With the summer months approaching, hotels everywhere are looking to accommodate guests properly during the rising temperatures. Food and beverage trends in the hotel industry are shifting, so guests staying with the hotel decide to keep their dining experiences closer to their rooms and have more time for activities in the area.
This is vital information, as most people want to head back to the hotels and out of the campgrounds. The last few summers saw more visitors than the last, and this summer is expected to continue that trend. Knowing that guests are ready to move back into that luxury experience, there are some trends you can expect to see moving forward.
Over the last few years, customers have been looking to take on culinary tourism, making it a focal point in their travels and experiences. This is largely thanks to social media, and many hotels are including the following trends in their menus this summer to accommodate guests looking for these options while they travel.
Regional dishes that are popular and expected in an area are becoming staples on hotel menus. For example, someone traveling to the Midwest would look for dishes that embrace local beef. Someone wouldn’t be looking to purchase seafood dishes in a landlocked state. Food and beverage trends in the hotel industry mean looking at the menu and having it reflect the local culture.
If the local area is known for specialty desserts because of the fruit season, these hotel kitchens adjust their menus to have desserts available for guests. For example, Dollywood Resorts in Pigeon Forge, TN, embrace the local mountain culture and apple farms in the area. Some of their menu items like the Tennessee Mountain Apple Stack Cake is a staple to the local region for guests to enjoy while staying with them on their mountain adventure.
Over the last few years, there’s been an influx of travelers wanting to get a whole experience of local wineries and breweries in areas. The idea of custom and unique flavors is appealing to today’s travelers. Hotels have extended this trend into their hotel dining locations, allowing guests to enjoy a taste of the local area and get their favorite beverage they may have tried while exploring earlier in the day.
Many of your larger cities that attract a lot of travelers each year have moved to have food festivals at different times throughout the year. These festivals can center around a certain type of food or a culture where different items are made. When this happens, guests leave the hotels and head to these festivals, leaving the dining room empty. During these celebrations, hotels have decided to get in on the fun and offer their own specials to embrace the festival, encouraging guests to stay for a meal or even swing by for a sweet treat on the way to the room.
One of the most innovative ways to get hotel guests to take a second look at the menu is to offer and advertise fresh farm-to-table ingredients. So many guests today are very conscious about the quality of their food and how it made its way into the kitchen. This requires a few extra weekly shopping trips, but it is a great way to fill up the dining room with your guests and attract locals to your restaurant to dine on the slower evenings.
When you embrace farm-to-table, you’ll move to more local vendors, meaning you’ll have to know what products are in season and adjust your menu to match what is readily available in the area. This will also reduce the amount of frozen foods in your kitchen.
Purchasing fresh produce at local farmer’s markets and going to the local meat market for fresh cuts is a great way to boost the brunch scene if your hotel isn’t already hosting. For example, the Grande Lakes Orlando has adopted this practice, using local ingredients throughout their different kitchens and bars. This has become one of the most popular dining experiences, including various fresh and elegant dishes paired with some of the best mimosa blends.
Enjoying a meal is not just about the food on the plate. Diners want an elevated experience, including entertainment during the meal and interactions with the chef to elevate the experience. They want the drinks they choose to compliment the dish and complete the meal. These experiences allow them to embrace the event, take pictures, and make sure they share just how much of a great time they had at the restaurant.
Enjoying a performance or a show during dinner is a great way to attract diners to the hotel restaurant. Food and beverage trends in the hotel industry have seen a demand for moving to live entertainment. At times when the hotel may be more vacant, bring in some of the more popular live music acts to perform, drawing in a local crowd. Having a live band to listen to is something that many guests have grown accustomed to and seek out when they’re traveling. This is a great option for hotels with patio seating or rooftop dining.
Chef interaction experiences are in high demand, and something that families enjoy when they’re on vacation. Food and beverage trends in the hotel industry see these as something the guests want and look for in restaurants in these areas. These have always been a popular attraction for hibachi-style restaurants, but hotels now embrace this concept with different types of cuisine. This could be making a fresh Caesar salad tableside and allowing guests to participate in various cooking stages.
Restaurants that allow their diners to be involved in the process allow them to make the meal their own, not only by deciding how well they want something cooked but also by understanding how it is cooked and appreciating the experience. Having that connection with the chef during this process elevates the experience. It will encourage them to enjoy the experience with all their senses, including smell, touch, and hearing the dishes as they cook.
Whether it is a preference or allergy, hotel restaurants are starting to see the growing demand for dishes that accommodate different diets. Not only are their allergies to be concerned with, but many hotel guests are on very popular diets when traveling, and they want to keep to that diet. These diets could be based on philosophical or religious backgrounds, just as vital as allergens.
It’s important to have dishes that can accommodate multiple diets so that everyone at the table has something they can enjoy. Having vegetarian and vegan dishes will accommodate a large portion of diners. Having at least two or three entrees, an appetizer, and a dessert for these guests will allow flexibility and not feel limited. Expanding on these dishes will also be a good option for other diets with strict accommodations.
