Photo: Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts, via PR Newswire
Royal Caribbean Group · September 23
Royal Caribbean Group moves into all-inclusive resorts with a 50% Sandals investment
Our Group signed an agreement to acquire a 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion, expanding the vacation portfolio beyond cruise and private destinations.
The joint venture includes the existing Sandals adults-only and Beaches family all-inclusive portfolios across the Caribbean.
The companies will explore broader distribution and deeper guest engagement across both portfolios.
Existing reservations, loyalty programs, resort operations and cruise operations continue as usual.
The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions.
Photo: Holland America Line, via Cruise Industry News
Holland America Line · September 24
Magnolia Bakery's Banana Pudding enters the Lido rotation
Holland America will stage a Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Bar once per cruise in Lido Market on Caribbean ships during the 2026–27 season.
The partnership marks the first time Magnolia Bakery desserts will be available at sea.
Holland America chefs trained with Magnolia Bakery's team in New York to reproduce the preparation and presentation.
The wider Caribbean program includes regional Dining Room dishes, a Caribbean Seafood Boil, themed brunch and teatime, and a Rum Ambassador program with more than 35 rums.
VIVA Boutique makes wine expertise part of the operating model
VIVA Cruises' 2028 boutique collection will run three- to seven-night itineraries in France and Italy aboard Viva Beyond and Viva Unique.
Master of Wine Romana Echensperger will curate selections, align pairings with menus and destinations, train teams and host selected tastings and masterclasses.
New sailings include La Grande Cucina, A Taste of Normandy, and a Champagne & Sparkling Cruise.
DoorDash connects ordering, reservations, loyalty and marketing in DashOS
DashOS links DoorDash Marketplace, direct ordering, reservations, loyalty, guest management and marketing so a restaurant can recognize the same opted-in guest across channels.
DoorDash says operators can add products without adopting a separate system or overhauling their current tech stack.
In a July–August test, DoorDash reported AI-personalized recommendations lifted reservations by more than 15% versus non-personalized recommendations.
Deeper integrations with POS and middleware providers are planned beginning in 2027.
El Pollo Loco signs for 15 New York-area restaurants
El Pollo Loco closed three development agreements for 15 New York-area restaurants over five years, with its first New York City location planned for Queens in mid-2027.
The chain operates more than 500 restaurants across 10 states.
It projects 18 to 20 new openings during 2026 as it expands beyond its Western core.
Granado's puts a Miami accent on the smash-burger format
Miami native John Paul “JP” Granado opened Granado's at 1250 S. Miami Ave. with three signature smash burgers, loaded fries, burger bowls and soft serve.
The Choripan Burger combines chorizo and chimichurri, while the Avo Smash adds avocado, greens, jalapeños and green sauce.
The venue operates daily from 11 a.m.; Thursday through Saturday service runs until 3 a.m.
The concept layers live music and late-night programming onto a compact, focused fast-casual menu.
COTOA — Chef Alejandra Espinoza's Bib Gourmand Ecuadorian restaurant moves to an 80-seat home at 1111 NE 125th St., Suite 200, opening October 22 with an expanded menu, cocktail program and private dining room.North Miami
Bazaar Meat by José Andrés — the theatrical steakhouse returns at Andaz Miami Beach, 4041 Collins Ave., on October 22 with meats, seafood, vegetables and cocktails shaped for South Florida.Miami Beach
Apotheke South Beach — botanical cocktail lounge opening October 16 behind an unmarked Washington Avenue entrance at Moxy South Beach, with nine Miami-only formulas and rotating historic drinks.South Beach
