Latest news with #Southern-style
Business Wire
a day ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Bojangles Expands Spanish-Language Ordering Across All Platforms
CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bojangles is deepening its commitment to better serve Spanish-speaking guests by expanding its Spanish-language ordering capabilities across digital and in-store platforms. The QSR brand known for its delicious breakfast and Southern-style chicken, biscuits and tea is rolling out Spanish-language support for online ordering, the mobile app, in-store kiosks and drive-thru AI assistant, affectionately known as Bo-Linda, to better serve Spanish-speaking guests across its footprint. Spanish-speaking customers will now be able to place their orders in Spanish through the Bojangles website and mobile app systemwide. At the drive-thru, Bo-Linda (Bojangles' proprietary AI order taker) offers a fully Spanish-spoken experience at more than 400 locations, making Bojangles one of the first major QSR brands to deliver bilingual functionality at this scale. Additionally, about 35 locations will feature kiosks with Spanish-language ordering options. These enhancements are designed to make ordering easier, more welcoming and more comfortable for Spanish-speaking guests – at no added cost to the customer. 'This is about more than just technology – it's about making every guest feel welcomed and understood,' said Jose Armario, CEO of Bojangles, who tested the technology himself in this video. 'As a Hispanic leader, I take pride in ensuring our brand reflects the communities we serve. Language should never be a barrier to hospitality.' Bo-Linda has already begun supporting Spanish-speaking customers in select markets. The tool was named by Bojangles employees, reflecting the company's culture of innovation and team involvement. The early data is promising, with roughly 200 Spanish-language drive-thru orders placed each week using Bo-Linda – a number that is expected to grow as awareness and access expand. 'This initiative shows what's possible when you blend innovation with Southern hospitality to find new ways to make more guests feel welcome,' said Richard Del Valle, Chief Information Officer at Bojangles. 'We're not just translating menus – we're redesigning the guest experience.' With Armario at the helm, his leadership continues to shape a bold, inclusive vision for the future – where language accessibility and community engagement go hand in hand. About Bojangles, Inc. Bojangles is a Carolina-born restaurant chain specializing in craveable Southern food made by hand from real recipes. Founded in 1977 as a single location in Charlotte, N.C., the beloved brand continues to grow – currently at around 830 company owned and franchised restaurants in 21 states – bringing its focus on food and people along with it. For more information about Bojangles' handcrafted approach to food and community impact, visit To join in on the fan fun, follow Bojangles on Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow brewery bar to launch new country music festival
Country Fest will take place on August 16 and 17 at Drygate Brewing Co., located in the city's East End. The venue will be transformed into a haven for country music fans, featuring live performances, line dancing, and themed entertainment throughout the weekend. READ MORE: Two free festivals coming to Glasgow's East End this summer Organisers have promised two jam-packed days of fun, with a line-up of 12 acts and a range of immersive entertainment, including a bucking bronco, Southern-style food, and group dancing led by Maggie, affectionately dubbed the 'Queen of the Rodeo.' Among the confirmed performers is Roisin McCarney, an alt-pop and country crossover artist, who will headline the event. The team at Drygate said: 'Whether you're a die-hard country fan or just love a great live show, this is a festival not to be missed. Dust off those boots, grab your hat, and join us for a day of non-stop music, dancing, and good ol' country fun.' Festivalgoers are encouraged to embrace the dress code, with cowboy boots, hats, and Western-themed outfits all welcome. READ MORE: Thousands flock to Glasgow park for popular festival The venue will be fully decorated to match the mood, promising to bring a taste of Nashville to the heart of Glasgow. Tickets went on sale last week and have already sold out. Organisers are urging anyone who missed out to join the waitlist, as additional tickets may become available
What's On
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Rodeo Drive: All-American Restaurant & Bar opening in Dubai this August
Rodeo Drive is rolling into Dubai this August, and it's coming in hot. Landing at the Oaks Hotel, Ibn Battuta Gate, this all-American bar and restaurant brings 14,000 square feet of pure character. Expect comfort food, live-fire grills, retro arcade games, live music, and yes, a mechanical bull. Set across six immersive zones, Rodeo Drive is part restaurant and part playground with enough edge to feel cool, and enough variety to suit pretty much every mood. The food: fire, flavour and Tex-Mex heat Image: Supplied At the centre of it all, is the grill pit. Head Chef Walter Melo is behind the menu, so expect food with roots from Mexico and Texas. Think flame-grilled steaks, smoky briskets, Tex-Mex bites, and Cali-Mex plates with punch. It's a pork-licensed kitchen, so expect some proper Southern-style BBQ, too. The entertainment: games, gigs and a Rodeo Bull Image: Supplied Rodeo Drive goes well beyond dinner and drinks. Expect live bands, DJs, beer pong, interactive darts, themed nights, and a full arcade packed with nostalgia. And then there's the bull-bucking, which is just waiting for you to test your balance (or your ego). For the kids: fun, safe, and screen-free Rodeo Drive isn't just for the grown-ups. Kids aged one to 10 also get their own play zone, with wall-mounted games, crafts, Rodeo Drive-themed books and toys, and a full-time nanny on site. Under 21s are welcome in the restaurant area. The design: a wild mix of six zones Image: Supplied Designed by Hiren Ganatra, the space unfolds through six distinct zones. There's the Wild West Grill with leather booths and raw timber, a New York-inspired bar with smoked glass and glossed tile, a neon-drenched arcade, the theatrical stage, the cage-like bull riding arena, and a secret speakeasy-style Mancave hidden behind a bookshelf. It's eclectic without feeling chaotic, where every corner with its own vibe. Location: Oaks Hotel, Ibn Battuta Gate, Dubai Times: Weekdays: restaurant 2pm to 2am, bar 4pm to 3am; weekends: restaurant and bar 12pm to 3am Contact: @rodeodriveibg > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
