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‘Al Dente’ is a turnkey robotic cooking solution

Al Dente is a turnkey robotic cooking solution featuring AI-powered texture monitoring, precision auto-seasoning, intelligent cooking control and upcoming ingredient-uploading automation. It prepares pasta in 4–5 minutes and cooks risotto from scratch without manual attention, making it ideal for fast casual restaurants, cafeterias, ghost kitchens, and more.

Powered by ChefSight, Next Robot’s proprietary AI platform (patent pending), Al Dente analyses visual cues, texture, and moisture to ensure every dish is perfectly cooked — not just by time and temperature, but by real-time food behaviour. According to Next Robot does this allow for Michelin-quality results with consistent flavour and zero guesswork.

The launch of this pasta and risotto robot follows the success of their stir-fry robot

The launch of Al Dente follows the success of Robby, the company’s flagship stir-fry robot, already deployed in over 100 locations including schools, grocery stores, and care facilities. Robby can produce up to 900 servings per hour, demonstrating the potential of automation to address labour shortages, reduce training costs, and improve food consistency on a large scale.

Next Robot | Creators of the Robby and ‘Al Dente’ robots

Next Robot emphasizes that automation should preserve flavour and tradition, not erase it. ‘Al Dente’ supports this vision by enabling chefs to upload and replicate generational recipes, ensuring cultural preservation even in high-volume kitchens.

The company operates a robotics-as-a-service model, offering monthly leasing with full support — including software updates, preventative maintenance, and customer service. By blending cutting-edge technology with hands-on culinary insight, Next Robot aims to transform commercial kitchens and help address global food challenges while elevating the dining experience.

We wrote about robots before.

Het bericht Next Robot launches ‘Al Dente’ | An AI-powered pasta and risotto cooking robot verscheen eerst op horecatrends.com.

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.

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Papa d’Amour | A blend of Taiwanese and French heritage

At Papa d’Amour, guests will experience chef Dominique’s interpretation of Asian bread culture, inspired by shokupan, milk breads, steamed buns, egg tarts, flaky layered pastries, and more. As a father of two young children, Celian (5) and Elise ‘Mei Mei’ (2), who are of Taiwanese and French descent, the bakery is also a tribute to their cultural roots. ‘Papa d’Amour’ just happens to be what his kids call him… especially when they want something.

The menu features all-new creations, like a Taro Lace Batter Mochi Donut (inspired by the taro puff from dim sum), a Scallion Basil Blossom with a flaky laminated crust that you can peel apart to aerate (a nod to Taiwanese scallion pancakes), and Pretzel Salt Egg Tarts brushed with brown butter and topped with crunchy pretzel salt (a wink to NYC).

Shokupan loaves for savoury sandos | Papa d’Amour

There will also be fresh-baked shokupan loaves, used for savoury sandos and toasts—including one with clotted cream that Dominique is making in a rice cooker! For the first time ever in one of his bakeries, there will be a steam station, offering Steamed Croissant Bao filled with soft scrambled eggs, blistered tomatoes, and vermicelli (a tribute to the beloved egg-and-tomato scramble found across Asia), and a banana bread version of a fluffy steamed Malay sponge cake.

Opening day is May 22nd at 8 AM, and we expect them to attract a big crowd—rightfully so! But the team behind Papa d’Amour, Dominique Ansel Bakery, and the chef himself are no strangers to handling queues. And while you’re waiting, be sure to check out their fun ‘how to…’ reels on Instagram!

Het bericht Papa d’Amour by Dominique Ansel | A new Asian bread culture bakery in NYC verscheen eerst op horecatrends.com.

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

Satay Club opens first location | Authentic satay from the streets of Jakarta to the streets of Amsterdam

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. Young entrepreneurs Ezra van der Werff and Valentijn van Rossum partnered with Javanese chef Herman Budi Santoso, who is responsible for the family recipes and culinary direction.

