KFC says: ‘I do’ to brand new wedding planning service
15-10-2019
KFC is giving Australia the chance to ‘put a wing on it’ as the first couple to get hitched under its brand-new wedding service. Now, KFC fans all over Australia can officially head to the website and lodge an application form telling them in 200 words or less why you want the ultimate KFC Wedding. For those loved up couples ready to take the plunge, the Colonel suggests you apply fast as there’s only six weddings available. Winners will be judged on their originality, creative merit and independent expression shared in the entry.
Trends we spotted | Week 41
11-10-2019
At hospitalitytrends.eu we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the smaller trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’.
This week, among other links to articles about Coca-Cola Energy that will be available in January 2020 in the US, one of our colleagues tried it!
The American “New Wave Foods” has found a vegan alternative to shrimp! And so cute! The McHive by McDonald’s Sweden!
And the Michelin Guide UK and Ireland 2020 is published! La Dame de Pic London, from chef Anne-Sophie Pic has been awarded a second Michelin star, she now holds 8 Michelin stars across 5 restaurants.
The company ‘Bace’ created the ROTOFARM, curious what it is? Read the article!
Lowlander launches Winter IPA | Brewed with donated Christmas trees
10-10-2019
Last winter, botanical brewer Lowlander called on all Dutch people not to throw away their Christmas tree after the holidays, but to donate to them for brewing a winter beer. The call was a great success and after picking all the fir needles by hand, the result can now be tasted. You can find Lowlanders Winter IPA in bars/restaurants and the grocery store Albert Heijn.
Last year we wrote about the Lowlander Beer initiative to brew beer from Christmas tree needles. This year another special initiative from Lowlander Beer!
Cacaofruit Experience | Barry Callebaut unleashes the full power of the cacaofruit in next-gen food & drink category
8-10-2019
Based on its unparalleled innovation power, Barry Callebaut AG, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, unveiled last week (September 28) at an exclusive event in San Francisco ‘Cacaofruit Experience’: an innovative range of products that celebrates the fresh, fruity taste and natural richness of the cacaofruit and marks the creation of a next-gen food & drink category. As part of ‘Cacaofruit Experience’, the company also presented the artisan world with the delicious WholeFruit chocolate, a fresh, fruity delight made from 100% pure cacaofruit.
Wheat Straws | 100% natural straws made from wheat
7-10-2019
100% natural, super compostable, plastic free straws that are stronger than paper straws. The wheat straws don’t get soggy and they are softer than plastic straws. With their natural structure, these straws feel soft and smooth while you drink. Besides that Wheat Straws donates 2% of all the purchases to The Ocean Cleanup. A great alternative to give your drinks an eco-friendly update.
Another alternative for plastic straws we can add to our list!
greet by Accor | With ‘Pure rooms’ and ‘Pop rooms’
7-10-2019
Accor is introducing a new alternative hospitality offering, with a closer connection to people and the environment. Their concept ‘greet’ has to be a reflection of the group’s commitments, it forms part of a locally engaged approach and provides a response to these new guest expectations in relation to sustainable tourism. Expect, upcycled furniture sourced from flea markets, like a jar used as a bedside lamp, fresh, simple and local products, a friendly and unique atmosphere.
The brand’s first property, the greet hotel Beaune opened its doors last April, greet is the latest addition to Accor’s economy segment. Community-based, engaged and non-standardized brand, its aim is to welcome those seeking meaning in their purchases, relationships and lifestyle! But according to Accor greet is not just an economy brand. It’s a state of mind symbolized by a name, meaning to welcome, meet and celebrate. A single watchword: sharing – moments, stories and experiences.
Following the greet hotel Beaune, new openings are planned in Marseille (St Charles & Airport), Lyon Perrache, Paris, St Witz, Rennes, Bourges or Saint-Germain-en-Laye. The brand will quickly expand in various destinations in Europe, with a 1st address already scheduled in Darmstadt (Germany). Its ambition: 300 hotels opening in Europe by 2030!
Trends we spotted | Week 40
4-10-2019
At hospitalitytrends.eu we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the smaller trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’.
