The Americas
McDonald’s faces federal lawsuit on reported use of AI to set menu prices in the US
McDonald’s is facing a lawsuit in federal court over its alleged use of an AI tool to determine pricing across independent franchises, which prosecutors say violates antitrust laws and has unfairly inflated menu prices for Americans. McDonald’s issued a statement that said, “AI does not set the price of a Big Mac or any other menu item”, after Reuters reported the company was using machine-learning algorithms to guide menu prices in the US and some global markets. The fast-food giant said franchisees independently set menu prices at their restaurants.
Starbucks explores buying Chipotle
The coffee shop giant has reportedly talked with advisors on a potential purchase of the fast-casual burrito chain, Chipotle, according to a published report in Financial Times. It could potentially be the biggest in restaurant industry history, with Chipotle’s market value at $39bn. The largest restaurant deal to date happened in 2014, when Burger King paid $11.4bn for Tim Hortons. The report sent Chipotle’s shares 7% higher while Starbucks shares declined 4%. The publication described it as “early-stage plans” and warned that the deal “might never get off the ground” given its complexity.
Asia Pacific
Hong Kong’s Bar Leone takes top prize at The World’s Best Bars celebration
For the second consecutive year Bar Leone in Hong Kong has been named the best in the world. Cp-founded by Italian bartender Lorenzo Antinori, the bar has established itself as one of the city’s leading cocktail bars, drawing inspiration found in Rome’s Trastevere district. Unveiled during a live ceremony in Milan, the 2026 list features bars from 26 cities with 14 new entries across Athens, Bangkok, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, London, Madrid, Medellín, Mexico City, New York, Paris and São Paulo. Leone was followed by Moebius Milano in the host city and Alquímico in Cartagena, Colombia.
BWH Hotels has opened Best Western Plus Pulsar Cagayan in The Philippines
BWH Hotels has opened a 129-room hotel serving the Tuguegarao area in The Philippines northeastern Cagayan Valley.According to BWH Hotels, the property is the first internationally branded hotel in the region, introducing global hospitality standards to a destination known for its forests, waterfalls, caves and coastal landscapes. The valley is also home to the Cagayan River, which offers visitors access to a wide range of nature-based experiences. “The debut of Best Western Plus in the Cagayan Valley demonstrates our commitment to introducing our world-renowned standards of international hospitality to Asia’s most exciting emerging destinations,” said Olivier Berrivin, vice president of APAC, BWH Hotels.
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Subway to roll out Blueprint restaurant concept across EAME
Subway will roll out a new restaurant and brand concept across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), with all new restaurants and remodels in the region built to its Blueprint format from 1 January 2027. The format is part of Subway’s multi-year business strategy and is designed to change how guests order and eat across its restaurants. The concept covers three areas: restaurant design, expanded dayparts and occasions, and brand positioning. The restaurant format will use warmer, more modern, and digitally connected spaces, with layouts designed to make ordering easier for guests and restaurant operations easier for staff.
Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé announces opening of restaurant by Alain Ducasse
The Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé has announced the opening of its signature restaurant Aldabaran, a world-class culinary destination helmed by multi award-winning chef, Alain Ducasse. Located on the 33rd floor of the Mohammed VI Tower, the restaurant promises to bring together exceptional cuisine, thoughtful design and sweeping views from one of Morocco’s most iconic buildings. “I’m honored to be opening Aldabaran at Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé,” said Ducasse. “From the outset, our partners’ ambitious vision was inspiring, and working once again with renowned interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon has allowed us to create a space that delivers an exceptional dining experience, celebrating the flavors of the Mediterranean and the vibrancy of local Moroccan ingredients.”
Lauren Hurrell