While most bars have always needed staple drinks for national and even international travelers, many of these drinks are being given a facelift with flavored liquors and new blending methods being used in cocktails. You’ll find different brands of liquor and spirits that may be more locally based or preferred in hotel bars.
There is a growing market for mocktails for guests under 21 and those who prefer no alcohol. Many of these younger travelers are veering away from alcohol, finding that they want a healthier lifestyle but still want a drink that tastes amazing and makes a beautiful picture. Mocktails are picture-perfect, blending juices and soda for a flavor explosion for guests.
Any hotel’s core is its ability to accommodate guests’ needs, and its hotel dining is also responsible for making that happen. This is why it’s important to know what is trending with today’s traveling Americans and ensure that your hotel dining experience is one they embrace and enjoy during their stay. NewGen Advisory has the information you need to guide your establishment in the right direction. If you want more information from our firm and get assistance with assets, contact our team today for more details.
Jourdyn leads the strategic marketing initiatives for NewGen Advisory, overseeing brand development, market positioning, communications, and business growth efforts across the firm.
With more than a decade of experience in marketing and business development, Jourdyn specializes in building brands, creating demand-generation strategies, developing thought leadership programs, and executing integrated marketing campaigns that drive measurable business results. Her expertise spans digital marketing, public relations, content strategy, events, social media, lead generation, and corporate communications.
At NewGen, Jourdyn is responsible for shaping and executing the firm’s marketing strategy, ensuring consistent brand visibility across all channels while supporting advisors, clients, and strategic initiatives nationwide. She works closely with leadership to develop campaigns, elevate industry presence, strengthen client engagement, and position NewGen as a trusted advisor within the hospitality investment sector.
Jourdyn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Media Studies from Arizona State University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Marketing from Grand Canyon University.
Most mornings you’ll find Jourdyn in the gym before sunrise and spending time with her husband and children.
Allysia Howerton joined NewGen Advisory in 2026 as a Pipeline & Transaction Assistant, relocating from St. Louis, MO to Arizona to take on the role. She brings a background spanning property management, client services, sales, and administrative leadership, with a track record of managing complex workflows and keeping transactions moving efficiently from inception to close.
Known for her organization, attention to detail, and relationship-driven approach, Allysia supports transaction management, pipeline coordination, and day-to-day brokerage operations — and is passionate about growing her career within the hospitality real estate industry.
Outside of work, she enjoys discovering new coffee shops and restaurants, traveling to experience new cultures, and spending time with her dogs.
2 years
Josie Numedahl joined NewGen Advisory in July 2024 as a Real Estate Assistant (REA). Originally from Iowa, she relocated to Arizona to pursue her education, graduating from Grand Canyon University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Advertising.
Josie began her professional career as a recruiter in the finance and accounting sector, and brings that client-facing, detail-oriented background to her work at NewGen.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, hiking, exploring local coffee shops, and spending time with friends.
X years
Anthony is the Staff Accountant for NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC, working directly under CFO Michael Lepore to handle day-to-day accounting functions across all NewGen operations.
Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.
NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets.
Prior to joining NewGen, Anthony completed coursework at Paradise Valley Community College before co-founding a family business that produced custom-wrapped die-cast model cars for corporate clients — handling vehicle customization, display stands, and branded packaging. Serving as Director of Operations, he gained hands-on experience in management, production workflows, and running a business from the ground up.
Outside of work, Anthony is a lifelong ice hockey player with a passion for motorsports — particularly motocross and classic cars. Among his favorites: the 1963 C2 Corvette Sting Ray, the 1965 Shelby Cobra S/C, and the 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda. He hopes to one day own and operate a bookkeeping firm serving small businesses.
X years
Nick serves as Director of Operations for NewGen Worldwide and NewGen Advisory, bringing a detail-oriented, forward-thinking approach to supporting the company’s continued growth. A Minneapolis native, Nick studied at Denison University and the University of Minnesota before making his way to Arizona, where he now lives in Mesa.
He spent a decade in the hospitality industry as a server, bartender, and restaurant manager — hands-on experience that gave him a strong operational foundation and a natural fit within NewGen’s hospitality-focused business.
Outside of work, Nick is an avid writer with a passion for art, photography, and travel, and enjoys documenting his experiences through the lens.
X years
Nycole serves as Chief of Staff at NewGen Advisory, where she trains and manages the Real Estate Assistant (REA) team. She works closely with REAs to ensure agents receive consistent, high-quality support throughout every stage of a deal — from contract to close.
Alongside the Office Manager, Nycole leads onboarding for new agents, REAs, and team members across NewGen Worldwide’s subsidiaries, and has developed a training library to streamline the process for incoming staff. She is also actively involved in evaluating and implementing new platforms to improve agent and REA workflows, while providing leadership with the data needed to monitor KPIs and track revenue goals.
Her background in franchise operations management — spanning startups to scaling franchises — makes her a versatile and valuable member of the NewGen team.
20+ years
Michael is the Chief Financial Officer of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC — a diversified real estate investment and capital solutions firm focused on creative, flexible solutions. Michael and his team oversee day-to-day accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling across all NewGen operations.
Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.
NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets.