This week, among other links to articles about ‘Blue caviar’, a cannabis restaurant with licence opened in Los Angeles and London’s Cocktail Week 2019 that starts today, October 4.
A new Korean restaurant will open this November in London. Seoul Bird, from the world-renowned Korean American chef Judy Joo. And the Borough Market celebrates 21 years with the launch of the Borough Market Kitchen, a new communal dining space housed in Jubilee Place.
Have you already heard about OmniPork a vegan substitute for pork meat? We didn’t but this Asian concept is looking to expand beyond Asia into the UK.
The Japanese fondue restaurant PakuPaku opened in Amsterdam
4-10-2019
Earlier this year we wrote about PakuPaku, the first Japanese fondue (ShabuShabu) restaurant in Amsterdam. End of August 2019, PakuPaku opened its doors at Beukenplein 3 Amsterdam. Now, after a few weeks of test running, they’re organizing an opening drink for local residents and other people who are interested on the 6th of October. A fun way to get to know the ladies and their concept!
They will also start their ‘language events’ (events where expats and speakers of different languages can practise their Dutch language skills in an relaxed atmosphere) and once a week they have a ‘joint-table’.
An article explaining exactly what Japanese fondue is and why it is healthy! And the owners Franciska and Prema provide insight into what they have experienced in recent months since the soft opening.
CityHub Copenhagen will open in the summer of 2020
3-10-2019
Hot on the heels of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, CityHub’s third location will be in one of the healthiest and happiest cities in Europe, Copenhagen. CityHub Copenhagen will open its doors in summer 2020 and will mark CityHub’s first step towards international expansion.
Launched four years ago in Amsterdam, CityHub was created to fulfil the gap between hotels and hostels. Founders Pieter van Tilburg and Sem Schuurkes, two assiduous travelers themselves, recognized that the hotel industry was lacking satisfactory solutions for millennials who are looking for an accessible and authentic experience at the heart of a city.
International Coffee Day | How do you make the perfect Espresso Martini?
1-10-2019
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and an essential ingredient of a coffee cocktail. The famous ‘Espresso Martini’ coffee cocktail has been in the top 10 of best-selling cocktails worldwide for years! The Espresso Martini is a true classic and has become an integral part of the cocktail menu. This cocktail is guaranteed to give you a cool down and energy kick at the same time. From now on you can also get started with coffee cocktails at home with the Tia Maria Espresso Martini kit. On the occasion of International Coffee Day they give away three delicious varieties (including a spicy variety!) on the iconic Espresso Martini, to prepare at home.
It seems to be ‘International Coffee Day’ today, October 1 2019! The popularity of coffee is celebrated worldwide on this day. We are gradually seeing that these types of ‘commercial days’ are also being used in the Netherlands. For example today they also celebrate the ‘International Day for Older Persons’ in the UK and the ‘World Vegetarian Day’ is celebrated internationally. You can find entire lists of what is celebrated every day! Today this article from Tia Maria around one of my favorite cocktails, the Espresso Martini! ^Marjolein
NUGGS | Vegan ‘chicken’ nuggets, development as a tech startup
30-9-2019
NUGGS, the world’s first vegan ‘chicken’ nugget startup, launched by the 19-year-old founder Ben Pasternak announced a $7M funding round led by McCain Foods in July 2019. Money he will use to create ‘the most advanced nugget on the planet’. Founded by 19-year-old tech wunderkind and entrepreneur Ben Pasternak. NUGGS is ready to disrupt the animal-based meat industry with its new nugget technology.
A great approach to food development: the founder Ben Pasternak does release new ‘updates‘ of his NUGGS. The formula is constantly improved, based on user feedback. Ben explains: “NUGGS is the intersection of food and the internet”. Check out their Instagram account where they recently announced their 1.4 release and the release notes.
Trends we spotted | Week 39
27-9-2019
At hospitalitytrends.eu we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the smaller trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’.
This week, among others links to articles about inspiration around ice cream by Spanish parlour Rocambolesc and McDonalds Canada is testing the P.L.T. Burger they created with Beyond Meat.
