Young entrepreneurs & new locations | Le Smash, Elysianne and Beau
30-6-2025
Every day we spot fun and exciting new concepts. This week: a new Le Smash location in Leiden, restaurant Elysianne in Amsterdam, and Beau in Rotterdam.
Le Smash recently opened its eighth location in the Netherlands at Steenstraat 22 in Leiden. Meanwhile, the ninth location has also already opened in Groningen. Early 2025, restaurant Elysianne opened its doors at Ruysdaelstraat 48 in Amsterdam. Chef Matt Pace and his team serve refined versions of classic Creole dishes from Louisiana. And this Saturday, July 5, Beau will open at Stadhuisplein 23 in Rotterdam—a place to dine, experience, and linger.
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 26
27-6-2025
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:
- Spotted on Instagram: a bitterballen claw machine! Our ‘bitterballen’ would probably be cold by the time we manage to grab one.
Found at DUS in Utrecht.
- Also spotted on Instagram: a fun way to serve ice cream – Zoo Ice Cream by BoBa in Barcelona!
- Also via Instagram: the Tuna Fight Club – a spectacular dining experience at Notting Hill Fish + Meat Shop.
- Accor Netherlands has been named the official hotel partner of WorldPride 2026 in Amsterdam, taking place from July 25 to August 8, 2025.
- LuminAir, the bar above Amsterdam launches The Menu of Colors, a new cocktail menu inspired by prismatic colors. Artist Lynn Spoor created a matching artwork.
- Starting July 1, fans in the U.S. can take home a tiny piece of McDonald’s with one of 21 mini toys from the Lil McDonald’s Happy Meal.
- J Hotel Shanghai Tower is located at the top of China’s tallest skyscraper and the third-highest in the world.
- The Ruby Group will open its first Greek hotel in 2027, right in the heart of Athens, near Omonia Square.
- Redbrick is known for its iconic Safety Sneakers: sturdy work shoes with the look of casual sneakers. A completely renewed collection is now available.
Enjoy reading!
Copitas | Ostend celebrates Mexican Spirits at a unique festival
26-6-2025
On Sunday, September 28, 2025, Ostend will host a first: Belgium’s very own festival dedicated to Mexican spirits. Copitas — Spanish for “little glasses” — celebrates the richness and complexity of Mexican drinks like tequila, mezcal, rum, whisky, and gin. Founders Stijn Deschacht, Jeroen Van Dyck, and a group of agave ambassadors from around the world invite the Belgian public to taste, learn, and enjoy artisanal spirits full of story, terroir, and tradition. Tastings will be paired with Mexican-inspired food.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 25
23-6-2025
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:
- INK Hotel Amsterdam is turning pink for the tenth time during Pride Amsterdam. This anniversary edition is titled ‘Ten Years of Reflection’. From July 24 through August 3, 2025, it’s called the PINK Hotel.
- Distillers Hotel will bring new life to historic Schiedam distillery. Scheduled to open in 2026.
- Last week Frittenwerk opened their first store in Münich, it’s their 45th store in Germany.
- KYU NYC, a full-service restaurant, is aiming to shake up the New York City lunch scene with the launch of KYU Grab & Go, pick-up point: the window.
- Another window opened in NYC: Buchette del Vino, the city’s first ‘Florentine Wine Window’.
- We came across ‘The World’s First Sky Beach Club’ on Instagram. The location of the Tribe Sky Beach Club? Emsphere Mall in Bangkok, Thailand.
- Inspiration for beach clubs: a Low Tide Golf Game. Looks like fun!
- A great example of a fun little gesture of hospitality: the VIP #DogPerrignon service from SiSo Beach Mallorca.
- The CuliQuiz Top 100 is a nationwide audience award created for and by the Dutch hospitality industry. Applications are open now and the winners will be announced during Gastvrij Rotterdam. Created together with the Week of Hospitality.
- An event by Hospitality Pact marked the official launch of the new platform Discover Hospitality — the central hub of a national digital campaign designed to inspire young adults to pursue a career in hospitality in the Netherlands.
Enjoy reading!
