Virtual influencer as brand ambassador for Postillion Hotels
7-7-2020
Early 2021, Postillion Hotels will be the first Dutch hotel chain to enter into a long-term partnership with Esther Olofsson, the first virtual influencer in the Netherlands. This starts at the occasion of the opening of their new hotel in the World Trade Center (WTC) Rotterdam. Olofsson is fully computer generated and created by communication agency RauwCC. As a brand ambassador made from bits and bytes, she is prominent at the festive unveiling and opening of the new Postillion hotel and will be available as the most trusted city guide for hotel guests 24/7.
You can follow Esther Olofsson on her Instagram account, in addition, a complete profile of Esther has been compiled. For example: she was ‘born’ in Malmö, Sweden, is 29 years old and has lived in Rotterdam since 2019. Just like a real-life influencer, Esther works with local entrepreneurs and on behalf of brands that match her character and taste!
Reading time: 2 minutes
WATER³ natural mineral water | A sustainable choice for responsible consumers
7-7-2020
Very environmentally friendly WATER³ (Water Cubed) from DRINKS³ (Drinks Cubed), 100% recyclable, greater transport efficiencies versus conventional plastic bottles and made with 95% plant based materials. The team behind DRINKS3 has a mission to build a brand based on ethical production and planet sustainability that trail-blaze the rest of the drinks industry for a better tomorrow.
WATER³ natural mineral water is a sustainable choice for responsible consumers, the carton-bottles are made FSC® Certified, they generate 41% less CO2 than disposable PET multilayer bottles and are thus 100% recyclable. WATER³ is sold in the UK for at example at different Whole Foods locations, like Clapham Junction, Camden, Fulham, Kensington, Piccadilly Circus, Richmond and Stoke Newington.
Reading time: 1 minute
The Upside Down Amsterdam | The largest ‘Instagram museum’ in Europe
7-7-2020
On the third of July Anna Nooshin opened the doors of her own completely new Instagram museum: The Upside Down Amsterdam. After a year and a half of brainstorming, planning and searching for the perfect location, this dream has come true in collaboration with entrepreneur Hans Plesman. Visitors can immerse themselves in a completely new museum experience. The Upside Down Amsterdam also wants to activate social involvement and bring a deeper message. Attention is asked for ‘forgotten children’, among other things, with which they support the foundation ‘Het vergeten Kind’ (the Forgotten Child). The initiators believe that everyone has the right to play and that’s why they are opening up the experience to this target group in cooperation with the foundation.
“It’s great that after years this dream can finally be realised. With The Upside Down Amsterdam we want to create so much more than just an Instagram worthy museum. We want to tell a story about the Netherlands of today and give visitors and creatives the opportunity to fully develop themselves in our museum. In addition, one of our most important pillars besides entertainment is education and we will focus on lectures and master classes where experienced content creators and influencers share their creative passion with our visitors”, says Anna Nooshin.
Reading time: 1 minute
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants | Bid for Recovery
6-7-2020
Until this Sunday (July twelfth) all food and travel enthusiasts have the opportunity to bid for out-of-this-world gastronomic experiences with the world’s best chefs. The ‘Bid for Recovery’ Auction is organized by the organisation behind The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. The 50 Best ‘Bid for Recovery’ Auction is the largest global event of its kind, aiming to raise funds that will provide direct and tangible financial relief for restaurants worldwide as they emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic. The auction is a key fund-raising element of the 50 Best for Recovery programme, announced last month, in partnership with founding donor S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna.
The 50 Best ‘Bid for Recovery’ Auction does feature more than 100 lots, providing the opportunity for bidders to select from an array of the most extraordinary global gastronomic experiences imaginable, as well as rare and limited-edition items. For example the Dutch restaurant De Librije (***), offers a package that includes a food-and-wine pairing with Jonnie and Thérèse Boer, a dinner at their new Brass Boer Thuis restaurant, an overnight stay at Librije hotel including breakfast and a lunch at De Librije. Until now they’ve received 6 bids and the price is now 1.350,= pounds. Many more bid possibilities in the vicinity of the Netherlands! They also launched an e-cookbook with simple lockdown recipes by chefs, in exchange for an eight pound minimum donation. The proceeds of this e-cookbook will also go to the 50 Best Recovery Fund.
