STORIES FROM FRANCHISEES

I WANTED TO DO SOMETHING THAT MAKES PEOPLE HAPPY

“Freedom isn't the same as lots of free time. It means you decide for yourself what you do.”

For years I worked as an interim manager. After one assignment I knew for sure: I wanted to do something that makes people happy. Do more myself instead of just planning. Have something that was truly mine again.

I looked at campsites and group accommodation, but at BB Kitchen it all fell into place. There were two reasons for that. The restaurants have a warm feel. The menu is cleverly put together: plenty of choice for the guest and still relatively easy to make, because you use the same products in several ways.

I had no hospitality experience. In 2021 we opened BB Kitchen Best on Hoofdstraat, in a building that used to be a shoe shop. With my family and with help from head office, we completely converted it into a restaurant. I still can't carry a tray, but luckily I don't have to.

Running my own branch means freedom to me. That's not the same as lots of free time. It means you decide for yourself what you do. You deal with every side of running a business.

What I like best: in a village you really are the face of your business. People know who you are. When there's something on in Best, from the funfair to carnival, they come to us for lunch or dinner. We sponsor football and korfball. If a company wants lunch for 250 people or a school wants chips for all the children, we help work it out.

We've now been going for 5 years. I'm proud that we have a place in Best that many people just can't miss. Guests who leave happy and staff who like working for me: that's why I do it.

It's hard work, with long days. If a full restaurant gives you energy, you get a lot back. My tip for anyone in doubt: don't just look at the concept, look above all at the people behind it. It has to click, because you're building it together.

A FRESH START ON RAADHUISPLEIN

“Whether you come for a coffee or a full meal, you're in the right place at my BB Kitchen.”

I'm from Best, where my father David has been running BB Kitchen Best since 2021. There I saw up close what having your own business in a village means. On 30 August 2025 I opened my own BB Kitchen on Raadhuisplein in Son en Breugel.

The place got a fresh start with me. I want guests to see that as soon as they walk in: a clean, spacious restaurant and personal attention for every guest.

When you come in, you immediately see our seating area. That's where you wait for your takeaway order, read the paper or enjoy a quiet cup of coffee. The restaurant is large, with more than 70 seats inside and a terrace on the square.

As you'd expect from BB Kitchen, the menu is extensive. There's something for everyone, from a roll at lunchtime to a burger or a complete meal. The truffle burger and the steak tip Superfrites are our best sellers.

During the day, lots of people come to have lunch together, as do colleagues from the businesses on Ekkersrijt. Businesses can order from us on account. We deliver all day in Son en Breugel, including in the afternoon, on our own bikes and scooter. In the evening I see families, groups of friends and older people. Every 6 weeks we welcome a group from Stichting Met je Hart: 10 older people who come to eat together. It's those very evenings that make the work worthwhile.

Whether you come for a coffee or a full meal: at BB Kitchen Son en Breugel, you're in the right place.