New research spotlights the impact restaurants have on local economies, communities and diners, and what it takes to help them thrive

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For more than 28 years, OpenTable has worked alongside restaurants to help them fill tables, connect with diners, and grow their businesses. Today, the global restaurant tech platform which seats 2 billion diners annually is putting restaurants in the spotlight with the release of its first U.S. Restaurant Impact Report: new research examining the vital role restaurants play in local economies, communities, and everyday life, and the role diners play in supporting the dining ecosystem.

With U.S. dining up 11% year-over-year¹ at OpenTable restaurants, that impact is only growing. Full tables can drive spending and foot traffic for surrounding businesses, support jobs, and create spaces where people celebrate, reconnect and become regulars.

Among the findings:

- Dining out has an economic ripple effect: 60% of diners spend money at neighboring businesses before or after their meal, spending an additional $138 on average. This rises to $171 on average for Gen Z and $158 for Millenials.2

- Restaurants foster community and connection: 84% of diners say dining locally enhances their personal and social wellbeing, while 88% say restaurants are important to building a sense of community.2

- Supporting restaurants goes beyond the check: 47% of diners say understanding the financial impact of a no-show would make them more likely to honor or properly cancel a reservation.2 Restaurant operators estimate a no-show table for two costs $80 on average.3

"Helping restaurants thrive is our number one mission at OpenTable, and this report underscores the often unseen value they bring to local neighborhoods," said Amy Wei, Chief Operations Officer of OpenTable. "We hope these insights celebrate the hard work of hospitality teams and remind diners of the vital role they play in keeping their favorite spots vibrant."

Restaurants Fuel Employment and Local Economies

According to the National Restaurant Association, total restaurant and foodservice sales are expected to reach a record 1.55 trillion this year, a 4.8% increase from 2025. These contributions fuel additional spending across the economy, pushing the sector's total economic impact to $3.7T (roughly 16% of real GDP) and supporting 23M jobs and $1.2T in labor income.4

According to OpenTable data from the past 12 months, diners spend an average of $60 per person on restaurant meals, up 3% year-over-year.¹ They also spend an average of $138 at neighboring businesses before or after their meal.2

Restaurants also create opportunities within their communities. More than half (51%) of restaurant workers say their restaurant hires young people without formal qualifications, 39% employ people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, and 19% employ refugees or recently arrived migrants.3

Restaurants Drive Community and Personal Wellbeing

Diners see their local restaurants as much more than places to eat: 43% describe them as somewhere to reconnect with friends and family, 32% say they are part of their weekly routine, and 31% call them a source of comfort.2

Nearly one in four call their local restaurant their "third place" outside of home and work, rising to 39% of Gen Z.2 And those relationships are felt on both sides of the table: 81% of restaurant workers say they greet regulars by name, while 73% know their usual order.3

"Beyond just a meal, people dine out for a sense of belonging to a place and a story that is not theirs. For the comfort of being seen by strangers. And for the ease of eating without any of the burden of waste or cleaning that comes with cooking for ourselves at home," said Jason Hammel, Chef Owner of Lula Cafe and LouLou in Chicago.

Hospitality Works Both Ways

For restaurants, every reservation informs decisions behind the scenes, from staffing and food preparation to whether another diner can take the table. Yet while two-thirds (67%) of diners recognize that failing to show up can seriously harm a restaurant's business, 28% say they have missed a reservation without cancelling at least once in the past year.2

Restaurant workers say no-shows can mean turning away another booking (56%), absorbing staff costs (51%) and wasting food or stock (49%), underscoring how one empty table can have ripple effects across the business.3

OpenTable is working to make that relationship easier to navigate. Diners can quickly modify or cancel reservations when plans change and even direct message restaurants within the app. Restaurants can use tools including deposits and credit card holds, prepaid Experiences, automated confirmations and reminders, online waitlists and Notify Me to manage demand and minimize no-shows.

For diners, supporting restaurants can be as simple as showing up – or cancelling as soon as plans change. Because when a table is filled, the impact extends far beyond the restaurant, helping the people, businesses and neighborhoods around it thrive.

For expanded results and more findings, the full U.S. Restaurant Impact Report is available at https://www.opentable.com/restaurant-solutions/research/restaurant-impact-report/

Methodologies:

1OpenTable Dining Data: OpenTable looked at seated diners and average spend per person from online reservations for all active restaurants on the OpenTable platform in the US from July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026 and compared it to the same time period in 2024/2025 (July 2, 2024 - July 1, 2025).

2Diner Consumer Research: An online survey was conducted by Ripple Research among 1501 US general consumers who dine out at restaurants, with major cities weighted at 250. Fieldwork was carried out between July 28, 2026 and August 4, 2026. All data was collected in accordance with MRS (Market Research Society) and ESOMAR guidelines, ensuring ethical standards and robust data quality.

3Restaurant Consumer Research: An online survey was conducted by Ripple Research among 355 US restaurant workers. Fieldwork was carried out between July 28, 2026 and August 4, 2026. All data was collected in accordance with MRS (Market Research Society) and ESOMAR guidelines, ensuring ethical standards and robust data quality.

4National Restaurant Association, State of the Restaurant Industry 2026

About OpenTable

OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant tech and part of Booking Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), helps more than 70,000 restaurants worldwide fill 2 billion seats a year. OpenTable's world-class technology empowers restaurants to focus on what matters most – their team, their guests, and their bottom line – while enabling diners to discover and book the perfect restaurant for every occasion.

SOURCE OpenTable, Inc.

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New Zelle affordable date night guide highlights budget-friendly experiences and local small businesses across the New York City boroughs. Kickoff event on St. George line October 1.

NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dating in New York City can be expensive. Getting there doesn't have to be.

Starting October 1, Zelle is partnering with NYC Ferry to sponsor rides on a different route every Thursday throughout October, helping New Yorkers explore more of the city and support local small businesses without adding another expense to date night.

