The Americas
Mixed expectations as US hotels grapple with costs and staffing hurdles amid stable travel demand
A survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) reveals that hotel owners continue to face rising operating costs and staffing challenges, with most expecting travel demand in 2026 to remain level compared to last year, even as the industry prepares for major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The survey, conducted in late February, is based on responses from 246 hoteliers. Operating costs remain the most significant challenge for hotel owners, with cost of goods and supplies (71%), labor costs (65%) and fluctuating demand and occupancy (59%) being the top three financial pressures. More than half of respondents report their properties are somewhat or severely understaffed. For 2026, 39% of respondents expect travel demand to remain stable compared with 2025, but 20% of applicable properties report that 2026 bookings are currently below expectations as hotels begin tracking early booking trends for the FIFA World Cup.
Slim Chickens enters new phase of growth
With a newly appointed president and COO, Christina Vaughan, Slim Chickens is entering a new phase of growth and direction, with a strong focus on consistency. With over 300 units worldwide in 2026, and more than 1,000 in development, the fast food chain plans to continue expansion, targeting markets such as Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, and California, along with international regions across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. “I would tell you, really, it’s probably more of an evolution,” Vaughan says, describing the brand’s current trajectory. “We’re very high growth, but we’ve really reached a stage where, for example, scaling successfully is going to require more of a focus on the operational discipline and our franchise performance.
Asia Pacific
Fauchon L’Hôtel Kyoto celebrates its fifth anniversary this month
The Fauchon L’Hôtel Kyoto celebrated its fifth anniversary on 16 March 2026, consolidating its position as the French brand’s first gourmet hotel in Japan and its second worldwide. Since opening, it has built on its concept, “FAUCHON meets Kyoto” to celebrate a fusion of Parisian gastronomy with Kyoto’s cultural and aesthetic heritage. “It is an honour to lead Fauchon L’Hôtel Kyoto at this symbolic moment of five years in operation,” says Kiyoshi Gomamoto, general manager. “Since the pre-opening phase, our objective has been to build a hotel that unites Fauchon’s ‘Joy of living through gastronomy’ philosophy with the refined elegance of Kyoto. We will continue to strengthen our operational excellence and deliver a truly unique experience for guests from Japan and around the world.”
KFC and franchisees agree settlement
Gordon Legal confirms that KFC and its franchisees have agreed a $28.8m settlement in the KFC Rest Breaks Class Action for current and former KFC employees who alleged that they weren’t provided with rest breaks during their shifts at the fast-food giant. The settlement has been agreed with KFC and over 80 franchise operators across Australia. Gordon Legal has estimated that approximately 90,000 current and former KFC team members will be eligible for compensation if the settlement is approved by the Federal Court. At a further hearing next month, the Court will be asked to order a ‘registration period’ during which affected workers must register their interest to receive compensation. “This settlement matters, not just for the money, but because it shows that big companies can’t just ignore their obligations,” said class action lead applicant Roshanpal Singh. “I’m glad we stood up and did something about it, and I hope other young workers see this and know that they have rights worth fighting for.”
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Shake Shack set to open first Manchester branch
The new Shake Shack unit at the Trafford Centre will open on Friday 27 March 2026. Known for its New York-style burgers, Crinkle cut fries and thick milkshakes, the expanding burger chain will be making its debut in the North of England, and the 18th in the UK. So far, the US company’s UK operations have been mostly focused on London, though it also has outposts in Oxford, Cardiff, Cambridge and Birmingham. Richard Franks, Business Director at Shake Shack UK, said: “Manchester’s a city that does things proper; it’s full of heart, graft and great taste. We’re so pumped to be growing Shake Shack across the UK, and to be opening our first Northern Shack at the Trafford Centre. We can’t wait to be a part of this city.”
Pub and bar company closures double over five years amid rising costs, taxes and shifting habits
Nearly 800 pubs and bars closed last year in England, Scotland, and Wales, up approximately 3% from 2024, as the sector continues to battle high staff, energy, and ingredient costs alongside increased regulatory demands and shifting consumer trends. Revolution Bars is one of the hardest hit in 2026 so far, with more insolvencies expected. The number of pub and bar companies collapsing into insolvency rose 2.6% from 769 to 789 over the year to December 31, according to an analysis of insolvency data by UHY Hacker Young, the national accountancy group. The 789 pub and bar groups in England, Scotland, and Wales that fell into insolvency last year were more than double the 367 that went under in 2020.
Lauren Hurrell
