Hospitality

New York – Macy’s, Inc. is partnering with NYC & Company, the marketing, tourism and partnership organization for New York City, to co-brand its new Herald Square Visitor Center as an official New York City information center.

Ottawa, Ontario -- The Canadian government is reportedly seeking to boost penalties for retailers caught using “zapper” software that can delete or modify transactional data in electronic POS systems to illegally hide sales.

Seattle -- Starbucks Corp. said that Troy Alstead, CFO and chief administrative officer, has been promoted to CFO and group president, Global Business Services.

Alstead’s promotion is a recognition of the increasing responsibility and complexity of his role overseeing Starbucks global financial, technology and supply chain operations and ensuring that the company’s overall business infrastructure is optimized to support the company’s global growth.

Dallas -- Chili’s Grill & Bar will bring tabletop tablets from Ziosk to all company-owned restaurants nationwide by the first half of 2014.

With the primary purpose of enhancing the guest experience, the Ziosk seven-inch tablet will be displayed on each table in the restaurant, giving patrons the ability to interactively peruse menu items and specials as well as order beverages and desserts. Customers can also use the tablets to play games together, share their real-time feedback with the brand and pay the check right at the table

Alpharetta, Ga. -- McAlister's Deli announced plans to develop 17 restaurants in Indiana, South Carolina, and Georgia as part of new multi-unit development agreements with two existing franchise groups.

"We are pleased that our existing franchisees are continuing to expand with McAlister's Deli," said McAlister's Deli president and CEO Frank Paci. "Their commitment to develop demonstrates their confidence in the brand's strength and its ability to provide franchisees with an attractive investment."

Canton, Mass. – Dunkin’ Brands plans to open 17 new franchise Dunkin’ Donuts stores in west and central Texas in the next several years.

Greenwood Village, Colo. — Maui Wowi Hawaiian plans to open a shop in Northwoods Mall in Peoria, Ill. Slated to open in early October, the new Maui Wowi franchise shop will continue the brand’s expansion in Illinois.

Maui Wowi currently has more than 450 operating units in seven countries.