Ed Sheeran chocolate block up for grabs to support flood victims –
Whittaker’s has announced there are five special ‘Ed-ition’ prize packs up for grabs to raise funds for Auckland flood recovery thanks to support from Ed Sheeran.
Whittaker’s created the ‘Ed Block’ for him last week after he posted to Instagram about New Zealand chocolate.
The ‘Ed Block’ is Whittaker’s classic Five Roll Refined Creamy Milk chocolate with a special edition label. He has now supplied a selfie which features on the blocks, and collaborated with Whittaker’s on the prize packs.
Each prize pack contains a signed Special Ed-ition Ed Block, a signed one-of-a-kind Ed Block t-shirt each with a unique caption, and a year’s supply of Whittaker’s Chocolate.
Chocolate Lovers can bid for the prize packs on TradeMe with 100 per cent of proceeds being donated to Auckland’s flood recovery efforts.
Whittaker’s Brand Manager, Tamra Lindsay, says Whittaker’s are delighted to have Ed’s support in fundraising for the Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai.
“All of the funds raised through our Ed Block auctions will go to the Mission, who will distribute funding, in association with Foundation North – Hapai Pūtua Oranga, to other trusted local community organizations also delivering on-the-ground support to help those in greatest need across the city in the aftermath of the flooding,” says Tamra.
Helen Robinson, Mission CEO – Manutaki says the response from people across the country – and now an international superstar – to support those in our city affected by the floods showing the true spirit and heart of Aotearoa.
“At the Mission, we’re incredibly humbled to have the support of Whittaker’s and Ed! With so many community organizations helping in the aftermath of the flooding, the Mission is taking this fundraising opportunity to support those organizations too so that together we can help as many people as possible,” says Helen.
Light-hearted banter began between Whittaker’s and Ed after he posted to Instagram with the caption “NZ chocolate is actually alright.”
“At Whittaker’s, we couldn’t be happier to hear that Ed had become a chocolate lover and thought we would celebrate by crafting him the perfect treat.”
“Now with a dedicated selfie from Ed himself, we can’t wait to share the special Ed-ition ‘Ed Block’ prize packs with Chocolate Lovers in support of the Auckland flood recovery,” says Tamra.
Head to TradeMe from 11am today to bid for your chance to get your hands on one of the Special Edition ‘Ed Block’ prize packs.
You can also head to the company’s Giveaway page to donate and support the cause outside of bidding on the auctions.
Valentine’s in Bali. Anything going on?
Valentine’s Day or night has always been a busy dining and nightlife moment in Bali and this week, namely Tuesday, shouldn’t be any different.
Most restaurants have a special Valentine’s dinner set menu on offer, but if not, just dine straight from the menu ala carte at any of these romantic restaurants and locations around the island.
Breeze at the Semaya, Ku De Ta, La Lucciola, Starfish Blue at W have all the trappings of romance and fine-dining, or you could try ShiShi’s all-you-can-eat extravaganza, too. They are all in Seminyak/Petitenget. Something else of great interest down the road in Kerobokan is Casera Terrace who are having a Valentines to remember. Girls eat for free! That’s right, your date just ended up costing you half! DJs are also supplying the vibe.
Up in Ubud, Mozaic is back in action and with a Valentines set menu, also the Four Seasons and other luxury hotels in Sayan and Cascades at Viceroy are great options. Not sure there is anything so romantic in Canggu, but maybe some kind of dimly lit warung or Mexican could fit the bill.
There is plenty of romance going on in Uluwatu though. Ulu Cliffhouse has their regular movie night after dinner on Tuesday, the Bulgari is of course, next level Italian and fancy. White Rock Beach Club is holding a special Valentine’s show called Love Potions, which has specialized in love shots cocktails and foam parties with love floaties. Sounds like fun.
The Jimbaran luxury hotels, Four Seasons, Ayana, Intercontinental et al, will no doubt be offering all kinds of loveable dining options. Locca Sea House has a special evening for unattached folks with a party starting at sunset, the Swipe Right Party. But if that’s all too much for you, maybe just grab a spot at a fish stall on Jimbaran beach.
