A Disney Theme Park is coming to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi
20-5-2025
The Walt Disney Company and Miral, a leading developer of entertainment destinations in Abu Dhabi, have announced plans to build a large-scale Disney theme park and resort on Yas Island. This will be Disney’s seventh resort worldwide and the first in the Middle East and Africa. The announcement was celebrated early May with a spectacular drone show featuring more than 9,000 drones.
2 minutes read
From the rooftop to your plate | Honey at Restaurant Vestdijk47 in Eindhoven
19-5-2025
Tomorrow, May 20th, is World Bee Day! On the rooftop of the Pullman Eindhoven Hotel, home to restaurant Vestdijk47, lives a special population of honeybees. To mark the occasion, the restaurant is putting their rooftop honey in the spotlight.
1 minute read
Trends we spotted | Week 20
19-5-2025
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:
- A real summer festival with unlimited ice cream is coming to London: Ben & Jerry’s ‘Sundaes In The Park’.
- Another seasonal event in London: ‘Capri in the City’ arrives at the Berkeley Rooftop Bar & Pool.
- It’s shaping up to be a busy summer in London, with New York’s acclaimed aperitivo bar and restaurant Dante, hosting a month-long residency at Claridge’s Restaurant.
- A takeaway spot in Barcelona is serving bite-sized flavour bombs somewhere between a pizza and an empanada, called Tino’s.
- After making its European debut last year in Milan, Italy, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is planning to open 100 locations across Europe.
- Soul Water launches their Alubottle – a 100% recyclable and reusable water bottle, offering a stylish and sustainable alternative to single-use plastic.
- White Castle puts its biggest fans in the spotlight through its ‘Cravers Hall of Fame’
- Burger King France teamed up with the Buzzman agency and created a sweet and original Ice Burger. A sweet disc burger filled with ice cream, nuts and chocolate, that’s being introduced by a mysterious Parisian pastry chef.
- Charlie’s TMS is revolutionizing plant-based fast food and expands its U.S. presence with 18 new stores in Arizona.
Enjoy reading!
Papa d’Amour by Dominique Ansel | A new Asian bread culture bakery in NYC
15-5-2025
On May 22nd, chef Dominique Ansel will open a new bakery dedicated to Asian bread culture at 64 University Place (between 10th & 11th Streets) in New York City, of course, with his signature creative touch. The first images already look promising; this is yet another bakery worth visiting in NYC! The name, Papa d’Amour, is the nickname his children gave him.
We’re big fans of Dominique Ansel’s creativity and we love sandos, those fluffy sandwiches made with shokupan or fluffy milk bread. In Amsterdam, they’re sold at Ranchi. Now we can’t wait to try the Taiwanese soft shokupan, the steamed croissant boos and especially the ‘Hot Dog & Sticky Rice Danish’ we saw on Instagram, it looks amazing! Although choosing might be difficult, as the ‘Scallion Basil Bloom’ looks delicious as well.
2 minutes read
Young entrepreneurs & new locations | Satay Club, FRIT’ZZA and Design & Wijn
13-5-2025
Every day, we spot fun and inspiring new concepts. This week: Satay Club and Design & Wine in Amsterdam and FRIT’ZZA in Utrecht.
In the heart of Amsterdam, at Haarlemmerstraat 47, Satay Club has opened its doors: a fast-casual restaurant bringing authentic Javanese street food to the city, with satay from the charcoal grill taking center stage. FRIT’ZZA is the first restaurant in the Netherlands to serve traditional Neapolitan pizza fritta, fried pizza, Italy’s favorite street food. And at Haarlemmerdijk 129 in Amsterdam, you’ll find Design & Wijn, a unique wine store where Dutch quality wine and design come together.
We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams lots of fun and success with their concepts.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 19
12-5-2025
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:
- Dominique Ansel, the creator of the Cronut®, is celebrating its 12th birthday with a special box of Cronut® Holes featuring a selection of flavours from over the years.
- We’re a bit late covering this, as the Za’co by &pizza was only available on May 5 — but we love the idea of the pizza and taco combination!
- the Pop-Up Playground in Amsterdam will be open every Thursday and Friday throughout May: Ping Pong Madness and much more!
- Buona in Chicago celebrates the tenth anniversary of its founding the ‘National Italian Beef Day’.
- Parkhotel De Wiemsel in Ootmarsum will continue as Fletcher Hotel starting June 1, 2025.
- Kamado Joe kicked off the BBQ season last Thursday with a clever and eye-catching response to breaking global news: the election of the new pope. Let’s start the BBQ season with this white smoke.
- The restaurant festival ‘Bite of Amsterdam’ is back! From June 13 to 15, the Amstelpark in Amsterdam transforms into a culinary paradise.
