The Americas
Sandwich chain Jersey Mike’s files for IPO, as same-store sales climb 50% from 2020 to 2025
The sandwich chain Jersey Mike’s filed for an initial public offering on Thursday last week, reporting that its same-store sales cumulatively climbed 50% from 2020 through 2025. Jersey Mike’s plans to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “JMKE.” The company reported net income of $55m on total revenue of $724m last year, up from net income of $5m on revenue of $653 in 2024, according to the regulatory filing.
Appetite for guidance on AI in hospitality
The 2026 AI Hospitality Alliance (AIHA) member survey reveals that industry stakeholders are eager for practical, operationally focused guidance on artificial intelligence, with a strong preference for AIHA to act as a standard-setting authority rather than a source of general commentary. Respondents cite fragmented systems and a gap between AI promises and real-world value as major challenges and call for more collaboration, education, and measurable outcomes in AI adoption across the hospitality industry.
Asia Pacific
The Michelin Guide releases its first-ever restaurant selection in Oceania
The Michelin Guide has launched its first ever guide to New Zealand, the Guide’s first-ever restaurant selection in Oceania. The debut edition recognizes 110 restaurants across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, including one Two Michelin Star restaurant, 14 One Michelin Star restaurants, 35 Bib Gourmand recipients and 60 Michelin Selected restaurants. The guide reflects the strength and maturity of New Zealand’s dining scene while also shining a spotlight on what makes New Zealand cuisine distinctive.
Jollibee Group dominates Philippines restaurant brand rankings
Jollibee Group’s brands Jollibee, Mang Inasal, and Chowking have been recognized in the Brand Finance Philippines 50 2026 report as the country’s top three most valuable restaurant brands, reflecting brand value and brand strength metrics tied to consumer demand, pricing strength, resilience, and long-term business value, according to Brand Finance. The Philippine restaurant sector reached approximately $4.1bn in brand value, growing 29% year-on-year. Jollibee accounted for around 80% of total restaurant brand value within the sector.
Europe, Africa and Middle East
Line in Athens comes top in the list of Europe’s 50 Best Bars
The list of Europe’s 50 Best Bars 2026 was announced at a live awards ceremony in Amsterdam. The list features bars from 22 cities across the continent, including Athens, Barcelona, Bratislava, London, Madrid and Rome. Europe’s 50 Best Bars 2026 features venues from 22 cities across the continent, with Athens’ Line named The Best Bar in Europe and The Best Bar in Greece 2026. Ranked eighth in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025, the venue was created by acclaimed bartenders Vasilis Kyritsis and Nikos Bakoulis as a hub of innovation, producing fruit wines and beers.
9% VAT rate for food-led hospitality businesses reintroduced in Ireland
The Restaurants Association of Ireland has welcomed the permanent reintroduction of the 9% VAT rate for food-led hospitality businesses, which came into effect on Wednesday, July 1. The Association described the permanent return of the 9% VAT rate as a ‘vital viability measure’ that will help protect indigenous businesses, sustain employment and strengthen communities across Ireland.
Lauren Hurrell
