Digital ecosystem for gastronomy, events, and food trucks
Omnichannel platform with modules for promotions, listings, events, and an interactive venue map, designed for a Belgian startup to meet the needs of the HoReCa industry.
Backend
Frontend
Client description
HorecaTimes is a Belgian startup in the HoReCa sector, aiming to integrate gastronomic promotions, events, and recruitment within a single platform. The company was founded by industry practitioners who recognized the need for a digital tool addressing the real challenges of the local market.
Project goal
The project was created in response to the need for a comprehensive digital platform for the gastronomy and cultural sectors in the Belgian market. Its purpose was to combine promotional offers, events, job listings, a venue catalog, and a food truck module — all accessible to both individual customers and professionals (such as restaurateurs, pub owners, event organizers, and food truck operators).
Challenge
The client needed a comprehensive system that would be easy to use for end users while offering advanced functionalities for professionals. Key requirements included:
- rapid MVP deployment
- smooth and scalable development after the MVP launch
- adaptation of provided front-end templates
- implementation of advanced coupon module logic
- live geolocation map for food trucks
Solution
The WebMakers team delivered the project in sprint mode, providing a ready MVP in less than six weeks. As the technology partner, we were responsible for the complete technological layer of the project, including:
- back-end development - building application logic, APIs, account management and authorization, and database communication,
- system integrations - including the PDF coupon system, event management, calendars, and location services,
- full implementation and adaptation of HTML/CSS templates - adjusting the client-provided front-end components to fit the system structure and operational logic,
- development of an advanced management panel for professional users and platform administrators.
The technologies we used
PHP 
Symfony 
MySQL 
HTML 
CSS 
JavaScript
Key platform functionalities
The main features delivered as part of the project included:
- dynamic promotions (Last Minute: Resto Promo, Happy Hour, Free Entrance),
- event management system with thematic categorization (music, culture, gastronomy),
- job listings and application management,
- interactive venue and food truck directory with geolocation,
- PDF coupons with individual codes and reservation restrictions,
- advanced back office for the platform team and PRO users.
After implementation
The platform was successfully launched, serving real users and industry partners. WebMakers continued with further development, expanding functionalities and optimizing the platform. The platform operated as intended, allowing the client’s team to focus on validating the concept and growing the business.
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Project team
The project team consisted of five members - three Back-end Developers, a QA Tester, and a Project Manager.
Project outcomes
BEFORE:
There was a lack of a unified tool that combined promotions, events, and job offers for the HoReCa sector. Existing solutions were fragmented, and professionals did not have a convenient, specialized platform to connect with customers.
AFTER:
A fully functional platform was developed, integrating all the needs of the HoReCa market in one place. Users could browse offers, events, and venues, while professionals managed content, coupons, job listings, and events through a single panel.
Business benefits
HorecaTimes gained a development-ready technological foundation that enabled the testing of its business model and market entry with a complete MVP. The project demonstrated the possibility of rapidly launching a comprehensive service platform for gastronomy, culture, and urban events. The platform was praised for its comprehensive features and ease of use — both by individual users and professionals from the HoReCa sector.
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