Young Entrepreneurs & new locations | Bouillon d’Amsterdam, Friethuys Schaijk and Spaghetteria Leiden
22-9-2025
Every day, we spot fun and inspiring new concepts. This week, the concept of Parisian bouillon restaurants is also coming to our capital city early next year: Bouillon d’Amsterdam! A renovation of Friethuys Schaijk and in Leiden, preparations are in full swing for the opening of a Spaghetteria location.
Bouillon d’Amsterdam in the Hotel Die Port van Cleve promises high-quality food at a fair price! With dishes at affordable prices (€3 to €16), the owners aim to appeal to a big audience. Friethuys Schaijk, owned by Bart Bernsen and Luuk Vos, was renovated in three weeks and has a fresh, contemporary design for a traditional snack bar. And in Leiden, a new Spaghetteria location will open at Lange Mare 40, in October.
We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams the best of luck and lots of fun with their new and renovated concepts.
3 minutes read
Opened in Amsterdam, restaurant char.d
22-9-2025
Top chefs and friends Dean Baker and Slava Nazaryan have realized their shared dream with the opening of restaurant char.d on Utrechtsestraat in Amsterdam. The name refers to charring, a cooking technique in which ingredients are slowly grilled over charcoal or wood, or prepared at high temperatures. At char.d, modern barbecue techniques and high-quality, fresh ingredients take center stage, resulting in a simple yet flavourful menu full of depth and complexity.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 38
19-9-2025
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:
- Heineken Hoek on the Leidseplein in Amsterdam gets a new bistro concept, hearty food without fuss.
- Central Perk Coffeehouse, the iconic Friends hangout, is coming to Times Square this fall.
- The Belgium Sake Festival will take place on Octobre 4 & 5 in Antwerp.
- Restaurant Suus, the restaurant of Hotel De Plesman and culinary hotspot in The Hague, has a new chef and a new menu. And their deli Suusje has opened.
- Great tiny gesture: Scarlet Letter cocktail at Mr. Fogg’s in London.
- Mandarin Oriental will debut Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai in October 2025, located in the iconic Wasl Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road.
- Radisson Hotel Group opens Radisson Collection The National Hotel, Brussels, located at the prestigious The National Golf Brussels, 15 minutes from the city centre.
- We recently came across a great example of HosPETality – a BARKUTERIE Board – at BrewDog South Eveleigh in Australia!
- The first NYC Bakery Run takes place this weekend, we wonder when the first Bakery Run will be held in Amsterdam?
Enjoy reading!
DoubleTree by Hilton Rotterdam Centre and Haven Hotel Rotterdam officially opened
19-9-2025
On Thursday, September 18, two renovated hotels at the Leuvehaven in Rotterdam were officially opened: DoubleTree by Hilton Rotterdam Centre and Haven Hotel Rotterdam, Curio Collection by Hilton. Both are located directly on the Maas River with views of the Erasmus Bridge and within walking distance of iconic city highlights such as the Markthal, the Maritime Museum, and Kop van Zuid. The hotels are directly connected but each offers its own distinctive experience.
2 minutes read
MOMO Cha | Afternoon Tea with an Asian signature
16-9-2025
MOMO Restaurant, Bar & Lounge in Amsterdam introduces a new culinary experience: MOMO Cha, an Afternoon Tea with a distinctive Asian twist. Located on Hobbemastraat 1, this hotspot once again sets a trend by giving the classic British tea ritual a surprising, cosmopolitan makeover. (By the way, Cha means tea.)
1 minute read
Artist Nils Verkaeren created a monumental live painting for restaurant NEBO (*)
16-9-2025
A great way to introduce new art into your restaurant! Yesterday, Monday, September 15, chef Dimitri De Koninck and artist Nils Verkaeren invited the public to the Panamarenkoplein in Antwerp, right in front of restaurant NEBO (*), for a unique open-air performance. The Belgian painter Verkaeren, recently back from exhibitions in Mexico and Colombia, spent the entire day working on a monumental seven-meter artwork inspired by the sky above the square. Once completed, the canvas was ceremoniously brought inside and now has a permanent place in the restaurant’s private dining room.
2 minutes read
FlineBox | Diageo launches interactive electronic breathalyzer in the Netherlands
15-9-2025
Diageo and Fline are hosting the Dutch launch of the FlineBox today, September 15, at Anna van Buerenplein in The Hague. This interactive and accessible breathalyzer terminal helps people make more conscious choices, with one clear message: zero alcohol behind the wheel. More details on how this interactive electronic breathalyzer terminal works, in this article.