"New York City has endless possibilities for a memorable date, and a great night out shouldn't depend on how much you spend," said Denise Leonhard, general manager of Zelle. "By covering select ferry rides throughout October and highlighting experiences across the city, Zelle is helping New Yorkers spend less getting to their dates so they can spend more with the local businesses that make the city special."

Your Affordable Date Night, Planned

Along with the sponsored ferry rides, Zelle is launching the Zelle NYC Affordable Date Night Guide, a collection of budget-friendly date spots across the boroughs.

Created with Gen Z culture creator Ellie Williams, founder of "For the Girls," a popular, community-driven New York City lifestyle and nightlife publication, the guide takes New Yorkers from the ferry to the date, highlighting affordable experiences and local businesses near popular NYC Ferry stops.

The guide, which puts local small businesses at the center of date night, includes spots like:

- Brooklyn's Electrix Vintage and Saint Street Cakes

- Manhattan's Upper East Side Petals and Milkweed Studio

- Queens' BrickHouse Ceramic Art Center

- Staten Island's Native Rose Coffee

- The Bronx's Delicioso Coco Helado

"My generation is rethinking what a good night out looks like. It's less about the price tag and more about the experience, like discovering a new neighborhood, supporting a local spot and having a story to tell after," said Ellie Williams, Gen Z culture creator and founder of For the Girls.1

"At Upper East Side Petals, we want purchasing flowers to feel as seamless as receiving them," said Joey K., owner of Upper East Side Petals. "Zelle gives our customers a convenient way to pay directly using a QR code, making the process simple for our customers and our business."

Thursdays Are on Zelle

Each Thursday in October, Zelle will pick up the fare on a different NYC Ferry route, giving New Yorkers an opportunity to explore date-night destinations across the city:

- October 1: St. George

- October 8: East River

- October 15: Rockaway–Soundview

- October 22: South Brooklyn

- October 29: Astoria

The partnership between Zelle and NYC Ferry builds on the recently released Zelle New Economics of Dating Report, which found rising costs are changing how Gen Z and millennial consumers approach dating—from where they go and how much they spend to what they consider financial green flags and "icks".

October 1: Kick Off Date Night on the Water

On Thursday, Oct. 1, New Yorkers are invited to start date night aboard NYC Ferry. From 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the St. George route that departs from Midtown West at 4:54 p.m., Zelle will host a one-night-only kickoff event featuring local small businesses, harbor views, treats, giveaways and beverages. Please note that onboard space is limited and passengers may need to wait for a subsequent departure if a vessel is at capacity.

Riders can also get a lighthearted look at two questions that often come up in modern dating: Are we astrologically compatible—and are we financially compatible? An astrologer and personal finance expert Ashley Feinstein Gerstley will be on board to share their perspectives.

Grab a date or a friend and come aboard. The ferry fare is covered by Zelle for the event, and event offerings will be available while supplies last.

NYC Ferry operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. One-way tickets are valid for one way only and cannot be used for a round trip. Activating a ticket does not guarantee entry onboard. Times subject to change.

Download the Zelle NYC Affordable Date Night Guide here: https://www.zelle.com/Zelle-NYC-Affordable-Date-Night-Guide

About Zelle®

Zelle® powers fast, reliable person-to-person digital payments, moving more than $1 trillion between millions of consumer and small business accounts at United States banks and credit unions. Available through a network of more than 2,400 financial institutions, Zelle® enables people to send and receive money directly – without cash, checks or third-party apps. Zelle® is owned and operated by Early Warning Services, LLC, which works with America's banks, credit unions and government agencies to drive prosperity, deliver bold innovation and improve how payments are made. Learn more at www.zelle.com.

1 The quote featured was obtained via a paid partnership with Ellie Williams in September 2026.

SOURCE Zelle

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Plus: Top Cineverse FAST Channels including The Dog Whisperer and The Bob Ross Channel Now Available on Fire TV Devices

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cineverse (Nasdaq: CNVS), an entertainment technology company and studio, has announced the launch of eight video podcasts on Amazon Fire TV. This marks the company's first major distribution of ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) podcasts (VODcasts), furthering its commitment to growing the Cineverse Podcast Network – including horror shows from Bloody FM and comedy from the WITZ Podcast Network.

Additionally, some of Cineverse's most popular free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels are also available via Fire TV.

Shows now available to all Amazon Fire TV customers – with no download, sign-ups, or fees – include:

- Bad Movies Rule! – A comedy podcast for people who love so-called bad movies - those that have been declared bad by critics or audiences to see if they really deserve to be on the trash pile or if they actually rule.

- Mohr Stories with Jay Mohr – hosted by comedian/actor and SNL alum Jay Mohr, featuring candid, often humorous interviews with celebrities, comics, and cultural figures. Discussions span careers, personal stories, and life in Hollywood, sometimes including in-depth, emotional, or nostalgic conversations.

- The Stand Comedy Club Presents: 10 for 10 – 10 for 10 is The Stand Comedy Club's signature series celebrating a decade (and counting) of the club's raw, transformative impact on stand-up comedy. Hosted by the sharp and seasoned Kieran McCann, each episode dives deep with a standout comedian who calls The Stand home- unpacking the grind, the bombs, the breakthroughs, the green-room chaos, and the nights that changed everything. Past guests include Jim Gaffigan, Shane Gillis, Ari Shaffir, Janeane Garofalo, T.J. Miller and more!

"The trend toward video podcasts is well documented, with every major platform getting into the game, and Fire TV is the latest sign of our commitment to reaching audiences where and how they want to consume," said Tom Owen, Vice President, Networks Strategy. "According to Sounds Profitable, 71% of podcast creators are producing video, and revenue for video podcasts is estimated to be 12x higher per year than for audio-only. We are embracing this reality and will continue to do so moving forward."

Additionally, customers can now instantly access these Cineverse FAST channels for free on Fire TV:

- The Bob Ross Channel – home to more than 400 episodes of The Joy of Painting.

- Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan – featuring all nine seasons and 160 episodes of the popular series.