The menu features classics such as chicken satay with peanut sauce and lamb satay in sweet soy sauce, served with traditional sides like lontong, atjar, and homemade sambals. Everything is freshly prepared on-site – even the peanuts for the satay sauce are ground fresh in-house. A specially designed charcoal grill is the heart of the restaurant, offering a unique dining experience at the bar or by the window. The grill’s spoke-like construction ensures the meat rotates directly over the fire, using premium charcoal from ECHT.

Chef Budi learned to cook from his grandmother, a former royal palace chef in Yogyakarta, and prepares dishes using time-honored family recipes: “We make our dishes just as my family taught me – with care, patience, and the right ingredients. We use palm sugar and sweet soy sauce for that signature Central Javanese touch, kaffir lime for freshness, and marinate the meat for at least two hours. Since the meat loses moisture during grilling, we dip it twice for extra flavor. The atjar completes our satay – bringing balance to the plate and the palate.” Guests can also order takeaway or delivery, and save up for free satay through a loyalty program. Satay Club is open seven days a week from 12:00 noon.

At FRIT’ZZA in Utrecht, you can enjoy a traditional Neapolitan pizza fritta

FRIT’ZZA is the first restaurant in the Netherlands to serve traditional Neapolitan pizza fritta—Italy’s favorite street food. You’ll find it at Twijnstraat 55 in Utrecht.

A pizza fritta is more than just fried dough—it’s a bite of history. Its origins trace back to the 14th century, with early recipes appearing in the medieval Liber de Coquina. This indulgent treat emerged from necessity: in post-WWII Naples, when wood-fired ovens and ingredients were scarce, chefs began frying their pizza dough instead. This creative method not only saved resources but also gave birth to a golden, crispy delight known as ‘pizza della gente’—the people’s pizza.

The dough is made with just four premium ingredients: high-quality farina, pure acqua, fresh lievito (yeast), and natural sea salt (sale marino). With a hydration level of around 62.5% and a slow fermentation process of about 20 hours, the result is a crust that’s light, flavourful, and perfectly balanced—crispy on the outside, tender and slightly chewy on the inside.

FRIT’ZZA specializes in authentic Neapolitan street food, lovingly made in-house so you can savour the true flavours of Naples—whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a relaxed meal.

Design & Wijn | Dutch wine with a stylish twist on the Haarlemmerdijk in Amsterdam

At Haarlemmerdijk 129 in Amsterdam, you’ll find Design & Wijn, a unique wine store where Dutch quality wine and design come together. The concept was born from the collaboration between wine expert Diederik Walhof and designer Rose Groot. Their mission? To show that Dutch wine is not only of high quality but also has a story to tell.

Every bottle in the store is personally selected and tasted, with careful attention to flavor and origin. But Design & Wijn is more than just a wine shop. You’ll also find elegant glassware, carafes, accessories, and design items that contribute to a complete wine experience. For those who want to dive deeper into the world of Dutch wine, Diederik hosts exclusive tastings, guiding guests from grape to glass.

The store is stylishly designed by Rose, with a keen eye for detail and ambiance. It’s all about the experience—from the label on the bottle to the glass in your hand. After launching in 2020 with a series of pop-up locations, Design & Wijn now has a permanent home in Amsterdam. It’s the go-to spot for lovers of Dutch wine and great design. One of their pop-ups even featured scented wine labels.

Het bericht Young entrepreneurs & new locations | Satay Club, FRIT’ZZA and Design & Wijn verscheen eerst op horecatrends.com.

• 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!

The Cronut turns twelve this year!

Dominique Ansel, the creator of the Cronut®, is celebrating its 12^th birthday with a special box of Cronut® Holes featuring a selection of flavours from over the years. Their 2025 lineup includes: Stracciatella (Vanilla Chocolate Chip) & Salted Milk (October 2023); Raspberry & Lychee (February 2014); Salted Pretzel & Caramel (August 2019); Ube & Coconut (March 2022); Summer Berry (Strawberry, Blueberry, & Raspberry) & Crème Brûlée (April 2024).

