STAR ITEMS
Around our dinner table, after school, on trips and throughout my daughter Rachel’s life, I’ve asked her a question that became our ritual: “What was your star item?” A moment, a highlight, something that made an event or the day shine the brightest. Beginning this month, with your help that tradition expands to your conversations, dinner table, and trips. My STAR ITEMS THIS MONTH will become OUR STAR ITEMS NEXT MONTH. Each issue will spotlight moments, experiences, wins, and highlights drawn from my travels and most importantly yours. Here are a few pictures of my family’s recent epic Route 66 Trip of a lifetime. After planning for years...We drove 2,604 miles from ORD to LAX via the Navy Pier and Santa Monica Pier (detour Vegas). I drove 66 hours with many priceless moments, dialogue and great food; had the best home made burrito from a gas station/Newkirk, NM post office (perfection). Hospitality is built on stories, connection, and the small sparks that stay with us. I invite you to share the moments that stood out in your life, your operation, your travels, or your meals. Together, we’ll build a collection of unique star items and perhaps do a best of list!
2026
Clockwise from the top left: Winslow, AZ — “Take It Easy.” The gas station sign reading “home made burritos” caught my attention. The pork and red Hatch chile burrito was pure perfection. Gallup, NM Visitor Center. And the unanimous star item of the trip: feeding the wild burros in Oatman, AZ.
Submit your star items to Andrew@HospitalityNewsNY.com Subject line: Star Item
Hospitality News / National Edition / Sept 2026 / Page 68
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