2 minutes read
First restaurants receive the Dutch quality label ‘Gezellig’
15-9-2025
On September 24, 2025, the first ten businesses in the hospitality sector will be awarded the new, Dutch, hospitality quality label ‘Gezellig’ in Grolloo. This independent label, initiated by hospitality expert Jeannine Sok and entrepreneur Sven Heijkoop, shines a spotlight on front-of-house staff and aims to contribute to the professionalization of the industry. At the same time, the consumer magazine ‘Gezellig’ will be launched, featuring the certified businesses and inspiring stories from the hospitality sector.
2 minutes read
From mini-cocktails to fries with your wine | “Tiny gestures, lasting impressions”
19-8-2025
A blog by Robin van Spronsen featuring a selection of small, surprising hospitality gestures for bars recently spotted on social media. From mini-cocktails that allow everyone at the table to try each other’s cocktails, to the Sauvignon & Sea Salt, or a freshly chilled glass halfway through your drink.
3 minutes read
Young entrepreneurs & new locations | The Salsa Shop at Rotterdam Central and Bagels & Beans in Utrecht
19-8-2025
Every day we spot fun, new concepts. This week: new, young entrepreneurs taking over Bagels & Beans at Mariaplaats in Utrecht – Luc Boerrigter and Lynn Rademaker! And a brand-new Salsa Shop location at Rotterdam Central Station, where travellers can enjoy Mexican favourites between the tracks.
We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams lots of joy and success with their new ventures.
2 minutes read
HEINZ and Smoothie King launch the first-ever Ketchup Smoothie
18-8-2025
HEINZ and Smoothie King have teamed up to answer the playful cultural question: if tomatoes are a fruit, is ketchup a smoothie? Their answer comes in the form of the HEINZ Tomato Ketchup Smoothie, a limited-edition blend that combines HEINZ Simply Tomato Ketchup with real fruits, creating a sweet yet tangy summer drink. Available for a limited time at some locations of the Smoothie King in the US.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 33
15-8-2025
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:
- Polish bakery brand Fit Cake, with over 80 locations in Poland, has opened its first Canadian store on Toronto’s Bloor Street West, offering signature gluten- and sugar-free treats!
- Sugar-free vanilla ice cream at restaurant Sel Gris in Knokke-Heist, proof that dietary restrictions can still taste delicious! And why not put in on your menu?
- The world’s only Michelin three-star vegan restaurant, Eleven Madison Park, will serve meat and fish again. Check out all the details of this change in the article.
- Xi Home Dumplings -The dumpling Bay in London, together with Marley Bones Dog Food, is serving free doggy dumplings from National Dog Day through September 9.
- Located in Hollywood, California, the Tesla Diner combines a supercharging station, a classic American diner and a drive-in experience, all in one.
- In the US, The Peach Cobbler Factory created mobile units to bring its desserts to smaller towns and other events.
- IHG Hotels & Resorts Brings ‘Bed on the Baseline’ to the 2025 US Open.
- Dave & Buster’s has opened its second location in India—a 22,000 sq. ft. venue on the fourth floor of the Infiniti Mall in Mumbai, in partnership with the Malpani Group. And they have many upcoming venues planned!
Enjoy reading!
The Doggy Route to Happiness | The world’s first sightseeing tour for dogs
12-8-2025
Last weekend, Helsinki, known as the happiest capital in the world, launched The Doggy Route to Happiness, believed to be the world’s first sightseeing tour designed especially for dogs. The event coincided with the World Dog Show 2025 and attracted over 1,000 dogs and their owners.
2 minutes read
Young Entrepreneurs & new locations | Kamer le Deux en Rabajà Wine & Kitchen
12-8-2025
Every day, we spot fun and inspiring new concepts. This week, Kamer le Deux that will open by the end of this month on the Maliestraat in The Hague and in Leiden opened an Italian Wine bar, Rabajà Wine & Kitchen on the Morsstraat.
Kamer le Deux will open at the end of August in the former Bistrot Deux la Place location. Guests can look forward to a Mediterranean menu with classic French flavors. Kamer le Deux will sometimes feature live music. A beautiful tribute to the previous owner Marc Cruellas, who made dining at his restaurant special with his French chansons! The wine bar Rabajà has already opened its doors in June. Here, you can enjoy a fine glass of Italian wine paired with treats such as paccheri fritti, olive ascolane, and chuletas de cordero alla plancha.
We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams the best of luck and lots of fun with their new concepts.
2 minutes read
HosPETality | Tail-wagging ideas to pamper four-legged guests
11-8-2025
On August 26, it’s International Dog Day once again – the perfect moment to share some more fun examples of how the four-legged friends of guests are welcomed in hotels and restaurants. More and more, we see reels showing even large dogs going on holiday, sometimes even flying on planes! Honestly, I can’t imagine taking our office dog Jimmy on a long flight… In this article other examples of HosPETality, like: the Chief Happiness Officer at the Fairmont Tokyo, enjoying a martini, beer or ice cream with your dog, off-leash play areas, a ‘Dog Stick Library’ and more. ^Marjolein
This article follows up on our earlier HosPETality piece from 2022, with more examples of pet-friendly initiatives.