- GoPro Channel – features exhilarating, first-person action sports content from across the globe.

- HISTORIAN – a variety of history-based programming, in partnership with American Public Television, where viewers can watch history unfold.

- JoySauce TV – dedicated to American Asian audiences.

- Real Madrid TV – comprehensive behind-the-scenes access to one of the world's most successful soccer clubs, delivering match highlights, exclusive interviews and documentaries.

- Yu-Gi-Oh! – features nearly 400 hours of episodes spanning iconic titles like Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters, Yu-Gi-Oh! SEVENS, and the movie Yu-Gi-Oh! The Dark Side of Dimensions.

"We're thrilled to also be adding these FAST channels for Amazon Fire TV customers," added Cineverse Vice President of Partnerships Alexandra Viglione. "From established leaders in Dog Whisperer and Bob Ross, to new channels like HISTORIAN and JoySauce, fans of any IP or genre can find something they enjoy through Fire TV devices."

About Cineverse Podcast Network

Cineverse operates a top-10 podcast network with more than 35 audio series. It leverages owned-and-operated brands like Bloody Disgusting, Midnight Pulp and RetroCrush to deliver hit shows in horror, true crime and entertainment, also recently expanding into comedy programming with the launch of WITZ Podcast Network in partnership with The Stand Group. A growing division of the Company, the Cineverse Podcast Network generates advertising revenue from brands across key categories, including movie studios, retailers and consumer products. Series include Mayfair Watchers Society (from the mind of Siren Head creator Trevor Henderson), The Bloody Disgusting Podcast (hosted by Zena Dixon and Shelby Novak), Creepy Places (a true crime podcast hosted by Jon Grilz), The Dead (in partnership with The George A. Romero Foundation), The Losers Club (breaking down Stephen King's career chronologically), Murder in America (co-hosted by Courtney Shannon & Colin Browen), and more.

About Cineverse Streaming

Cineverse owns and/or operates a wide range of premium streaming brands, from free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels to subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) apps. These span fandoms – from single IP channels around pop cultural icons such as Bob Ross and The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Milan, to channels curated for fans of Horror (Screambox, Midnight Pulp), Anime and Pan-Asian shows and films (RetroCrush, AsianCrush), Comedy (Gorilla Comedy+), Independent Film (Fandor), Romance (Dove Channel) and True Crime (Crime Hunters), to name a few.

About Cineverse

Cineverse (Nasdaq: CNVS) is an entertainment technology company and studio. Fiercely innovative and independent, Cineverse develops and invests in technology and content that drives the future of the industry. Core to its business is Matchpoint® – a growing tech ecosystem designed to prepare, distribute, monetize, and continuously improve content across any platform. Matchpoint helps studios large and small operate at scale and improve performance and efficiency in an increasingly fragmented distribution environment. Additionally, Cineverse distributes a vast library of premium films, series, and podcasts, across theatrical, home entertainment, and streaming; operates dozens of digital properties that super serve passionate fandoms around the world; and works with leading brands to connect them with audiences they value. From award-winning technology to the highest-grossing unrated film in U.S. history, Cineverse has created a playbook that marries tech and content to redefine the next era of entertainment. For more information, visit cineverse.com.

Media Contact:

The Lippin Group for Cineverse

[email protected]

Investor Contact:

Julie Milstead

[email protected]

SOURCE Cineverse Corp.

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Forward Predict is Now Generally Available, Advancing Safer Agentic NetOps and Autonomous Networking

Early customers across financial services, media, and technology are already reducing network change risk and accelerating delivery with Forward Predict

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Forward today announced that Forward Predict, a first-of-its-kind capability and critical enabler of safe Agentic NetOps, is now generally available. Forward Predict deterministically shows the impact of proposed network changes before they touch production. Built on Forward Enterprise's mathematically accurate digital twin, Forward Predict gives AI agents and human teams proof of how a change will affect network connectivity, security, and compliance at design time, providing the verification and guardrails Agentic NetOps requires. Since its beta launch in May, organizations across financial services, media, and technology have used Forward Predict to reduce change risk and accelerate delivery.

"Know before you act is more than a tagline, it's the operating model Agentic NetOps requires," said Nikhil Handigol, Chief AI Officer and co-founder of Forward. "AI agents can propose change at machine speed, but speed without proof of correctness just accelerates risk. Forward Predict verifies the impact of every proposed change with Forward's mathematically accurate digital twin before execution. That gives agents the evidence they need to operate safely, and gives engineers the confidence to move faster."

The Proof Layer for Safer Agentic NetOps

Safe Agentic NetOps depends on knowing what a proposed change will do before AI acts. Network change has always carried three specific, definable risks: security exposure, connectivity failure, and compliance violation. Without a mathematically accurate model of the production network to test against, those risks remain hidden until they surface as a breach, an outage, or an audit finding. Forward Predict makes them visible at design time, before a change reaches production.

- Predict network behavior before production. Model BGP, routing, path, ACL, and NAT changes against the digital twin to understand their impact on connectivity before deployment.

- Verify security and compliance impact. Test proposed changes against segmentation, reachability, and compliance requirements to surface risk at design time.

- Predict firewall behavior. Model proposed firewall-rule changes through the same prediction pipeline, including end-to-end reachability and isolation checks.

- Regression-test every change. Test proposed changes against required network behavior and vendor-specific configuration logic before they reach production. Unit testing for your network.

Proven in Beta

Since May, Forward Predict has been deployed in beta across financial services, media, and technology companies, including IG Group.

"We've been using Forward Predict for a few months now and continue to find new use cases," said Steve Bamford, Senior Network Engineer at IG Group. "We extended it from validating our BGP and routing changes to our firewall rule workflow, where automated path checks now catch requests for rules that aren't even necessary before they're implemented. That's cut our firewall change delivery time by roughly 95 percent and is saving our engineers more than 30 hours of manual work every month."

Across the beta program, customers reduced change risk, accelerated delivery, and created measurable business value. One global company expects Forward Predict to deliver more than $3 million in annual benefits by reducing manual effort and improving change execution.