Trends we spotted | Week 26
30-6-2020
Here in the Netherlands it looks like we control the #Covid-19 outbreak and we’re trying to get used to the new normal. We wish all those living in areas where all the measurements against the pandemic are still in place to stay healthy and take care of each other.
At horecatrends.com or hospitalitytrends.eu we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’.
This week, among other links to articles about Prosecco Rosé that will hit the market in 2021 and about a Ramen Pizza, created by Pizza Hut and Japanese ramen chain Menya Musashi.
In Reykjavík ICE & FRIES opened their doors, a selfservice concept with a bionic bar. Two cocktail-shaking and dancing robots create more than 150 drinks per hour.
And in New York the city government is considering extensive road closures as part of its plans to slowly reopen its economy, The architecture and design company The Rockwell Group have created a modular kit to create safe terraces on the pavements.
Airbnb is going to measure discrimination at their platform, they’re creating a system in cooperation with Color Of Change and with guidance from civil rights and privacy rights organizations. The project is called Project Lighthouse. And Starbucks introduces an Impossible Breakfast Sandwich in selected locations in the U.S.
‘Rain Check Registry’ by Domino’s Pizza in the USA | For those who have to postpone their wedding because of the pandemic
29-6-2020
Domino’s Pizza knows that wedding planning is exhausting. Replanning a wedding due to a pandemic is twice as exhausting. Now friends and family can send couples pizza to show their support with Domino’s new Rain Check Registry, on dominosweddingregistry.com.
Many couples have had to postpone their weddings due to the circumstances around COVID-19. Great marketing by Domino’s Pizza in the USA to help make their days brighter with their ‘Rain Check Registry’.
The WELYNQ app , the smart green card for an event and hospitality visit
29-6-2020
Everyone is looking forward to visit events, theatres, a cozy terrace or booking a table in a restaurant. The event and hospitality industry is ready, but also knows that the requirements are strict. Here in the Netherlands everyone has to indicate to be healthy beforehand. Only when you answer all questions about your health positively, you get a virtual green card that allows you to enter either the event, theatre or restaurant. A great step forward, but there are quite a few snags. And what if it turns out that someone with corona was at the location you visited? Then you want to know that, too. WELYNQ has developed an app that solves it all.
Camping at Olof’s in Amsterdam| Master chef Chris Naylor opens BBQ restaurant
26-6-2020
In the months of July and August, the temporary restaurant Camping at Olof’s opens its doors in the oldest chapel in Amsterdam: the Sint Olofskapel on the Zeedijk. It will be a barbecue restaurant led by chef Chris Naylor of Michelin-starred restaurant Vermeer.
A pop-up staycation restaurant that requires you to book a camping pitch! You cannot sleep there, but you can enjoy the camping atmosphere and great food. Inspiration for chefs all over the world, create a special restaurant once your government allows you to open again!
The Grand Beach | The French Riviera in the heart of Amsterdam
25-6-2020
On Wednesday 24 June, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam opened ‘The Grand Beach’ in its historic courtyard. A beach and terrace inspired by the French Riviera where guests enjoy a cold glass of rosé or a fresh cocktail and French dishes and snacks in a summery atmosphere. Until September 13th, the courtyard will be transformed into a real sandy beach with various seating areas – a meter and a half away from each other, of course -, a bar and with a regular DJ providing summery background music. The opening of The Grand Beach coincides with La Fête de la Musique, during which all Sofitel Hotels around the world celebrate summer in French style.
‘Rond de Tafel’ in the Gashouder Amsterdam | the new dining in the social distancing way
12-6-2020
From the 1st of July until the 31st of August, the Gashouder on the Westergas will be transformed into the largest one and a half meter restaurant in the Netherlands, called ‘De Ronde Tafel’ (the round table). A concept in which various top chefs temporarily move their kitchen and spoil and surprise 100 guests with an exclusive 5-course menu accompanied by top-quality wines, every night. Read on to see of which 5 top chefs you can enjoy a 5-course dinner!
