Trends we spotted | Week 18
6-5-2024
At horecatrends.com 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’. With this week links to articles about:
- Ruby Hotels pioneers 35-hour work week in their hotels;
- A creative way to present charcuterie, a ‘wine glass charcuterie topper’;
- The new plant-based UNLIMEAT Pulled Pork Wrap is now available at all Starbucks locations in Hong Kong;
- The launch of P.F. Chang’s ‘fortune cookie flower bouquet’ for Mother’s Day;
- A new way of having breakfast: teeny tiny croissant cereals.
- Chanel International Beach Experience – created with a touch of AI by ‘My Little Saint Tropez’. We spotted more examples of these kinds of collabs last year!
- Spotted on the Instagram of ‘Friends from Thailand travel Guide’ – Thai street food called Ka-nom Khai Nok Krata, which is Thai Fried Sweet Potato Balls. Looks delicious!
- Last but certainly not least: an extraordinary marketing stunt by a restaurant.
Enjoy reading!
Managing group menus with Menukiezen.nl | Convenience and flexibility first
3-5-2024
In the hospitality industry where efficiency and customer satisfaction are essential, the Dutch initiative Menukiezen.nl (MenuChoice) offers a tool for streamlining group menus. Their solution supports restaurants, cafés and caterers in meeting the varying expectations of large groups of guests. Restaurant supply the link with the guest so they can share it with the group of people they invited. For example, a number of restaurants now have 3 to 4 fixed menus in the system. The person organizing the dinner chooses the menu and shares the link with his or her guests. For the restaurant, it’s just the push of a button. It’s similar to a date picker but for menu choices!
2 minutes read
Conscious Hotels opens boutique hotel in former pop temple Tivoli in Utrecht
3-5-2024
Sustainable hotel group Conscious Hotels will open their first hotel outside Amsterdam in the spring of 2025. The monumental building in Utrecht will be preserved according to Conscious Hotels’ philosophy, but with an eye for the special historical characteristics. This expansion is their next step in achieving 2,500 rooms in Europe by 2030.
2 minutes read
Champions of Change 2024 winners by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants
30-4-2024
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants recently announced that João Diamante, founder of Diamantes Na Cozinha in Rio de Janeiro and the duo Caroline Caporossi and Jessica Rosval behind Roots in Modena, are their Champions of Change winners 2024.
You Tip, We Tip | Domino’s is tipping customers who tip their delivery drivers
30-4-2024
Domino’s Pizza Inc. now the largest pizza company in the world, known for its value innovation, is launching ‘You Tip, We Tip’ – a promotion that tips customers who tip their delivery drivers, since April 29. Domino’s is the first quick-service restaurant to tip customers for tipping their delivery drivers.
Trends we spotted | Week 17
29-4-2024
At horecatrends.com 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’. With this week links to articles about:
- Minor Hotels unifies global corporate identity with NH Hotel Group rebranded to Minor Hotels Europe & Americas.
- Nonius Mobile is offering a seamless guest journey from pre-stay to post-stay, now also as web app experience.
- This year, ibis, celebrates its 50th anniversary. Ibis was established in 1974 on three core promises: affordability, innovation and quality. They now have 2,500 locations in 79 countries!
- Original Bored Ape-themed restaurant Bored & Hungry in Long Beach, California has closed. More NFT ventures have either closed or scaled down.
- Authentically Britalian café Britaly is opening May 8 in London, and to indicate what will be served, their bio on Instagram says: ‘Serving carbonara with cream since 2024’.
- There is a new drink on the block: NON. Verjus as base and a variety of fruits and vegetables that may change over the seasons.
- Jumping into a dive pool from the top of a 5 meter climb wall is a thrill. #AquaClimb!
- Rotterdam gets a Bentō Café! We’re very curious, there isn’t much information yet.
Enjoy reading!
Lazzarella delivers authentic, sustainable Neapolitan pizza bases to the hospitality industry
26-4-2024
According to the owners of Lazzarella, the pizzas served in the Dutch hospitality industry are often not fresh, not authentic Italian and not always tasty. Lazzarella’s ready-made pizza solution allows restaurants to serve Authentic Neapolitan pizzas with minimal effort.
Although they currently only are made in Naples, the pizza will soon be produced at their pizzeria in Erp. The dough is prepared with fresh ingredients from Italy, stretched by hand and baked 80% before being packaged. With minimal skills and time, the pizza can be easily topped and only has to bake briefly. This way, you effortlessly serve your guests the most authentic Neapolitan pizza with Lazzarella’s high-quality pizza base, all within 2 minutes.
Santani Organic Soda | ‘Goodness in a can’
25-4-2024
Santani, the next-gen Organic Soda brand from Amsterdam, is on a mission to transform the soft drink industry by offering a healthier, more sustainable and tastier alternative. With 100% organic ingredients and the Skal label is Santani Organic Soda the choice for those looking for flavour, health and sustainability.
