Donatos Pizza will open a fully autonomous restaurant in partnership with Appetronix
17-6-2025
Donatos Pizza, a premium U.S. pizza chain known for its Edge to Edge® toppings, is launching its first fully autonomous restaurant this month at John Glenn Columbus International Airport (Concourse B). Donatos and its sister company Agápe Automation partnered with Appetronix to create this innovative concept. It’s operated by HMSHost and will serve freshly made pizzas 24/7 via robotic technology, offering travelers speed, convenience, and quality.
This new Donatos location sets a precedent for how robotics and hospitality can blend to meet modern foodservice demands in high-traffic environments like airports.
2 minutes read
Young entrepreneurs & new locations | Pizza bar Rosso, wine bar De 3 Wijntjes and Bagels & Beans in the Schunck building
16-6-2025
We spot fun and inspiring new concepts every day. This week: Pizza bar Rosso in Amsterdam on the Zuidas, wine bar De 3 Wijntjes in Roosendaal, and Bagels & Beans in the Schunck building in Heerlen.
On George Gershwinlaan, the refined Pizza bar Rosso recently opened its doors. From lunch onwards, you can enjoy dishes like the ‘Pan Rosso’, Sicilian red prawns, a classic Italian aperitivo with an aged Negroni, and of course, unique pizzas. The concept is the first venture by new hospitality group The Ugly Duckling. In Roosendaal, wine bar De 3 Wijntjes opened in the former café De 3 Weesgegroetjes – known locally as “the 3Ws.” Every Friday and Saturday, owners Rick and Sebastiaan welcome guests for wines by the glass paired with refined bar bites. And in Heerlen, the Bagels & Beans location on the Bongerd in the Schunck building has a new owner: Jasper! What once started with a hot chocolate as a guest, has now turned into a new chapter as the official bagel boss.
We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams lots of fun and success with their concepts.
3 minutes read
Spotlighting wellness on Global Wellness Day | Best practices from leading brands
13-6-2025
Wellness tourism is booming, with more and more people seeking treatments that help them feel healthier, look better, and live well—both physically and mentally. Tomorrow, June 14th, marks Global Wellness Day, and it’s the perfect opportunity for destinations and hospitality brands to shine a light on their wellness offerings.
These examples show how destinations and hotel brands can use Global Wellness Day 2026 as a platform to promote meaningful, holistic wellness experiences.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 24
13-6-2025
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:
- This weekend in New York City for the fans of the HBO MAX series ‘And just like that…”: a ‘Hot Fellas’ Bakery pop-up.
- An Instagram reel by 60 Seconds to Napoli about their ‘Pasta in a pizza bowl’.
- Celebrating 750 years of Amsterdam at Amsterdam Breakfast on 21 June. An initiative by Ron Gastrobar and Cees Holtkamp.
- Nobu Hospitality is expanding in Poland with the upcoming Nobu Hotel, Restaurant, and Residences in Kraków, located near the city’s historic Old Town.
- Carvel® Ice Cream, kicks off summer with the first-ever soft serve–dispensing billboard in NYC’s West Village on June 18.
- Chipotle is celebrating fans with a limited-edition collection of 13 temporary tattoos inspired by iconic brand elements, today on June 13.
- Marriott International’s Luxury Group brings back the Luxury Dining Series across Asia Pacific from July to September, featuring culinary events at seven top hotels.
- Pret A Manger is launching a new shop format that features a more spacious, family-friendly environment with made-to-order food and drink service suited to longer, more relaxed visits.
- Albron announced the successful completion of its acquisition of industry peer Hutten. Recently the new name of the new organization was unveiled: Hai – Hutten Albron Impactmakers.
Enjoy reading!
Next Robot launches ‘Al Dente’ | An AI-powered pasta and risotto cooking robot
12-6-2025
Culinary robotics company Next Robot unveiled its latest innovation, ‘Al Dente’, at the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago. Designed to automate the preparation of pasta and risotto with precision and consistency, Al Dente expands the company’s mission to combine technology with culinary tradition.