After all the eating and intimate conversations are done it’s then time to get out for a little party. It’s normally busy out and about after Valentine’s dinner as couples move to the clubs for a little more romance and perhaps a drink or three, and especially around the Seminyak area. try Woobar at W Bali – they have a special event going on, Red Ruby also, Forge and ShiShi are good batch, the Shady bars also have Valentine’s events. Also remember, women eat for free at Casera Terrace and there will be DJs till late.
See you out and about.
How the property changed hands
DELAND — The historic Hotel Putnam has seen a lot in its 100 years at 225 W. New York Ave. in downtown.
Demolition began on Feb. 13, about six weeks after a structural engineer recommended it be torn down because of the level of deterioration.
Here’s a look at what happened just within the past 10-plus years:
2012: Apartments no more
Owner Jayne Rocco receives notice from the bank that it would begin collecting “all rents and profits” due to her falling behind on mortgage payments.
The last of the remaining tenants were evicted from the Putnam, which had been serving as a 60-unit apartment building, the previous year as many had stopped paying their rent, which led to Rocco falling behind on the mortgage.
The two clubs on the first floor, JR’s Saloon and Club Envy, also closed around this time.
moving out:The Hotel Putnam’s final days as an apartment building in downtown DeLand
2013: New owner from New York City
The Hotel Putnam was purchased from Occor Inc., owned by Rocco, for $902,800, by Soly Halabi with Venture Capital Properties in New York City, according to property records.
Halabi said he and his silent partner in the venture wanted to restore the property for operation as a hotel or possibly apartments.
‘Move quickly’:The new owner talks about intentions for the Putnam Hotel project
2014: Plans for Putnam ‘on hold’
A year into owning the Putnam, Halabi says the plans he and his silent partner have for the building are “on hold for the time being.”
He also said they wouldn’t knock the aging building down.
“There’s too much history with the building,” Halabi said that July.
2015: Sold again
A Daytona Beach-based development company purchases the Putnam for $450,000, according to property records.
Summit Hospitality Management Group declined to comment at that time on the plans for the vacant building.
2016: Hotel Putnam ‘available’
A for-sale sign is posted at the front of the property, just west of the intersection of West New York and Florida avenues.
The listed agent, Scott Garrett with the Orlando-based Boss Commercial Real Estate, said the asking price was $999,999.
Summit Hospitality’s vice president of operations said that September that the company was actually hoping to keep the acquisition and find a possible partner in the project.
2017: New proposal from new developer
Sarasota-based Tony Collins, who was under contract to buy the Putnam, proposes a plan to the City Commission in April that would see the city contribute $750,000 in cash over five years.
![Developer Tony Collins stands in front of the Hotel Putnam in DeLand. [News-Journal/Nigel Cook]](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/2017/06/05/NDNJ/ghows-LK-4fde5992-04ed-063e-e053-0100007f06ed-f2e1f53e.jpeg?width=660&height=422&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Additionally, Collins sought a change to the city’s code that would amount to a tax exemption of $600,000 to $700,000 over 10 years. Collins pitched using the Putnam for “high-end” apartments with a museum space on the first floor.
The commission voted that June to invest $500,000 from the general fund over five years.
By the year’s end, the agreement expired as Collins failed to obtain the necessary financing.
expired:The agreement between the developer and DeLand on Hotel Putnam failed to come to fruition
2018: Orlando-based developer enters the picture; a fire breaks out
Mohamed Rashad via his company, Big Bubba Investments, LLC, purchases the Putnam for $1 million.
Not long after making the purchase with plans to turn it into a multi-family project, DeLand firefighters responded to the property after a blaze was spotted.
Future after fire?:Prospects for DeLand’s historic Hotel Putnam uncertain after blaze
The investigation into the “set-fire” was closed six months later, no suspects were identified.
It was common knowledge that trespassers entered the property and/or the actual building now and then.
2021: Utah-based developer brings hope
Axia Partners bought the Putnam Hotel from Rashad for $2.3 million in November.
DeLand City Manager Michael Pleus said he and others familiar with the property’s history were feeling as hopeful as Axia had experience with major redevelopments.
Little Farms | Bar & Grill at Serangoon Garden
Little Farms | Bar & Grill at Serangoon Garden
Little Farms should be familiar to most people given their various outlets around the island.
Their newest store recently opened at Serangoon Garden, with a supermarket and a charming chic space for its cafe. At this outlet, the cafe has an open kitchen concept so diners can see the chefs in action. The indoor seats are all counter-seating, but I recommend the outdoor alfresco dining. Bonus points for those with fur babies because the outdoor seating area is pet-friendly.
Budget per person: $25 to $35 per person
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How the property changed hands over past decades
DELAND — The historic Hotel Putnam has seen a lot in its 100 years at 225 W. New York Ave. in downtown.
Demolition began on Feb. 13, about six weeks after a structural engineer recommended it be torn down because of the level of deterioration.
Here’s a look at what happened just within the past 10-plus years:
2012: Apartments no more
Owner Jayne Rocco receives notice from the bank that it would begin collecting “all rents and profits” due to her falling behind on mortgage payments.
The last of the remaining tenants were evicted from the Putnam, which had been serving as a 60-unit apartment building, the previous year as many had stopped paying their rent, which led to Rocco falling behind on the mortgage.
The two clubs on the first floor, JR’s Saloon and Club Envy, also closed around this time.
moving out:The Hotel Putnam’s final days as an apartment building in downtown DeLand
2013: New owner from New York City
The Hotel Putnam was purchased from Occor Inc., owned by Rocco, for $902,800, by Soly Halabi with Venture Capital Properties in New York City, according to property records.
Halabi said he and his silent partner in the venture wanted to restore the property for operation as a hotel or possibly apartments.
‘Move quickly’:The new owner talks about intentions for the Putnam Hotel project
2014: Plans for Putnam ‘on hold’
A year into owning the Putnam, Halabi says the plans he and his silent partner have for the building are “on hold for the time being.”
He also said they wouldn’t knock the aging building down.
“There’s too much history with the building,” Halabi said that July.
2015: Sold again
A Daytona Beach-based development company purchases the Putnam for $450,000, according to property records.
Summit Hospitality Management Group declined to comment at that time on the plans for the vacant building.
2016: Hotel Putnam ‘available’
A for-sale sign is posted at the front of the property, just west of the intersection of West New York and Florida avenues.
The listed agent, Scott Garrett with the Orlando-based Boss Commercial Real Estate, said the asking price was $999,999.
Summit Hospitality’s vice president of operations said that September that the company was actually hoping to keep the acquisition and find a possible partner in the project.
2017: New proposal from new developer
Sarasota-based Tony Collins, who was under contract to buy the Putnam, proposes a plan to the City Commission in April that would see the city contribute $750,000 in cash over five years.
Additionally, Collins sought a change to the city’s code that would amount to a tax exemption of $600,000 to $700,000 over 10 years. Collins pitched using the Putnam for “high-end” apartments with a museum space on the first floor.
The commission voted that June to invest $500,000 from the general fund over five years.
By the year’s end, the agreement expired as Collins failed to obtain the necessary financing.
expired:The agreement between the developer and DeLand on Hotel Putnam failed to come to fruition
2018: Orlando-based developer enters the picture; a fire breaks out
Mohamed Rashad via his company, Big Bubba Investments, LLC, purchases the Putnam for $1 million.
Not long after making the purchase with plans to turn it into a multi-family project, DeLand firefighters responded to the property after a blaze was spotted.
Future after fire?:Prospects for DeLand’s historic Hotel Putnam uncertain after blaze
The investigation into the “set-fire” was closed six months later, no suspects were identified.
It was common knowledge that trespassers entered the property and/or the actual building now and then.
2021: Utah-based developer brings hope
Axia Partners bought the Putnam Hotel from Rashad for $2.3 million in November.
DeLand City Manager Michael Pleus said he and others familiar with the property’s history were feeling as hopeful as Axia had experience with major redevelopments.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Downtown DeLand’s historic Hotel Putnam: How the property changed hands
How the Hotel and Travel Industry Can Monetize Non-Fungible Tokens
Written by: Dominika Duziak
Editor’s Note: This blog post will feature podcast episodes from the HospitalityVerse Podcast, a new series that discusses the latest trends in hospitality technology, including discussions on the Metaverse, blockchain, NFTS and more.
Remember NFT: one of the hottest buzzwords of 2021? Looks like last year’s hype died down — impacted by the “crypto winter” and the FTX meltdown.
Just to recap: non-fungible tokens (NFTs) represent unique digital assets recorded on a blockchain that certifies their authenticity and ownership. Typically, when we talk about NFTs, we think of digital art and collectibles. Christie’s, one of the most renowned auction houses, sold an NFT image for 69.3 million dollars in an online auction. Since then, the NFT market exploded. Projects like Bored Apes Yacht Club and CryptoPunks made millions in a very short time. Big names from sports to fashion such as the NFL, F1, Adidas, Nike, Prada, McDonald’s and Tiffany’s jumped on the NFT bandwagon. At the same time, it has also drawn a lot of criticism.
Some experts have compared the NFT market to an economic bubble or a Ponzi scheme — and in the second quarter of 2022, the market started collapsing, reacting to crypto market volatility and lack of confidence and trust.
So, does that mean the NFTs are over? Not at all. In fact, the value of the NFTs extends way beyond just a trendy or rare image. This value should be derived from the utility associated with the NFT. While most NFT projects in the hotel industry today focus on art and collectibles (see Marriott, InterContinental and Pullman), we can also see some market players experimenting with other creative use cases.
NFTs have been quickly adopted in the sports industry, and the concept of digitizing the access right or a membership card is currently being explored in travel, as well. Air Europa, for instance, announced their ticketing platform will support traditional and NFT reservation processes. NFT ticket holders will be granted more flexibility and allowed to trade their tickets up to 72 hours before departure. Air Baltic decided to link their “Planies” NFTs with their frequent flyer program as the first step of a bigger loyalty program transformation. Companies like Takyon or Pinktada develop online marketplaces with NFT-based tradeable bookings that allow hotel guests to enjoy lower prices on non-refundable rooms with the flexibility to sell the reservation in case plans change.
NFTs offer an opportunity to reimagine loyalty and rewards programs and boost brand engagement. In this scenario, NFT acts as a gateway to additional perks in both the virtual and physical worlds. SEM9 eSports hotel issued a collection of NFTs dedicated to gamers. Aside from a cool collectible, the token unlocked access to a free hotel night, limited merchandise, invitations to physical and digital events, and other benefits.
Based on my MBA research and interviews with hoteliers in Dubai, I have found that NFT-redesigned customer loyalty programs resonate well with hospitality managers. But there are other ways NFTs can support the business.
In the Hospitality and NFTs episode of the HospitalityVerse Podcast, we dig deeper into the uses of NFTs, exploring the concept of fractional ownership and cause-driven NFT projects that marry innovation with CSR.
These may seem to be very different, but ultimately both have a positive impact on the triple bottom line. “CSR NFTs” can attract millennials and Gen Z, who expect travel and hotel providers to be more sustainable and authentic. Projects like Unchained Elephants support regenerative and responsible tourism, give back to the community, educate and promote a sustainable brand image of participating entities.
While the digitization of a physical property may still be challenging and subject to unclear rules in many geographies (although there are already NFT platforms like Aqarchain in Middle East facilitating individual investments in hotel properties), memberships, loyalty and rewards or cause-driven projects are easier than you would think.
In this interview with Arek Kwoska, the CEO of NFT start-up Collectico Labs, we bust some myths about the complexity and high costs of NFT implementations. Arek says that in a few years NFTs will become as popular and common as emails — and I agree with this statement. With the evolution of blockchain and transition to Web3, we’ll see more real NFT applications driving value to all stakeholders of the hospitality and travel ecosystem.