LaundroMatch | Heineken transforms laundromats into 24-hour sports bars
25-4-2024
Last week, Heineken® turned 24-hour laundromats into all-night sports bars so that Korea’s most dedicated football fans could tune in to watch the UEFA Champions League. Inspired by the fact that Asia is home to some of the world’s most ”hardcore” football fans – so devoted, they’ll wake up at 3am or 4am to watch UEFA Champions League games live – Heineken® wanted to provide a location for fans to watch UEFA Champions League matches. When most bars are closed and watching alone at home is the only other option, Heineken® created ‘LaundroMatch’.
Earth Day 2024 | List of 6 green hotels in the Benelux
22-4-2024
It’s Earth Day and the world is becoming increasingly aware of climate change and sustainability challenges. Large-scale research by hotel group Accor** shows that one in five travelers from Northern Europe would be willing to pay more for a holiday if the tour operator offering the holiday was arguably green or CO2 neutral. How lucky are we that both the Netherlands and Belgium have many sustainable hotels. Below are some green gems where you absolutely don’t have to compromise on luxury or comfort and where sustainable initiatives are taken all year round. Fortunately, there are more and more of these too!
Trends we spotted | Week 16
22-4-2024
At horecatrends.com 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’. With this week links to articles about:
- A benefit dinner for ‘Make a Memory’ at Michelin star restaurant EDEN in Valkenswaard, in the south of the Netherlands, on Wednesday May 22nd.
- Blue Wellness Resorts reaches 5-year milestone. They celebrate this with various offers, also in combination with Fletcher Hotels.
- Fat Phill’s is offering 16 people free burgers for a year for their 5-year anniversary. One person per establishment will stand a chance, read how. The owner, Armin Vahabian, is listed in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe.
- Heineken is the official main sponsor for the 10th edition of SAIL 2025.
- During the Milan Design Week, in collaboration with US brand Bodega, Heineken launched ‘The Boring Phone’. Created by Human Mobile Devices. A mobile without social media!
- Paris Baguette has launched a special ad ‘Let’s Paris’ in collaboration with a number of Paris Saint-Germain
- Also spotted in Paris: Disco Burgers. Their burgers look tasty and different!
- A special collaboration that we would like to see in the Netherlands too! Fato a Mano, a pizza chain in London is going to sell the Margherita Sbagliata pizza by ‘World’s Best Pizza Chef’, Franco Pepe.
- A special wellness resort, built within a year with a lot of shared details on the Instagram account of Long Lane. An idea of Harrison Hide.
- Also via Instagram: Espresso Martini flights and ‘smores kits at Concorde Espresso Bar in Wilmington North Carolina. Great idea for a summer terrace!
- Walt Disney Studios in Disneyland Paris gets another name after the expansion with a new immersive area of ‘World of Frozen’: Disney Adventure World.
Enjoy reading!
GiG Orange Anthem | The King’s Day GiG Hard Seltzer edition 2024
22-4-2024
Especially for King’s Day 2024, GiG is launching their hard seltzer ‘GiG Orange Anthem’ with a refreshing orange flavour for the ultimate King’s Day experience. Owner Bob Ponsen: “The GiG Orange Anthem is selling really fast, which is great to see. I understand that too, because the improved flavour is, if I do say so myself, even tastier now. By the way, that’s something we always hear, that our seltzers are so flavorful, really cool”.
The Rooftop at GHG becomes the event location with the best view in Rotterdam
19-4-2024
The Groot Handelsgebouw (GHG), an icon of Rotterdam’s reconstruction and home to more than 450 companies, is proud to announce an exciting new phase this spring. In collaboration with Révolt, the pioneer of innovative events in Rotterdam, the roof of the GHG will be transformed into a dynamic event venue, The Rooftop at GHG. The former Engels halls and terraces will be transformed into a vibrant hub for events and public activities.
Heinz Tomato Ketchup Pickle now available in the Netherlands | & Heinz Classic Barbiecue Sauce
19-4-2024
HEINZ introduces a new ketchup with pickle flavour in the Netherlands: Ketchup but with big pickle energy. This Heinz Tomato Ketchup Pickle is now available in supermarkets nationwide. It is the latest flavour from the Heinz Ketchup range here but in the UK and Spain, Heinz is launching the limited-edition Heinz Classic Barbiecue Sauce. A pink, vegan mayo with BBQ sauce!
Innovative fusion | DOJO 2.0 in Antwerp
18-4-2024
DOJO 2.0, led by chef and entrepreneur Dennis Ekisola, opened its doors after the success of his first restaurant DOJO. The restaurant is located at 7 Samberstraat in Antwerp and is open for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and for lunch on Tuesday and Friday. If you want to enjoy his extraordinary cuisine, with a fusion of Japanese and European culture and a touch of science fiction, you must make a reservation.