- As of early May, the organic bake-off bagels from Bagels & Beans are available in all 90 Ekoplaza stores across the Netherlands. #Bagellogical
- Asparagus season has officially begun, and Otomat is celebrating with one of their most beloved seasonal pizzas. The ‘Asparagus à la Flamande pizza’.
- This spring season, The Connaught is proud to be honouring Goodwoof, the ultimate dog’s day out at the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex, and introducing a brand new, limited-edition ‘paw-tisserie’ cake for the month of May.
Enjoy reading!
Panda Express® launches ‘Pandaoke’ | Karaoke pop-ups across the U.S.
9-5-2025
Panda Express®, the largest family-owned Asian dining brand in the U.S., is launching ‘Pandaoke’, a fun, one-of-a-kind karaoke experience in four cities during May and June, just in time for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
As inspiration on how to create some rumour around your brand!
2 minutes read
Restaurant COBRA in Antwerp has launched ‘La Petite Collection’
9-5-2025
Restaurant COBRA in Antwerp has launched its very own clothing line, ‘La Petite Collection’. The popular spot on the Leopoldplaats, known for its fusion of bar food and gastronomy, responds to the frequent questions from guests about the team’s stylish uniforms. The collection is now available both in the restaurant and online.
1 minute read
A unique caviar dessert at R21 in Amsterdam
8-5-2025
Caviar continues to grow in popularity and is increasingly appearing in surprising combinations. Back in April 2023, we wrote about caviar ‘bumps’, but now we’re seeing pairings with pizza and even desserts — as recently spotted in the United States. A striking sweet-and-salty combination! Caviar bumps have now gained popularity in Europe too, but would we see caviar appear in desserts here as well? That seemed uncertain, until we discovered a similar dessert at restaurant R21 in Amsterdam. Their creation, a combination of Asetra caviar with crème fraîche ice cream and feuilletine, sounds absolutely delicious!
2 minutes read
Young entrepreneurs & new locations | MR PORTER Steakhouse, Bar & Lounge and Foodmaster Wageningen
6-5-2025
Every day, we spot fun and inspiring new concepts. This week: MR PORTER Steakhouse, Bar & Lounge and Foodmaster Wageningen.
MR PORTER Steakhouse, Bar & Lounge in London has recently opened at 22 Park Lane. This is the third location of this concept from The ENTOURAGE GROUP. With existing venues in Amsterdam and Barcelona, guests in London can now also enjoy MR or MRS PORTER steaks, among many other dishes! Foodmaster Wageningen has opened next to sports complex De Aanloop in the Noordwest district of the city. Guests can enjoy burgers, fries specials, snacks, milkshakes and Master Sundaes.
We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams lots of fun and success with their concepts.
2 minutes read
KFC and Benchmark Resorts & Hotels offer moms a finger lickin’ getaway for Mother’s Day
2-5-2025
Great collab for Mother’s Day! This Mother’s Day weekend, KFC in the U.S. is partnering with Benchmark Resorts & Hotels to give moms what they really want: rest, relaxation and Chicken & Waffles in bed. Select Benchmark properties in Boston, Seattle, Phoenix, Daytona Beach Shores (Florida), and Portland (Oregon) will offer the ‘Mom Flies the Coop’ package for stays on May 10 and 11.
1-minute read
Trends we spotted | Week 18
2-5-2025
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:
- We love the idea of making a wedding cake on the spot! Spotted in Italy.
- Marriott International has announced it is expanding its lifestyle portfolio by acquiring citizenM.
- The Maybourne Riviera hotel reopens for the 2025 season with new culinary, wellbeing and guest experiences.
- Mandarin Oriental Bodrum is set to host the iconic Gigi Rigolatto pop-up this summer.
- Spotted at Chin Chin labs: vanilla soft serve with French fries and a drizzle of potato peel sauce.
- The first 3D printed Starbucks store has opened in Brownsville, Texas.
- Designs have been revealed for Laheq, the first residential-led development at The Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, developed by Red Sea Global (RSG) and designed by Foster + Partners.
- Starting May 5, McCrispy™ Strips and the all-new Creamy Chili Dip will be available nationwide at McDonald’s USA.
- Domino’s Pizza and Bicky launch spicy Bicky Mexicano® pizza in Belgium.
- Sensory Cooking by Homey’s Tools for Life elevates the cooking ritual with kitchen tools designed by Boey Wang of Studio Boey.
Enjoy reading!
Eberhardjes are looking for ‘Lieve Amsterdammers’
1-5-2025
Eberhardjes are cookies named after the kind, former mayor of Amsterdam, Eberhard van der Laan. The Eberhardjes stand for positivity and connection and they’re looking for ‘Lieve Amsterdammers’ (kind citizens of Amsterdam). During Amsterdam’s 750 anniversary year, anyone can nominate a kind fellow citizen through the Eberhardjes website. These people will be honoured in an online Hall of Fame with beautiful portraits.