Forward Enterprise Continues to Expand

Forward continues to deepen the capabilities of Forward Enterprise, adding new integrations, security intelligence, and ways to access verified network knowledge across the same mathematically accurate digital twin.

- Broader hybrid and multi-cloud coverage: Zscaler ZPA and IBM Cloud are now generally available, modeled in the same digital twin as the rest of the network.

- Deeper multi-vendor support: Nine new devices across six vendors, including Cisco FMC and FTD, Check Point Maestro, and F5 Velos.

- Expanded security and compliance: New CIS-certified benchmarks, updated DISA STIG support, and vulnerability intelligence enriched with KEV and CWE classifications.

- More accessible network intelligence: Forward AI, Network Maps, and enhancements to NQE make verified network knowledge easier to access and use.

From Safer Agentic NetOps to Autonomous Networking

AI agents can generate and propose network changes at machine speed. However, if they are acting on stale data, assumptions, or without proper context, they cannot act safely. Forward Predict provides the proof layer between AI intent and production. Proposed changes can be tested end to end against the actual state of the network, exposing connectivity, security, and compliance impact before execution. When a change fails validation, specific evidence shows why, giving people and agents the information needed to revise the change before it reaches production.

That ability to know before AI acts is a critical step from safer Agentic NetOps toward trusted autonomous networking.

Availability

Forward Predict is generally available today. Interested organizations can request a free trial.

About Forward

Forward makes safe autonomous networking possible. The company's mathematically accurate network digital twin delivers deterministic proof of how any change will affect the production network before it is made, giving organizations the behavioral insight they need to move fast, operate securely, and scale with confidence across multi-vendor environments and every major cloud, including AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and IBM.

Global leaders, including Goldman Sachs, PayPal, S&P Global, IBM, and Dell, alongside other Fortune 500 enterprises, fast-growing companies, and government agencies, rely on Forward to ensure network behavior matches intent. According to a recent IDC report, the average Forward customer experiences $14.2M in annual benefits through improved efficiency and security.

Backed by A. Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Goldman Sachs, MSD Partners, Omega Venture Partners, Section 32, and Threshold Ventures, Forward is headquartered in Santa Clara, California. For more information, visit www.forwardnetworks.com.

Media Contacts:

Dustin Rausa

[email protected]

Dawn Slusher

[email protected]

SOURCE Forward Networks, Inc.

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CommanderAI Launches Mobile App, Putting AI-Powered Sales in the Hands of Field Reps Across Waste, Recycling, and Scrap

New app brings Global Search, automated prospect follow-up, photo-to-lead capture, and Commander Go AI to the truck, the job site, and everywhere in between

MARINA DEL REY, Calif., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CommanderAI, the leading go-to-market (GTM) platform providing AI-powered sales and CRM for the waste, recycling, and scrap industries, today announced the launch of its mobile app for iOS and Android. The app extends the full capabilities of CommanderAI's vertical SaaS platform to field sales representatives, giving haulers, recyclers, and scrap operators the ability to find, work, and close new accounts from anywhere.

Field sales in waste has always been a windshield-time business. Reps spot a new construction fence, a competitor's container behind a strip mall, or a facility that just opened, and the lead lives in a notebook or a memory until they get back to a desk. The CommanderAI mobile app closes that gap. A rep can now photograph signage, a truck, or a location and start prospecting that account on the spot, with company and decision-maker data populated automatically.

"Our customers' best salespeople aren't sitting at a desk. They're on routes, at transfer stations, and in front of customers," said David Berg, Founder & CEO, CommanderAI. "Until now, the moment a rep saw an opportunity in the field and the moment they could act on it were hours apart. We built this app to make those the same moment. See it, snap it, and Commander takes it from there."

The app includes CommanderAI's new Global Search, which lets reps find any contact at any company and add them to the pipeline in a single tap - now from the field. New prospects are delivered directly to the app, where reps swipe right to pursue or left to pass, and Commander automatically kicks off follow-up in real time, whether that's a personalized email, a call, or enrollment in a multi-step sales and marketing sequence.

Key capabilities of the CommanderAI mobile app include:

- Global Search on the go: Search any company or contact, surface ICP-matched decision makers, and add them to the pipeline instantly.

- Photo-to-lead capture: Photograph a sign, a truck, or a job site to create a new prospect and begin outreach immediately.

- Swipe-to-prospect: New leads arrive in the app automatically; reps swipe to pursue or pass, and follow-up begins in real time.

- Full account workflow: Log notes, place and log calls, send emails, set follow-up targets, and enroll accounts in sequential sales and marketing communications.

- Commander Go: Full AI integration in the palm of a rep's hand, including AI-generated outreach and next-step recommendations.

- Native integrations: Fully connected to each rep's email, phone, and calendar, so every call, message, and meeting is logged without manual entry.

The mobile app is available immediately to CommanderAI customers. For more information, visit https://www.commanderai.com/features/mobile-app.

About CommanderAI CommanderAI is the only go-to-market platform built exclusively for waste, recycling, and scrap haulers. Combining AI-powered prospecting, sales intelligence, and CRM in a single platform, CommanderAI has generated more than 85,000 leads for its customers and helps haulers of every size find, qualify, and close new accounts faster. CommanderAI is headquartered in Los Angeles. Learn more at www.commanderai.com.

SOURCE CommanderAI

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Refreshed menu lineup, a new group competition game and streamlined catering operations mark the venue's biggest events evolution in years

DALLAS, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Topgolf, the ultimate sports, entertainment and golf destination, is rolling out a refresh of its event offerings, introducing four new signature event menus, a new interactive team competition game, and a series of operational upgrades designed to give meeting and event planners more flexibility while elevating food quality and service for corporate groups, holiday parties and social gatherings.

Since its inception, Topgolf has redefined what a party or group event can be, combining sport, entertainment and hospitality into a single, unforgettable experience. This rollout marks Topgolf's first major update to its event menu program in recent years, arriving just ahead of peak holiday booking season.

