We've all had them. A job that was just there to pay the bills, get us through college or potentially there just to earn quick cash. Whatever your reason, there's one job for many people that really made them take a look at their career path. Such is the case with many hospitality professionals.

A while back I wrote a post describing my experiences a busser at a small Italian restaurant. That job helped me realize my passion for working with people, which lead me, in part, to my career today. Okay, so many of us might still be waiting for that one job. But for many people a career in hospitality started out as just another job to "pay the bills." It wasn't until after many professionals worked in hospitality that they fell in love with the industry and then later attributed their jobs as a  busser or a dishwasher to their successful career. This is the case for one restaurant entrepreneur who found his calling in the restaurant industry 50 years ago this week. 

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Health and bold flavors took stage during the 2013 NRA Show in Chicago this year. With shifting consumer demands, restaurants responded with a variety of trends at the 2013 NRA Show. 

What can we expect from brands the upcoming year? The National Restaurant Association offered a glimpse to the top ten trends on the trade show floor. Here are just a few:

Healthy Kids' Food: "With new school nutritional guidelines in effect, many exhibitors had reworked their products to fit those standards, including baked snack chips made with whole grains, whole wheat crackers and granola clusters."

Greek Yogurt: Since Greek Yogurt has take the country by storm restaurants are responding by offering a wide variety of products. Greek yogurt cheesecake? Count us in! 

Water: Sounds obvious, right? Restaurants are redefining water with their own twists to the classic drink. Zero-calorie 'enhanced waters' were a popular trend at the 2013 NRA Show. Fortified with vitamins, "Water filtration systems,...

Hoping to emulate the success of their competitors, many of America’s major eateries are implementing makeovers in hopes of attracting new business and luring old customers back after the recession.

Last year Bob Evans completed remodels of several hundred stores, with an average sales lift of 5 percent at those locations. In 2011, Schlotzsky’s Deli invested $40 million to refresh the décor in its 375 restaurants. The chain increased its average sales from about $660,000 in fiscal 2007 to about $780,000 by the end of 2011.

SEE ALSO: Restaurant Jobs on Hcareers.com

Here’s a look at recent developments:

• Wendy’s plans to complete remodeling at least half of its corporate-owned restaurants by 2016. The company says it already completed 86 new and remodeled franchises as of April 30.
• TGI Friday’s also has a remodeling initiative in place – out with the kitsch, in with a simplified, contemporary atmosphere the company hopes will draw the young crowd.
• Olive Garden announced earlier this year it...

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Langham Hospitality Investments, which is backed by Great Eagle Holdings (0041.HK -1.32%), plans to raise up to US$588 million in a Hong Kong initial public offering, according to a term sheet seen by the Wall Street Journal on Monday.

The company plans to sell 852 million units in a price range of HK$4.65-HK$5.36 each, the document said.

Langham Hospitality Investments, which has three hotels, namely Langham, Langham Place and Eaton, is expected to start roadshows on May 30 and list on Hong Kong’s stock exchange June 19, the term sheet said.

Read the full story on Money Beat 

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“When people hear what I do, they think I look at resumes with a magnifying glass. Either that or they mutter something about ‘Big Brother,’” says Craig Caddell, General Manager of ReferencePro™ — a professional background-screening firm with a 24-hour operations center in Spokane, Washington.

Background checks are required for health care providers, commercial pilots and drivers, airport workers, and other professionals. Screening is necessary for government-regulated industries, such as the insurance industry, government-owned hospitality real estate businesses, radio and television broadcasting, marine shipping, ferry and port services, and most U.S. federal corporations (Crown corporations in Canada).

Although not as thorough as background checks for government personnel, many travel and tourism employers in the United States and Canada may ask candidates to submit to some form of background check.  

My first question to Caddell was regarding his beginnings in...

"The Great Gatsby" hits theaters today capturing a glimpse of the roaring 20s based on the classic novel. While the highly anticipated Baz Luhrmann film is expected to be a box office hit, hotels are also trying to capitalize on the film's popularity with "Jazz Age Packages." 

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"Hotel branding is all about (capturing) mind share,” said John O’Neill, director of the School of Hospitality Management at Penn State. “Things like big summer blockbusters serve as great vehicles to do so. On top of that, ‘The Great Gatsby’ is set in the Roaring ‘20s — a time of opulence, elegance and style — an ideal setting for upscale hotels" according to NBC News and Travel.

From the Plaza to the Wilcox, guests can stay in a Fitzgerald Suite, drink Gatsby inspired cocktails and even receive a copy of the novel in their room. 

Is your hotel offering a Gatsby inspired deal? Weigh in below. 

Full Story on NBC News and Travel

"United Airlines will restart Boeing 787 'Dreamliner' flights on May 20, putting the aircraft on hub-to-hub routes out of Houston Bush Intercontinental."