Aficionados can become co-owners of craft beer brewery Jopen
18-4-2024
Aficionados and fans have the chance to become co-owners of the craft beer brewery Jopen, based in the Jopen Church at the center of the Dutch city of Haarlem. The proceeds from the crowdfunding campaign will be used by the craft beer brewery for growth, sustainability and innovation. All investors will be invited to the (J)Open Crowd Event; a beer festival for all investors. In addition, depending on how many shares someone buys, the brewery will offer various rewards, such as discounts on beer and fun goodies.
Fairfield by Marriott Copenhagen Nordhavn | The beauty of simplicity
16-4-2024
Fairfield by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announces its debut in Europe with the opening of Fairfield by Marriott Copenhagen Nordhavn. Situated in Copenhagen’s vibrant North Harbour district, the opening marks a momentous milestone for the trusted brand and its continued global growth. Fairfield by Marriott is the second largest brand within Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio with a footprint of over 1.290 open hotels and a healthy pipeline of over 450 properties globally, including 17 additional hotels predicted to open across Europe and the Middle East.
New in town | Restaurant Harper opens end of April
16-4-2024
Opening – Restaurant Harper is opening its doors on one of the most beautiful squares, de Plaats, in The Hague by the end of April. Its unique historic location, elegant interior, beautiful terrace and innovative dishes make it a great addition to the hospitality industry in The Hague.
Trends we spotted | Week 15
15-4-2024
At horecatrends.com 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’. With this week links to articles about:
- Perfect Imperfection at Café Visscher – the Japanese tradition of ‘Kintsugi’ applied to their crockery – the gold-colored lacquer nicely matches their logo.
- Barilla® and three-time Emmy Award-winning composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer teamed up to create the Al Bronzo Soundtrack.
- ‘SpongeBob SquarePants‘ restaurant opened in Sao Paolo, Brazil.
- True Gamers has launched a project to create the world’s first eSports island in Abu Dhabi.
- And on Instagram: Espresso Martini popsicles and did you know you can enjoy cake and tea at Buckingham Palace this summer?
- Michelin introduces a new rating system for the finest hotels in France, with 1, 2, or 3 keys (clefs).
- De Beren launches Legacy ‘84 custom sneakers, find out how you can become the owner of these sneakers!
Enjoy reading!
New plant-based fastfood restaurant Kernel opened in New York City
12-4-2024
Kernel Foods is a hybrid hospitality and technology company that designed and built a novel operating system for restaurants. The company uses the system at its wholly owned brick-and-mortar restaurants in NYC. By reducing waste and friction, they usher in significant improvements in hospitality, food quality, employee satisfaction, and restaurant economics. Plant-based fastfood restaurant Kernel is an idea of Steve Ells, now CEO. He also built Chipotle Mexican Grill from a single restaurant to a global business.
We wrote about the announcement of this concept in our trends we spotted week 46 2023. One of those concepts highly on our list to visit if we go to NYC!
3 minutes read
Queer Beer brings diversity and inclusion to the beer world
12-4-2024
Drinking beer will never be the same after the ‘beerth’ of Queer Beer. Holland’s newest beer brand that is just a little bit different from other breweries. At this brewery they believe in standing out from the crowd and embracing everyone. It’s more than just a beer brand, as they are committed to making a positive impact on society. Their brand’s beer is celebrated with a Hoppy White – Spicy Mango.
1 minute read
Magnicity will develop the top of Varso Tower in Warsaw
12-4-2024
Magnicity will operate the top three floors of the tallest tower in the European Union, the Varso Tower, located in Warsaw, Poland. The company was selected by HB Reavis, the owner of the Varso Place project, marking the sixth location worldwide under Magnicity’s management.
Competitive socializing at ‘the All Out Amsterdam’
11-4-2024
This Friday, April 12, ‘The All Out Amsterdam’ is opening its doors at Europaplein 1B. This groundbreaking do-F&B and socializing concept, coming from the creative minds behind the social media experience The Upside Down, promises a unique and unforgettable experience where entertainment, food, drinks, and fun join in an Instagram-worthy setting. With a vibrant and daring design, the venue invites you to immerse yourself in a world full of color, creativity, and fun.
2 minutes read
888 Brickell Miami by Dolce&Gabbana condo hotel and residences
11-4-2024
A new design and flexible-residence details at 888 Brickell Miami by Dolce&Gabbana. The first real estate project and condo hotel in the USA by Dolce&Gabbana, in collaboration with developer JDS Development Group. Introducing a first-of-its kind design feat, Dolce&Gabbana’s Grand Residences seamlessly transition into multiple individual rooms and suites which can be utilized simultaneously by owners and hotel guests without compromising privacy and featuring private entries for each. Buyers of the residences will have the opportunity to rent their Dolce&Gabbana-designed homes via the hotel program when they’re not in private use.
3 minutes read
Smells Like McDonald’s
9-4-2024
In everyday settings like elevators, subways, or conference rooms, one often encounters a familiar scent: McDonald’s. Though unseen, its presence is unmistakable, akin to the brand’s iconic logo or jingle. That is why McDonald’s Netherlands leveraged their iconic smell in their latest campaign.
