Generation Alpha’s travel, José Andrés Group's Hotels, Tangy Managements investments, and The Cheesecake Factory
This month step into the world of Generation Alpha’s travel, José Andrés Group's Expansion into Hotels, Tangy Managements newest investments, and why I am talking about The Cheesecake Factory
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🛎 Trending in Hospitality: Generation Alpha Influences Family Travel
As a parent of kids in the Gen Alpha age range, I've seen firsthand how significantly they influence our family travel decisions. It’s important to me that my children feel involved in trip planning, so we always consider their input. A recent survey by Beaches Resorts revealed some fascinating insights into Gen Alpha’s preferences and their growing influence on family vacations:
The Future Jet-Setting Influencers
Gen Alpha, individuals born between 2010 and 2024, are emerging as key players in family travel planning. At their oldest, they are about 14 years old, but their impact is already substantial. The Beaches Resorts survey highlights that 85% of Gen Alpha children have a say in where the family goes on vacation. This aligns with my own experience, as my kids actively participate in our travel discussions, suggesting destinations and activities they are excited about.
Skip-Gen Travel: A Growing Trend
One of the most heartwarming findings from the survey is that 71% of Gen Alpha children express a desire to travel with their grandparents. This trend, known as skip-gen travel, has become a priority for many families. For us, this means planning trips that include my kids’ grandparents, creating multi-generational memories that are cherished by all.
Frequent Flyers in the Making
Despite their young age, 64% of families with Gen Alpha children are taking two or more trips per year. This indicates a strong desire for travel and adventure, even with the challenges that come with traveling with young kids. In our family, we’ve noticed this trend as well, finding ourselves exploring new places more frequently to satisfy our children’s curiosity and love for travel.
Quality Time with Parents
A notable 55% of Gen Alpha prefer to engage in activities with their parents during vacations rather than with their peers. This preference for family bonding over peer interaction during holidays has led us to choose destinations and activities that foster family togetherness. Whether it’s exploring new cities, hiking in nature, or simply spending a day at the beach, we prioritize experiences that we can share as a family.
Tweens Value Parental Company
Interestingly, 70% of kids aged 11 and older would rather spend vacation time with their parents than with their friends. This was a surprising yet pleasant revelation for us. Our tweens enjoy the adventures we embark on together, from trying out new cuisines to exploring cultural landmarks, they cherish the time spent with family.
Learning on Vacation
Education doesn’t take a backseat during vacations for Gen Alpha. 53% of them want to learn new skills while on holiday. Swimming tops the list, followed by learning new languages, surfing, scuba diving, art, and skiing. Recognizing this, we’ve incorporated learning experiences into our travel plans, such as enrolling our kids in local language classes or surfing lessons during our beach vacations.
The Beach Beckons
When it comes to preferred vacation styles, 36% of Gen Alpha kids choose beach vacations as their top option. This is followed by visits to theme parks (32%), historical sites (14%), urban cities (9%), and natural wonders (9%). Our own travels have mirrored these preferences, with beach destinations often being the highlight of our family trips.
A New Era of Family Travel
The main takeaway from this wealth of data is clear: Gen Alpha is redefining family travel. As they grow, their influence on travel decisions will likely continue to increase. Given that Gen Alpha is projected to become the largest generation in history, with over 2.8 million people born weekly, their impact on the travel industry is expected to be profound.
In our family, we’ve embraced this shift by actively involving our kids in trip planning and giving them choices that make them feel valued and heard. For example, we’ve offered them the option of having a big birthday party or a small one followed by a travel adventure. For the past few years, they’ve consistently chosen to travel, highlighting their love for new experiences and destinations.
As we look ahead, it’s exciting to think about the places we’ll discover and the memories we’ll create together, guided by the preferences and interests of our youngest family members. Gen Alpha’s growing role in family travel is not just a trend, but a transformation that promises richer, more meaningful travel experiences for all.
🍔 What I’m Eating: Did I Just Suggest The Cheesecake Factory?
In my quest to explore the latest Michelin-starred restaurants and trendy dining spots, I often overlook familiar names. But sometimes, a classic chain restaurant can deliver a surprisingly delightful experience, as my recent visit to the Cheesecake Factory proved.
After being ignored at a new restaurant for twenty minutes, my family and I decided to leave. Frustrated and hungry, we noticed a Cheesecake Factory in the same area. Despite not having dined there in over a decade, we decided to give it a try. The result was a dining experience that exceeded all expectations.
As soon as we walked in, we were greeted warmly and seated within minutes. This was a stark contrast to our previous experience, and it set the tone for the rest of the evening. The service was impeccable—our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. I chose a dish from their Skinnylicious menu, paired it with a glass of wine, and we settled in to enjoy the ambiance, enhanced by live music playing as we dined outdoors.
One of the most striking aspects of our meal was the small touches that made a big difference. Our server's training was evident in every interaction. They engaged with our kids, offered thoughtful recommendations, and even brought the children’s drinks in to-go cups without us asking—a simple gesture that made our meal more enjoyable. This level of service is something I expect from a five-star hotel, not necessarily from a chain restaurant.
My wife, who once worked at the Cheesecake Factory, reminded me of their rigorous training program. It lasts at least two weeks before a server even hits the floor, and it showed. While this level of service may not be consistent across all locations, it was clear that this particular Cheesecake Factory had maintained high standards.
