The Hospitality Momentum Report

We’ve found ourselves partnering with several heritage brands this year, and one theme kept surfacing — what’s old is new again. Neo-nostalgia has shaped so much of our work that we wrote a whole piece on it: read it here. We’ve got one eye on the past and one on the future – from defining a future-forward F&B philosophy for one of the world’s leading heritage luxury hotel brands, to helping an old-school Italian joint rediscover its charm for a new generation. Across both the global stage and the neighborhood block, tradition isn’t something to preserve behind glass. It’s a living asset, ready to be reimagined with fresh relevance.

2025 was undeniably the year of the steakhouse in our studio. We touched nearly every corner of the category – from a heritage-rooted Mexican steakhouse rebrand headed to Madison Square Garden, to a high-energy Brazilian concept scaling across Scandinavia and beyond, to a timeless NYC steakhouse experience coming soon to Grand Central Terminal. Each one challenged us to reinterpret what a steakhouse can be: refined or playful, heritage or modern, intimate or expansive. It reminded us that even the most iconic formats still have endless room for reinvention.

We’ve always believed that if you stand for everything, you stand for nothing – and if your target audience is “everyone,” you end up resonating with no one. This year brought a refreshing wave of concept work defined by unapologetically niche points of view: razor-sharp purpose, intentional guest focus, and boldly specific identities. From a money-themed hotel chain designed into conversion bank properties, to a golf-centric getaway on the Scottish coast, to a wine-themed retreat in Oregon’s vineyards, we’re most energized when brands know exactly who they are and aren’t afraid to lean all the way in.

We had a lot of fun breaking the codes of the French Brasserie; creating a brand that feels unapologetically French yet unmistakably made for the sea. From lighter versions of brasserie favourites to modernized naming codes and playful illustrations, we respected the roots while adding the modernity and coastal ease that heavier, traditional formats don’t allow. The result: a concept that proves French dining can be fresh, approachable, and made for long lunches by the water.

This year took us deep into the world of tropical resort destinations, partnering with multiple properties to reinvent what all-inclusive F&B can feel like. For each, this meant developing up to 8+ distinct concepts across the property – from pool bars to signature restaurants and everything in between – striking a balance between everyday approachability and brand-defining moments that feel truly special. The goal: make resort dining genuinely great, not just convenient.

Bougie petcare is having a moment, and in 2026, it’s arriving in Chelsea with the debut of a dog hotel that treats pups with the same level of care, comfort, and hospitality we’d offer their owners. Think elevated services, thoughtful design, and a point of view that sees pets not as an afterthought, but as true guests. It’s a delightfully niche category to build in, and a sign of where modern urban hospitality is headed: more personal, more playful, and more pampered than ever.

Despite the annual swirl of doom-and-gloom headlines about white tablecloths and tasting menus supposedly fading from relevance, our fine dining clients are thriving – and reminding us why excellence endures. This year, we had the privilege of supporting teams who continued to shine at the highest level: two NYC institutions, one celebrating 20 years with two Michelin stars, and one retaining its star while partnering with us to thoughtfully reimagine its visual branding. If anything, 2025 proved that when hospitality is executed with intention, craft, and care, fine dining is as hot as ever.