Trends we spotted | Week 9
The elevated Whopper is served on a new bun and in a box
Taco Bell’s Live Más LIVE 2026 - Menu reveal and Hollywood star power
Starbucks expands its protein lineup with new bottled Coffee & Protein drinks
Mandarin Oriental appoints Simone Biles as Global Wellness Ambassador
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is introducing Senior Meals
TTW announced ‘Top 50 Nightlife Travel Destinations’ in the world for 2026
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:
- Burger King is introducing updates to its iconic Whopper, including a new bun and box packaging.
- Live Más LIVE 2026 by Taco Bell, a Hollywood-themed event revealing its 2026 menu innovations.
- Kyriad has launched ‘Prompt It’ the first AI-powered travel guide created by the brand.
- Travel and Tour World has released its ‘Top 50 Nightlife Travel Destinations for 2026’.
- Starbucks is launching new Coffee & Protein bottled drinks on March 23.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has added permanent Senior Meals (55+) to its menu.
- Mandarin Oriental has appointed Simone Biles as its first Global Wellness Ambassador.
Enjoy reading!
The Whopper has a new bun and is served in a box
Burger King is letting guest feedback impact the future of the brand, as proven with the recent initiative inviting guests to call or text President Tom Curtis. Guests have already helped shape operations, restaurant image and the overall BK experience and now, they’ve inspired changes to the iconic, flame-grilled Whopper sandwich, the first change in nearly 10 years.
The higher-quality Whopper experience includes a more premium, better tasting bun, served in a box to ensure it makes it to guests exactly the way it left the kitchen. Stacked tall with freshly cut onions and tomatoes, crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and better tasting mayo, every Whopper is crafted to deliver the flame-grilled flavor Guests expect. Now elevated from the first bite to the last. More details in their press release, link in the title.
Taco Bell’s Live Más LIVE 2026 | Menu reveal and Hollywood star power
We love the party Taco Bell is creating around their new menu reveal! Taco Bell brings its most ambitious vision to life yet with Live Más LIVE 2026: A Night at the Palladium. The one-night-only show is taking over the iconic Hollywood Palladium, hosted by musical artist Vince Staples and streaming March 10 exclusively on NBCUniversal’s Peacock. It’s their third year with an all-new, all-things-Hollywood format: a variety show special, blending fan moments, comedic bits, original music renditions and surprise guest appearances to reveal year-defining menu innovations for 2026. More details in their press release, link in the title.
The Kyriad brands launch the very first travel guide designed using artificial intelligence | ‘Prompt It’
With « Prompt It », Kyriad and its labels, Kyriad ECO and Kyriad PRESTIGE, are the first to launch an AI-powered travel guide designed to help travellers imagine, plan, and personalize their stay in just a few seconds. This smart new way of traveling, ‘made in Kyriad’, marks a new stage in hospitality innovation and fully reflects Louvre Hotels Group’s strategy to support its brands in adapting to evolving guest expectations while creating ever more seamless and intuitive experiences. A dedicated film will also bring the campaign to life and will be broadcast online and across social media, with a direct link to the ‘Prompt It’ experience to encourage immediate engagement.
Kyriad launch the very first travel guide designed using artificial intelligence – ‘Prompt It’
Travel and Tour World announced their ‘Top 50 Nightlife Travel Destinations’ in the world for 2026
Another Top 50 – Travel and Tour World (TTW) published its milestone research, ‘Top 50 Nightlife Travel Destinations in the World for 2026’, highlighting the growth of global nightlife tourism. Night-time economies have expanded by +4.9% year-on-year, driven by clubs, live music venues, rooftop parties, and cultural festivals. Festival tourism is projected to reach $2.13 trillion by 2033, with major events anchoring travel itineraries. Millennials and Gen Z prioritize immersive, social experiences, and authenticity over luxury. Cities are investing in infrastructure to boost their nightlife appeal, making nightlife tourism a key driver of urban regeneration and global competitiveness. Number 1 on the list is Ibiza and Amsterdam is on spot 12, with a top 10 of Paradiso; Melkweg; Shelter Amsterdam; Radion; Lofi; De School; Canvas; OT301; Bitterzoet and Chicago Social Club! More details in their press release, link in the title.
Starbucks expands its protein lineup with new bottled Coffee & Protein drinks
Starbucks will launch a new line of Starbucks Coffee & Protein beverages in grocery stores on March 23. The drinks combine Starbucks coffee with 22 grams of complete protein, 5 grams of prebiotic fiber, five vitamins and minerals, and 2 grams of sugar. The product targets consumer demand for functional beverages, particularly protein, which 80% of Americans prioritize daily. With 54% of consumers also seeking high-fiber options, the beverages aim to address broader digestive wellness interests. The launch expands Starbucks’ offerings in the ready-to-drink coffee market with a product positioned as a functional morning alternative.
Freddy’s introduces Senior Meals to the menu
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, a leading fast-casual franchise with more than 580 locations throughout the United States and Canada, has announced the permanent addition of Senior Meals (55+) to its menu. Each meal includes a small drink and a choice of small fries or tots, with the option to upgrade to a full-size premium side.
Recently, our colleague Marjolein noted in her blog about the Ozempic Menu that a growing number of seniors are looking for smaller portion sizes. All she needs now is a toy and ‘happy senior box’. 😉
Mandarin Oriental appoints Simone Biles as Global Wellness Ambassador
Mandarin Oriental announced that Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history and one of the defining athletes of her generation, has joined as its first Global Wellness Ambassador.
The partnership reflects the brand’s focus on modern, holistic wellbeing, integrating physical strength, mental health, recovery and balance, all values Biles embodies.
She will work with the Mandarin Oriental Wellness Board and support global storytelling, campaign activations, and the development of innovative wellness initiatives aligned with the brand’s evolved strategy, integrating mental, emotional and physical balance.
