Trends we spotted | Week 17
28-4-2026
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:
- Top chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is serving a hotdog, street food in front of the Mark Hotel in New York.
- Are you going to New York? You can create a unique selfie on one of the 900 pedestrian crossings of New York!
- TRIBE Hotels launched a TRIBE Vinyl Club on Disquaire Day / Record Store Day on April 18.
- In celebration of Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, hitting theaters May 22, Burger King in the US is launching their ‘Out of This Galaxy Limited-Time Menu’.
- The Sauna Club opened their first mini-spa location at Moai Beach Club in Zandvoort (the Netherlands).
- During Antwerp Art Weekend (May 14–17), WOLF will present a new installation by Marius Ritiu at their Felix Pakhuis location.
- Starbucks partners with Warner Bros. to bring the world of Harry Potter to Asia Pacific stores.
- SeaWorld San Diego will open Shark Encounter on May 22, an immersive exhibit showcasing sharks through interactive environments and advanced multimedia.
- You can buy chef Olivier Roellinger’s spices at Épices Roellinger in Paris, and at authorized retailers all over France and even one in the UK and in San Francisco.
Enjoy reading!
MGallery Collection and chef Pam reimagine ‘the art of bar’
24-4-2026
Each year, World Cocktail Month sees MGallery Collection celebrate the art of mixology across its properties worldwide, turning the bar into a stage for creativity and connection. This year, MGallery Collection invites guests to experience the bar as a destination in its own right, ‘the art of bar’. In collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Pichaya “Pam” Soontornyanakij, the boutique hotel collection unveils an immersive pairing concept that transforms an evening drink into a curated gastronomic ritual, through the art of pairing cocktails and exquisite bites. World Cocktail Day is on May 13.
2 minutes read
Innovative tourism concept ‘Schwarzwald.Dorf.Hotel. – Albergo Diffuso’
23-4-2026
Schwarzwald Tourismus GmbH (STG) has selected five model municipalities for the tourism project ‘Schwarzwald.Dorf.Hotel. – Albergo Diffuso’. These are Klosterreichenbach (Baiersbronn), Nöggenschwiel (Weilheim), Oberharmersbach, Prinzbach (Biberach) and Schiltach. These towns will receive support in developing the concept until the end of 2026.
2 minutes read
Airbnb launched a ‘Host Earnings Calculator’ for World Cup 2026
23-4-2026
Airbnb is responding to the surge in accommodation demand around the 2026 World Cup with a new ‘Host Earnings Calculator’ tool for hosts. Interest in host cities is rising quickly, and more residents are considering renting out their homes temporarily. With a dedicated earnings calculator and attractive incentives, Airbnb aims to expand supply while encouraging new hosts to join the platform.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 16
21-4-2026
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:
- Dutch startup WhiskyCircle has launched its mobile app in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. “The Vivino/Untappd for whisky” is now available.
- Tricorp Workwear introduces TRIFIT, an AI-powered ‘fitting experience’ that allows users to digitally compose, visualize, and share workwear outfits.
- On April 30, 2026, a new hospitality concept will open on the Baltic coast of Rügen: ‘The Baltic View’, a premium alternative positioned between a traditional luxury hotel and high-end private living.
- Dogstronomy? In Lyon, Ornella launched this playful concept centered around dog nutrition.
- The Berkeley Hotel in London has introduced a new cocktail menu at The Berkeley Bar & Terrace: the SW1 Sips menu (a reference to the postcode).
- Pim Lammertse is now at the helm of two beach pavilions in Wijk aan Zee. Since early this year, he has been the owner of Aloha, and as of May 1, he will also take over the neighboring Timboektoe.
- Sparkling espresso, also known as an espresso bom? A striking drink made with espresso, sparkling water, salt, lime, and lemon.
- We still think it’s a great idea from Café De Gaper in Leiden: royal snacking, but a shot in the colors of the flag is also a fun addition. Spotted at Café Kooper in Amsterdam.
Enjoy reading!
THOMS Underground Bar | Rotterdam nightlife hotspot reopens on the Meent
17-4-2026
The music is back on and the dance floor is calling: THOMS Underground Bar is reopening its doors in the heart of Rotterdam. Starting Friday, April 24, the popular nightlife venue on the Meent will once again be open every Friday and Saturday from 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM.
2 minutes read
Bites launches on ChatGPT | Unlocking AI-powered direct ordering
17-4-2026
Bites, the first AI-native food ordering platform, recently announced the launch of its ordering experience on ChatGPT, enabling restaurants and point-of-sale (POS) platforms to capture demand through conversational AI. The launch enables diners to discover, browse, and place orders directly within ChatGPT without any price markups or marketplace service fees.
As Bites explains on its website, their platform offers a solution for everyone who overpays for food delivery, both diners and restaurants. The company started in California, where most participating restaurants are located, but it already includes participants from across the United States. We’re curious to see whether Bites will also launch in Europe, or if similar platforms will emerge here.
3 minutes read
Hawaiian launches the ‘Faya Bowl’ in collaboration with comedian Jay Francis
16-4-2026
A taste of Surinamese flair with the first new bowl in eight years. After eight years, 50 locations, and millions of bowls served, Hawaiian is taking a bold step by expanding its menu with an entirely new signature bowl: the Faya Bowl. Developed in collaboration with comedian Jay Francis, the bowl reflects his Surinamese roots and personal taste profile, translated into a Caribbean-inspired creation. The result is a vibrant combination of color and spice.
1 minute read
Enjoying ‘royal pairings’ at the restaurants of The Entourage Group during King’s Day
14-4-2026
During King’s Day in Amsterdam, the city transforms into one large festive setting filled with music, boats, and a vibrant sea of orange celebrations. The Entourage Group taps into this atmosphere with a culinary interpretation of this holiday. Across the city, their restaurants open their doors for a day full of flavor, ambiance, and refinement. With special ‘royal pairings’, combinations of dishes and cocktails, each location offers its own take on royal indulgence. Whether you are in the heart of the crowds or looking for a stylish escape, there is a perfect spot for every moment.
2 minutes read
Second location for Bouillon d’Amsterdam
14-4-2026
Bouillon d’Amsterdam is rapidly making a notable rise in the capital’s hospitality scene. Just weeks after opening its first location, the company has already announced a second venue in Amsterdam-Zuid. With an accessible concept centered around quality, speed, and affordability, the restaurant appeals to a broad audience. Its rapid expansion highlights both its success and confidence in a scalable concept.
2 minutes read