Dominika Duziak is a host of the HospitalityVerse podcast. She combines product development and product management skills acquired in banking with a passion for new tech to uncover innovation opportunities. During her MBA program in International Hospitality Management at the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management in Dubai, UAE, Duziak focused on business applications of Blockchain technology in the hotel industry. This research led to the creation of the HospitalityVerse, where hospitality professionals can learn about the latest trends and developments in hospitality technology effortlessly. Head over to https://hospitalityverse.io/ or listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Follow HospitalityVerse on LinkedIn for daily updates from the hospitality tech world.
Plan & prepare now for Cyclone Gabrielle advises RANZ –
The Restaurant Association is urging hospitality businesses across the North Island to prepare for every event, as Cyclone Gabrielle arrives.
In its online resources it highlights the need to clear outdoor eating areas, compile stock takes, and consider backing up power supplies.
“Our advice to members is that you can never be over prepared for a situation like this,” said CEO Marisa Bidois.
“Hospitality businesses are uniquely affected by weather events such as cyclones so it’s wise to plan ahead to minimize the damage and business interruption.”
The Association has put together a checklist for businesses looking to get prepared ahead of the storm. This includes:
- Ensure you are monitoring weather conditions regularly – things can change rapidly. Keep up to date with the advice of your local Civil Defense organisation.
- For businesses with outdoor eating areas, ensure any chairs, tables and other loose items are secured or stored away safely.
- Move everything off the floor that you can store elsewhere.
- Ensure contact numbers (and emergency contacts) of team members are updated and easily accessible. Have a plan for communicating with your team.
- Ensure any critical documents and business related data is securely backed up and accessible.
- Check insurance is up to date and in place.
- Ensure adequate supplies of torches, fresh batteries, brooms, mops and buckets as well as a backup water source.
- Clearing any obstructions disturbing the flow of water down any storm water drains.
- Do a walkthrough of the business and clear any materials around the area that can easily be considered flying debris during a cyclone.
- Carry out a stock take of all supplies and equipment in case there is any damage or loss of stock. Take photos of high-value items.
- Ensure vehicles are away from low lying areas (and insurance is up to date).
- Create a business continuity plan.
- Consider an alternate power source. Some businesses are able to operate during power outages if they have a generator. This can also ensure that fridges and freezers do not turn off and minimize stock loss.
- Communicate with customers. Use your social media channels to keep people informed on whether you have been impacted or not.
- Be sure to remind your team to also be prepared in their own homes.
“It is really important to be prepared but also to remain calm. Our businesses have been under a lot of pressure over the last few years and it is important to look after yourself and your wellbeing. We have a number of resources on our site to help you through this.”
The Restaurant Association also urges diners to listen to warnings from local emergency information hubs and civil defense as well as communicating with local businesses.
For customers, it is important to listen to warnings from your local emergency information hubs and civil defense. Contact the business on the day to see if they are still open for business. Some of the feedback we have had from members has been that bookings are canceled often well in advance and at times unnecessarily so be sure to communicate. The businesses will also be in touch with you regarding any changes that may need to take place.”
Hospitality business owners can access the Restaurant Association resources here
Mental wellbeing resources can be accessed via the First Steps website here
Go to https://www.restaurantnz.co.nz/emergency-response-hub/ for more information.
Big Mountain to tour Bali and Indonesia
US based Big Mountain had a number of releases during the 90’s, but their stand-out hit was a cover of Peter Frampton’s ‘Baby, I Love Your Way’ in 1994, which went to No. 2 in the UK and No. 6 in the US in that year. The band decided to stop touring after 10 years in 2005 and since then the original vocalist of the band, Quino McWhinney has been holding the flag and touring occasionally with new and old members of the band. In May 2016 the band released their first album in 14 years, Perfect Summer.
Quino has now joined forces with local reggae band MARAPU and will be doing a mini Indonesian tour, The Indonesian Tour 2022 from Nov 9th till Dec 6th2022.
It was announced today that shows will be held at Canggu’s Deus Ex Machina (Sun 20 Nov), Friday 25 Nov 2022: Jayapura, Papua (Hang Over Club), World Bar seeds in Ubud Sun 27 Nov 2022, The Orchards on Wednesday 30 Nov. And also at the Reggae Festival rides in Medan Sumatra on Sun 4 December.
We will post more dates when they are confirmed.