in brief
Travel Inn deal
Whitbread's Travel Inn is making its first move into the motorway service area sector in a newly-agreed partnership with RoadChef. It plans to open 13 budget hotels at RoadChef sites from July.
Low esteem
Young hotel managers believe their status has declined among the public, according to a survey by consultant Great Potential. They feel hoteliers are regarded as "just another business" like retailers and service providers or, worse, as "lunchtime drinkers who take the afternoon off".
Soup expansion
Soup Opera plans to expand its six-strong chain of gourmet soup bars in London by another 13 outlets by next year. They will be located in both central London and other major cities.
Food Safety Week
National Food Safety Week, which is organised by the Food and Drink Federation and various government departments, falls between 12 and 18 June. Lists of local events can be found on www.foodlink.org.uk
Employment Act
The Restaurant Association has published a guide to help members get to grips with the legal requirements of the Employment Relations Act. It covers such topics as trade union rights, family-friendly policies and individual rights.
