Trends we spotted | Week 44
Food delivery gets an upgrade - Grubhub and Avride launch robot delivery
eazie continues its success story with new nomination for Best Fast Service Concept
Travel in style - Saudi Arabia unveils its “Dream of the Desert” luxury train
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and Maison Ladurée bring French elegance to the festive season
THE BUTCHER opens temporary pop-up at Schiphol Airport
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:
- Grubhub and Avride are launching a trial with autonomous delivery robots in collaboration with restaurant chain Wonder.
- Saudi Arabia Railways and Arsenale present the first luxury train in the Middle East, “Dream of the Desert”, which will launch in 2026.
- Dior introduces Haute Motherhood, a postnatal wellness program at Dior Spa Cheval Blanc Paris. It’s a great idea to offer special treatments aimed at small groups of guests, and as we always say, this can be done at any level!
- Regis Hotels & Resorts in the U.S. and Maison Ladurée are creating festive afternoon teas and Parisian elegance during the Christmas period.
- The Dutch franchise formula eazie has once again been nominated for Best Fast Service formula in the Netherlands in the YouGov Out of Home Formula Monitor 2025.
- THE BUTCHER is opening a temporary haute fast food pop-up at Schiphol Amsterdam Airport. This temporary location is the first step towards new branches of THE BUTCHER and Toni Loco, both concepts by THE ENTOURAGE GROUP, at Schiphol Airport.
- Hotelschool The Hague and House of Hospitality Amsterdam are organizing a masterclass in immersive technology for the Dutch hospitality sector on November 19. You will be able to experience AR/VR training courses that allow hotel staff to practice in realistic 360-degree environments!
Enjoy reading!
Food delivery gets an upgrade | Grubhub and Avride launch robot delivery
Grubhub and Avride are launching a pilot project for robot delivery with Wonder in Jersey City, a restaurant chain that brings together multiple cuisines and brands within a single location. Customers ordering through Grubhub can choose delivery by an Avride robot within a certain range. Wonder’s multi-restaurant model, which offers more than 20 cuisines from a single location, makes it an ideal partner. Avride’s advanced AI-powered robots ensure smooth navigation in busy urban areas. Building on more than 100,000 deliveries on campuses, this pilot project aims to expand autonomous delivery nationwide, combining Grubhub’s platform, Wonder’s culinary innovation and Avride’s robotics to provide customers with faster, more reliable and more sustainable service. More details in their press release, link in the title. We have previously spotted initiatives related to robot delivery services, including by DoorDash.
Travel in style | Saudi Arabia unveils its “Dream of the Desert” luxury train
Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and Italian company Arsenale unveiled the first Dream of the Desert luxury train carriage at the FII9 Conference in Riyadh. The Middle East’s first five-star train blends Saudi heritage with modern design, symbolizing innovation and authenticity. Supported by the Ministry of Culture and the Saudi Tourism Authority, the project aligns with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy to enhance tourism and mobility. Launching in 2026, the train by the SAR will travel over 1,300 km from Riyadh, offering immersive journeys that combine culture, luxury, and Saudi hospitality, in line with Vision 2030’s sustainable growth goals.
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Dior Spa at the Cheval Blanc in Paris introduces ‘Haute Motherhood’
In December, Dior will introduce Haute Motherhood, a postnatal wellness program at Dior Spa Cheval Blanc Paris. Designed to care for mothers after childbirth, the program combines expert treatments, relaxation and emotional care during the postpartum period.
Like the pop-up restaurant ‘Dior at Alto’ in 2021, Haute Motherhood reflects Maison Dior’s commitment to wellbeing and experiences. New mothers can enjoy signature facials, sculptural massages and the tranquility of the spa, with access to the swimming pool, sauna and hammam. The program embodies Dior’s philosophy of restoring beauty, balance and confidence in a refined way. More details in the article at Luxury Launches, link in the title.
It’s a great idea to offer special treatments aimed at small groups of guests, and as we always say, this can be done at any level!
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and Maison Ladurée bring French elegance to the festive season
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has announced an exclusive holiday partnership with Maison Ladurée, the legendary Parisian patisserie, bringing French elegance to the brand’s festive traditions. From November 5, 2025, to January 4, 2026, select St. Regis properties in New York, San Francisco, Bal Harbour, Deer Valley, and Washington D.C. will feature co-branded Afternoon Teas, macaron carts, and lavish holiday décor. The collaboration reimagines the art of gathering with Ladurée’s signature confections and St. Regis’ legacy of celebration. Inspired by the timeless St. Regis Afternoon Tea tradition introduced by Caroline Astor over a century ago, the partnership combines Parisian artistry and American glamour, creating refined, joyful experiences for guests during the holiday season.
eazie continues its success story with new nomination for Best Fast Service Concept
The Dutch franchise formula eazie, founded in 2004 by two brothers with Asian roots, has once again been nominated for the YouGov Out of Home Formula Monitor 2025 in the Fast Service category. The chain, known for its fresh, à la minute prepared Asian meals, sandwiches and poké bowls, is now in the running for its fourth title as Best Fast Service formula in the Netherlands. Eazie previously won this award in 2019, 2023 and 2024. The nomination once again confirms guests’ appreciation for eazie’s tasty, healthy and affordable offerings.
The winners of the YouGov Out of Home Formula Monitor will be announced in a week’s time, then we will find out whether Eazie will receive the title of Best Fast Service Formula in the Netherlands for the fourth time.
THE BUTCHER opens temporary pop-up at Schiphol Airport
This autumn, THE BUTCHER will open a pop-up at Schiphol, one of Europe’s busiest airports. With over 150,000 passengers a day, Schiphol is the perfect location for the famous haute fast food concept. From November onwards, travellers and airport staff will be able to visit the pop-up in the renovated food court between Lounges 2 and 3, after security. The menu features familiar classics, including The Butcher With Cheese and The Daddy, complemented by dishes such as Back Ribs and Entrecote Steak. This temporary location is the first step towards new branches of THE BUTCHER and Toni Loco (both part of THE ENTOURAGE GROUP) at Schiphol, including a permanent location in the renovated food court (Lounge 1) in 2026.
The future of learning in hospitality | Hotelschool The Hague launches AR/VR training
Staff shortages continue to affect the Dutch hospitality industry: more than 80% of hotel employees start with little or no experience in hospitality. Hotelschool The Hague has therefore developed immersive AR/VR training prototypes that improve learning, work preparation and employee well-being. The technology has been tested in collaboration with leading hotels such as Hyatt Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht and enables professionals to practise in realistic 360° environments before their first day at work. During a masterclass at House of Hospitality on November the 19th, participants are introduced to these innovative training modules, experience interactive simulations and discuss the future of immersive learning technology in the Dutch hospitality industry. Sign up for the masterclass here.
Using VR headsets students at The Hague Hotel School bring their self-designed onboarding process to life