Prior to joining NewGen, Michael built over 20 years of experience in accounting, tax, and operations management serving small to mid-sized businesses. He holds active CPA licenses in both New York and Arizona. His career spans public accounting — including a role as Audit Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers — as well as private accounting and business ownership, giving him a broad, hands-on command of accounting and management functions. That dual perspective allows him to bring both tax strategy and business strategy to bear when evaluating financial decisions. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA).
A proud Italian-American, Michael lives in Scottsdale with his wife, Patty, and their three children, Alyssa, Anthony, and Joey. Outside of work, he coaches ice hockey and has a passion for cooking Italian food.
X years
Kyle is a co-founder, Principal, and Chief Executive Officer of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC — a diversified real estate investment firm focused on creative, flexible solutions. Beyond his broad responsibilities as CEO, Kyle’s primary focus is leading Green Card Fund, developing and implementing capital solutions domestically and internationally, and identifying attractive investment opportunities.
Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.
NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets — a natural evolution of NewGen Worldwide’s business model, built on business partners Girish Patel and Dan Rama’s lifetime experience in the industry. Kyle’s financial acumen and creative approach to structuring deals help NewGen Advisory clients identify and secure profitable opportunities.
Kyle earned a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Arizona State University with a focus in Business and Urban Planning. He has long been involved with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council’s (GPEC) International Leadership Council, and in 2016 was elected to the Board of Directors of Invest in the USA (IIUSA), the national EB-5 trade association, where he actively contributes to legislative reform efforts and the permanent reauthorization of the EB-5 program.
Kyle splits his time between company offices in Phoenix, AZ and Washington, D.C. Outside of work, he is an avid reader, global traveler, and snowboarder — and after logging over a million miles as a passenger, he has recently taken to the cockpit, learning to fly himself.
20+ years
Girish Patel is a co-founder and Principal of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC — a diversified real estate investment and capital solutions firm focused on creative, flexible solutions across hospitality and healthcare. Among his core responsibilities are leading strategic initiatives, overseeing financial management, and driving real estate investment acquisitions.
Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.
NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets — a natural evolution of NewGen Worldwide’s business model, grounded in Girish’s and business partner Dan Rama’s lifetime experience in the industry. Having grown up in his family’s hotel business as an immigrant, Girish developed a bottom-up understanding of hospitality — mastering operations before becoming an investor, lender, and consultant. That ground-level perspective, tested across multiple economic cycles, underpins his 20+ years as a successful business owner and brings a distinctive depth of insight to NGA’s clients and investors.
Committed to continuous learning and giving back, Girish established the RC Patel Memorial Scholarship for students pursuing careers in real estate investment. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Global Ties Arizona, an organization that strengthens international relationships by making exchange programs more impactful.
X years
Dan is a co-founder and Principal of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC — a diversified real estate investment and capital solutions firm focused on creative, flexible solutions. His primary role is leading NewGen Advisory and serving as its Designated Broker in Arizona.
Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.
NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets — a natural evolution of NewGen Worldwide’s business model, built on Dan’s and business partner Girish Patel’s lifetime experience in the industry. Throughout his career, Dan has been involved in the disposition of over $600 million in hospitality assets, advising clients on acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures across the United States.
Dan began his career as a hotel operator and owner in 1994 following his studies at the University of Arizona, going on to build a portfolio as a franchisee of Red Brick Pizza, Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn, and Comfort Suites. He holds General Manager Certifications from Holiday Inn, Motel 6, and Days Inn, and is a Certified Hotel Owner (CHO) with a Certification for Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA).
Beyond his company responsibilities, Dan is an active industry voice. He serves as an Ambassador with the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) — the largest hospitality owners association in the U.S. — and previously served as its Southwest Regional Director. He also sits on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association (AZLTA).
Dan lives in Gilbert, AZ with his wife, Chetna, their son Suraj, and their daughter Sonya. Outside of work, he enjoys golf and cheering on the Denver Broncos.
15+ years
Suraj is the Chief Legal Officer of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and a member of its senior leadership team, where he contributes to the operational management and strategic planning of the company and its subsidiaries — including Green Card Fund and NewGen Advisory. NewGen Worldwide is a diversified firm engaged in real estate investments, creative capital solutions, and advisory services for the entrepreneurial investor.
Suraj first served as outside counsel for Green Card Fund and NewGen Worldwide from 2008 to 2014 before joining the organization as Chief Legal Officer. In this role, he leads the company’s legal, regulatory, and corporate governance functions, with responsibility spanning real estate, risk management, contractual relations, and investment strategies. He also oversees the business administration of NewGen Advisory, a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets.
Prior to joining NewGen, Suraj was Managing Partner of Bhakta & Associates, PLLC, a full-service business law firm where he represented a broad range of clients across acquisitions and sales, corporate structuring, contracts, franchise law, development and construction, and equity and debt financing.
A native of Ohio, Suraj graduated from The Ohio State University in 1999 with a B.S. in Business Administration and earned his J.D. from Case Western Reserve University in 2002. He resides in Peoria, AZ with his wife, Neena, and their two sons, Shiv and Soham.