"Events are core to the Topgolf experience, and this update takes that experience to the next level, right as we head into our busiest events season of the year," said David McKillips, CEO at Topgolf. "This evolution gives planners more flexibility and a smoother experience from booking to the last bite. These enhancements, paired with an elevated culinary program and streamlined execution, will continue to set Topgolf apart as the ultimate venue for celebrations, corporate events and everything in between."

New Signature Event Menus

Topgolf is replacing its legacy event menu with four newly developed, chef-driven buffet concepts, each designed around fresh, customizable formats rather than pre-fixed menus:

- Modern Mediterranean: a build-your-own salad and bowl bar featuring choices like chicken shawarma, grilled steak and lemon butter shrimp alongside fresh Mediterranean sides and sauces.

- Cantina Kitchen: a southwest-inspired taco, nacho and bowl bar with chicken tinga and fajita beef protein options.

- Taste of Topgolf: crowd favorite shareables that include sliders and a Roman-crust pizza spread spanning global flavors, with vegetarian options.

- Chef's Table: a premium, chef-crafted entrée menu featuring options like beef tenderloin and buttery herb salmon, positioned for milestone celebrations and executive events.

Event planners can customize menus further with a new à la carte list of add-on proteins, sliders, sides and whole pizzas. The list includes gluten-friendly, vegan and vegetarian options, making it easier to accommodate dietary needs across a group.

New Interactive Team Competition Game and Entertainment Beyond the Bays

Covered, climate-controlled bays keep game play comfortable year-round, rain, cold or heat, while proprietary games make every guest a participant regardless of golf experience.

Alongside the new menus, Topgolf is introducing a fully refreshed TopContender experience, now completely tech-enabled and redesigned to give corporate and social groups a more competitive, connected way to play. The updated format supports both team and individual scoring, with guests able to scan a QR code at the end of the game to see instant results across their entire group, even when spread across multiple bays. Groups can also connect and compete against other Topgolf locations, whether across town or across the country.

Groups can now extend the fun beyond the bay with new arcade experiences. From interactive augmented darts experiences in bar and lounge spaces to family-friendly arcades and redemption game rooms designed to engage guests of all ages, each venue has a curated offering of sports and arcade classics, racing and driving games, immersive experiences, redemption games and family favorites.

Limited-Time Holiday Menus and Promotions

For the 2026 holiday season, Topgolf is debuting two new limited-time menus available October 28, 2026 through January 31, 2027:

- Holiday Taste of Topgolf: the full Taste of Topgolf menu plus four seasonal additions, including Prime Rib Sliders and Lobster Mac and Cheese.

- Festive Fare: a curated, pre-fixed holiday menu featuring Prime Rib Sliders, Lobster Mac and Cheese, Coconut Shrimp, Chicken Potstickers, Italian Meatballs and a Holiday Dessert Duo of mini beignets and churro bites.

To add to the merriment of the season, Topgolf is also offering several holiday promotions for group bookings:

- Holiday Bonus Card: Guests attending a Topgolf holiday event between November 1 and December 31 will receive a $15 game play bonus card, redeemable through March 31, 2027, giving groups an easy incentive to come back and play again after their event.

- Merry Mondays: Groups booking a 2+ bay holiday party on a Monday in December will receive half-off game play, available at all U.S. Topgolf venues for events hosted November 30 through December 28.

- Fore the Holidays Early Bird Incentives: Planners booking a holiday party for 25+ guests between November 30 and December 30 by October 31 will have the opportunity to pick an exclusive perk for their event.

Elevated Catering Operations

To support the new menus, Topgolf has also introduced venue-wide operational upgrades including new event tables that remain on the Teeline and eliminate the need for linens and storage transport, modernized buffet displays and serving equipment, and a revised service model. Buffets will now be set up and maintained by a dedicated Service Support Lead. This shift from the previous model will allow event staff to focus on guest experience. Topgolf is also increasing buffet frequency to one buffet per 30 guests, up from one per 50, to improve freshness and reduce wait times.

Availability

The new year-round event menus are now available for booking for events hosted October 28, 2026, and beyond. Holiday menus and promotions are available for events hosted October 28, 2026, through January 31, 2027.

Full menu details, including pricing, are available through Topgolf's sales team and updated digital event guides at topgolf.com/us/plan-an-event.

About Topgolf

Topgolf is the ultimate instigator of play. Thanks to our 100+ venues around the globe, which are powered by industry-leading Toptracer technology, we're leading the charge of modern golf. We offer a variety of tech-driven games, a top-tier food and drink menu, space to host large events, and a vibe focused on more play for all. To learn more, plan an event or make plans to come play around, visit www.topgolf.com.

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Topgolf

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Multi-Time INDYCAR Race Winner to Pilot No. 9 PNC Bank Honda Beginning in 2027

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) has signed Danish driver Christian Lundgaard to a multi-year contract to drive the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda for the winningest team in NTT INDYCAR SERIES history.

A three-time INDYCAR winner at just 25 years old, Lundgaard has 16 podiums and 21 top-five finishes in 87 career INDYCAR starts. In 2026, he won races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course and at Road America, and he secured a career-best third-place finish in the INDYCAR championship standings.

Lundgaard will join teammates Alex Palou and Kyffin Simpson as part of the CGR's 2027 driver lineup.

Notes of Interest:

- Career So Far: Lundgaard has quickly become a well-rounded INDYCAR talent, scoring victories on both road and street circuits and scoring his first oval podium in 2026. The 25-year-old was briefly a simulator driver for the Alpine F1 Team and Lundgaard came to INDYCAR in 2021. He scored his first podium a year later and won his first race in 2023 at Toronto – a victory that made him the first Danish driver to win an INDYCAR race. Lundgaard graduated into single seater racing after starting in karts and the formula ranks, and he spent three seasons in Formula 2, where he won multiple races and scored nine podiums.