Entrepreneurs can support the campaign by becoming a pick-up location and displaying promotional materials at their location.
1 minute read
Coravin World Wine Tour | May 2025
28-4-2025
Coravin is once again partnering with restaurants and bars around the world to offer exclusive, rare, and highly sought-after wines by the glass during the Coravin World Wine Tour in May 2025. Eight countries — the US, UK, Australia, Italy, France, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands — are participating, with more than 55 leading venues, ranging from trendy wine bars to Michelin-starred restaurants. Sommeliers are bringing out exceptional wines and vintages from their cellars, some of which have never before been available by the glass.
2 minutes read
Young Entrepreneurs & New Concepts | Gyojasang, MOSH!, and Fine-Dining Restaurant NORRA
28-4-2025
Every day, we spot fun and inspiring new concepts. This week: Gyojasang, smashburger temple MOSH!, and fine-dining restaurant NORRA. NORRA recently opened its doors in Bilthoven, offering three different menus and a power lunch. In Amsterdam, Gyojasang promises a full Korean dining and experience concept, with authentic dishes, cocktails, private karaoke rooms and a photobooth. The opening is planned for early May. Meanwhile, in Bruges, smashburger hotspot MOSH! will open at the end of May. Founders Tom Degroote and Pieter Vermeersch – childhood friends from the hardcore music scene – are combining their passion for artisanal smashburgers, natural wine, and music.
We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams a lot of fun and success with their concepts.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 17
25-4-2025
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’. This edition highlights some fun hospitality initiatives for Kingsday — perfect to visit, enjoy, or use as inspiration for next year! We’ve also included some international examples of creative campaigns and product launches.
- Royal Desserts at live-fire restaurant Nela in Amsterdam.
- Café De Blaffende Vis in Amsterdam will unveil its iconic 2025 King’s Day façade at the stroke of midnight during King’s Night.
- Café De Gaper in Leiden will transform into Snackcafé De Gaper on King’s Day, serving a snack menu fit for royalty.
- Stëlz Hard Seltzer released a limited edition ‘can belt’ especially for King’s Night and King’s Day — it sold out quickly!
- Want to toast with an orange drink? Jägermeister ORANGE has just hit the market.
- In the U.S., BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse teamed up with Mars to launch a new twist on their signature dessert: the SNICKERS® Pizookie.
- Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard introduces a bold take on a classic: Cola Italian Ice.
- Pretzelmaker® in the US is giving away free Pretzel Bites tomorrow (April 26th) in celebration of National Pretzel Day.
- Outback Steakhouse in Australia turns up the heat with their Hot Wing Roo-lette – a spicy challenge for the daring!
Enjoy reading!
Heineken Studio Mokum750 | A beer to celebrate 750 years of Amsterdam
25-4-2025
To mark the 750th anniversary of Amsterdam, Heineken has unveiled a specially brewed beer: Heineken® Studio Mokum750. This unique wheat pilsner was developed in collaboration with five local café entrepreneurs and is a tribute to the city’s rich café culture. The beer is a fresh, unfiltered wheat pilsner with a surprising twist on the familiar Heineken flavor: a hint of coriander seed adds a subtle spicy note, while Citra hops deliver extra refreshment.
1 minute read
Hard Rock Hotel London, Ontario is Canada’s first-ever Hard Rock Hotel
25-4-2025
Hard Rock Hotel London, Ontario — Canada’s first-ever Hard Rock Hotel — is now open inside the 100 Kellogg Lane complex, the country’s largest indoor entertainment venue. Located in London’s Old East Village, just minutes from downtown, the 164-room hotel combines music, luxury, and immersive guest experiences.
1 minute read
Young entrepreneurs & new concepts | DILEMMA Kitchen, THE BUTCHER Smashed Burger and the Sojubar
22-4-2025
Every day we spot fun, new concepts. This week a creative breakfast, lunch and coffee concept in Breda: DILEMMA Kitchen, another new smash burger concept this time from the THE BUTCHER chain in Amsterdam and a new location of the Sojubar at the Westfield Mall of The Netherlands in Leidschendam.
DILEMMA Kitchen by Emma Hopstaken opened in Breda in January, she provides private dining, catering, pasta workshops and breakfast and lunch on Friday and the weekends. The Sojubar in the Mall opened last week, they serve K-food and drinks (possibly a cocktail with Soju). And THE BUTCHER Smashed Burger is the chain’s first outlet where they specialise in the trendy smash burgers. This location will open its doors on April 28th on the Albert Cuypstraat!
We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams a lot of fun and success with their concepts. More information below!
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 16
18-4-2025
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:
- Biotech company Tropic created a banana that resists browning, offering major benefits against food waste.