We love how they’re celebrating their signature creation, and they made it a tradition to celebrate the birthday! Check out the reel via the link in the title.

The Za’co by &pizza | From April Fools’ Joke to menu hit for one day only

We’re a bit late covering this, as the Za’co by &pizza was only available on May 5 — but we love the idea! Washington, D.C.-based &pizza recently introduced the Za’co (combination of a pizza & taco), a creation that proves the brand isn’t afraid to think outside the (pizza) box. What started as an April Fools’ joke unexpectedly went viral on social media. Fans loved the concept so much that &pizza decided to make it a reality — if only for a day. According to Pizza Marketplace (link to their article in the title), the overwhelming demand led the brand to bring the Za’co to life. Want to see it for yourself? Check out their Instagram reel!

 

Dit bericht op Instagram bekijken

 

Een bericht gedeeld door &pizza (@andpizza)

Ping Pong Madness at Pilotenstraat in Amsterdam – POP-UP PLAYGROUND

Since April 10th, the Pop-Up Playground in Amsterdam has been open every Thursday and Friday throughout April and May. That means you’ve got only three more weeks to enjoy their games, fun activities, and relaxed atmosphere!

At the playground, you can dive into all kinds of ping pong (check out the reel by Nora Maria Rosier below), as well as pop-up games like Mini Golf Klub, Panda Beach, SJL (Dutch slang for Shuffleboard), and Tumbling Times. It’s a true real-life gaming experience! The concept has been created by Studio Stam – see the link in the title for more info and tickets.

 

Dit bericht op Instagram bekijken

 

Een bericht gedeeld door Nora Maria Rosier (@noramaria.nl)

Buona celebrates the tenth anniversary of their founding of ‘National Italian Beef Day’

In 2015, Buona (Bow’nuh), the family-owned business behind Chicago’s original Italian beef, petitioned to designate every Saturday during Memorial Day weekend as ‘National Italian Beef Day’. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of this day on May 24 in 2025, Chicago-based Buona is offering free beef for a year to 10 Rewards members, special pricing, and contests for tickets to major Chicago events. The day has been founded by the Buonavolanto family in 2015, honouring the city’s original Italian beef pioneers. Throughout May, Buona Rewards members can enjoy exclusive deals, and a limited-edition Italian Beef Pizza will launch in partnership with Giordano’s. Buona, a family-run business since 1981, is committed to preserving the traditional, slow-roasted Italian beef recipe passed down through generations. Another great example of creating your special day, more details in their press release, link in the title.

Parkhotel De Wiemsel in Ootmarsum to continue as Fletcher Hotel starting June 1, 2025

Fletcher Hotels announces the acquisition of the renowned and luxurious Parkhotel De Wiemsel in Ootmarsum. This exclusive 4-star hotel, located in the picturesque landscape of Twente, will continue under the name Fletcher Parkhotel De Wiemsel starting June 1, 2025.

Fletcher Hotels will preserve the existing charm and quality of the hotel while integrating it into its extensive national network. All current staff members of Parkhotel De Wiemsel will remain employed, ensuring the familiar service for guests is maintained. Guests can also look forward to attractive packages and access to Fletcher’s nationwide amenities, including Fletcher Friend benefits and the BLUE Wellness concept.

Heavenly stunt by Kamado Joe | White smoke marks the start of BBQ season

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. Just five minutes after white smoke rose from the Vatican chimney, the message “white smoke = BBQ time” appeared on 350 digital screens across the Netherlands and in central London. In Amsterdam and Rotterdam, Qcars drove around with live smoke shows from a Kamado Joe grill. The campaign, developed with creative agency Fightclub, captured maximum attention at the exact moment millions were watching the Vatican. A great example of guerrilla marketing!

Restaurant festival ‘Bite of Amsterdam’ returns June 13–15

The festival season is here again, and restaurant festival ‘Bite of Amsterdam’ is back! From June 13 to 15, the Amstelpark in Amsterdam transforms into a culinary paradise. The day kicks off with breakfast in the Daylight Delight area, followed by a journey of discovery for food lovers in the Dining District and Little Luxuries, where they can sample small dishes from participating restaurants and explore refined flavors from top chefs.

True culinary enthusiasts can take a seat at the Chef’s Table for an exclusive look behind the scenes with chefs such as Tim Golsteijn (Bougainville*), Wilco Berends (De Nederlanden*), Tom Vinke (De Kromme Watergang*), Erik & Juliën van Loo (Parkheuvel**), Jasper Hermans (SAAM restaurant), and Jermain Rozario (De Rozario). Guests can also enjoy full-on fine dining at the Michelin Star Pavilion, where star chefs cook side by side in the heart of the Amstelpark. For those who prefer to cook at home, The Artisan Hall offers a treasure trove of unique ingredients to taste and take home. And for those wanting to explore even more flavors, a tasting tour is also available. For more information and tickets, visit their website (link in the title).

Bagellogical | Bagels & Beans now available at Ekoplaza in the Netherlands

As of early May, the organic bake-off bagels from Bagels & Beans are available in all 90 Ekoplaza stores across the Netherlands. The partnership between the two brands feels truly “bagellogical”: both are passionate about pure, honest products that contribute to a better world. The bake-off bagels – available in whole wheat and sesame – are sold in packs of four and can be easily finished at home, allowing bagel lovers to create their own little moments of joy. For Bagels & Beans, this is a great step toward making their iconic bagel more widely accessible, beyond their well-known espresso bars. Ekoplaza, the largest organic supermarket chain in the Benelux, sees the bagels as a flavorful addition to its range. Thanks to their unique preparation method – first steamed, then baked – consumers can enjoy the true taste and texture of a real bagel at home. A natural match built on shared values and taste. Link to the order page at Ekoplaza in the title.

Spring pizza with Asparagus at Otomat | Asparagus à la Flamande Pizza

Asparagus season has officially begun, and Otomat is celebrating with one of their most beloved seasonal pizzas. The Asperge à la Flamande pizza is back: a limited edition Notomat version (without tomato sauce) that appears on the menu each spring for a short time. Fans will instantly recognize it as an ode to the classic Flemish preparation—this time served on a pizza crust made with Duvel beer yeast. This unique pizza features white Belgian asparagus, hard-boiled egg, fresh parsley, Reypenaer XO (a cheese aged for 2.5 years), nutmeg, sour cream, and mousseline sauce. Bold and creative flavor combinations from this Belgian pizza chain!

The Connaught X Goodwoof | A canine collaboration in May 2025

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.

For one month only the legendary Connaught Hound cake will transform into a limited-edition dachshund cake created by master pâtissier Nicolas Rouzaud and his team at Nicolas Rouzaud at The Connaught. Carefully crafted, the cake features a Gianduja milk chocolate mousse atop an orange pain de Gene sponge finished with Hukambi milk chocolate spray and an orange-vanilla chocolate glaze, to honour Goodwoof’s signature bold use of orange. The cake celebrates Goodwoof’s chosen breed for 2025: the daring dachshund, with 10% of proceeds going to Goodwoof’s charity partner, Wild at Heart Foundation. The dachsund cake is available to purchase at Nicolas Rouzaud at The Connaught from Tuesday 6th May until Saturday 31st May inclusive. Goodwoof takes place on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May 2025 at the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex.

Het bericht Trends we spotted | Week 19 verscheen eerst op horecatrends.com.

Entrepreneurs can support the campaign by becoming a pick-up location and displaying promotional materials at their location.

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Everyone can join the ‘Lieve Amsterdammers’ campaign

Everyone is welcome to participate. When you nominate a ‘Lieve Amsterdammer’, you’ll receive two boxes of Eberhardjes at participating locations: one for yourself and one for the person you’ve nominated. Are you an entrepreneur? Then you can highlight the campaign in your business with free POS materials, and you can also become a pick-up location. This way, the campaign grows through connection.

But who are these ‘Lieve Amsterdammers’? They can be anyone who does something kind for another person or the city: the neighbour who’s always ready to help, the man who teaches Dutch to a refugee, the shop owner who keeps an eye on the surrounding, or the one who shares a coffee with his lonely neighbour. Ordinary people who make a difference. And in these times, the world could use more positive stories about good people.

Hall of Fame

On the Eberhardjes website, you can nominate ‘Lieve Amsterdammers’, browse the Hall of Fame, and find pick-up locations. The campaign runs until October 27, 2025 — the day Amsterdam celebrates its 750th anniversary.

“There are so many people who help make their street, neighbourhood or city a better place. With this campaign, we’re giving them the recognition they deserve – not through big marketing campaigns, but through the power of local entrepreneurs and the people of Amsterdam,” say initiators Résalieke Vlieger and Ineke Kuiper.

Het bericht Eberhardjes are looking for ‘Lieve Amsterdammers’ verscheen eerst op horecatrends.com.

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Coravin World Wine Tour is an international initiative

Launched in 2024, the Coravin World Wine Tour grew from 15 locations to an international initiative with more than 55 participating venues. The concept was created by Coravin’s founder and owner, Greg Lambrecht, who wanted to make extraordinary wines accessible without needing to open an entire bottle.

In the Netherlands, several hospitality venues are opening their wine cellars for this special edition of the Coravin World Wine Tour. They will be serving exceptional wines such as a Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru “Les Ruchottes” 2020 from Domaine Ramonet, a Bolgheri Sassicaia 2018 from Tenuta San Guido, and the Y d’Yquem 2020 from Château d’Yquem.

SINCK, Amsterdam: a modern wine bar located in the Jordaan, offering a selection of European terroir wines.

NOTK, Rotterdam: an innovative wine bar on the Deliplein, featuring an adventurous wine list with selections that are normally not available by the glass.

Zarzo, Eindhoven: a Michelin-starred restaurant focusing on wine and food pairings, where you can taste exclusive top Spanish wines by the glass, paired with their elegant dishes.

Tribeca, Heeze: the two Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant will be serving iconic French and Italian wines by the glass during the tour – a rare opportunity to discover and enjoy outstanding vintages alongside exquisite cuisine.

Central Park Voorburg: a luxurious Michelin-starred restaurant set in a historic villa, where a selection of classic and surprising wines will be available by the glass during the tour.

“I am thrilled that hospitality venues around the world share my mission to open up the world of wine,” says Greg Lambrecht. Katie Warren, Senior Director of Global Marketing at Coravin, adds: “The trend of ‘drinking less but better’ is making wine by the glass increasingly important. This program helps hospitality partners offer their guests extraordinary wines to discover, while also increasing engagement and revenue.”

The Coravin World Wine Tour menus will be available throughout May at participating locations.

About Coravin

Founded in 2013, Coravin is transforming the way wine is experienced. Their systems — including Timeless, Pivot, and Sparkling — make it possible to pour wine by the glass without compromising the rest of the bottle. Coravin is now available in more than 60 countries.

Het bericht Coravin World Wine Tour | May 2025 verscheen eerst op horecatrends.com.

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Heineken Studio Mokum750 arrived by beer barge

The festive launch took place on Wednesday, April 23, at Café De Eland, where the first keg arrived by a traditional ‘beer barge’. At exactly 19:50, a simultaneous toast to the city was held in four other participating cafés – Café ’t Lommertje, Coco’s Outback, Arie Goudvisch, and Café ’t Spuitje. With Mokum750, Heineken not only expresses its appreciation for Amsterdam’s café and pub culture, but also actively supports it. As of Wednesday, Mokum750 is available on tap at over 200 cafés in Amsterdam.