- #BankOnThe9: PNC Bank will continue its longstanding partnership with Chip Ganassi Racing on the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda next season. PNC Bank has been a partner of CGR since 2013 and a primary partner on the No. 9 since 2018. They have celebrated six INDYCAR championships with CGR, two of which were with the No. 9 team. With approximately 2,300 branches and 58,000 employees, PNC is one of the largest financial institutions in the U.S.

- Leading the Field: With 18 championships since 1996, Chip Ganassi Racing has quickly become one of the most successful sports organizations in American history. CGR's 18 INDYCAR championships equal the NBA's all-time franchise record, exceeding every NFL franchise and the leading organizations in Formula 1 and NASCAR, trailing only the New York Yankees (27) and Montreal Canadiens (24) among record holders in North America pro sports. No Big Four franchise has approached CGR's championship production, with CGR achieving all its championships across just 31 seasons. Since 1990, no NFL, NBA, MLB or NHL franchise has won more than six championships.

Quoteboard:

- Chip Ganassi, Owner, Chip Ganassi Racing: "We are excited to welcome Christian to Chip Ganassi Racing. We know he's capable of accomplishing even more in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and we're looking forward to helping him reach that next level with the No. 9 team. He's already proven he can win races, and it isn't often a driver of his caliber becomes available. Throughout our history, one of the things we've done best is identify young talent, help them maximize their potential, and develop them into championship contenders. We believe Christian has all the talent to be the next driver to do that."

- Christian Lundgaard, Driver, Chip Ganassi Racing: "It is an honor and a privilege to join Chip Ganassi Racing beginning next season. The fact that it is in the iconic No. 9 PNC Bank Honda makes it even more special. CGR has set the standard in INDYCAR for decades, and the opportunity to be part of that legacy is something I've worked toward my entire career. I'm incredibly excited about what's ahead. I can't wait to get to work with everyone at Chip Ganassi Racing and compete for wins, championships, and the Indianapolis 500."

- Lou Cestello, head of Regional Presidents for PNC Bank: "We are excited to begin a new era with Chip Ganassi Racing and what's ahead with Christian taking the wheel of the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda. He's already achieved some remarkable milestones early in his career, and we're looking forward to watching him build on that success in 2027 and beyond."

About Chip Ganassi Racing

Chip Ganassi has been a fixture in the auto racing industry for over 35 years and is considered one of the most successful and innovative owners in motorsports. Today, his teams include three Honda cars in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and four entries in INDY NXT by Firestone. Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) has won 25 championships and over 275 races, including six wins in the Indianapolis 500, eight Rolex 24 At Daytona victories, and wins in the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. CGR boasts a state-of-the-art facility in Indianapolis, where the INDYCAR and INDY NXT teams are located, and a corporate office in Pittsburgh. For more information, visit ChipGanassiRacing.com.

SOURCE Chip Ganassi Racing Teams

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Bringing Soft Lines And Distinctive Weaves That Bring Warmth And Depth To Personal, Lived-In Spaces

NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ernesta, a leader in custom rugs, today introduces nine new styles, including the Modern Geometry collection, where soft lines, distinctive weaves and dynamic textures form patterns instead of color, and expands its recently launched Earth Tones line. Crafted from premium natural fibers like wool, jute, and cotton, the collections channel warmth and softness with striking pieces designed to be the focal point of open, shared spaces where their textural pattern can be fully appreciated.

"With Modern Geometry, we're answering something designers have been asking us for: rugs with the depth and durability to anchor a room, not just decorate it," said Rosa Glenn, Chief Merchandising Officer at Ernesta. "It's the same philosophy behind our latest additions to Earth Tones. Whether it's texture or tone doing the work, every style across these collections brings warm tones and tactile detail into a room, turning it into a retreat that's made to last for years to come."

Rather than relying on color, each style in Modern Geometry builds its pattern through texture, as high-low pile, weave and construction come together to create seven distinct styles. The collection spans hand-knotted, hand-tufted and handwoven constructions in wool, jute and cotton, with pile heights and pattern scale varying by style.

As with every Ernesta rug, each design is custom-sized to the inch, allowing customers to fit the collection's textures and patterns to any room.

The new styles include:

- Alya: A hand-knotted wool shag with a deep, enveloping pile, so its texture stands entirely on its own, softened by a series of finishing washes to minimize shedding from the start.

- Amos: A handwoven, undyed wool rug with a sculptural, high-low surface, alternating thick pile with flatwoven sections for a patchwork-like texture rather than a set repeat.

- Claudia: A wool flatweave with a fine-lined chevron pattern, drawn out into a wider zigzag for a graphic, rhythmic look that still feels light in a room.

- Dawson: A plush wool-cotton blend with a marled, tonal texture rather than a defined pattern, its color coming from the weave itself for a soft, forgiving foundation.

- Essie: A hand-tufted wool rug with a raised-bar pattern, its rows of bars sitting above a recessed base for a design built from height rather than color.

- Gemma: A hand-knotted wool rug that sets a flatweave against a plush pile, letting the pattern read in blocks of texture rather than color.

- Isla: A hand-loomed wool, jute, and cotton blend with a variegated, high-low stripe that shifts as it goes rather than forming straight lines, bringing movement to clean, streamlined spaces.

Ernesta is also expanding its recently launched Earth Tones collection with two new arrivals: Amber and Nadia. These natural-material, low-profile additions provide a warm and grounding presence for any room.

- Amber: A hand-loomed blend of wool and jute with a tonal, hardwearing weave, its low profile and muted earth tones built for high-traffic spaces.

- Nadia: A handwoven wool-cotton blend with a soft stripe, its color coming from a mix of yarn tones rather than dye, giving the pattern a warmth machine-made styles rarely match.

This launch continues Ernesta's commitment to premium, custom rugs that offer tailored aesthetics without compromise. Customers may also opt for an optional Protective Treatment for enhanced durability against spills. Every rug is custom-sized to the inch for a precise fit and typically delivered within 2–4 weeks. Through an expanding showroom network, Ernesta also provides enhanced services, including white glove delivery, installation, and specialty options such as stair runners and custom cutouts.

