January 7, 2022 · Team HG
In April 2022, Donna’s Social Club will open its doors at Nieuwe Markt 7 and Poelestraat 12 in Groningen. Immerse yourself in a concept inspired by American diners from the 70s and 80s, but for 2022. Emile: “We are going to present an American Diner of 2022, with vegetarian and vegan options of course. Focus on comfort food with an elegant twist. We have a great first draft of the menu; this is going to be really top-notch. Enjoy a great house vibe while eating lobster mac ’n cheese. Sounds good!”
Retro, disco, funky, sexy—this is what comes to mind at Donna’s Social Club. The menu features a mix of the best America has to offer. ