experience to keep them returning. While guest occupancy remains the top source of income for hotel operations, there are ways to transition business models to add new, fruitful revenue streams. An important aspect of hospitality services to consider is the food and dining experience.