Amsterdam – The Dutch hospitality sector is undergoing a significant transformation, mirroring a broader trend across industries: a shift from product innovation to process innovation driven by artificial intelligence. The recent Horecava 2026 trade show showcased a wave of new technologies focused on streamlining operations. With labor shortages still biting hard, 2026 is predicted to be the year AI-powered automation moves from “nice-to-have” to “must-have” for Dutch cafes and restaurants.
Table of Contents
- Bonnie: AI-Powered Guest Communication
- Klearly: Streamlining Hospitality Payments
- Sides: Data-Driven Decision Making
- The Rise of AI in Hospitality
- Key Takeaways
- Dutch Learning Corner
- Community CTA
Bonnie: AI-Powered Guest Communication
Bonnie, an AI-driven reservation platform, was the star of the show, taking home the Horecava Innovation Award 2026. Missed phone calls are a silent revenue killer; restaurants lose, on average, 35% of calls, equating to thousands of euros in lost bookings. Bonnie acts as a 24/7 digital host, answering calls, taking reservations, and answering FAQs in over 20 languages.
“This creates more time to interact with guests personally in the establishment,” says Mark Bender, co-founder of Bonnie. Unlike a cold voicemail, Bonnie follows up via WhatsApp with confirmations and menus. The jury praised it for solving the “holy trinity” of problems: labor shortage, margin pressure, and high service expectations.
Klearly: Streamlining Hospitality Payments
Klearly has secured a massive €12 million capital injection led by PayPal Ventures. Already serving 4,000 locations in the Netherlands, they are now targeting the rest of Europe. Their selling point? Speed.
During peak hours on a sunny Dutch terrace (terrasje), waiting for a card terminal creates bottlenecks. Klearly turns phones into terminals (SoftPOS) and integrates deeply with existing systems, removing the hardware friction. It’s a direct response to the “One-size-fits-all” payment systems that often fail the fast-paced nature of hospitality.
Sides: Data-Driven Decision Making
Software provider Sides demonstrated that relying on “gut feeling” is dead. In 2026, running a restaurant requires data. Many operators know they need insights but get lost in Excel sheets. Sides simplifies this by centralizing data—from inventory to staff scheduling—allowing owners to spot waste and optimize margins instantly. It transforms the restaurant manager from a firefighter into a strategist.
The Rise of AI in Hospitality
The shift towards AI isn’t just about cool gadgets; it’s a survival mechanism. Historically, Horeca (Hotel/Restaurant/Cafe) relied on cheap, abundant labor. Those days are gone. Rising wages and staff shortages mean that if a machine can do it (like taking a reservation or processing a payment), it must do it, so humans can focus on hospitality.
Expert analysis suggests that AI adoption will accelerate. Tools like personalized menu recommendations and predictive inventory management (ordering food before you run out) are the next frontier. AI is not replacing the waiter; it’s giving the waiter superpowers to serve more tables with less stress.
Key Takeaways
- Award Winner: Bonnie (AI phone agent) won the Horecava 2026 Innovation Award.
- Payments: Klearly raised €12M to make payments faster on busy terraces.
- The Shift: Focus has moved from “New Food Products” to “Smarter Processes.”
- The Driver: Labor shortages are forcing rapid automation adoption.
Dutch Learning Corner
| Word | Pronun. (Eng) | Meaning | Context (NL + EN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🍽️ De Bediening | De Be-dee-ning | Service / Staff | De bediening was erg vriendelijk. (The service was very friendly.) |
| 📅 Reserveren | Re-ser-veer-en | To Reserve | Ik wil graag een tafel reserveren. (I would like to reserve a table.) |
| 🤖 Automatisering | Au-to-ma-ti-se-ring | Automation | Automatisering helpt in de keuken. (Automation helps in the kitchen.) |
| 💶 De Fooi | De Foy | The Tip | Is de fooi inbegrepen? (Is the tip included?) |
Do You Prefer Human or AI?
Would you be annoyed if an AI named Bonnie answered your restaurant call, or would you prefer the efficiency? Does technology kill the “gezelligheid” of Dutch dining? Let us know below!