Pulpac is a patented innovation that can replace single-use plastic at a lower price on a global scale and in a press release TripAdvisor says it blocked more than a million fake reviews in 2018.
Food lifestyle brand Bon Appétit opens a virtual restaurant in Chicago, Bon Appétit Delivered and would you like to try a burrata stuffed with pizza sauce? They serve it with pizza crust at restaurant The Bedford.
Helsinki just became the world’s first ‘City as a Service’ to attract more tech talent for the companies in this city and more about ‘The Fyre Burger’ created by ‘Lock & Key Social Drinkery Kitchen’ in Los Angeles!
Bagels & Beans is changing its brand name on World Animal Day 2019 to Beagels & Beans
27-9-2019
As of the 4th of October, the sanctuary for bagels, coffee and happiness will change its brand name. The name change will be celebrated with a free cup of coffee or tea of choice and a festive giveaway for everyone who is bringing their pet.
On Friday the 4th of October the well-known Dutch hospitality formula will be renamed to Beagles & Beans. Pets have always been welcome at the coffee- and bagel bar, but on World Animal Day they want to put them in the spotlight even more. Only Beagles? Of course not: all pets are more than welcome to bring their owner. From hamsters to Shetland ponies, alpaca’s to goldfishes and from collar parakeet’s to stick insects. The owners will be treated with free coffee or tea of choice. And for the pets there will be a water dish with fresh water.
Hurryhurrygogo | The perky little sister of Happyhappyjoyjoy will open in Amsterdam
26-9-2019
Hurryhurrygogo will open its doors at the Singel 460 in Amsterdam by the end of October. Underneath the Supperclub, space is being created in the former French Connection for this even more chaotic and hysterical sister of Happyhappyjoyjoy. The new snack bar offers space for its own events, various cocktails and high-quality Asian snacks and, in that sense, will link itself to the city’s nightlife.
Amber Garden | True Chinese Cuisine
24-9-2019
Amber Garden, part of the international ‘Yisheng Group’, opened its doors in Amstelveen (near Amsterdam in the Netherlands) in a festive way on September 23th. Owner, Stark Li, third generation respected Chinese restaurant owner, together with Facility Manager, Ronald Ting, opened restaurant Amber Garden in the company of many corporate companies from the region, culinary enthusiasts and (Michelin) star chefs.
With the arrival of Amber Garden, the municipality of Amstelveen has added a beautiful, authentic fine dining Chinese restaurant at their list of restaurants. Lovers of the authentic Chinese cuisine can enjoy the ‘shared dining’ dishes here. During the opening we enjoyed dishes from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Xi’an. With the dishes you can enjoy wine pairing that are specially selected. For those who want to drink alcohol-free, they also serve delicious tea-based mocktails. True lovers of the Chinese cuisine must visit Amber Garden, if only for the delicious Dim Sum and their signature dish the ‘Amber roasted Beijing duck in the traditional way’. Like chef Shaun Song says: “You no longer need to go to China to be able to enjoy the best dishes China can offer”.
Boutique antique Hotel Beijers | A new, unique hotel in Utrecht
24-9-2019
In the violence of the openings of new hotels of large chains that have found their way to Utrecht (The Netherlands), the opening of Hotel Beijers can be called special. The combination of boutique with antique makes Hotel Beijers unique for Utrecht and perhaps even for the Netherlands. At Hotel Beijers you really step into another world and it appears as if time has stood still. Yet the hotel is anything but old-fashioned, because in the design they worked with bold color combinations, special antiques and the hotel is equipped with all the luxury and modern conveniences of today.
The hotel has 15 rooms and no room is the same. A cool concept for guests who love architecture, antiques and history, but of course with a modern twist! Utrecht City Concepts will run the hotel. They are known for its collection of small-scale boutique hotels in the center of Utrecht. You can recognize them from Mother Goose, Eye Hotel, Court Hotel, Hotel26 and the Malie Hotel.
Trends we spotted | Week 38
20-9-2019
At hospitalitytrends.eu we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the smaller trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’.
