All in purple | Grimace brings birthday vibes to McDonald’s Germany
30-4-2026
The iconic purple McDonald’s character Grimace has been appointed ‘Head of Birthdays’ in Germany, turning the concept of birthdays upside down: according to him, every day is a celebration. Following the success of the Grimace Shake last year, he once again takes center stage in a bold campaign, this time featuring an all-purple theme, including a new menu and limited editions.
Is purple becoming the food color of 2026? Recently, we also covered the introduction of the ube spring collection in European Starbucks locations.
1 minute read
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!
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
Trends we spotted | Week 15
13-4-2026
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:
- Eberhardjes, the heart-shaped butter biscuits from Amsterdam, are launching a limited-edition pack this month in collaboration with Schiphol, to mark the 100th anniversary of the connection between the city of Amsterdam and the airport.
- Over the past ten years, the Verspillingsfabriek (the Waste Factory) has grown into an impactful production site where circularity, taste and social value come together.
- Since 2024, there has been a ban on single-use plastic cups at events in the Netherlands, but research by the ‘Inspectie Leefomgeving & Transport’(Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate) (ILT) in 2025 shows that the sector is failing to comply. They announced stricter enforcement.
- From 14 to 17 April 2026, Interclean Amsterdam, an international trade fair for the cleaning and hygiene sector, will take place at the RAI Amsterdam. It will conclude with a ‘Feel Good Friday’, a themed day exploring the role of cleaning in the hospitality experience.
- KFC in the US released a single, ‘Finger Lickin’ Machine’. They hope the track will be a new contender for the season’s most popular track. Introduced in combination with a Value-feast meal.
- AI voice agent Rachel called 3,000 Irish pubs to reconstruct the Guinness Price Index.
- McCain Foods launched ‘Brew City® Beer Battered Potato Waves’: a crispy, wavy potato innovation for the hospitality sector in the US and Canada.
- From 21 April, McDonald’s in the US is expanding its value-for-money offering by giving fans more choice on the McValue® menu.
- The Berkeley in London will reopen its exclusive rooftop terrace to the public again in summer 2026. The organize ‘Capri in the City’ near their rooftop pool, for the second year running.
- McDonald’s in Türkiye launched a ‘Drink & Drive’-campaign to raise awareness of road safety. Starring their McCafé.
Enjoy reading!
Will we be able to enjoy lattes for €1 here in the Netherlands too?
13-4-2026
A blog by Leonie van Spronsen on the trend towards cheaper catering, will we soon be able to enjoy lattes for €1 here in the Netherlands too? This blog has previously been published in Dutch on the website of the Van Spronsen & Partners, hospitality consultancy.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 14
7-4-2026
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:
- Funny April Fools’ Day jokes: the Friturette from Snacksalon de Schelp and the orange oysters from Pesca.
- Restaurant Aroma is closing and is offering a special way to say goodbye with a menu in 19 scenes.
- On April 22 and 23 2026, the Independent Hotel Show Amsterdam will take place for independent hoteliers and boutique hotel professionals.
- Marriott International and the Leali family are launching a joint venture to add Lefay, the luxury wellness hotel brand, to the Marriott portfolio.
- Pup flight or a Bark-cuterie at the Wasserhund Brewing Company pop-up.
- KFC in Spain is transforming its restaurant signs into giant döner skewers.
- A new season brings new products to the Dutch fastfood-chain Family: the Peanut Butter Shake and the Chicken Smashburger.
- Radisson Hotel Group opens the Radisson Hotel Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Hoofddorp.
- Fletcher Hotels expands its international presence with the acquisition of the Parkhotel Olsberg-Winterberg in Germany.
Enjoy reading!
McDonald’s Türkiye Introduces ‘Archie’ for gamers
7-4-2026
McDonald’s continues to redefine user experience through practical solutions that adapt to the rhythm of everyday life. As digital lifestyles evolve, the rapid growth of home-based activities and gaming culture is leading brands to find new ways to engage with this world more closely. Inspired by this insight, McDonald’s Türkiye has developed a creative solution targeting one of the most fundamental challenges. They offer a Pro Gamer Menu, the ‘Archie’ for Gamers device is designed to keep the character in motion, helping ensure an uninterrupted gaming experience.
2 minutes read
Fatburger opens new restaurant in Rosny-sous-Bois, the first near Paris
3-4-2026
FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., the parent company of Fatburger and 17 other restaurant concepts, has announced the opening of a new Fatburger location in Rosny-sous-Bois, in the Paris area. This restaurant is the first of 30 planned openings across France in partnership with the group behind Big M CIE. Fatburger has over 200+ locations in 20 countries.
2 minutes read
All in purple | Grimace brings birthday vibes to McDonald’s Germany