It is a collaboration of Les Patrons Cuisiniers, which is also partly responsible for the selection of the guests, Westergas and Famous Flavours. It is a great idea to combine the cooking skills of top chefs with the space of the Gashouder! We publish this article in English as well, as we believe the collaboration between the event industry and the restaurants industry is great. What are you able to organize on a local level in collaboration with the event industry?
Reading time: 1 minute, reservation may take a little longer ?
BUNK Amsterdam | Receives their first guests
11-6-2020
The last couple of months, Covid-19 created a lot of uncertainty but finally BUNK Amsterdam officially opens its doors to hotel guests. After the enormous renovation of the former Sint-Rita church in the north of Amsterdam, the monumental building offers space for 300 guests. BUNK is a hotel with hostel prices and a hostel with the quality and service of a hotel.
Earlier we wrote about the official opening of BUNK Amsterdam. One of our colleagues was also present at the press dinner and had a tour and explanation about this great concept.
What does the hospitality industry do in the context of the COVID-19 virus? | Inspiration June 9
9-6-2020
Since the first of June the Dutch restaurants and bars reopened. We already enjoyed the first terraces again and we also went out for dinner. Wonderful to be able to enjoy a restaurant visit again! But we’ve experienced first-hand that there is no rush to enjoy dinner or lunch, not even on the terraces. Let’s hope that everyone regains a little bit more confidence after the first effects of the relaxation of the corona measures become known. For the time being, it looks like the Dutch intelligent lockdown has worked so now we need more sun and better temperatures to enjoy our great terraces! We hope that you will be able to reopen or enjoy dinner or lunch in your country as well. We have come across some great articles as inspiration on what’s going on in the hospitality industry.
With this week links to articles about DIY ‘Social distancing crowns’ by Burger King in Germany and the trendiest suntan trend 2020 we spotted on the Instagram account of hotel Dexamenes in Greece! Both funny!
Another funny article is about a Covid-19 masks for dining out with a remote control mouth! And inspiration for other hotels; a nice gesture ‘Together again’ by Oaks Hotels, Resorts and Suites in Australia.
In the south of the Netherlands, in the city Maastricht, Dadawan restaurant reopened with robots as extra staff and check out the Smink mobile with which restaurant Smink delivers their @home menu. And created in Japan: the Norimaki Synthesizer, which allows us to taste video games!
Stay healthy and take care of each other! ^Team Horecatrends
Turning The Tables | Digital discussions with restaurant industry insiders
4-6-2020
In response to the biggest crisis ever seen in the restaurant industry Fine Dining Lovers, the global gastronomic platform by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, has brought together some of the brightest and boldest voices of the global hospitality industry to discuss the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in Turning The Tables: Digital Discussions with Industry Insiders. The inspiration has been aired on May 26th and consists of four presentations, two debates and over ten short video soundbites from over 25 of the brightest and boldest voices of the global hospitality industry and they’re interesting for anyone interested in restaurants, both consumer and from within the industry. In the video’s they also presented the results of the ‘Fine Dining Lovers Global Coronavirus Restaurant Survey’. All videos can be viewed here without registration and content will be added consistently as the situation evolves and changes. Wondering who is sharing their insights?
Without the ‘Turning The Tables’ section we already loved to check ‘Fine Dining Lovers’ for insights in the culinary scene, we even often link to them in our ‘Trends we spotted this week’.
What does the hospitality industry do in the context of the COVID-19 virus? | Inspiration May 18
18-5-2020
As noted last week, we here in the Netherlands are still in an ‘Intelligent Lockdown’ which means, we’re all working from home if possible and our high schools, universities, restaurants, cafés, gyms, leisure centers, museums, etcetera are closed. But we can take a walk outside and shop for food and even shop at hardware stores and garden centers. As from May 11 our primary schools have re-opened as have the day-care centres but also hair and beauty salons and physiotherapist are allowed to re-open.