This week, among other a link to an article about ‘The Swingers Open 2019’, a crazy golfing tournament at Swingers City in London, sponsored by Tanqueray No. Ten.
Also two articles with sustainable initiatives by McDonald’s in Germany and the UK and Burger King in the UK. SeaBubbles is another sustainable initiative in Paris, these electric and futuristic taxis are hovering the Seine.
From London this week two examples of a collaboration around one ingredient, a truffle menu at restaurant Orrery and the ‘Champagne Friends’ initiatives by bubbledogs.
Ever heard about a PizzaRitto? You can eat them at Russo’s House of Pizza in Pearl River, New York State. What it is? Check out the video!
A Circular Juice Bar | ‘Feel the Peel’
17-9-2019
‘Feel the Peel’ is a project by CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati for Eni, they developed an experimental orange squeezer which makes bioplastic out of orange peels and uses it to 3D print cups to drink the juice.
The “Feel the Peel” prototype strives to bring environmental circularity to everyday life. International design and innovation office CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati, in partnership with global energy company Eni, has developed an experimental Circular Juice Bar that uses oranges to make bioplastic, turns it into filament, and 3D prints disposable cups to drink the freshly-squeezed juice. Called “Feel the Peel”, the prototype is starting a tour of public places around Italy in the next few months as it strives to demonstrate a new approach to environmental circularity in daily life.
Quirky ‘storytelling’ video for BUNK hotels | ‘Another hotel’
17-9-2019
If you have missed the news: BUNK Hotels has recently opened the doors of its first location in the heart of Utrecht in an old church. BUNK Amsterdam will open soon, also in a former house of God.
We wrote earlier about this special hotel in the Westerkerk in Utrecht, and with the announcement of BUNK Amsterdam they have created a special promotional video for the concept. A big nod to Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel, that’s what you could call this artistic piece of cinematography from BUNK. And also an ode to the bird of paradise that lurks in everyone, as ultimately we all have our own original story. BUNK brings these stories together.
The Simple Greek |Interesting Greek fastcasual concept in the U.S.
17-9-2019
‘The Simple Greek’ is redefining the traditional Greek restaurant with an interactive concept that combines high quality ingredients, open kitchens and Greek atmosphere in a fast casual setting. At Pennsylvania-based ‘The Simple Greek’, customers build pitas or bowls with Mediterranean staples such as grilled steak, tzatziki sauce, feta cheese and garbanzo beans. This concept is one of the fastest-growing franchise restaurant concepts in the U.S.. It capitalizes on the popularity and health benefits of the well-known Mediterranean diet and is a ‘build-your-own’ concept. ‘The Simple Greek’ was mentioned as a high growth, emerging concept to watch at the 2019 National Restaurant Show by Technomic Inc, the leading strategic research and analytics firm in the U.S. for the food industry.
We never spotted a similar concept in Europe but we love Greek food and the fast-casual concept of The Simple Greek is tempting! And who doesn’t love a concept that has this saying: ‘We have OPA’?
Where ‘opa’ is the Dutch word for granddad, at The Simple Greek it stands for O (Outstanding service), P (Passion for the brand) and A (Awesome food). Their slogan is ‘Eat Fresh, Eat Simple, Eat Greek’. Although they aren’t thinking about franchising the concept outside the U.S. we’re quite sure the people from the Netherlands would embrace the concept as well.
Geofencing | How location-aware dining apps are changing the hospitality industry
16-9-2019
QSR (quick service restaurant) brands have only begun to scratch the surface of geofencing. Beyond providing better delivery analytics and clever marketing campaigns, location context can help restaurants understand customer loyalty, impact customer engagement, and help them save on operational and delivery costs.
A rather long but interesting article especially for fast food and fast casual brands about the possibilities presented by geofencing. A guest blog by the company Radar! They give examples on how some QSR brands have started experimenting with geofencing to improve the customer carryout experience. They indicated that API’s (application program interface) are the next big thing in the SaaS (Software as a Service) wave and have been recognized as a Rising Star on TechCrunch.