USA Today
18-07-2025
- USA Today
The best hotel in Bardstown, Kentucky, has a bourbon butler
The Trail Hotel brings bourbon and luxury together in Bardstown, Kentucky – Photo courtesy of Jessie Kriech-Higdon If there were a Disney World for bourbon lovers, it would be Bardstown, Kentucky. A historic district peppered with posh cocktail lounges and approximately a dozen area distilleries has earned it the nickname 'the bourbon capital of the world.' Tourists flock from across the globe to tour bourbon trail icons like James B. Beam Distilling Co., Willett Distillery, and Bardstown Bourbon Company. Bardstown finally has a hotel that befits its spirited reputation: The Trail Hotel, which bills itself as the world's first bourbon-themed hotel. Here's a firsthand look. A peek inside the 'world's first bourbon-themed hotel' A copper still is the first giveaway that you're in bourbon country – Photo courtesy of Jessie Kriech-Higdon If there was any doubt I was in bourbon country, it evaporated the moment I stepped into The Trail Hotel's lobby. A copper column still gleamed from floor to ceiling — a historic relic from Green River Distilling, repurposed as a work of art. To my right, bourbon barrels peeked from the half-walls separating cozy conversation areas while a pair of customers clinked snifters at the bar. Advertisement The building originally opened as a Holiday Inn in 1971 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The structure had been vacant for years before this stunning transformation. Although the roofline and footprint remain unchanged, there's no mistaking it for anything but an ambitiously original property. The rooms at The Trail Hotel Rooms at The Trail Hotel are handsomely decorated – Photo courtesy of Jessie Kriech-Higdon My king patio room featured plush furnishings and a private patio, ideal for mornings spent sipping cups of local coffee prepared in my in-room Keurig coffee maker. The room itself was modern and understated with a writing desk, a mini fridge, and a cozy corner chair. Dark tile and a walk-in shower added a sleek, stylish touch to the bathroom. The guest rooms are perfect for one or two people, but for extra space, consider upgrading to one of the hotel's eight bourbon-themed suites, which feature separate living rooms with sofas, coffee tables, and bars (this is bourbon country, after all). Advertisement Food and drink offerings The Oak & Ember menu features locally sourced ingredients – Photo courtesy of Jessie Kriech-Higdon The hotel's flagship dining concept, Oak & Ember, opens into the lobby, fostering a lively atmosphere. Created by chef Marvin Woods, the menu fuses Low Country cuisine and Southern-style cooking with seafood sourced directly from a fishing vessel on the Gulf Coast, as well as produce, beef, and pork from local farms. Some standout dishes include the red shrimp cocktail (served deconstructed on a plate) and the prime beef tenderloin, which was tender enough to cut with a butter knife. I also loved the charred steakhouse Caesar, accompanied by a zesty house-made dressing. The restaurant also serves breakfast and lunch. After dinner, make your way to The Bourbon Vault, a speakeasy cleverly concealed behind a piece of artwork. The dim lighting, combined with leather and plush velvet furnishings, creates a posh atmosphere. The wine and spirits list is extensive, but as one might imagine, the bourbon list is a showstopper, featuring a library of rare bottles for true aficionados. Other dining and drinking options include light bites and cocktails at the poolside bar, as well as a golf simulator suite featuring a full menu. Advertisement A bourbon butler and more amenities The Trail Hotel pool is a place to rest, relax, and rejuvenate – Photo courtesy of Jessie Kriech-Higdon The Trail's guest rooms surround a sparkling pool and hot tub, lined with lounge chairs and a poolside bar. A row of in-pool loungers allows guests to catch some rays while simultaneously cooling off. Distillery tours easily can lead to rough mornings since it's easy to overindulge. This is something The Trail considered when they conceived the hotel's most surprising amenity — the Rejuvenation Room. The space includes an oxygen bar and by-appointment IV therapy, which have long been popular hangover cures in Las Vegas. Other amenities include a sauna and a cryogenics chamber. Concierge service is not unusual at an upscale property like The Trail, but in all my travels, this is the first time I've encountered a bourbon butler. If you need help with your itinerary, a bourbon butler is available to schedule VIP tours, private barrel tastings, behind-the-scenes experiences, and flights of highly sought-after collectible bourbons. Other amenities include outdoor firepits on the patio in 'bourbon alley' and a thoughtfully curated gift shop with apparel, bourbon-themed gifts, and even bottles of The Trail Hotel's delicious signature bourbon. Advertisement
Time Business News
18-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Packaging Strategy for Regional Alabama Brands