The USA Today article confirmed the rumor to Today in the Sky that flights will service on the Dreamliner will be May 31st. 

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With a new age design that "boosts fuel efficiency and increases flier comfort" the Dreamliner was first used in September, but was grounded due to concerns over the plane's lithium battery. 

Learn more about the Dreamliner's anticipated launch on USA Today

*Image from USA Today

All aboard! Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship, the Norwegian Breakaway, is raising quite a few eyebrows among cruisers and industry professionals. 

"The 4,028-passenger vessel, which will be christened next week in New York, is no doubt one of the most spectacular mega-resorts at sea, chock-full of restaurants, lively nightspots and deck-top amusements" 

The USA Today article reviewed innovative additions that the Norwegian Breakaway boasts. With one of the largest aqua pools at sea, the park offers water slides that " that rival anything found at a land-based resort, including twin 'free fall' slides that drop passengers nearly straight down several stories before spinning them in a loop." 

If you're looking for a more low key scene, guests can head over to the "Waterfront" where you can dine overlooking the water  on one of the ship's delectable eateries. Offering a steakhouse, Italian eatery, beer & whiskey bar and a "Modern Churrascaria," Norwegian will indulge each guest's...

 "Consumers are giving the restaurant industry no choice but to let them eat cheap." As Taco Bell rolls out  their latest  "$1 Cravings menu," Olive Garden, Steak 'n Sheak are now offering more cost alernative menus to consumers. 

What's with the dip in prices? Restaurant chains are responding after the finding that "nationally, customer visits fell in March for the fourth-consecutive month, reports the National Restaurant Association"  according to USA Today. 

Read the Full Story on USA Today

Work in the Restaurant Industry! Visit the Hcareers Restaurant Resource Center for more industry news, advice and to browse job postings near you. 

Marriott International Inc. (MAR), the largest publicly traded U.S. hotel chain, said first-quarter earnings rose 31 percent as demand increased from business travelers in such U.S. cities as New York.

Net income climbed to $136 million, or 43 cents a share, from $104 million, or 30 cents, a year earlier, the Bethesda, Maryland-based company said today in a statement. The average estimate (MAR) of 14 analysts was 41 cents a share, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Learn more on Bloomberg Businessweek

Your next hotel job is just around the corner! Register as a job seeker, visit the Hcareers Hotel Resource Center and browse open positions today! 

One young spa owner in Tucson, Arizona has found success at the age of 21. "At the age of 18, Lily Gabriel already had a vision of having her own spa, and by the time she was 19 she had a business plan written" according to the Daily Star. Now 21, Gabriel has her sights set on a bigger location for her growing business. Having been open for less than a year, the potential new location for the spa will help make Gabriel's dreams for her Spa come true.

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Gabriel's "Natural Way" offers "massage, facials, body treatments, aromatherapy and waxing services" and will even feature a yoga studio. Spa "happy hour" will offer mini-services for patrons who are looking to unwind after a long day. If that's not innovative enough, the spa releases a new product created by Gabriel each more.

Impressive, right? We think so. While Gabriel joins the ranks of many other hospitality entrepreneurs at a young age, the rapid growth of her business is something many...

Ranking as the world's finest restaurant, El Cellar de Can Rova may lead the pack, but the United States tied France for the "country having the most restaurants" on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list. 

Sponsored by S. Pellegrino and compiled by British magazine "The Restaurant", the list represents the views of 900 "international leaders in the restaurant industry." From New York to Chicago and everything in between, the list spanned the United State's most elite restaurants. Eleven Madison Park in New York, Alinea in Chicago and the French Laundry in California were just a few restaurants that landed on this prestigious list. 

Learn more on Restaurant Hospitality

Visit the Hcareers Restaurant Resource center for even more restaurant news and career advice!

*Image Courtesy of Eleven Madison Park

Four-year old Desmond Applegren is a food critic in the making! According to the LA Times, Desmond Appelgren provided "read-my-face" restaurant reviews for the San Francisco-based blog Bold Italic -- giving a an honest glimpse of his opinion of restaurants' food. 

The LA Times reported that the Mission Chinese Food in San Francisco typically draws a wide array of food critics,  "But why get your information from a professional when you can go straight to the purest source: the post-bite facial expressions of a four-year-old" according to blogger, Jessica Saia. We couldn't agree more and Desmond's face tells a story about his experience at Mission Chinese Food -- and we can rest assured that Desmond's review was the honest truth. Just take a look at Bold Italic and see his "read-my-face" rating of the restaurant. 

Mission Chinese Food served Applegren a wide variety of food including, "Thrice Cooked Bacon: Shanghainese rice cakes, bitter melon, tofu skin and chili oil. Then came Salt Cod...

