Mark Anderson
As one of the oldest cities in the UK, York is renowned for a thriving startup culture, particularly in the hospitality sector. This sector has experienced exponential growth, especially amidst the challenging landscape presented by the novel COVID-19 pandemic. York’s position as a vibrant startup hotspot has been further bolstered by a range of new ventures in the hospitality space. This article shines a light on some of these young, innovative companies influencing the British hospitality sector, all of which were founded in 2020 or later.
These startups span a range of areas within the hospitality industry, from coffee shops with a fresh approach to technological solutions streamlining the customer experience in restaurants. These companies are not only revolutionizing the sector itself but are also contributing significantly to the local economy in York. It’s the perfect time to get to know these startups, understand their unique selling points, and explore how they are setting new trends in the hospitality industry.
For the purpose of this article, we’ll dive into some of the most intriguing new ventures in this space. Each has its own unique approach to navigating the hospitality industry, proving that in this industry, innovation truly knows no bounds. We’ll examine what each company does, who their founders are, and the ideas that propel them forward. So without further ado, let’s dive in!
Blank Street
Founded by Issam Freiha and Vinay Menda, Blank Street is a unique coffee chain that is reimagining the coffee experience. Through its automated espresso machines, the company provides consistent, high-quality coffee, allowing baristas to engage with customers more effectively and on a personal level. Their services also include an app for easy ordering and well-curated vendors for top-notch pastries and milk. Follow this startup’s journey on Facebook or LinkedIn.
robin cafe
Robin café, brought to life by Damion Wongsang, is not just a café, it’s a philosophy. They believe in an “abundance” approach, focusing on sustainability, organic products, and promoting local farmers. Every food item offered is made with care and attention, following the find philosophy of loving life and loving oneself. Visit their Facebook and LinkedIn pages for more information and updates.
Travel Solutions USA
Founded by Rob Karp, Travel Solutions USA operates at the intersection of hospitality and information services. Their LinkedIn presence can be accessed here.
Executive Covid Testing
This startup operates in the health care and hospitality sectors, providing crucial COVID-19 testing and free health consultations for individuals and corporate clients. Follow them on LinkedIn for more updates.
IMBIBE AI
IMBIBE AI is paving the way in the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors with an innovative digital marketplace designed to facilitate smooth business and consumer transactions related to on-premise and off-premise consumption.
Wahter Studio
Situated in New York, Wahter Studio is a members-only network fostering creativity in the hospitality sector. They also offer an in-house ideation studio for special projects and creative consultation. Check them out on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Brooklyn Curling Center
This startup, located in Brooklyn, merges sports and hospitality, offering an unconventional and enjoyable experience for consumers. Their Facebook and Twitter channels provide further information.
Seek
Founded by Giff Carter and Shanna Liu, Seek is a content platform that connects tastemakers in the leisure space with millions of users seeking trusted recommendations for food and entertainment. Check out their profiles on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
Cocoon
Cocoon, founded by Karl Chong, is an inviting, 18,000 sq ft playground designed for families to learn and socialize. This Montessori and Reggio Emilia-inspired community nurtures creativity and independence in children. Their Facebook page provides more information and updates.
Summer
Summer, founded by Paul Kromidas and Woods Buckley, is a startup with a vision of making vacation home ownership accessible to all. They have various product offerings to eliminate friction in the process of vacation home buying. Check out their pages on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for more info.
VCR Group
The VCR Group, co-founded by David Rodolitz, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Josh Capon aim to create unique restaurant and hospitality concepts integrated with digital experiences. To learn more about their projects, you can follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
The impressive range and depth of innovation shown by these startups underline the dynamic nature of York’s hospitality industry, heralding a positive future for the city’s business ecosystem even amidst challenging external circumstances.