Mokum750 | A beer from and for Amsterdam

Heineken has been based in Amsterdam for more than 160 years and is an official partner of the anniversary celebrations. Heineken Studio Mokum750 was created through close collaboration between the brewery, local bar owners, and master brewer Willem van Waesberghe. The result is an unfiltered wheat pilsner with a distinctive ‘Mokum’ (slang for Amsterdam) character, brewed with wheat and lemon peel, and fermented with Heineken’s signature A-yeast for a smooth, fruity profile.

“With Mokum750, we’re not only celebrating the anniversary of the city, but also the cafés that form its social heart,” says Jan Bosselaers, Marketing Director of Heineken Netherlands. “These bars are the living rooms of the city, where generations of citizens of Amsterdam come together.”

The café as a meeting place

During the event at Café De Eland, the Dutch entertainer Robert ten Brink spoke with Heineken historian Demelza van der Maas about the role of Amsterdam’s rich pub life and beer culture throughout the city’s history. The collaborating hospitality entrepreneurs and master brewer Van Waesberghe also shared more about the brewing process and their partnership. The evening ended festively with live Amsterdam-style music from folk singer Daantje Lurks and a generous charcuterie board full of local delicacies, curated by Amsterdam’s pickle king Oos Kesbeke.

Heineken Studio | A breeding ground for innovation

Heineken Studio Mokum750 is the first beer to emerge from Heineken Studio, the brand’s new creative test space where brewers experiment with new flavors and innovative brewing techniques. With this special launch, Heineken not only celebrates 750 years of Amsterdam, but also the vibrant café culture that makes the city so unique.

Het bericht Heineken Studio Mokum750 | A beer to celebrate 750 years of Amsterdam verscheen eerst op horecatrends.com.

• 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!

Biotech company Tropic created a banana that resists browning, offering major benefits against food waste

Scientists used CRISPR gene editing to create a banana that stays yellow longer, reducing food waste and extending shelf life. The biotech company Tropic says this innovation could cut carbon emissions significantly and prevent millions of bananas from being wasted. Approved for sale in multiple countries, including the United States and Canada, the banana is expected to hit store shelves by 2025. More details in the article on Food and Wine, link in the title.

Energy storage system from Intercel prevents peak load at TommyTomato’s new meal delivery site in Utrecht

An energy storage system from Intercel ensures smooth operations at the new TommyTomato meal delivery location in Utrecht. The system prevents peak loads during intensive oven use and guarantees a stable power supply, allowing uninterrupted business operations.

TommyTomato, a provider of healthy school meals, faced a recurring challenge: the intensive use of ovens during morning hours caused energy consumption peaks that exceeded the capacity of their current grid connection. This issue not only led to operational limitations but also risked significantly increasing energy costs.

To address this, an energy storage system with a capacity of 233 kWh and a power output of 116 kW was installed. The system absorbs peak loads by releasing temporarily stored energy during periods of high demand. As a result, energy usage stays within the limits of the grid connection, while still providing enough power to run all ovens efficiently.

Intercel, a leading company in battery technology for over 35 years, is at the forefront of the energy transition. More details on their website, link in the title.

The Hoxton brings a new hotspot to the Haymarket in Edinburgh

The Hoxton Edinburgh is set to open this June in the historic Haymarket district. The design-led hotel spans eleven merged Georgian townhouses on both sides of the street, with original architectural elements carefully preserved and refined by AIME Studios, Ennismore’s in-house design team. The hotel features 214 rooms, including nine room types such as Snug Single, Bunk Room, Cosy, Roomy, Biggy, and three self-contained House apartments, each with three bedrooms and bathrooms. Guests can also enjoy an intimate cinema, a grand ballroom, the creative meeting concept ‘The Apartment’ and Patatino, an Italian restaurant serving classic trattoria dishes made with local ingredients, inspired by the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

The Hoxton, Shoreditch opened in 2006, and since then 17 Hoxton hotels, part of Ennismore, have already opened worldwide.

