DALLAS—Sheraton Dallas is redefining urban hospitality through sustainability, smart space utilization, and hyper-local sourcing, with the Herb 'N Jungle garden leading the charge. Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, the Herb 'N Jungle is a 4,750-square-foot rooftop urban garden on the hotel’s fourth-floor outdoor terrace. It exemplifies how underused outdoor space can be reimagined to create real operational value and guest engagement. This garden does more than enhance aesthetics. It supplies fresh herbs, vegetables, and greens directly to the hotel’s kitchens, powering menus in all culinary operations, including the four premier dining outlets, with hyper-local, organic ingredients. The result: a more...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Oceana released a new report, “Plastic Foam Needs ‘To Go,’” revealing the dangers behind single-use plastic foam products like clamshell takeout food containers, cups, packing peanuts, and disposable coolers. According to the report, plastic foam, which is also called expanded polystyrene, compromises our health and our oceans. Plastic foam is made with hazardous chemicals, like its main building block styrene, which is toxic to the human nervous system. Styrene is linked to cancer and considered a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Styrene and other chemicals can easily leach into food and beverages at all temperatures,...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Sustainability is no longer an optional consideration for the hospitality industry—it is a business imperative. With buildings accounting for 1 percent of global carbon emissions and hotels producing significantly more energy usage than other types of structures, the call for sustainable practices in hospitality has never been louder. According to Booking.com, 83 percent of travelers believe sustainable travel is essential, and the demand for eco-friendly hospitality is growing dramatically. This article explores the importance of sustainability in the hospitality industry, showcases real-life examples of sustainable practices in action, and highlights key trends and strategies hotels with a sustainability mindset can adopt...

FORT WORTH, TEXAS—Traulsen announced that its Dynamic Response Refrigeration (DRR) with Smart Control technology included in its R/A Series refrigerators and freezers has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Kitchen Innovations (KI) Award. The company will feature R/A Series equipment with this technology at the National Restaurant Association Show, May 17 to 20 at McCormick Place in Chicago. For over 20 years, the KI Award program has been highlighting the most forward-thinking equipment and technology shaping the future of foodservice operations. Traulsen designed the DRR technology to provide superior performance, significant operational savings and sustainability for multiple...

MIAMI—Amerikooler, a global leader in commercial refrigeration solutions, highlights its new XPS Insulation, engineered to deliver unparalleled thermal performance, durability, and environmental responsibility across a wide range of applications. This advanced insulation solution is specifically designed to meet the evolving demands of the commercial refrigeration industry, providing key benefits that enhance energy efficiency and promote sustainability. Amerikooler’s XPS Insulation is manufactured with a 100 percent void free closed cell structure, ensuring consistent insulation performance and preventing air and moisture penetration, which protects against damage from harsh environmental conditions. Its ultra uniform foam density delivers a consistent R-value throughout the insulation,...

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND—Treehouse Hotels—the nostalgia-fueled, free-spirited hospitality brand created by Barry Sternlicht, Founder and Chairman of Starwood Hotels—announced that Treehouse Hotel Manchester opened its doors on March 19. The second U.K. outpost of the Treehouse Hotels brand is a fresh addition to Manchester’s hospitality scene, designed to spark curiosity and joy at every turn and bring people together in unexpected ways. And the adventure doesn’t stop there. Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley—the brand’s first U.S. location—recently opened, bringing the total number of Treehouse properties from one to three. Treehouse Hotel Manchester Is Now Open Located in the heart of the city on the corner of Blackfriars Street...

TROY, OHIO—Hobart has introduced its new PWn Series Pot, Pan and Utensil Commercial Dishwasher, designed to wash a high volume of prep ware while saving on labor, water and chemicals for foodservice operations. The PWn features NSF pot and pan rating for 2, 4, & 6-minute cycles designed to clean the toughest food soils off a variety of prep ware. With the ability to accommodate up to 10, 12, or 20 sheet pans per cycle, this high-capacity prep washer ensures food soil removal in any kitchen. The PW20n can wash up to 400 sheet pans per hour, maximizing productivity and...

PENINSULA PAPAGAYO, COSTA RICA—Nestled within one of the world’s most biodiverse destinations, Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve has officially opened its doors, offering discerning travelers a secluded, ultra-luxury retreat amidst the unspoiled natural beauty of Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo. Named after the Chorotega word for “lush garden,” Nekajui marks a monumental milestone as the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central and South America and the eighth addition to the brand’s exclusive portfolio. Located on Peninsula Papagayo, a 1,400-acre canvas of dry tropical forest atop coastal cliffs, Nekajui’s collection of 107 thoughtfully designed ocean-facing rooms, suites, and three luxury treetop tents seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living while celebrating Costa...

NATIONAL REPORT—Packaged terminal air conditioners (PTACs), properly maintained, are a reliable source for heating and cooling hotel guestrooms and other small spaces for up to seven to 10 years. Not properly maintained, and especially in higher-humidity environments, PTACs have a shorter life and can keep hoteliers—and guests—up at night and be the reason for negative reviews and lost room revenue. It is at the “end of their life” that PTACS truly become problematic. Do you send a PTAC to a landfill? Nathan Faircloth, Director/Business Development & Vendor Management, RoomOne Solutions, says the landfill option is not a good one for...

FONTANELLATO, ITALY & PLYMOUTH, MINN.—A new era for sustainable coffee begins with KEYGEA, the innovative compostable single-serve pod born from the synergy between FLO Group, a leading European player in the vending and food packaging sector, and NatureWorks, the world’s largest producer of PLA-based biopolymers. Designed to meet the growing demand for renewable solutions in the North American market, KEYGEA combines sustainability and outstanding performance, ensuring flawless coffee extraction without compromise on quality. Made with Ingeo PLA, a biopolymer derived from renewable resources, KEYGEA is a sustainable innovation for the future of coffee and a true revolution in the pod industry. It’s certified...