Our meal was delightful, from the freshness of the ingredients to the thoughtful preparation of each dish. The Skinnylicious menu offered a variety of healthy yet satisfying options, perfect for those looking to enjoy a guilt-free indulgence. The live music added a touch of elegance to the evening, making it feel like a special occasion rather than a casual dinner out.
This experience reminded me that while it's exciting to seek out the newest and most exclusive dining experiences, there’s something to be said for the reliability and comfort of a well-run chain restaurant. The Cheesecake Factory delivered exactly what we needed—a wonderful meal with great service—proving that sometimes, the classics still have a lot to offer.
So, if you find yourself in need of a reliable dining option, don’t overlook those familiar names that have stood the test of time. You might just be surprised by the quality and service they provide. Our evening at the Cheesecake Factory was a testament to the idea that great dining experiences can be found in the most unexpected places.
📝 What I'm Working On: Growing Tangy Management
New Website Coming Soon
I’m thrilled to share some exciting developments at Tangy Management as we continue to grow and evolve. One of our key selling points has always been that our team comprises hospitality professionals with top-tier experience. Recently, we had a crucial role open up within our company: Operations Manager. The process of filling this position was both challenging and invigorating.
We interviewed over 25 highly qualified candidates, each bringing a wealth of experience from the hotel industry. It was inspiring to see so many talented individuals eager to transition from the traditional hotel world to the dynamic short-term and vacation rental sector. Our focus was on finding the right person for the right seat, someone who could not only meet our operational needs but also share our vision and drive for excellence.
Steve Turk, Victor Feria, Santiago Nieto
I’m delighted to announce that we have selected Santiago Nieto for this vital role. Santiago is someone I’ve had the pleasure of working with at three previous hotels. His extensive background in top-notch hospitality includes impressive stints at Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Morgans Hotel Group, Viceroy Hotels, Fontainebleau Miami Beach, and Turnberry Hotel in Miami. His wealth of experience and commitment to excellence make him the perfect fit for our team as we continue to expand.
Santiago’s transition into the short-term rental industry marks a significant milestone for Tangy Management. His expertise will be invaluable as we navigate this exciting sector. This appointment is a testament to our commitment to bringing on board the best talent in the industry to deliver unparalleled service and experiences to our clients.
But that’s not all. We have even more exciting things on the horizon. We’re about to launch a new website for Tangy Management, designed to enhance our online presence and provide a seamless experience for our clients. Additionally, we’re investing in our first fully owned property in South Carolina, a move that signifies our growth and commitment to expanding our portfolio.
Charleston, SC is the home of our first investment property.
The future looks bright for Tangy Management. With Santiago Nieto joining our squad, the launch of our new website, and our venture into property ownership, we are poised for significant growth and success. We are incredibly excited about these developments and look forward to what the future holds.
In every step we take, our goal remains the same: to provide exceptional hospitality experiences, whether in traditional hotels or vacation rentals. We are confident that with the right people and the right strategies, we can achieve great things. Here's to a future filled with innovation, growth, and unparalleled hospitality.
💭 What I'm Inspired By: José Andrés Group's Expansion into Hotels
I’m excited to see the José Andrés Group making strides in the hotel industry, particularly with their increasing involvement in hotel restaurants and the potential launch of their own hotel brand. This move reminds me of the successful model implemented by Nobu Hotels, where I had the privilege of working and witnessing firsthand how a renowned restaurant brand can transform into a globally recognized hotel experience.
The José Andrés Group, known for its culinary excellence and humanitarian efforts, is expanding its influence beyond standalone restaurants. Over the past two years, they've taken over food and beverage operations in five hotels, with plans for three more projects in the coming year. This strategic move allows them to bring their unique culinary vision to more guests, offering memorable dining experiences within luxury hotel settings.
What's particularly inspiring is the group’s holistic approach. They’re not just adding restaurants to hotels; they’re integrating their brand ethos into the entire guest experience. This could pave the way for their own hotel brand, which is a logical extension of their current operations. Imagine a hotel where every aspect, from the lobby to the room service, reflects the innovative and philanthropic spirit of José Andrés.
This expansion is reminiscent of Nobu Hotels’ journey. Starting as a high-end restaurant brand, Nobu evolved into a luxury hotel chain known for blending fine dining with exceptional hospitality. During my time at Nobu, I saw how powerful it can be to leverage a strong culinary brand to create a comprehensive and unique hotel experience. Seeing José Andrés Group potentially follow a similar path is inspiring and highlights the importance of leveraging brand strengths to explore new ventures.
This development also serves as a reminder to keep our doors open to new ideas and opportunities. By uniting the pieces of their existing operations and integrating their expertise in food, service, and hospitality, the José Andrés Group is poised to create a unique and impactful hotel brand. It’s an exciting time for the hospitality industry, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this unfolds.
For me, this venture underscores the value of innovation and adaptability in the hospitality world. Whether you’re managing a restaurant or a hotel, it’s about creating experiences that resonate with guests and leave a lasting impression. The José Andrés Group’s move into the hotel sector is a testament to the power of vision and the potential that lies in exploring new horizons.
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Steve Turk
Founder and Host of The Hospitality Mentor