3 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 32
8-8-2025
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:
- Inspiration for restaurant chains? Hard Rock Cafe announced the five finalists for its annual World Burger Tour.
- Spotted at an Instagram reel – A £2 toilet trip in Budapest at – POP&ROLL Art Toilet. Combining art, design and utility!
- The 4-star citizenM Dublin St. Patrick’s hotel recently opened with a chaotic pillow fight, great idea!
- Starting August 12, McDonald’s invites fans in the U.S. on a nostalgic journey to McDonaldland.
- Since the end of July, you can enjoy a special drink at all participating Burger King restaurants in Germany: The Summernades! Drinks topped with cotton candy.
- To celebrate the festive opening of the Efteling Grand Hotel, the Efteling placed the world’s largest ribbon bow on the façade of its new luxury hotel. Guinness World Record!
- This summer, McDonald’s Germany invites guests on a global culinary journey with 22 international menu items from 17 countries. Mit Mecces um die Welt.
- Since August 1st, Postillion Hotels has been serving Plant First: their entire food offering, from lunch and dinner buffets to walking dinners and snacks, now has a plant-based foundation.
- The inspiration for the 2025 Duvel Designer Glass comes from artist Loes van Delft. With her design for the iconic glass, she and Duvel advocate for connection and softness.
Enjoy reading!
Young Entrepreneurs & new locations | Summer Terrace by Bisous, de IJshaven en Foodmaster
5-8-2025
Every day, we spot fun and inspiring new concepts. This week, a unique summer collaboration: Summer Terrace by Bisous, a charming new ice cream shop in Leiden called De IJshaven, and a new owner for Foodmaster Alphen aan den Rijn.
Restaurant Bisous is closed for the month of August and has launched Summer Terrace by Bisous on the terrace of restaurant Daalder. In Leiden, a new artisanal ice cream shop has opened at Haven 20: De IJshaven – the dream of entrepreneurs Esther and Zoë. And in Alphen aan den Rijn, Foodmaster has welcomed a new owner. In addition to the standard menu, she will introduce specialty items such as homemade rendang.
We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams the best of luck and lots of fun with their new concepts.
2 minutes read
ICE! by the Gaylord Hotels returns for the 2025 Holiday Season
4-8-2025
This winter, the iconic holiday attraction ICE! by the Gaylord Hotels returns to six U.S. resorts, offering guests a magical walk-through world of hand-carved ice sculptures, live shows, and family-friendly Christmas activities. The event features over 2 million pounds of ice, sculpted into scenes from classic holiday stories by master artisans from Harbin, China.
We wrote about ICE! by Gaylord Hotels back in 2023, but who doesn’t love this iconic holiday tradition? It’s also a great reminder to start planning your own Christmas event. This experience is especially inspiring for smaller hotel or restaurant chains looking to create memorable, guest-attracting holiday moments.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 31
1-8-2025
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:
- Tomorrow (August 2) Pride Amsterdam’ Canal Parade is celebrated. A great beer to enjoy during the Pride and beyond is the IPGAY by Queer Beer. A tropical summer beer with a statement!
- At Lotti’s Bar in The Hoxton hotel in Amsterdam, you can enjoy a glitter brunch during the Pride. And The Jollof Club from August 7 through September offers refined African cuisine by chef Nicolas Aquaa.
- Le Bristol Paris is celebrating their centenary! They unveiled the Eden Suite, a lush 6th-floor sanctuary dedicated to wellness luxury.
- ‘Une collab gourmande’ between Deliveroo × French Bandit’s. Order a meal for yourself and receive a pet toy! A great way to target pet owners? We love the pizza slice and baguette toy!
- Glacerie Enzo & Lily Libre in Paris. Here Lionel Chauvin creates spectacular ice cream flavours – like glace hot dog or glace bouillabaisse. But we love to taste his glace Fraise des bois blanche.
- Immersive restaurant pop-up of ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ in Santa Monica. Subway® sends fans to their Happy Place!
- A great example of a family room! We love the Rocket Room, spotted at the Shangri-La Singapore.
- Center Parcs De Vossemeren is the first location of this brand that unveiled their completely renovated restaurants. A collab with Albron.
- Design hotel brand TRIBE, part of Accor hotels, is expanding rapidly in Europe, with among others a new location in the Netherlands, TRIBE Den Haag Centraal.
Enjoy reading!
