Choice Hotels Makes Landmark Expansion Into Africa
Choice Hotels International recently announced that it is making a landmark entry into the African hospitality market, beginning with three directly franchised hotels in Kenya, scheduled to open in early 2026.
The initial Kenyan portfolio includes: an Ascend Collection property in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, aimed at guest seeking upscale, boutique-style accommodation amid Africa’s iconic safari setting; plus two urban hotels in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi — one under the Clarion brand and one under the Quality Inn brand — to serve rising business and leisure demand in the city’s central business district.
Beyond the initial three, Choice has inked a master development agreement committing to at least 15 additional hotel properties across sub-Saharan and southern Africa by 2030. The company frames this as a major step in its EMEA growth strategy and a bid to expand its global footprint, signaling that its international operations are a significant growth lever going forward.
Learn more here.
Taco Bell Unveils Fan Style Menu
Taco bell launched its new Fan Style menu that’s built entirely from ideas submitted by real fans. After a call for creative custom orders, the brand received more than 40,000 submissions before selecting three winners to become official menu items.
The three winning creations — California Crunchwrap, Burrito Bliss, and Cantina Craze — are now available nationwide at participating Taco Bell locations for a limited time.
- California Crunchwrap swaps in steak, adds seasoned fries and guacamole, and wraps it all in the signature grilled Crunchwrap shell.
- Burrito Bliss is a vegetarian option built on seasoned rice and beans, topped with pico de gallo, Fiesta Strips, and creamy Avocado Ranch — then grilled.
- Cantina Craze riffs on the Cantina Chicken Crispy Taco by adding Creamy Jalapeño Sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and light sour cream.
This launch signals a deeper shift for Taco Bell: by crowd-sourcing innovation directly from fans, the brand is inviting its most loyal customers to shape its menu. To receive these products, customers must be a Taco Bell Rewards program member, and signed into your account on the mobile app.
Learn more
here.
CAVA Unveils “12 Days of Delight” Holiday Loyalty Campaign
In early December (December 1–12), CAVA is rolling out a new loyalty-driven promotion called
12 Days of Delight, inviting members of CAVA Rewards to opt in daily for a chance at new surprises. Each day brings a different potential reward — from food perks like free bowls or pitas, to exclusive merchandise, special discounts, and bonus points boosts.
Beyond the daily giveaways, there are two major incentives to drive engagement. First: a grand-prize "CAVA for a year" — which would deliver roughly five bowls or pitas per week for a full year (subject to value limits per reward).
Second: customers who enter all 12 days are eligible for a 12-day streak bonus — a chance to win an upgrade to the program’s top loyalty status (Sun status) for 2026.
To enter in this giveaway, customers must sign up for CAVA Rewards and place an order with your account in the app or online to submit an entry. Or, guests can also choose to go online and enter daily to receive surprises, with no purchase necessary.
Learn more
here.