ARLINGTON, VA.—As hospitality operators continue to scale their operations to meet the sustained demand for takeout/delivery and accommodate dine-in experiences for guests, restaurant commerce platform GoTab has rolled out innovative features designed to set them up for further success. The smart tipping model is devised to replace a routinely complicated and time-consuming task and make tip distribution among staff a fairer and easier process. With ingredient prices proving to be as volatile as ever, GoTab also introduces a dynamic pricing tool that allows operators to swiftly and seamlessly adjust menu items and their associated prices. A Better Tipping Model: Smart Tipping With contactless ordering...

ROHNERT PARK, CALIF.—World Centric announced Leaf+, the first all-natural, 100 percent plant-based, fully compostable, innovative alternative solution to fluorinated chemicals such as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in disposable fiber tableware. Combining cutting-edge technology with an all-natural, proprietary application, the World Centric Leaf+ solution is PFAS free, oil-resistant, food-grade, and suitable for hot and cold use, an industry first. “World Centric has been committed to removing PFAS from our products. Creating a solution that doesn’t compromise the performance and excellence of compostable fiber products has been a challenge for the industry,” explains Mark Stephany, World Centric Senior Vice President of Sales. “We’re...

ATLANTA—The hotel industry was among the hardest hit by the pandemic. As travel rates increase, hotels are turning to science and technology to create environments that make guests feel safer. Honeywell, a leader in connected buildings, released findings of a computer modeling study that examined indoor air quality in hotel common areas, focusing specifically on filtration and purification methods used to help mitigate potential airborne contaminants. The study found that mobile HEPA air purifiers can help reduce airborne contaminants by capturing particles as small as 0.3 microns and even smaller. In addition, placing purifiers in high-traffic areas is an...

OAKLAND, N.J.—Amerlux, an award-winning design-and-manufacture lighting company, launched an innovative, UV-free lighting solution that kills viruses, bacteria and other microbes on surfaces while providing crisp, white, comfortable illumination and meeting international standards for continual and unrestricted use around people. ActiveClean combines Amerlux’s commercial-grade LED lighting engineering with the UV-free, antimicrobial lighting technologies of Vyv, a leading health tech company that recently announced independent testing that demonstrates its 405-nanometer (nm) lighting capabilities are effective against non-enveloped viruses, which are the most difficult to kill. “ActiveClean is an attractive and valuable asset for companies looking to welcome hesitant workers back to the office, classroom and an assortment of other workplaces,”...

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIF.—Noritz America recently announced that Quality Sales, Inc. (Vancouver, Wash.) is helping to cover the tankless water heater market in the Pacific Northwest. The manufacturer’s representative will work alongside Noritz’s own sales staff in that region; specifically, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and the Idaho Panhandle in the northern part of that state. Established in 1994, Quality Sales is “a well-established leader among manufacturers reps in the Northwest market,” notes Jason Fleming, Executive Vice President and General Manager at Noritz America. “We feel that their long-standing local relationships, in-depth tankless knowledge and focus on contractor relationships will match perfectly with our...

WEST CALDWELL, N.J.—MaxLite introduces the next generation of FlatMax LED Flat Panels with field-selectable CCTs, wattages and field-installable controls as a flexible and future ready lighting solution for offices, schools, health care facilities and other commercial spaces. FlatMax Panels are available in 2’x4’, 2’x2’ and 1’x4’ sizes as a seamless replacement for fluorescent fixtures. All models feature field-selectable CCTs (3500K, 4000K or 5000K) and wattages, with outputs ranging from 2,000 to 5,040 lumens. The panels are DLC listed and come supported by a 10-year warranty with labor allowance (see terms at MaxLite.com). FlatMax Panels are part of a full portfolio of controls-ready luminaires designed...

TROY, OHIO—Hobart announced the addition of the new AMTL Two Level Door Type Commercial Dishwasher to its complete line of dishwashers. Engineered to deliver the legendary Hobart Clean, the AMTL dish machine offers two wash chambers to maximize dish room throughput and efficiency while delivering superior wash performance. The AMTL has the highest throughput available for door-type dish machines and helps get the most out of smaller spaces with 80 racks per hour. It is versatile with upper and lower wash chambers and multiple-cycle operations to wash a variety of ware and soil levels with both chambers being able to...

NORTON SHORES, MICH.—EarthTronics, dedicated to developing innovative energy-saving lighting products that provide a positive economic and environmental impact, introduces its new LED line of high lumen HID replacement lamps that are CCT selectable for 4000K and 5000K with full radial illumination for internal and external locations. Providing 150 lumens per watt on an EX39 base, the new HID replacement line from EarthTronics includes 60-, 80-, 100-, and 120-watt LEDs delivering a high-efficient 9000, 12000, 15000 and 18000 lumens respectively. The LEDs have an 80+ CRI and are color selectable. Each of the lamps can be easily switched between 4000K and...

COOPERSBURG, PA.—For too long, sophisticated lighting design required complex controls. Last year’s introduction of the Lutron Athena lighting & shading system challenged that paradigm, offering a cohesive controls solution that simplifies design and programming, while still delivering advanced lighting schemes. Now, only six months since Lutron began shipping Athena, the highly awarded solution is getting even better. Athena is a simple, flexible, all-in-one solution that elevates everyday moments with the magic of light. The enhancements announced deliver new ways for designers to realize their visions and access even more tools to create dynamic, agile environments that adapt as building needs evolve. “Architectural projects require a fine balance...

ST. LOUIS, MO.—The U.S. Green Building Council launched its global economic recovery strategy last month, which outlines a path for how healthy places and LEED will support recovery efforts as businesses prepare for a post-pandemic world. The hospitality industry was one of the hardest hit by the pandemic, and as the world prepares to travel again, hotels and restaurants around the globe are looking for ways to evolve the health and wellness of their indoor environments. Hotels have been turning to green building to demonstrate their re-entry plans and safety measures to guests. Green strategies that consider air quality...