As from the first of June restaurants will re-open with a maximum of 30 persons inside, and a social distance of 6 feet, terraces are re-opening as well without a maximum of guests. This, of course, if the Covid-19 casualties remain low. Our government created a path in which they think our economy has to restart, with no festivals, concerts or congresses till the first of September and even gyms aren’t allowed till then. In the meantime we keep spotting all kind of inspiration worldwide around the hospitality industry.
With this week links to articles about the Robot dog Spot that is used in a park in Singapore to warm people to observe a social distance. And the Restaurant Brands International Inc. (Burger King, Tim Hortons and Popeyes) considers designing face masks as part of their uniforms.
‘Care by Roseate Hotels & Resorts’ is an interesting article for those hotels who aren’t sure yet what measures to take to implement a touchless hospitality. And Eleven Madison Park’s chef-owner Daniel Humm says the coming back of his famous restaurant is a question mark.
The Frontline Stays Program by Airbnb has had 100,000 nights booking in free or subsidized accommodations for first responders. And check out the red puzzle by Heinz Canada! Would be appreciated by European puzzle and ketchup aficionados as well, especially during lockdown.
Stay healthy and take care of each other! ^Team Horecatrends
Pay-it-Forward Pizza Program by Uno Pizzeria & Grill
15-5-2020
Here in the Netherlands we saw the big line ups with people waiting for food in the U.S. and we’re very happy that up till now we don’t have that many people losing their jobs because of the Covid-19 crisis. The crisis also brings out the best in people and companies. Uno Pizzeria & Grill chain in the U.S. introduced a Pay-it-Forward Pizza Program. Customers can buy an extra pizza to help feed those on the frontline, hospital workers, first responders and to those that are now food insecure. If a customer buys 1 extra pizza ($ 10) the chain will match the contribution. So, the buyer will be “digging deeper” to feed those who need it most and to keep the restaurant workers at Uno Pizzeria & Grill employed during these challenging times.
We’ve seen many pay-it-forward examples back in time when we started with horecatrends (2007) and we can imagine lots of people love the gesture. It made us think why there aren’t more initiatives like this when there isn’t a crisis. Personally I always hate it to walk past homeless people without acting. Last year we were visiting the U.S. and noticed the many homeless people and wondered why there aren’t more small food businesses selling small ‘gift certificates’ guests can buy and hand out to homeless instead of money! ^Marjolein
The Inn at Little Washington | Mannequins at tables to mark social distancing
15-5-2020
Restaurant The Inn at Little Washington in Washington VA (1,5 hours west of Washington D.C.) is on track to be the first three-Michelin-star restaurant to reopen in the U.S. The open for the Memorial Day weekend with ‘fresh air’ lunches at the more than 20 acres of outdoor space with many beautiful gardens which is located all around the property. Allthough they open this Memorial Day Weekend to have lunch in the gardens, they have opted to wait until Friday, May 29th to open the indoor dining rooms. With restrictions on capacity, Chef Patrick O’Connell has decided that empty tables will be theatrically dressed with mannequins. The Inn is working with local companies Signature Theater and Design Foundry to create the sets. Tables that are unable to be seated with actual guests will be an entertainment and design touchpoint to keep things interesting. The Inn at Little Washington is known for being reverently irreverent as is felt through playful experiences, such as the cheese specialist with mooing cow cart that speaks exclusively in puns or the dining room dress code: “no wet bikinis.”
A charming solution for empty spaces! We came across another restaurant in Bangkok (Thailand), here the owner placed stuffed animal panda’s at the empty seats. A bit of humour in the dining room and an opportunity to make some fun photo’s for guests. Like with the mannequins… Look at the image in this Dutch article: In Gemany hotel Haase also uses mannequins to sit at the tables in their restaurant.
Rombit’s Romware Covid Radius | Smart bracelet to simplify social distancing on the workfloor
14-5-2020
In April Technology company Rombit launched a digital bracelet to prevent coronavirus infections on the workfloor. The solution allows employees in construction, logistics and other heavy industries to resume work safely. Port of Antwerp started as the first to use this innovative bracelet. To produce this bracelet Rombit has added new functions to its existing safety bracelet, the Romware ONE. This will help employees to observe the strict precautions laid down by the World Health Organisation (WHO) while respecting the privacy of the wearer. The initiative is also a response to the call by the Flemish Government to create digital solutions for helping society through the current corona crisis.