2 minutes read
New 5-star hotel in historic school building in Haarlem | Hotel Palazzo
10-6-2025
At the Leidsevaart in Haarlem, the Cobraspen Groep will transform a former school building from 1883 into a luxurious 5-star hotel: Hotel Palazzo. The monumental building – originally a girls’ school and later used as offices – will be given a new purpose after a thorough renovation. The municipality has now granted permission for the destionation change to a hotel. Once completed, Hotel Palazzo will offer 47 rooms, wellness facilities including a rooftop pool, and food & beverage outlets. With all these facilities, Hotel Palazzo aims for an official 5-star classification — a first for Haarlem.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 22
4-6-2025
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:
- Apply sunscreen, unwind and explore: this is what summer feels like at Bagels & Beans with Naïf.
- Le Provençal partners with Hôtel Belles Rives for five-star luxury on the French Riviera.
- Aalten launches local summer beer ‘De Witte Linde’.
- The Nolet Copper Club opens its doors: mix your own cocktail among gleaming heritage.
- Exclusive wardrobe: fashionable uniforms for the Rosewood Amsterdam team.
Enjoy reading!
Radisson Hotel Group opens first ‘Verified Net Zero’ hotels in Oslo and Manchester
28-5-2025
The Radisson Hotel Group becomes the first international hotel chain to open two ‘Verified Net Zero’ hotels, located in Oslo and Manchester. These hotels already meet international sustainability standards that are not expected to be widely implemented in the hospitality industry until 2040. Independent verification by TÜV Rheinland confirms that both properties have eliminated their direct CO₂ emissions (Scope 1 and 2) and significantly reduced indirect emissions (Scope 3) in accordance with the GHG (GreenHouse Gas) Protocol. Remaining emissions are offset through nature-based solutions, such as forest and soil restoration projects.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 21
27-5-2025
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:
- Belgian winemakers are launching a new quality label for sparkling wines from Belgian soil: BelBul.
- Belgian poké bowl chain Hawaiian has reached a special milestone with the opening of their 50th outlet.
- British climate-positive vodka brand Sapling is now also available in the Netherlands.
- The Sandwich Series, an inspiration for hospitality companies.
- The ‘Press for Picnic’ pop-up from Blank Street in New York, nice idea for summer?
- Parmigiano Reggiano Gran Riserva 36 months with black summer truffle from Bonat Farm!
- Ahead of World Ocean Day (June 8), Novotel is celebrating one year of sustainable collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Enjoy reading!
A Disney Theme Park is coming to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi
20-5-2025
The Walt Disney Company and Miral, a leading developer of entertainment destinations in Abu Dhabi, have announced plans to build a large-scale Disney theme park and resort on Yas Island. This will be Disney’s seventh resort worldwide and the first in the Middle East and Africa. The announcement was celebrated early May with a spectacular drone show featuring more than 9,000 drones.
2 minutes read
From the rooftop to your plate | Honey at Restaurant Vestdijk47 in Eindhoven
19-5-2025
Tomorrow, May 20th, is World Bee Day! On the rooftop of the Pullman Eindhoven Cocagne Hotel, home to restaurant Vestdijk47, lives a special population of honeybees. To mark the occasion, the restaurant is putting their rooftop honey in the spotlight.
1 minute read
Trends we spotted | Week 20
19-5-2025
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:
- A real summer festival with unlimited ice cream is coming to London: Ben & Jerry’s ‘Sundaes In The Park’.
- Another seasonal event in London: ‘Capri in the City’ arrives at the Berkeley Rooftop Bar & Pool.
- It’s shaping up to be a busy summer in London, with New York’s acclaimed aperitivo bar and restaurant Dante, hosting a month-long residency at Claridge’s Restaurant.
- A takeaway spot in Barcelona is serving bite-sized flavour bombs somewhere between a pizza and an empanada, called Tino’s.
- After making its European debut last year in Milan, Italy, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is planning to open 100 locations across Europe.
- Soul Water launches their Alubottle – a 100% recyclable and reusable water bottle, offering a stylish and sustainable alternative to single-use plastic.
