Artist Nils Verkaeren created a monumental live painting for restaurant NEBO (*)

16-9-2025

A great way to introduce new art into your restaurant! Yesterday, Monday, September 15, chef Dimitri De Koninck and artist Nils Verkaeren invited the public to the Panamarenkoplein in Antwerp, right in front of restaurant NEBO (*), for a unique open-air performance. The Belgian painter Verkaeren, recently back from exhibitions in Mexico and Colombia, spent the entire day working on a monumental seven-meter artwork inspired by the sky above the square. Once completed, the canvas was ceremoniously brought inside and now has a permanent place in the restaurant’s private dining room.

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FlineBox | Diageo launches interactive electronic breathalyzer in the Netherlands

15-9-2025

Diageo and Fline are hosting the Dutch launch of the FlineBox today, September 15, at Anna van Buerenplein in The Hague. This interactive and accessible breathalyzer terminal helps people make more conscious choices, with one clear message: zero alcohol behind the wheel. More details on how this interactive electronic breathalyzer terminal works, in this article.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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The Doggy Route to Happiness | The world’s first sightseeing tour for dogs

12-8-2025

Last weekend, Helsinki, known as the happiest capital in the world, launched The Doggy Route to Happiness, believed to be the world’s first sightseeing tour designed especially for dogs. The event coincided with the World Dog Show 2025 and attracted over 1,000 dogs and their owners.

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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.

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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.

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