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!
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!
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!
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
Jeannine Sok en Sven Heijkoop van gastvrijheidskeurmerk 'Gezellig'- credits Mathijs Hanenkamp