- White Castle puts its biggest fans in the spotlight through its ‘Cravers Hall of Fame’
- Burger King France teamed up with the Buzzman agency and created a sweet and original Ice Burger. A sweet disc burger filled with ice cream, nuts and chocolate, that’s being introduced by a mysterious Parisian pastry chef.
- Charlie’s TMS is revolutionizing plant-based fast food and expands its U.S. presence with 18 new stores in Arizona.
Enjoy reading!
Papa d’Amour by Dominique Ansel | A new Asian bread culture bakery in NYC
15-5-2025
On May 22nd, chef Dominique Ansel will open a new bakery dedicated to Asian bread culture at 64 University Place (between 10th & 11th Streets) in New York City, of course, with his signature creative touch. The first images already look promising; this is yet another bakery worth visiting in NYC! The name, Papa d’Amour, is the nickname his children gave him.
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.
2 minutes read
Young entrepreneurs & new locations | Satay Club, FRIT’ZZA and Design & Wijn
13-5-2025
Every day, we spot fun and inspiring new concepts. This week: Satay Club and Design & Wine in Amsterdam and FRIT’ZZA in Utrecht.
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
Trends we spotted | Week 19
12-5-2025
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:
- 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!
Panda Express® launches ‘Pandaoke’ | Karaoke pop-ups across the U.S.
9-5-2025
Panda Express®, the largest family-owned Asian dining brand in the U.S., is launching ‘Pandaoke’, a fun, one-of-a-kind karaoke experience in four cities during May and June, just in time for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
As inspiration on how to create some rumour around your brand!
2 minutes read
Restaurant COBRA in Antwerp has launched ‘La Petite Collection’
9-5-2025
Restaurant COBRA in Antwerp has launched its very own clothing line, ‘La Petite Collection’. The popular spot on the Leopoldplaats, known for its fusion of bar food and gastronomy, responds to the frequent questions from guests about the team’s stylish uniforms. The collection is now available both in the restaurant and online.
1 minute read
A unique caviar dessert at R21 in Amsterdam
8-5-2025
Caviar continues to grow in popularity and is increasingly appearing in surprising combinations. Back in April 2023, we wrote about caviar ‘bumps’, but now we’re seeing pairings with pizza and even desserts — as recently spotted in the United States. A striking sweet-and-salty combination! Caviar bumps have now gained popularity in Europe too, but would we see caviar appear in desserts here as well? That seemed uncertain, until we discovered a similar dessert at restaurant R21 in Amsterdam. Their creation, a combination of Asetra caviar with crème fraîche ice cream and feuilletine, sounds absolutely delicious!
2 minutes read
Young entrepreneurs & new locations | MR PORTER Steakhouse, Bar & Lounge and Foodmaster Wageningen
6-5-2025
Every day, we spot fun and inspiring new concepts. This week: MR PORTER Steakhouse, Bar & Lounge and Foodmaster Wageningen.
MR PORTER Steakhouse, Bar & Lounge in London has recently opened at 22 Park Lane. This is the third location of this concept from The ENTOURAGE GROUP. With existing venues in Amsterdam and Barcelona, guests in London can now also enjoy MR or MRS PORTER steaks, among many other dishes! Foodmaster Wageningen has opened next to sports complex De Aanloop in the Noordwest district of the city. Guests can enjoy burgers, fries specials, snacks, milkshakes and Master Sundaes.
We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams lots of fun and success with their concepts.
2 minutes read
KFC and Benchmark Resorts & Hotels offer moms a finger lickin’ getaway for Mother’s Day
2-5-2025
Great collab for Mother’s Day! This Mother’s Day weekend, KFC in the U.S. is partnering with Benchmark Resorts & Hotels to give moms what they really want: rest, relaxation and Chicken & Waffles in bed. Select Benchmark properties in Boston, Seattle, Phoenix, Daytona Beach Shores (Florida), and Portland (Oregon) will offer the ‘Mom Flies the Coop’ package for stays on May 10 and 11.
1-minute read
Trends we spotted | Week 18
2-5-2025
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:
- We love the idea of making a wedding cake on the spot! Spotted in Italy.
- Marriott International has announced it is expanding its lifestyle portfolio by acquiring citizenM.