Trends we spotted | Week 37
13-9-2019
At hospitalitytrends.eu we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the smaller trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’.
This week, amongst others a link to an article about a special collaboration between the restaurant of the Andaz Amsterdam and Heinz ketchup, a menu called ‘In case Ed Sheeran’. And have you got any idea what the ingredients are for a dish called ‘Musubi Madness’?
We also read an article about a dumpling made with lab-grown kangaroo meat and another ‘veggie’ collaboration; Beyond Meat and Subway introduced the Beyond Meatball Marinara Sub this September.
The Gateway Foundation says it will open its first space hotel in 2025, check out their artist impression of the ‘Space Wheel’ hotel. And the new Raaago app, developed by German design group Random Access Studios, aims to make travel more interesting by making it random.
And Starbucks is rolling out the Chinese ‘Starbucks Now’-concept. The first pick-up-only shop will open in New York City this fall.
Neat Burger | First location in London for this plant-based sustainable burger chain
10-9-2019
Five-time FIA Formula One World Champion, Lewis Hamilton is collaborating with hospitality organisation ‘The Cream Group’ and investors including UNICEF Ambassador and early backer of Beyond Meat, Tommaso Chiabra, to revolutionize fast food when they launched the new concept Neat Burger, a plant-based sustainable burger chain. They opened their first site on September 2nd just off Regent Street in London. Neat Burger promises to transform the way people see plant-based food by appealing to not only those who follow plant-based diets, but any individuals, meat-eaters included, who want to eat delicious meat-free dishes that are more sustainable, healthier and ethical. The team has ambitious plans to expand the concept globally with 14 franchises planned in the next 24 months.
We have been spotting a lot initiatives which include the burgers or other products by Beyond Meat. Burger King recently tested Beyond Fried Chicken™ which was sold out in no time and this September Subway will introduce the Beyond Meatball Marinara sub in 685 participating restaurants in Canada and the U.S. for a limited time only. As far as we know Neat Burger will be the first plant-based sustainable burger chain serving unique patties, specially created by their team of chefs in collaboration with Beyond Meat.
#PearPizza campaign | USA Pears promotes pears on pizza
9-9-2019
The pear season is about to start and as part of the kick-off for the 2019-20 Northwest pear season, USA Pears launched a campaign centered around #PearPizza. As it seems the beginning of 2019 was marked by the great pineapple pizza controversy, and now USA Pears is proudly declaring that there is nothing wrong with using fruit as a pizza topping. That being said, now it is time for pineapples to step aside for pears to triumph as the ultimate fruit to use as a pizza topping. The quest for their world pizza domination begins at FEAST Portland on September 14.
I love to make flammkuchen with blue cheese, hazelnuts and pears, so I can imagine enjoying a #PearPizza although I don’t like to eat a pizza with pineapple. In the past we even spotted pizza’s with chocolate so there are a lot of people enjoying a touch of sweetness on their pizza! In this article a link to more recipes with pears from USA Pears! ^Marjolein
Trends we spotted | Week 36
6-9-2019
At hospitalitytrends.eu we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the smaller trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’.
This week, among other links to articles about a ‘walking chocolate trolley’ at restaurant ‘El Celler de Can Roca’ with a Dutch element to it and a ‘High Tea with a twist’ at the Lobby Bar and The Restaurant of the Williamsburg hotel in Brooklyn, New York.
In 2020 Starbucks will deliver throughout the U.S. via Uber Eats and this fall a Dutch book called ‘Water, coffee beans & milk’ will be published in English as well.
Did you ever attend a Tank Party at a brewery? We never even heard of it, but the Camden Town Brewery Tank Party is held September 7 for the seventh year in a row!
The Building - © Sapphire House Antwerp
Cocktailbar of the Sapphire - © Sapphire House Antwerp
Restaurant WILDn - © Sapphire House Antwerp
Map Sapphire House Antwerp
Lobby of the Sapphire House Antwerp - © Sapphire House Antwerp
A hotel room of the Sapphire House Antwerp - © Sapphire House Antwerp
A hotel room of the Sapphire House Antwerp - © Sapphire House Antwerp