At the InterContinental Miami hotel, guests in the lobby can call up the drink menu and flag down a server to order using a touch screen on the coffee tables. The Park Hyatt Tokyo and Park Hyatt Seoul give guests free access to over 2,300 international newspapers on their smartphones or tablets using the hotel’s Wi-Fi network and an app called PressReader.

Hotels around the world are using technology in new ways, with the goal of speeding up or personalizing more services for guests.

Read More on The New York Times

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Today is Earth Day! From Sao Paolo to New York, people everywhere are stepping up and taking action to help their communities take the next step in helping the environment around them. But not only are people helping their communities, hotels and restaurants are getting involved -- and rightfully so. A recent survey from TravelAdvisor.com estimated that "62 percent (of travelers) often or always consider the environment when choosing hotels, transportation and meals." Now, the hospitality industry is recognizing the need for eco-friendly establishments that meet the need of the environment and consumers looking to go "green." 

Take a look at the hotels and restaurants in the U.S. that are going green:

The Umstead Hotel and Spa, Cary, N.C.

The Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel is consistently recognized as an innovator in the green revolution. With the hotel's "EVOLVE energy management system that allows guests to regulate lights, temperature and entertainment through in-room tablets,"...

"Royal Caribbean's next ship will feature a giant mechanical arm that transports passengers high above the vessel in a glass capsule" according to USA Today. Taking a note from the London Eye, the cruise ship's newest attraction, the North Star, will give passengers a 'whole different perspective of the environment they are vacationing.'

Word of the attraction came after Royal Caribbean's announcement of their plan's for a 4,180-passenger ship that will include the The North Star and other attractions inspired from attractions around the world that offer a 'bird's-eye view." Here's what you can expect from Royal Caribbean's news cruise ship:

SEE ALSO: Royal Caribbean's Jobs on Hcareers.com

• Virtual balconies for interior cabins: 373 interior rooms will offer real-time view of the sea from high tech walls.
• Two70°:This multilevel, high-tech "great room" will include aerialists, and other live performers daily. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls "spanning almost three decks and is named after...

Hakkasan is a world-renowned modern Chinese restaurant with locations in London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Mumbai, Miami, New York, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. After only six months of service, Hakkasan New York gained the coveted Michelin Star rating given to the best cuisine leaders. Hakkasan’s sister properties in London were the first to win the prestigious award in 2003, and they keep their ratings to this day.

The menu features high-end Cantonese cuisine with an extensive wine and sake list providing a journey through the culinary traditions of China—ancient, timeless, and ever new.

Today we meet Denise Valdez, Director of Human Resources for the Hakkasan USA properties, to tell us more about the business and the hiring process. Denise manages company-wide policies, handbook coordination, recruitment, training, benefits, and on-boarding and legal compliance. She also supervises the staff-training program ensuring consistency with the brand’s standards.

 I ask Denise to describe...

"A restaurant employee is being recognized for returning $1,500 in cash that was left on a table"  according to 7 News in Miami / Fort Lauderdale. According to Chili's Too Manager, Joe O'Neil, "We were towards the end of the night, and he came in, and he was helping clean some tables, and he noticed that there was some money that was left on the table," said O'Neil. "He brought it to me right away and said, 'Listen, somebody left this on the table.'"

The employee was later recognized by his employer by, "presenting him a check" for his honesty. Read the full story on 7 News WSVN.

What's the craziest thing a customer has left at their table? Have you ever been recognized for a good deed where you work? Weigh in below.

"The U.S. hotel industry will spout positive results over the long term—though short-term performance will be a different story" panelists remarked during the general session of the Hotel Equities and Lender Perspectives conference. With the next downturn predicted for 2017, Mark Woodworth, president of PFK Hospitality Research predicts favorable forward-booking trends. 

“We’re looking at pretty attractive tailwinds,” Woodworth stated, “The fundamentals are incredibly solid.”

Read the full story on HotelNewsNow.com

Don't forget to visit the Hotel Resource Center for even more industry news, jobs and advice! 

Move over, five-star ratings, when it comes to finding hotels that are courteous and clean, Road Warriors know best. Many business travelers have favorite hotels that repeat are their "go to hotels" when they are looking for a seamless trip. USA Today's Road Warriors Named their favorite hotels. Here are few of their picks:

• Atlanta Airport Marriott Getaway: "From the doormen to the desk clerks to the managers, the staff is unfailingly polite, friendly, helpful and accommodating"  according to Richard Hadden
• L'Ermitage Beverly Hills: "I love the minimalist design of the guest room..." according to James Gimore
• Hotel Felix: Comedian Fielding Fowler,"...stumbled across it on Priceline.com, so expectations were low," Fowler recalls, "I have never seen a friendlier staff from top to bottom. They really do care."
• Staybridge Suites, VA: Robert Loeb, a consultant in Parker, is consistently welcomed by "warm, outgoing people."

What's your favorite hotel? What do you think is most important to a...