Trends we spotted | Week 28
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:
- Nazuna Inc. which operates friendly, luxurious machiya inns in Kyoto, has launched a new experienced-based recruitment model: ‘Stay first, then interview’. An inspiring approach?
- Wouldn’t it be great to have a cookies ATM at your favourite bakery? In Darwin, Australia The Cookie Lab has just that: its very own Cookies ATM.
- The Lobby in Amsterdam has once again affirmed its status as a top wine destination, earning two Wine Spectator’s 2025 Restaurant Awards and they start Cork-Free Mondays.
- Using local events in your marketing strategy is a classic tactic. The Ivy Collection gives us with a great example with their Centre Court Melting Bombe during Wimbledon.
- As of July 1st, McDonald’s Switzerland has introduced a new twist on their iconic McRaclette burger: a chicken version.
- The Aussie Jawssie cocktail and the Sharky Temple mocktail are back at Outback Steakhouse locations across the US. We love the names and the presentation!
- Check out this interesting on QSR Magazine about KFC’s bold new brand: Saucy by KFC is shaking up the fast food world.
- At International Hotel Capital Partners (IHCP), employees can save for personal dreams through their innovative Bucketlist Programme. Here is a great example of how it works.
- On Thursday, July 17, the terrace of WOLF Food Market in Antwerp will once again transform into an open-air cinema. Expect a screening of the movie Pulp Fiction, a Campari Spritz and an exclusive live BBQ by Rambo.
Enjoy reading!
Nazuna introduces “Stay first, then interview” experience-based recruitment model
Nazuna Inc. which operates friendly, luxurious machiya inns in Kyoto, has begun an initiative to demonstrate a new recruitment model to address the issue of early turnover within the hotel industry.
In collaboration with ‘in the HOTEL’, a hotel industry-specific recruitment service operated by Hagino Inc., Nazuna is introducing an ‘all-in-one experience’ hiring model. This unique approach allows job seekers to stay overnight at one of Nazuna’s properties free of charge before meeting with on-site staff for an interview. More information is available via the link in the title or on Nazuna’s website.
Back in 2021, we wrote about a start-up in Amsterdam, Night Cookies. They delivered American-style cookies via Uber Eats after 8pm. Night Cookies is no longer in business, but wouldn’t it be great to have a cookies ATM at your favourite bakery?
That’s exactly what The Cookie Lab offers in Australia, with two locations: Darwin Airport and Casuarina Square. More details can be found on their website, link in the title.
Dit bericht op Instagram bekijken
The Lobby Amsterdam receives awards from Wine Spectator and launches Cork-Free Mondays
The Lobby in Amsterdam has once again affirmed its status as a top wine destination with two honors from the Wine Spectator’s 2025 Restaurant Awards. The Fizeaustraat location received the prestigious Best of Award of Excellence, a rare international recognition for exceptional wine programs. The Nesplein venue earned its first Award of Excellence this year. According to wine manager Joshua Mullock, this double recognition reflects The Lobby’s dedication to hospitality and wine excellence. With a wine list that balances classics and surprises, The Lobby appeals to both seasoned connoisseurs and curious foodies. Their focus on quality, seasonal pairings, and value sets them apart in Amsterdam’s dining scene. This summer, they’re launching Cork-Free Mondays, allowing guests to bring their own wine without a corkage fee. A great reason to keep an eye on this standout wine address in the city.
Centre Court Melting Bombe at the Ivy Collection
Use local events to inspire your menu, just like The Ivy Collection did with Wimbledon. This season, they served up sweet victories with their limited-edition Centre Court Melting Bombe. Guests visiting Ivy locations had the chance to order this dessert, available until July 13. A select few guests were randomly served a special pink version of the bombe. These lucky guests stood a chance to win a Wimbledon Finals party for 10 in one of The Ivy’s beautiful private dining rooms. To enter, diners had to snap a photo of their dessert, post it on Instagram, and tag The Ivy Collection.