McDonald’s Germany brings the Minecraft film to life

McDonald’s Germany has opened a temporary McDonald’s restaurant experience in a Minecraft design in the center of Munich. Special experiences await Minecraft fans, such as free fries for cosplayers and photo opportunities with a life-size Creeper.

For an expected period of two weeks, visitors to the McDonald’s restaurant at Tal 6, 80331 Munich, can expect a range of lovely details and activities, including: a Creeper photo corner; free fries for cosplayers and the Minecraft film-menu (already available since April 3). More details in their press release, link in the title.

The ‘Broccoli Cheddar Pizookie’ by BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

We started writing about the Pizookies by BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse back in 2019 when they introduced their ‘Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Pizookie’; we also mentioned their peanut butter s’mores Pizookie and their Cinnamon roll Pizookie. We missed their latest Fryckle Pizookie® but they now introduce another Pizookie® that’s not just a dessert—it’s a flavour revolution.

As of April 17, BJ’s guests can dig into the all-new savoury Pizookie®—a bold twist featuring a freshly baked broccoli cheddar cookie, topped with two scoops of creamy mashed potatoes, drizzled with a melted cheese sauce made with BJ’s Brewhouse Blonde® and finished with a sprinkle of broccoli florets. More details in their press release, link in the title.

Celebrate burgers and bottomless fun at Red Robin during the National Burger Month with a Bottomless Burger Pass

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. is celebrating National Burger Month with its beefiest offer ever with the launch of the Bottomless Burger Pass. Lucky burger lovers who secure their pass can enjoy a gourmet burger served with a bottomless side every day of the month of May for only $20. A limited quantity will be available so Red Robin fans are encouraged to act quickly.

The Bottomless Burger Passes will be available for purchase here, this link is only accessible in the US. Guests who purchase this limited-time offer will receive an exclusive black-and-gold card in the mail for redemption from May 1-31, 2025. Red Robin’s Bottomless Burger Pass is redeemable for one gourmet burger of guests’ choice served with a bottomless side each day of the month of May.

A ‘Pay What You Want’ Food Truck tour on ‘National Tax Day’ by Newman’s Own food and drinks

As the Netherlands is slowly adapting to celebrating national days, we continue to mention the upcoming national days in our trendmail (link to subscribe). The ‘Pay What You Want’ Food Truck tour is another great example of celebrating National Tax Day. Newman’s Own, Inc., the food and beverage company known for delicious, high-quality ingredients and giving 100% of its profits away, announced the first stop of its “Pay What You Want” Food Truck tour. On April 15, National Tax Day, the Food Truck did park near Bryant Park (NYC). Customers could decide what they pay for Newman’s Own pizzas, salads, cookies, coffee and even dog treats, with every dollar going to Newman’s Own Foundation to help kids who face adversity. More details in their press release, link in the title.

National Tax Day | Staypineapple hotel brand covered taxes and amenity fees for their guests

Staypineapple, a boutique hotel brand in the US, celebrated National Tax Day by covering sales taxes and amenity fees for guests who booked stays during a special 24-hour promotion. The exclusive offer was available on National Tax Day, April 15, 2025, for reservations made through Staypineapple’s website using the promo code TAXDAY. As we didn’t know this hotel brand, we mention their offering for guests who booked on National Tax Day. Staypineapple is a brand of upscale, out-of-the-ordinary boutique hotels in urban markets nationwide, managed by Staypineapple Hotels Inc., based in Bellevue, Washington. Focused on thoughtful service and design, with an uncanny knack for anticipating needs, the pet-friendly hotels (their motto: People Friendly, Dog Obsessed) wholeheartedly embrace the pineapple’s symbol of hospitality and joy. We counted 10 hotels at this moment, with 4 hotels in Seattle.

