Interview Café Roosje

Café Roosje

SERVES SIGNATURE ROTTERDAM GOOD FOOD AND GOOD TIMES

That Rosalie and Richard ended up in the restaurant business is hardly surprising: both come from families with roots in the hospitality world. What started with their own place in Strijen evolved into one of the city’s smallest cafés – Voigt in Bloemkwekerstraat – and culminated with a fabulous waterside location in Glashaven into which the couple poured their hearts and souls for 13 years. Rosalie vividly recounts their entrepreneurial journey and how this new adventure in the Hofbogen ties in with what they most enjoy. “We heard from lots of naysayers about the wisdom of this location and opening a new place at our age. Sticking with our convictions has brought us a lot in life. It doesn’t matter where you’re at, if you stay friendly and true to yourself, things will come to you.” At this location, the couple swapped roles, with Rosalie taking over as hostess and public face of the restaurant, while Richard works behind the scenes in the kitchen. CAFÉ 2.0 The Hofbogen is an iconic spot, the couple say; a tiny oasis in the heart of the city, and one with loads of potential in light of future developments. “A big thing for us was to make it our own, so we fixed up the whole place and redid it. The outdoor terrace is also really terrific because we have so many

Restaurateurs Rosalie and Richard epitomize the hands- possibilities here, instead of opon, can-do mentality for which Rotterdam is famous. position from nearby residents.” The couple have been putting their signature stamp on Rosalie and Richard want to offer the restaurant business for years and recently opened all the things they themselves their newest gem in the Hofbogen, called Café Roosje. feel are missing in the hospitaliThe place is pure Rotterdam, from the slogans splashed ty sector. To a large extent, that across the walls to the upcycled terrace chairs, all telling comes down to a personal touch a piece of their story. and serving people attentively. “Hospitality is paramount when training our staff. They have to be able to inform guests about everything on our menu. Having a nice, solid team is immensely important to us, and friendliness above all.” For groups, Café Roosje hosts everything from birthday parties to work-related lunches to gatherings for drinks, which can be arranged on a tab. LOCAL The family didn’t have to think long to come up with the name ‘Café Roosje’. Rosalie explains that Richard and their son and daughter quickly settled on the sweet, easy and catchy nickname. “All the women in our family have something related to ‘rose’ in their names, so it completely fits the personality and image of our place. We are also very grateful to all the wonderful people near and dear to us who have encouraged and helped us through thick and thin.” The café’s menu includes all the usual top brands plus a special focus on local whiskies, gin and beer, while Richard prepares home-grown stews from all-local ingredients. “Young entrepreneurs are always welcome to come try out their products here to see if people like them. We love to be able to offer people opportunities. Short staffing is a massive issue right now, so we’re on the lookout for fun additions to our team and kitchen staff. We are very happy here and hope to share that with as many of you as possible!”