Doppio celebrates the start of summer with free caffè freddo on the longest day of the year
20-6-2025
While the sun has already made many appearances, summer only officially begins on Saturday, June 21, the longest day of the year. With over sixteen hours of daylight, it’s the perfect time to kick off the summer season. Doppio Espresso is marking the occasion in true Italian style by treating guests to a free iced coffee: a refreshing caffè freddo, made just like in Italy. From 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, all Doppio locations in the Netherlands will offer a free cool coffee moment.
The weather forecast is really Italian —so we think they can expect long lines!
1 minute read
‘Camp Unwritten’ | Glamping meets storytelling by World of Hyatt
19-6-2025
This summer, World of Hyatt is teaming up with Reese’s Book Club and Under Canvas to launch Camp Unwritten – a unique, storybook-inspired glamping adventure that invites guests to become the main character of their own summer tale. Think cozy fireside reads, luxury tents, wide-open skies, and exclusive access to bestselling authors – all in breathtaking, off-the-grid settings.
2 minutes read
Hyatt opens first Secrets resort in Aruba | Secrets Baby Beach Aruba
17-6-2025
Hyatt is expanding its Inclusive Collection with the launch of Secrets Baby Beach Aruba – an adults-only, all-inclusive resort featuring 304 suites on the serene southeastern coast of Aruba. This is the first Inclusive Collection property on the island, located along the tranquil Baby Beach, known for its white coral sands and clear turquoise waters. Its proximity to the colorful town of San Nicolas – famous for its street murals – makes it ideal for travelers seeking both luxury and local culture. Other Hyatt hotels on Aruba are Hyatt Place Aruba Airport and Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Spa and Casino.
2 minutes read
Donatos Pizza will open a fully autonomous restaurant in partnership with Appetronix
17-6-2025
Donatos Pizza, a premium U.S. pizza chain known for its Edge to Edge® toppings, is launching its first fully autonomous restaurant this month at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (Concourse B). Donatos and its sister company Agápe Automation partnered with Appetronix to create this innovative concept. It’s operated by HMSHost and will serve freshly made pizzas 24/7 via robotic technology, offering travelers speed, convenience, and quality.
This new Donatos location sets a precedent for how robotics and hospitality can blend to meet modern foodservice demands in high-traffic environments like airports.
2 minutes read
Young entrepreneurs & new locations | Pizza bar Rosso, wine bar De 3 Wijntjes and Bagels & Beans in the Schunck building
16-6-2025
We spot fun and inspiring new concepts every day. This week: Pizza bar Rosso in Amsterdam on the Zuidas, wine bar De 3 Wijntjes in Roosendaal, and Bagels & Beans in the Schunck building in Heerlen.
On George Gershwinlaan, the refined Pizza bar Rosso recently opened its doors. From lunch onwards, you can enjoy dishes like the ‘Pan Rosso’, Sicilian red prawns, a classic Italian aperitivo with an aged Negroni, and of course, unique pizzas. The concept is the first venture by new hospitality group The Ugly Duckling. In Roosendaal, wine bar De 3 Wijntjes opened in the former café De 3 Weesgegroetjes – known locally as “the 3Ws.” Every Friday and Saturday, owners Rick and Sebastiaan welcome guests for wines by the glass paired with refined bar bites. And in Heerlen, the Bagels & Beans location on the Bongerd in the Schunck building has a new owner: Jasper! What once started with a hot chocolate as a guest, has now turned into a new chapter as the official bagel boss.
We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams lots of fun and success with their concepts.
3 minutes read
Spotlighting wellness on Global Wellness Day | Best practices from leading brands
13-6-2025
Wellness tourism is booming, with more and more people seeking treatments that help them feel healthier, look better, and live well—both physically and mentally. Tomorrow, June 14th, marks Global Wellness Day, and it’s the perfect opportunity for destinations and hospitality brands to shine a light on their wellness offerings.
These examples show how destinations and hotel brands can use Global Wellness Day 2026 as a platform to promote meaningful, holistic wellness experiences.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 24
13-6-2025
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:
- This weekend in New York City for the fans of the HBO MAX series ‘And just like that…”: a ‘Hot Fellas’ Bakery pop-up.