The Earth Tones and Modern Geometry Collections are now available at ernesta.com. To learn more or request samples, please visit the website or find a local Ernesta Showroom.

About Ernesta

Ernesta is America's largest retailer of custom-sized, designer-quality rugs. The company enables interior designers and homeowners to create beautifully tailored rugs in virtually any size, delivered in weeks rather than months. By combining premium materials, transparent pricing, personalized design guidance, and a seamless omnichannel shopping experience, Ernesta is transforming the purchasing process for one of the most important design elements in the home. Recognized by Good Housekeeping as a 2025 Home Renovation Awards winner, Ernesta is setting a new standard in home design.

SOURCE Ernesta

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Foss & Company's continued partnership with HCR shows how pairing the Small Building Participation Loan Program with state and federal Historic Tax Credits is unlocking capital for smaller-scale affordable housing projects across New York.

ALBANY, N.Y., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Foss & Company, a leading tax equity syndicator, today announced the closing of four historic rehabilitation investments in Buffalo, Albany, Fredonia, and Kingston, New York, supported by New York State Homes and Community Renewal's (HCR) Small Building Participation Loan Program (PLP). Together, the projects — the Eckhardt Building, the Selfridge & Langford Building, 343 Central, and 80 Washington Street — will create or preserve 156 affordable housing units, pairing PLP financing with state and federal Historic Tax Credits (HTC) to close financing gaps that HTC equity alone cannot bridge on smaller-scale rehabilitation projects.

"PLP is one of the more effective tools New York has for reaching the small and mid-sized buildings that larger financing structures tend to pass over," said John Sorel of Foss & Company. "When you pair it with historic tax credit equity, you get a model that works in Fredonia as well as it does in Buffalo — proof that public-private partnerships like this can scale across very different markets."

HCR administers PLP as part of its mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing while supporting community revitalization. The program provides low-interest financing specifically for rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of existing affordable housing, addressing a gap that has historically made smaller rehabilitation deals difficult to finance through conventional channels.

The Four Projects

Eckhardt Building — Buffalo, NY

A 1940s former department store in Buffalo's Broadway-Fillmore Historic District, now delivering 28 affordable apartments (rents restricted to an average of 65% AMI) and roughly 22,000 square feet of commercial space, fully leased to a nonprofit child day care provider. Construction is complete.

Selfridge & Langford Building — Albany, NY

A four-story former furniture showroom near the State Capitol, being converted into 49 rent-restricted units (up to 80% AMI) with approximately 3,900 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and shared resident amenities.

343 Central — Fredonia, NY

Rehabilitation of six existing multifamily properties totaling 40 units — sixteen one-bedroom and twenty-four two-bedroom apartments affordable at up to 80% AMI. Developer Good Carbon is incorporating geothermal systems and other efficiency upgrades.

80 Washington Street — Kingston, NY

Adaptive reuse of the former Home for the Aged of Ulster County into 39 affordable apartments (up to 80% AMI), open to tenants of any age, preserving a historic Hudson Valley asset.

"We're proud of our continued work with HCR," Sorel added, "and we'll keep building on this model of pairing PLP with historic tax credits to reach communities that need it most."

ABOUT FOSS & COMPANY

Founded in 1983, Foss & Company is a national tax equity investor and fund sponsor that, since its inception, has deployed over $11 billion in tax equity on behalf of insurance, banking, and other large corporate clients into historic rehabilitation projects, renewable energy, and advanced energy production facilities. Foss & Company is a full-service advisor with proven expertise in helping its partners navigate the world of tax equity investments. For more information about Foss & Company, please visit www.FossandCo.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations and projections, subject to risks including changes in tax law, construction/completion risks, energy production variability, and market conditions that could cause actual results to differ materially. Foss & Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements.

SOURCE Foss & Company

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DALLAS, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- American News Group News Commentary - The global rare earth magnets market is projected to grow from approximately $21.98 billion in 2025 to about $30.01 billion by 2030, a compound annual growth rate of roughly 6.4%, according to a report from ResearchAndMarkets.com, driven by demand from electric vehicles, wind turbines, robotics and consumer electronics. Building a domestic supply chain to feed that demand is no longer only a federal project. Increasingly, it is being assembled state by state, and Texas is making a strong case to be at the center of it. Active Companies from around the markets with current developments this week include: Tactical Resources Corp. (NASDAQ: TREO), MP Materials Corp. (NYSE: MP), USA Rare Earth, Inc. (NASDAQ: USAR), Critical Metals Corp. (NASDAQ: CRML), Ramaco Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ: METC).

Persistence Market Research sizes the magnet market at approximately $15.8 billion in 2026 and projects about $30.4 billion by 2033, a CAGR of roughly 9.8%, and identifies North America as the fastest-growing region at about 11.3% a year, a pace it ties to U.S. investment in domestic magnet supply chains. The firms measure the market differently, but both point to the same shift: more of the value chain moving back onto North American soil.

Texas already hosts the most visible piece of that effort. North Texas is home to the largest U.S. rare earth magnet manufacturing operation, and West Texas holds some of the country's best-known heavy rare earth ground in Hudspeth County. What connects those two ends of the state is not geology but relationships: offtake agreements, state and local incentives, utilities, rail, water and the industrial partners needed to move material from a quarry to a finished product. That is the gap a growing number of rare earth developers are trying to close, and it helps explain why commercial and regional networks have become as valuable to early-stage companies as technical data.

Tactical Resources Corp. (NASDAQ: TREO) Appoints P. Lourcey Sams, Chairman of the Pecos River Commission, as Special Advisor

Appointed as Special Advisor effective September 23, 2026.

Mr. Sams was appointed by the President in April 2026 as U.S. Commissioner and Chairman of the Pecos River Commission.

Nearly five decades of experience spanning energy, commercial development and regional economic development in Texas.