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door Staypineapple Hotels (@staypineapple)

Gastrovino opened two new locations in just one week

Within just one week, Gastrovino opened two new stores: on April 8, Gastrovino Girasole opened its doors in Nuenen, followed four days later by a new location on Breestraat in the heart of Leiden. This brings the total number of Gastrovino stores in the Netherlands to 33.

Both locations offer an extensive selection of artisanal cheeses, refined wines, and flavourful delicacies. In Leiden, the focus lies on exclusive products to enjoy at home, while in Nuenen guests can also experience Mediterranean-style hospitality with an osteria for lunch and dinner. With these new openings, Gastrovino continues to strengthen its national network of culinary specialty stores.

Het bericht Trends we spotted | Week 16 verscheen eerst op horecatrends.com.

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.

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Heinz Trade-Up campaign in Dubai’ with specially designed vending machines

To solve this and bring a little fun into the mix, Heinz has launched the ‘Heinz Trade-Up campaign in Dubai, turning clutter into an opportunity. Running from April 16 to 20, the initiative allows residents in Jumeirah Village Circle, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Discovery Gardens, and Bur Dubai to exchange five ketchup sachets—any brand—for a full bottle of Heinz ketchup at specially designed vending machines.

The campaign gives ketchup lovers a practical and rewarding way to clean out their drawers and upgrade to the brand they actually enjoy. It’s not just about decluttering, but also about reaffirming Heinz’s status as the world’s most beloved ketchup.

Passant El Ghannam, Marketing Director at Kraft Heinz MEA, highlights the idea behind the campaign: “Heinz fans take their ketchup seriously, and their irrational love for it makes it hard to settle for anything less than Heinz. This almost always leads to a sachet stockpile they didn’t sign up for. With the Heinz Trade-Up, we’re giving fans a fun way to upgrade their sachet stash.” Fans can follow Heinz Arabia on Instagram for updates and machine locations—while supplies last.

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door Heinz Arabia (@heinzarabia)

Het bericht Heinz Trade-Up in Dubai| From sachet clutter to ketchup upgrade verscheen eerst op horecatrends.com.

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Menu of NONNA MAMMA | The art of cooking perfected by generations of grandmothers

At NONNA MAMMA in the Selfridges Foodhall, the menu is a loving tribute to the timeless recipes perfected by Italian grandmothers. These dishes, crafted with care and authenticity, evoke memories of home-cooked meals and the comforting flavours of Italy. Guests can savour some of the most classic pasta recipes, including Tagliatelle al Ragù, Caserecce al Pesto Genovese, Rigatoni alla Carbonara, Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, Ravioli with Burrata, Mafalde with Mushroom Ragout and Truffle, and Gnocchi with Blue Cheese and Walnuts.

The experience doesn’t end with pasta: indulge in traditional desserts like a creamy Tiramisù or a pair of freshly filled Sicilian Cannoli, paired with an authentic sparkling Italian drink for the perfect finish.

Cook at home

For those who love to cook, NONNA MAMMA offers a variety of fresh pastas and stuffed ravioli, tortelloni, mezzelune, gnocchi etc. To finish your dishes, you can also find a selection of traditional sauces inspired by the recipes cherished by Italian families for generations.

Loyalty rewards

NONNA MAMMA values its customers with a special Fidelity Program: collect a stamp for every hot pasta purchased, and your tenth is free. It’s their way of saying “Grazie” for being part of the family. If you work for a company located nearby, they offer a Fidelity Program where you can bring a fidelity card that will be given to you on your first visit and redeem a 15% discount from Monday to Friday for all the Hot Pastas. It’s perfect for a lunch break.

We previously wrote about other pop-ups at Selfridges: “Dior at Alto” and the “Pip & Nut Toast Bar”.

Het bericht NONNA MAMMA | Bringing the Heart of Italian Tradition to Selfridges Foodhall verscheen eerst op horecatrends.com.