- An Instagram reel by 60 Seconds to Napoli about their ‘Pasta in a pizza bowl’.
- Celebrating 750 years of Amsterdam at Amsterdam Breakfast on 21 June. An initiative by Ron Gastrobar and Cees Holtkamp.
- Nobu Hospitality is expanding in Poland with the upcoming Nobu Hotel, Restaurant, and Residences in Kraków, located near the city’s historic Old Town.
- Carvel® Ice Cream, kicks off summer with the first-ever soft serve–dispensing billboard in NYC’s West Village on June 18.
- Chipotle is celebrating fans with a limited-edition collection of 13 temporary tattoos inspired by iconic brand elements, today on June 13.
- Marriott International’s Luxury Group brings back the Luxury Dining Series across Asia Pacific from July to September, featuring culinary events at seven top hotels.
- Pret A Manger is launching a new shop format that features a more spacious, family-friendly environment with made-to-order food and drink service suited to longer, more relaxed visits.
- Albron announced the successful completion of its acquisition of industry peer Hutten. Recently the new name of the new organization was unveiled: Hai – Hutten Albron Impactmakers.
Enjoy reading!
Next Robot launches ‘Al Dente’ | An AI-powered pasta and risotto cooking robot
12-6-2025
Culinary robotics company Next Robot unveiled its latest innovation, ‘Al Dente’, at the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago. Designed to automate the preparation of pasta and risotto with precision and consistency, Al Dente expands the company’s mission to combine technology with culinary tradition.
2 minutes read
New 5-star hotel in historic school building in Haarlem | Hotel Palazzo
10-6-2025
At the Leidsevaart in Haarlem, the Cobraspen Groep will transform a former school building from 1883 into a luxurious 5-star hotel: Hotel Palazzo. The monumental building – originally a girls’ school and later used as offices – will be given a new purpose after a thorough renovation. The municipality has now granted permission for the destionation change to a hotel. Once completed, Hotel Palazzo will offer 47 rooms, wellness facilities including a rooftop pool, and food & beverage outlets. With all these facilities, Hotel Palazzo aims for an official 5-star classification — a first for Haarlem.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 22
4-6-2025
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:
- Apply sunscreen, unwind and explore: this is what summer feels like at Bagels & Beans with Naïf.
- Le Provençal partners with Hôtel Belles Rives for five-star luxury on the French Riviera.
- Aalten launches local summer beer ‘De Witte Linde’.
- The Nolet Copper Club opens its doors: mix your own cocktail among gleaming heritage.
- Exclusive wardrobe: fashionable uniforms for the Rosewood Amsterdam team.
Enjoy reading!
Radisson Hotel Group opens first ‘Verified Net Zero’ hotels in Oslo and Manchester
28-5-2025
The Radisson Hotel Group becomes the first international hotel chain to open two ‘Verified Net Zero’ hotels, located in Oslo and Manchester. These hotels already meet international sustainability standards that are not expected to be widely implemented in the hospitality industry until 2040. Independent verification by TÜV Rheinland confirms that both properties have eliminated their direct CO₂ emissions (Scope 1 and 2) and significantly reduced indirect emissions (Scope 3) in accordance with the GHG (GreenHouse Gas) Protocol. Remaining emissions are offset through nature-based solutions, such as forest and soil restoration projects.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 21
27-5-2025
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:
- Belgian winemakers are launching a new quality label for sparkling wines from Belgian soil: BelBul.
- Belgian poké bowl chain Hawaiian has reached a special milestone with the opening of their 50th outlet.
- British climate-positive vodka brand Sapling is now also available in the Netherlands.
- The Sandwich Series, an inspiration for hospitality companies.
- The ‘Press for Picnic’ pop-up from Blank Street in New York, nice idea for summer?
- Parmigiano Reggiano Gran Riserva 36 months with black summer truffle from Bonat Farm!
- Ahead of World Ocean Day (June 8), Novotel is celebrating one year of sustainable collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Enjoy reading!
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 Cocagne 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