These kinds of solutions would be great for the hospitality industry as well! Last month we already wrote about Aura Aware a smart distance awareness device, we then indicated that a wearable device would be a great asset for people working in restaurants, kitchens etcetera. It would even be better is the other person you meet doesn’t have to have the same device. The only challenge is to avoid too many signals in a restaurant ? We wonder if there will be affordable devices on the market soon….
What does the hospitality industry do in the context of the COVID-19 virus? | Inspiration May 12
12-5-2020
As noted last week, we here in the Netherlands are still in an ‘Intelligent Lockdown’ which means, we’re all working from home if possible and our high schools, universities, restaurants, cafés, gyms, leisure centers, museums, etcetera are closed. But we can take a walk outside and shop for food and even shop at hardware stores and garden centers. As from yesterday our primary schools have re-opened as have the day-care centres but also hair and beauty salons and physiotherapist are allowed to re-open.
As from the first of June restaurants will re-open with a maximum of 30 persons inside, and a social distance of 6 feet, terraces are re-opening as well without a maximum of guests. This, of course, if the Covid-19 casualties remain low. Our government created a path in which they think our economy has to restart, with no festivals, concerts or congresses till the first of September and even gyms aren’t allowed till then. In the meantime we keep spotting all kind of inspiration worldwide around the hospitality industry.
With this week links to articles about the fact that the Belgians are asked to eat fries twice a week and in the USA you can order fresh DIY pasta kits at some restaurants, great inspiration for other Italian restaurants worldwide!
San Francisco and Seattle are limiting what delivery services can charge restaurants for processing orders, while New York and Los Angeles consider similar policies. And the North Sydney café shifted to grocery store during the lockdown.
The restaurant group Black Sheep in Hong Kong created a viral blueprint for reopening restaurants after a lockdown, a link to where you can download this blueprint.
International design and innovation office CRA – Carlo Ratti Associati launched Pura-Case, a wardrobe purifier to remove bacteria and viruses from clothes. And Cape Town Tourism sends tourists love letters!
Stay healthy and take care of each other! ^Team Horecatrends
Click on the title if you like to read the full article. Enjoy reading!
Hospitality tech firm Criton offers hoteliers free app to reduce touchpoints during COVID-19
12-5-2020
Hospitality tech firm Criton is offering its guest engagement platform completely free of charge until 2021 and with no commitment. Hoteliers using Criton can reduce touchpoints and safeguard guests’ health by digitising their guest information and giving everything guests need on their own phone.
YtheWait app | ‘Smart Restaurant’ app or digital waiter
12-5-2020
Dirty menus, unhygienic order kiosks and the many separate apps will be a thing of the past, according to the developers of the ‘YtheWait’ app. Their innovative all-in-one Hospitality & Retail App, already helps hundreds of partners to efficiently manage and increase their sales. Your guests can make contactless reservations, order in advance, pay and rate via their mobile. To support the hospitality businesses, the use of the all-in-one application and all the services around it are free of charge until 1 July 2020. ‘YtheWait’ has a user-friendly module that also simplifies booking and table management.
We’re spotting more and more technical developments that will replace parts of the staff’s tasks. This YtheWait app can be a lot more effective, contactless capturing everything via the guests own mobile; from booking, to ordering, paying and rating afterwards. Still we get the sense that human service will be missed but right now the app is useful as your guest only has to touch her or his mobile. Once we go back to maximum occupation with a lack of good catering staff, this app could also be very useful.
Cloud Clubbing | On- and offline music events
8-5-2020
Due to the Corona Virus the recent months have been a little crazy and strange for everyone. Not being able to see friends and family, no longer being allowed to go to the gym and no longer being able to go to a festival or nightclub to enjoy your favourite music. The latter especially is such a pity during this time in which everyone can use a bit of fun and cheerfulness. For now, it looks like all music venues and night clubs will be closed until at least the 1st of September here in the Netherlands. Also, festivals, of which we have so many in the Netherlands, will not take place until the 1st of September or might not even be allowed at all until there is a vaccine against the virus.
A blog by our colleague Marguerita Vogelsang about examples from the nightlife and festival scene, an industry that has been hit unprecedented hard economically by the corona crisis. Nevertheless, she also spots all kinds of positive initiatives in this sector.
Restaurants Culina Hortus and Vanilla Black | The world’s Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants 2020
4-5-2020
In Brussels the ‘We’re Smart®’ movement, the undisputed reference in the culinary world of vegetables, revealed the new online Green Guide today and the winners of this year’s Best Vegetarian and Best Vegan Restaurants: Culina Hortus (Lyon, France) and Vanilla Black (London, UK).
The announcement was made by the renowned Vegetables Chef®, Frank Fol, during the official release of the We’re Smart® Green Guide 2020, comprising reviews and ratings of nearly 1000 restaurants worldwide ranked from 1 to 5 radishes, according to the amount of vegetables they use in their dishes.
What does the catering industry do in the context of the COVID-19 virus? | Inspiration April 29
29-4-2020
As noted last week, we here in the Netherlands are still in an ‘Intelligent Lockdown’ which means, we’re all working from home if possible, restaurants, cafés, hair salons, schools etcetera are closed. But we can take a walk outside and shop for food and even at shops, hardware stores and garden centers. Which means that our gardens are beautiful and everything is fixed at our homes ?.
As from May 11 our primary schools will re-open and also our daycare facilities, which means a big relief for parents working from home and teaching their children…. At this moment we’re working towards lowering the casualties of Covid-19 at the intensive care units. The next moment will be May 20 at which we hope our government will slowly restart our economy. In the meantime some hotels start to reopen in the Netherlands (they weren’t closed this period but most just didn’t have guests and closed voluntarily). They serve dinner and breakfast in their restaurants and hotel rooms, for hotel guests only! In the meantime we keep spotting all kind of inspiration worldwide around the hospitality industry.
With links this week to articles about DIY pizza kits by Blaze Pizza and a virus killing countertop robot, created by UVRoboclean. They try to fund through Kickstarter.
A great idea by Chick-fil-A, they sell their sauces separately! What sauce could your restaurant sell? It might even be a good idea to sell it through a local supermarket!
Ramadan has become a less social event for all Muslims, no prayers in the Mosque and no big family dinners after sundown. Fatafeat is inviting families to help create their very own ‘home of Arabic cooking’ this Ramadan. And a collaboration between Instagram & ChowNow, they created an order food sticker or button at Instagram.
A great wine label for Quarantine Wine, created by winery Nocking Point, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis. IKEA UK shares their meatball recipe and Red Robin offers a ‘Build-Your-Own’ wing bar for home delivery!
the OG Cannabis Cafe in West Hollywood in California has re-opened as the world’s first cannabis and food drive-thru.
Stay healthy and take care of each other! ^Team Horecatrends
Next generation business model ‘Express Double Drive Through’ by Miami Grill
28-4-2020
Miami Grill, the iconic South Florida-based fast-casual restaurant brand, has announced the next-generation business model as its latest franchise opportunity, the ‘Express Double Drive Through’. Miami Grill had been working on the new offering even before the pandemic crisis but has now fast-tracked its development with several key investors already interested. The due-diligence period has been completed for this new offering that is in direct response to what the company believes will be an altered business environment in the post-COVID-19 world.
Aura Aware | Smart distance awareness device for social distancing
23-4-2020
The Dutch company Aura Aware created a smart distance awareness device which is a convenient reminder to your employees and customers to maintain healthy distancing. Staying 6 feet apart simply doesn’t come naturally. The Aura Aware is a smart distance awareness device that helps employees and customers remain a safe and healthy distance in public spaces.
The flavour line-up by The Ice Cream Project by Anya Hindmarch
The flavour line-up by The Ice Cream Project by Anya Hindmarch
The flavour line-up by The Ice Cream Project by Anya Hindmarch
The Ice Cream Project by Anya Hindmarch
The Ice Cream Project by Anya Hindmarch