In today's competitive retail landscape, brands must go beyond function to connect with their customers. Nowhere is this more true than in Alabama, where regional identity and local pride shape how consumers perceive products and packaging. A well-thought-out packaging strategy tailored specifically to regional Alabama can help brands build stronger relationships with local audiences, stand out on shelves, and increase brand loyalty. Whether you're a small business or an established e-commerce brand, developing a packaging strategy that speaks to Alabama's diverse markets requires thoughtful design, functional innovation, and cultural sensitivity. Businesses that utilize Custom Boxes Alabama already understand that packaging isn't just a container it's part of the brand story. In this article, we'll explore how to create a packaging strategy that resonates with regional customers in Alabama while maximizing functionality and brand value. Before you dive into packaging design, take time to understand what matters to Alabama consumers. Whether you're targeting rural towns or urban centers like Birmingham, Huntsville, or Mobile, local values such as community pride, practicality, and sustainability should be at the heart of your packaging approach. Key factors to consider include: Southern hospitality and tradition Value for money and durability Appreciation for homegrown or locally-sourced products Environmental consciousness Tailoring your packaging to reflect these preferences helps create instant familiarity and trust. To make packaging resonate with Alabama buyers, consider how your design reflects the state's unique culture and geography. Incorporating local color palettes, cultural symbols, or regional language can build a sense of belonging and loyalty among customers. Examples include: Using warm earth tones that echo Alabama's natural landscapes Including Alabama-specific illustrations like state flowers, rivers, or iconic buildings Highlighting local roots or Southern-style charm in your copy Subtle cultural nods in packaging reinforce authenticity and help customers see your brand as 'one of us.' Alabama's climate includes hot, humid summers and occasionally unpredictable weather, which can impact packaging performance. Your packaging strategy should consider durability, protection, and storage capabilities to ensure that products arrive in perfect condition. Packaging features to consider: Moisture-resistant coatings or sealants Reinforced corrugated boxes for shipping Secure closures and tamper-evident seals Ensuring that your packaging holds up in real-world conditions not only protects your product but also reinforces the perceived quality of your brand. Material selection plays a critical role in how packaging is perceived. In Alabama, where both traditional and eco-conscious values coexist, a balance between durability and sustainability is key. Options to consider: Recycled kraft paper for a rustic and eco-friendly feel High-quality cardboard or paperboard for a premium touch Biodegradable or compostable packaging for environmentally aware buyers Brands working with custom boxes USA can explore a wide variety of materials to find the right match for both their product and regional expectations. Alabama is not a monolith. What appeals to customers in Montgomery may differ from what resonates in Tuscaloosa or Dothan. If your business operates in multiple regions, consider subtle customizations in packaging to better reflect the preferences of local sub-markets. For example: A beauty brand might offer different color schemes based on region-specific tastes. A food brand could highlight local farm partnerships on packaging per region. A retailer could personalize shipping inserts with regional shoutouts or language. The flexibility of custom boxes makes these kinds of micro-adjustments not only possible but scalable. Many Alabama consumers, especially younger generations, are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of packaging. A regional strategy that includes sustainable options will win points with eco-conscious buyers. Ways to incorporate sustainability: Use less material without compromising protection Offer reusable packaging or containers Include recycling instructions and sustainability messages Customers want to know that they're supporting brands that care about the planet. Packaging is a great opportunity to make that statement clear. Your packaging should tell your story even before the customer opens the box. Whether you're a local startup or an established name, your packaging should reflect your brand's personality, values, and mission. Packaging elements to support storytelling: Use inserts that share the founder's story or product background Include thank-you cards or local shoutouts Print your mission or community initiatives on the interior flaps This type of engagement deepens customer connection and turns a one-time sale into long-term loyalty. Once your regional strategy is in place, don't assume it's perfect. Collect feedback from Alabama customers about their unboxing experiences and product protection. Use this data to refine and adjust your packaging strategy continuously. Track feedback across: Online reviews and surveys Social media mentions Return rates due to damage Customer input is your greatest resource when building a packaging system that evolves with the market. A successful packaging strategy for regional Alabama doesn't just meet the functional needs of your product it respects the culture, values, and expectations of its people. From design and material choices to practical protection and sustainability, every decision should reflect an understanding of the market you serve. Looking to elevate your packaging game? Explore your options for custom boxes that merge local relevance with professional design. And when it's time to source the right supplier, finding a Custom Box Near Me ensures you get fast, personalized service with regional insight. With the right strategy, your packaging won't just protect your product it will carry your brand story into homes across Alabama. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