#Fairmontlovesdogs | Paw-fect offerings at the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
31-7-2025
To celebrate International Dog Day on August 26, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, part of Accor, invites guests for heartwarming stays that go far beyond being simply ‘pet-friendly’. With the motto #FairmontLovesDogs, the hotel group celebrates this special day across its global portfolio, but Fairmont offers luxury service and pampering for dogs all year round at its iconic locations. Guests are encouraged to share their encounters with the Canine Ambassadors and pet travel stories using the hashtag #Fairmontlovesdogs.
We personally met the dog from Fairmont Château Whistler back in 2019—such a sweetheart! (Check out the hotel’s new canine ambassador). Just like the sweetheart Bella, the dog of hotel & Michelin-starred restaurant De Bloemenbeek. While the many dogs at Fairmont inspired us to adopt another one ourselves, our office dog Jimmy was already enjoying playtime with Bella during our visit to the hotel and restaurant. This article highlights some great examples of how you can pamper your guests’ four-legged friends: dog-friendly city guides, dog macarons, embroidered doggie bathrobes, and more.
2 minutes read
Young Entrepreneurs & new locations | Ikigai, restaurant Salut and the Salsa Shop
28-7-2025
Every day, we spot fun and inspiring new concepts. This week: restaurant Salut in De Pijp, lunch concept Ikigai in Leiden, and the latest Salsa Shop opening at Amsterdam Central Station.
In the heart of De Pijp in Amsterdam, Restaurant Salut has opened its doors: an all-day café combining French charm with Mediterranean comfort. The concept comes from the entrepreneurs behind restaurant Bisous. In Leiden, a new lunch spot has launched on Haarlemmerstraat: Ikigai. Here, you can enjoy sandwiches with Japanese toppings on brioche bread, paninis, and special drinks. Lastly, the Salsa Shop recently opened its 18th location. At Amsterdam Central Station, you can now grab a fresh burrito or quesadilla!
We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams the best of luck and lots of fun with their new concepts.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 30
25-7-2025
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:
- Eataly makes its Dutch debut at Schiphol Airport! Enjoy their Italian specialties at Lounge 1.
- For its Summer 2025 menu at the EMEA markets (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Starbucks took inspiration from Treviso, the birthplace of tiramisu. The result? A Tiramisu Cream Cold Foam.
- Another Coffee trend spotted in the US: the Iced Coconut Water Americano.
- Essendi, a leading hotel owner and operator in Europe, announces a strategic partnership with Workplace Pride during Pride Amsterdam 2025. The agreement was signed in their INK Amsterdam hotel.
- KFC’s new marketing campaign features a serious Colonel who ‘would not be happy’ about the brand’s recent market share loss. See how they’re taking on this challenge.
- Lawa blends ‘Mario Kart and Strava’ to make movement fun for teens and brands. Available in the Netherlands and it’s possibly interesting for amusement parks, too.
- Mattel recently launched the first-ever UNO Social Club in Las Vegas—an immersive game night experience combining competition, fun, and social connection. More locations are on the way!
- Spotted on Instagram: ‘unbreakable glasses’ by Djuce Studio. Made from Tritan copolyester and we love the way they look!
- Would you like to play a golf game at your wedding? We’ve also spotted fun mini golf games to enjoy with friends!
Enjoy reading!
Stayokay Eindhoven adds pods and family rooms after renovation
24-7-2025
Stayokay Eindhoven has recently completed an extensive renovation, which includes the addition of innovative pods to its room offering. Located in a former Philips factory on the vibrant Strijp-S site, the hostel now presents itself as a fresh and accessible accommodation option for a wide range of travellers. Both the rooms and common areas have been updated while preserving the characteristic charm of the historic building.
2 minutes read
De Lola | The new pod hotel in The Hague’s ‘De Haagse Bluf’
17-7-2025
As of July 16, 2025, you can experience a new way to stay in The Hague. De Lola Podshotel has opened in ‘De Haagse Bluf’ – the very first true pod hotel in The Hague and the Netherlands. No standard rooms here, but cozy sleep pods: compact, stacked cocoons with everything you need for a comfortable stay right in the city center. De Lola brings the smart and efficient sleep concept, already popular in global cities like Tokyo, New York and London, to the Netherlands. The hotel features 62 pods accommodating up to 70 guests, and a contemporary food concept and a stylish retro 70s-inspired lobby.
2 minutes read
Chipotle launches global ‘album premiere listening party’ with pop star Alex Warren
17-7-2025
Today, Thursday July 17, Chipotle Mexican Grill is teaming up with singer and Chipotle superfan Alex Warren for a unique global event: an album premiere listening party for his new album You’ll Be Alright, Kid. From 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM local time, the album will be played in nearly 4,000 Chipotle locations across the U.S., Canada, the UK, and France. It’s the first time an artist has ever launched new music in this many restaurants simultaneously. The album will be officially available on all streaming platforms starting July 18.
This album premiere listening party is a unique collaboration between an artist and a restaurant chain! Inspiration for others?
2 minutes read
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