Dit bericht op Instagram bekijken
McRaclette now also available with chicken at McDonald’s Switzerland
Starting July 1st, McDonald’s Switzerland has introduced a new twist on their iconic McRaclette burger: a chicken version. The classic McRaclette, featuring Raclette cheese from Emmi and beef from Bell, has been a fan favorite for nearly 25 years, sparking thousands of comments and hype on social media every year. The new McRaclette Chicken combines the beloved recipe with a juicy chicken patty from Ospelt in Sargans, also known for producing McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets. The burger features a ciabatta bun, three slices of Raclette cheese, pickles, onions, and a creamy sauce. Over 85% of McDonald’s ingredients come from Swiss sources, with more than 6,400 local farmers supplying the chain. Last year alone, McDonald’s purchased over 100 tons of Emmi’s Raclette cheese. Whether you choose the beef or chicken version, the McRaclette remains a seasonal must-have for Swiss burger lovers.
Aussie Jawssie cocktail and the Sharky Temple return to Outback Steakhouse locations
Great names don’t you think? Would you go for the Aussie Jawssie or the booze-free Sharky Temple?
The Aussie Jawssie is crafted with New Amsterdam® Raspberry Vodka, Blue Curacao, a trio of citrus juices, and a dose of grenadine. This cocktail is now back at participating Outback Steakhouse locations for a limited time only, now through the end of summer. Prefer something alcohol-free? The Sharky Temple is a fun, fizzy mix of Sprite and grenadine. Both drinks are served with a keepsake shark that pours grenadine from its mouth, adding a playful splash of colour to your glass. More details in their press release, link in the title. Check out the locations of Outback Steakhouse.
Saucy by KFC shakes up fast food | Interesting article about this new brand on QSR Magazine
Saucy by KFC debuted December 2024 in Orlando, Florida. We wrote about it in our trends we spotted week 1 of this year. In the link in the title an interesting article at QRS Magazine with more insight on how and why of this new brand in the USA. From this article: KFC is part of Yum! Brands and their CEO David Gibbs said Saucy is exceeding expectations during the company’s Q1 earnings call in April. Sales are more than double KFC U.S.’s system average, placing the concept among the top 15 locations in the footprint. At least 20 more stores are planned. The company will target sites that “allow us to unlock marketing synergies through geographic proximity,” Gibbs said. Interesting to read and if you’re going to Florida, you might want to visit this new chain. Check out this video, to experience to Saucy vibe.
IHCP helps employees fulfil their dreams with Bucketlist Programme
At International Hotel Capital Partners (IHCP), employees can save for personal dreams through their innovative Bucketlist Programme. We previously wrote about the launch of this initiative. Whether it’s a trip, an educational course, or a sports goal: the longer someone stays, the more they automatically save to spend on a long-cherished wish. The programme is accessible to everyone, from full-time employees to on-call staff, and grows during the first four years of employment. With this, IHCP wants to show that personal happiness is just as important as work performance.
We recently received a press release with a follow up on how the Bucketlist programme works. Featuring the story of employee Zekye ’t Gilde, Crew Leader at Moxy and Residence Inn The Hague, who used the programme during her sabbatical. She fulfilled her dream of taking a cruise in Ha Long Bay—thanks to the amount she had saved, she was able to book the trip without worrying about the cost.
Outdoor Cinema at WOLF Food Market in Antwerp
On Thursday, July 17, the terrace of WOLF Food Market in Antwerp will once again transform into an open-air cinema—this time featuring the cult classic Pulp Fiction on the big screen, along with an exclusive live BBQ by Rambo. The event takes place at ’t Eilandje with a view of the MAS: deck chairs, a Campari Spritz in hand, and a relaxed atmosphere where film, food, and Antwerp’s vibrant charm come together.
Starting at 7:30 PM, Rambo will fire up the OFYR—the famous circular BBQ—for a one-time-only takeover. Expect smashed burgers with crispy edges, melting cheese, and bold toppings, all freshly grilled over open flames. It’s the perfect pairing for a summer evening film that needs no introduction. Reservations can be made via their website (link in the title). You’ll find more about WOLF Antwerp in our article on their opening last December.