- The Hoxton Edinburgh is set to open this June in the historic Haymarket district. The hotel features 214 rooms, including nine room types with names such as Snug Single, Bunk Room, Cosy, Roomy, Biggy and more.
- McDonald’s Germany has opened a temporary McDonald’s restaurant experience in a Minecraft design in the center of Munich.
- The ‘Broccoli Cheddar Pizookie’ by BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse. A savoury pizookie this time!
- Celebrate burgers and bottomless fun at Red Robin during the National Burger Month with a Bottomless Burger Pass.
- A ‘Pay What You Want’ Food Truck tour on ‘National Tax Day’ by Newman’s Own food and drinks.
- And the Staypineapple hotel brand in the US covered taxes and amenity fees for their guests if they booked on ‘National Tax Day’.
- Energy storage system from Intercel prevents peak load at TommyTomato’s new meal delivery site in Utrecht.
- Gastrovino in the Netherlands opened two new locations in just one week. A store in Leiden and a store and Mediterranean-style osteria in Nuenen!
Enjoy reading!
Heinz Trade-Up in Dubai| From sachet clutter to ketchup upgrade
18-4-2025
Heinz Trade-Up in Dubai is tackling a common household dilemma: the overflowing kitchen drawer filled with unused ketchup sachets. A recent survey by Heinz revealed that 70% of UAE residents have unwanted ketchup sachets at home, with nearly half admitting to having 5–10 sachets scattered around. Over half of the respondents described this as frustrating, and 60% said they’d be more likely to use the sachets if they were Heinz.
We think a decluttering of ketchup sachets – or any other sachet – might work here in Europe as well!
It’s a fun variation on the Heinz Pickle Switch that stood in Rotterdam.
1 minute read
Limited edition Frickles at Burger King® Germany | Fricklemania
15-4-2025
While stock lasts: as of today, you can enjoy fried pickles (Frickles) at Burger King Germany! Have you ever tried Frickles? The viral snack on social media internationally is now brought to Germany by Burger King®.
1 minute read
Young entrepreneurs & new concepts | Restaurant Terroir Grand Cru, Drippy’s and Jahagir’s Kitchen
15-4-2025
Every day we spot fun, new concepts. This week, two new restaurants, in Hulst and Amsterdam and a second location for the smashburger concept Drippy’s in Rotterdam. A new meeting place on the Oude Binnenweg! Fine dining restaurant Terroir Grand Cru, opened in Hulst early January. In the heart of the southern region Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, chef Colin de Moor serves the flavours of this region combined with influences from further afield. And on the Amstelveenseweg in Amsterdam, Jahagir’s Kitchen opened in February. The Jahagir brothers serve the rich, diverse flavours of India with a modern twist.
We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams a lot of fun and success with their concepts. More information below!
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 15
14-4-2025
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:
- Hedonism Wines creates an ‘eggcelent Easter display’ – they’re definitely ready for the Easter Season. Does your restaurant have Easter decorations?
- The Big Egg Hunt comes to Canary Wharf this Easter – a free art trail organized by conservation charity Elephant Family in collaboration with Clarence Court.
- Duke’s Mayonnaise teams up with chef Mason Hereford. Together they are launching limited-edition kitchen tools. This year a deviled egg tray and a mayo spatula. Inspiration?
- Subway® teams up with Doritos® for another unexpected and limited available footlong innovation: Footlong nachos.
- Berry Espresso, created by Di Pacci Coffee Company. Check out how they create an espresso with a touch of berry flavour in Australia.
- Sproud, the Swedish company behind a range of pea-based milk alternatives, announces the launch of ‘Barista ZERO’ in the Dutch market.
- The Handwritten Collection will open new hotels in Amsterdam, Grand Canal Boutique Hotel, and Le Marin Boutique Hotel in Rotterdam.
- SPROOMZ is the new name for the Dutch mushroom producer Oakfield and they have international ambition.
- And the SALSA SHOP opened their flagshipstore in the Reguliersbreestraat in Amsterdam, it’s their 17th location in the Netherlands and they also have international ambition.
- As of April 3rd 2025 Mandarin Oriental officially assumed management of the legendary Hôtel Lutetia, unveiling its new identity as Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris.
- Family Style Food Festival, the first-ever festival at the intersection of food and streetwear with a curated lineup of the best chefs, restaurants, brands and entertainment will make its debut in New York City.
Enjoy reading!
NONNA MAMMA | Bringing the Heart of Italian Tradition to Selfridges Foodhall
14-4-2025
Step into a world where time-honoured Italian recipes come to life. NONNA MAMMA is a new concept dedicated to the cherished culinary traditions of Italian grandmothers. Now available at the iconic Selfridges Foodhall, 400 Oxford Street. NONNA MAMMA is the perfect destination for anyone seeking an authentic and flavourful dining experience—whether during a lunch break or as a takeaway treat to enjoy at home.
1 minute read