Stoford Developments Ltd’s Post

The Super Bowl is heading back to New Orleans, a classic location beloved by #sportsbiz industry insiders for its walkability and cultural charm. But bring your wallet (or your company's wallet.) The Super Bowl keeps getting bigger and bigger, and expectations for corporate hospitality grow, but New Orleans is the smallest city to regularly host the big game. It's simple: High demand, limited supply = big prices. Terry Lefton and I collaborated on this first deep look at Super Bowl LIX party planning across the biz in the Sports Business Journal: https://lnkd.in/eehcM5xJ

Well, what a Grand Final that was last week! Brisbane Lions fans are probably still buzzing after that win. As for me? Let’s just say my excitement was a bit… tempered. Carlton finishing 8th wasn’t quite the dream, but hey, there’s always next year, right? 😅 Now, while everyone was caught up in the game, I couldn’t help but think about all the logistics that make an event like that possible. With over 100,000 fans packed into the MCG, the scale of getting food, drinks, and merchandise into the stadium is massive. But that’s just part of it. You’ve got food stalls all around the MCG to think about, and let’s not forget the pubs across Melbourne packed with people watching the game live. Every one of those places needs supplies to keep the fans fed, lubricated and happy. It’s a lot more than what meets the eye! Being in logistics myself, I know how complex these operations can be. It takes a well-oiled machine to keep everything running smoothly. It reminds me of when we handled the logistics for 120 VIP rooms at SeaWorld—delivering everything from dining tables to ottomans and lounges. Sure, it was a challenge, but it’s the kind of work that keeps us on our toes. We had 12 talented team members out there making sure everything was spot-on. And you know what? Instead of just doing the usual time-sensitive deliveries to the docks or shop floors, our crew got to stretch their legs a bit and enjoy the day at SeaWorld while getting the job done. It was a nice break from the norm! So, while everyone was cheering for their team at the Grand Final, I was tipping my hat to the behind-the-scenes heroes—the logistics teams making sure everything runs smoothly. Without them, you’d have hungry fans inside and outside the stadium, and no merch flying off the shelves. And believe me, nobody wants that kind of chaos! If you’re planning a big event and want a logistics team that can handle the pressure (and still have a bit of fun), let’s chat. We’ll make sure everything runs smoother than Carlton’s season… 😄

Pure sentiment conveyed through a relatable setting, minimal branding elements and no dialogue; sensory marketing at its best! A simple, lovely ad by KFC UK & Ireland X Mother 🍔 #advertising #uniqueads #kfc #digitalmarketing

Urban Pubs and Bars, the London pub operator founded by Malc Heap and Nick Pring and backed by Davidson Kempner and Global Mutual, is to begin expanding its competitive socialising concept Bat & Ball. The 53-strong group will open the 12,000 square-foot venue in Covent Garden in mid-March for the concept’s second site. 👉 For the full version of this story and to read it first sign up to the Propel email newsletter for free: https://lnkd.in/eyy_THzR

This is exactly how impactful regional and national media coverage can support brands! 🚀

🎯 Are you interested in learning about the ins and outs of managing a restaurant? How about an arcade? Why not both? 🍔 #IndustryChampion Andy Smith, General Manager of the Dave & Buster's Inc. located at the RIO Washingtonian Center in Gaithersburg, recently spoke to students at Robert Frost Middle School about what it’s like to oversees both the restaurant and the 35,000 square-feet of arcade game space.  Watch his full talk here: https://lnkd.in/eetGTFFJ   MoCo CAP’s Meet A Pro series brings a wide range of local professionals into the classroom to share their experience with students by speaking about their role, personal career path, and industry. For more information about #MoCoCAP, please visit www.mococap.com. 

Had an incredible conversation with Kelli Alldredge, the president of Chicken N Pickle, about turning a simple idea into a nationwide phenomenon! What started as a golf entertainment concept pivoted into something extraordinary when founder Dave Johnson discovered pickleball in 2015. Fast forward to today, and they're opening their 11th location this month. Three key insights from our chat: -Success isn't just about courts: it's their chef-driven kitchens, vibrant bars, and commitment to creating genuine community spaces. -When others pulled back during the pandemic, they boldly expanded, opening 3 new locations. -Their secret sauce? Keeping it simple, fun and inclusive — from "newbie nights" to welcoming solo players. What impresses me most is their "cool backyard" philosophy — where everyone belongs, whether you're in pajamas or business attire. Really appreciate Kelli sharing these insights about building sustainable growth in this exciting industry. What was your biggest takeaway? #Pickleball #Hospitality #CommunityFirst #BusinessStrategy

The premium pub operator and brewer Butcombe Group is doubling down on its experience-led offering, CEO Jonathan Lawson tells MCA https://lnkd.in/dvugV9Eh

Last month, our industry reached a significant milestone 🎊 . The recent law allowing direct-to-consumer delivery of spirits in New York is a major win for our industry. This victory wasn’t achieved overnight—it’s the result of years of collaboration, persistent advocacy, and strategic partnerships driven by the New York Distillers Guild and its allies. For distillers, this new opportunity means greater consumer reach and business growth. Moreover, this success highlights something bigger: THE POWER OF COLLECTIVE EFFORT. As a member of the New York Distillers Guild, you’re not just part of an organization—you’re part of a movement that amplifies our industry's voice, influences policy, and opens doors for everyone. Together, we’ve shown what’s possible, and there’s still more to achieve. Want to be a part of this progress? By joining the Guild, you’re aligning yourself with the future of New York spirits. Let’s continue to build on this momentum and shape what comes next. Join us, and let’s keep pushing forward—together.

It's quite difficult to film in pubs owned by the Stonegate Group, as they expect a £250 fee for each pub. Either that or there is some flimsy reason about Data Protection even though most places are empty when I film. Now maybe 'bonehead' is harsh, but at the very least I always think there should be enough curiosity or interest to wonder what's going on rather than completely ignore me. It's such a shame as there are some great pubs and people along the route. I've tried messaging their PR and marketing teams, and I know they have got the messages, but for whatever reason they choose not to collaborate. At the very least I would hope they can make it easier, but instead they make it harder. As a Caymen Island company that's owned by Private Equity and battling £2.2Bn in debt, they should hopefully recognise that pubs and the hospitality industry is something that is worth saving after the hardship of Covid. In any case, we keep trying and occasionally we get lucky as the team want to share their amazing pubs. Hopefully, someone will see some sense because after 9 months of doing this I am still here trying to share some amazing pubs with you all. 👩🏻🍳 The Duchess ✅ 11 of 12 🔀 Belgravia to Mayfair 📖 London Volume II 📍 Duke St, W1U 1LP 👉 I'm sharing Historic Pubs in London, Manhattan and across England covered in my books which you can buy today on Amazon. 🔎 Search 'Historic Pub Crawls' to find my best sellers at the top of the results. 🛒 There's so much more to come so check the link in the bio, to buy the books and help support me to bring you more content and amazing pubs. #historicpubcrawlslondon #historicpubcrawlsthrough #marylebonepubs #mayfairpubs #stonegate #stonegatepubs