From former factory to ambitious restaurant
A former factory building dating back to 1832, someone with no previous hospitality experience and a determination to keep evolving: over the past few years, an exceptional hospitality business has taken shape in Eibergen in the Netherlands, close to the German-Dutch border.
Around twelve years ago, DirkJan Heinen purchased the building, which at the time was in a severely dilapidated state, in the Achterhoek region. In 2018, he initially opened a spacious bed & breakfast on the premises. During the pandemic, necessity led to the creation of a makeshift restaurant – which first developed into a bar and eventually into a fully fledged restaurant operation.
Today, the property comprises 28 hotel rooms, more than 100 indoor seats and almost as many outdoor seats.
More space for higher ambitions
As the business grew, so did the demands on the kitchen. At the beginning of 2026, the property was therefore extended with a conservatory while the entire kitchen was redesigned at the same time. The result is a new kitchen offering around five times as much space as before.
BKS Bedrijfskeukens was responsible for the planning and implementation. The equipment was supplied through our sales partner NordCap Nederland.
The investment also reflects the experience gained over the past few years. In the early days, purchasing decisions were often driven by the lowest-cost option. Today, other criteria take priority: reliable technology, ease of maintenance, efficient energy consumption and equipment that fits seamlessly into the kitchen’s workflows.
Because as the business has grown, so have its ambitions. The stated goal: to earn a Bib Gourmand. The new kitchen provides an important foundation for achieving this.
We are particularly pleased that IDEAL AKE technology is part of an establishment with such high aspirations.