Role focused on commercial partnerships, stakeholder relationships and state and local funding opportunities across Texas and the Southern United States.

Serves in an advisory capacity and is not a director or officer of the Company.

Tactical Resources Corp. (NASDAQ: TREO), a U.S.-focused rare earth elements company, has announced the appointment of P. Lourcey Sams as Special Advisor, effective September 23, 2026. Mr. Sams was appointed by the President in April 2026 as U.S. Commissioner and Chairman of the Pecos River Commission. He is a Midland, Texas-based energy and business executive, co-founder, Chairman, CEO and President of Pennant Development and Production, LLC, and has served as President of Banner Energy, Inc. since 1988.

As Special Advisor, Mr. Sams will advise on market entry, expansion and commercialization strategies across Texas and the Southern United States. The Company said he will help identify and facilitate introductions to strategic partners, suppliers, customers, joint venture partners, feedstock providers, offtake partners and other commercial counterparties, and support relationship development with state and local government bodies, economic development agencies, industry associations, utilities, logistics providers and other regional stakeholders. His mandate also includes helping identify state and local funding, grant and economic development opportunities.

Mr. Sams began his career as Senior Landman for Amoco Production Company's West Texas and New Mexico Division and has more than forty years of experience in land, trade negotiation and government regulation. He served as CEO of Brazos Valley Water Alliance, L.P., is co-founder and President of the Pecos River Resolution Corporation, is Past Chairman of the Midland Development Corporation, and was appointed by Texas Governor Mark White to the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission.

"Lourcey brings decades of experience in energy, business and economic development, together with deep relationships across Texas," said Ranjeet Sundher, Chief Executive Officer of Tactical Resources. "As we advance the Peak Project into its next phase, his network and judgment will be valuable in helping us build strategic and commercial relationships, engage with regional stakeholders and identify opportunities that support our development strategy."

"Texas has the industrial base, the energy and the infrastructure to build a domestic rare earth supply chain," said Mr. Sams. "Tactical has material already out of the ground in West Texas. I want to help connect the company with the partners and opportunities that can move it forward."

That material is the core of the Peak Project in Hudspeth County, Texas. Peak sits within the active Sierra Blanca Quarry, roughly 90 miles southeast of El Paso, and focuses on rare earth-enriched pre-crushed fines stockpiles generated by years of railway ballast crushing. The Company has previously reported a heavy rare earth profile in its analytical dataset, has engaged Forte Dynamics Inc. to conduct a gap analysis and develop a roadmap toward a preliminary economic assessment, and began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on August 20, 2026.

Tactical Resources Corp. (NASDAQ: TREO) is a natural resources company focused on rare earth elements critical to advanced technologies, including semiconductors, electric vehicles, robotics, aerospace systems and national defense applications. The Company is advancing the Peak Project in Hudspeth County, Texas, as part of its strategy to help build a secure domestic supply chain and reduce reliance on foreign-controlled sources, and is also pursuing metallurgical processing and separation technologies.

There are several risks associated with the Company's plans. The Peak Project remains at an early stage: Tactical has not completed mineral resource estimation work, and no preliminary economic assessment, pre-feasibility study or feasibility study has been completed. The appointment of an advisor does not ensure that any partnership, offtake, funding, grant or other agreement will be obtained, and Mr. Sams serves in an advisory capacity only. As a recently listed company, Tactical will need additional financing to advance the project, which may not be available on acceptable terms, and its share price may be volatile. Readers should review the risk factors in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov, including the registration statement on Form F-4 filed in connection with the Company's Nasdaq listing and the Company's subsequent filings, and the forward-looking statements in the Company's releases.

Read this and more news from around the sector at: https://americannewsgroup.com/

In other industry developments and happenings in the market this week include:

MP Materials Corp. (NYSE: MP) has made North Texas the anchor of its magnet business. The company selected a 120-acre site in Northlake, Texas, for 10X, a planned rare earth magnet manufacturing campus less than 10 miles from its existing Independence facility in Fort Worth, with more than $1.25 billion of investment and over 1,500 jobs expected. MP said the project is supported by a significant state and local incentive package and a 10-year Pentagon offtake commitment.

Independence began commercial metal production in 2024 and produced its first alloy flake and finished magnets on commercial equipment in 2025. MP has said 10X will cement North Texas as the center of gravity for the U.S. rare earth magnet supply chain, a clear example of how state-level support and anchor customers are shaping where the domestic industry is being built.

USA Rare Earth, Inc. (NASDAQ: USAR), whose Round Top heavy rare earth and critical minerals deposit sits in Hudspeth County near Sierra Blanca, completed its combination with Serra Verde Group on September 3, 2026. Serra Verde's mining and processing operation in Goiás, Brazil began production in January 2024, and USA Rare Earth describes it as the only scaled producer of all four magnetic and other critical heavy rare earth elements outside Asia.

The transaction gives USA Rare Earth producing heavy rare earth feedstock while it continues to develop Round Top and its magnet manufacturing plans, and it illustrates how developers are pairing domestic resources with operating supply to shorten the path to customers.

Critical Metals Corp. (NASDAQ: CRML) reported on September 16, 2026 that testwork on concentrate from its Tanbreez rare earth project in Greenland achieved greater than 99% dissolution of eudialyte concentrate into 19 ultra-high-purity rare earth products. The company also released preliminary modelling for a proposed joint venture refinery in Romania, expected to receive 50% of Tanbreez concentrate under an existing term sheet.

Critical Metals shares traded sharply higher on September 21 after the United States announced a security agreement with Denmark covering Greenland, although commentators noted the agreement does not grant mining rights. The company's refinery economics remain preliminary and subject to further engineering, environmental studies and permitting.

Ramaco Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ: METC) offers a direct example of state support for an early-stage rare earth project. The company broke ground on a pilot processing plant and laboratory adjacent to its Brook Mine near Sheridan, Wyoming, supported by a $6.1 million matching grant from the Wyoming Energy Authority's Energy Matching Fund.