- The Maybourne Riviera hotel reopens for the 2025 season with new culinary, wellbeing and guest experiences.
- Mandarin Oriental Bodrum is set to host the iconic Gigi Rigolatto pop-up this summer.
- Spotted at Chin Chin labs: vanilla soft serve with French fries and a drizzle of potato peel sauce.
- The first 3D printed Starbucks store has opened in Brownsville, Texas.
- Designs have been revealed for Laheq, the first residential-led development at The Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, developed by Red Sea Global (RSG) and designed by Foster + Partners.
- Starting May 5, McCrispy™ Strips and the all-new Creamy Chili Dip will be available nationwide at McDonald’s USA.
- Domino’s Pizza and Bicky launch spicy Bicky Mexicano® pizza in Belgium.
- Sensory Cooking by Homey’s Tools for Life elevates the cooking ritual with kitchen tools designed by Boey Wang of Studio Boey.
Enjoy reading!
Eberhardjes are looking for ‘Lieve Amsterdammers’
1-5-2025
Eberhardjes are cookies named after the kind, former mayor of Amsterdam, Eberhard van der Laan. The Eberhardjes stand for positivity and connection and they’re looking for ‘Lieve Amsterdammers’ (kind citizens of Amsterdam). During Amsterdam’s 750 anniversary year, anyone can nominate a kind fellow citizen through the Eberhardjes website. These people will be honoured in an online Hall of Fame with beautiful portraits.
Entrepreneurs can support the campaign by becoming a pick-up location and displaying promotional materials at their location.
1 minute read
Coravin World Wine Tour | May 2025
28-4-2025
Coravin is once again partnering with restaurants and bars around the world to offer exclusive, rare, and highly sought-after wines by the glass during the Coravin World Wine Tour in May 2025. Eight countries — the US, UK, Australia, Italy, France, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands — are participating, with more than 55 leading venues, ranging from trendy wine bars to Michelin-starred restaurants. Sommeliers are bringing out exceptional wines and vintages from their cellars, some of which have never before been available by the glass.
2 minutes read
Young Entrepreneurs & New Concepts | Gyojasang, MOSH!, and Fine-Dining Restaurant NORRA
28-4-2025
Every day, we spot fun and inspiring new concepts. This week: Gyojasang, smashburger temple MOSH!, and fine-dining restaurant NORRA. NORRA recently opened its doors in Bilthoven, offering three different menus and a power lunch. In Amsterdam, Gyojasang promises a full Korean dining and experience concept, with authentic dishes, cocktails, private karaoke rooms and a photobooth. The opening is planned for early May. Meanwhile, in Bruges, smashburger hotspot MOSH! will open at the end of May. Founders Tom Degroote and Pieter Vermeersch – childhood friends from the hardcore music scene – are combining their passion for artisanal smashburgers, natural wine, and music.
We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams a lot of fun and success with their concepts.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 17
25-4-2025
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’. This edition highlights some fun hospitality initiatives for Kingsday — perfect to visit, enjoy, or use as inspiration for next year! We’ve also included some international examples of creative campaigns and product launches.
- Royal Desserts at live-fire restaurant Nela in Amsterdam.
- Café De Blaffende Vis in Amsterdam will unveil its iconic 2025 King’s Day façade at the stroke of midnight during King’s Night.
- Café De Gaper in Leiden will transform into Snackcafé De Gaper on King’s Day, serving a snack menu fit for royalty.
- Stëlz Hard Seltzer released a limited edition ‘can belt’ especially for King’s Night and King’s Day — it sold out quickly!
- Want to toast with an orange drink? Jägermeister ORANGE has just hit the market.
- In the U.S., BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse teamed up with Mars to launch a new twist on their signature dessert: the SNICKERS® Pizookie.
- Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard introduces a bold take on a classic: Cola Italian Ice.
- Pretzelmaker® in the US is giving away free Pretzel Bites tomorrow (April 26th) in celebration of National Pretzel Day.
- Outback Steakhouse in Australia turns up the heat with their Hot Wing Roo-lette – a spicy challenge for the daring!
Enjoy reading!
Appetronix and Donatos Pizza
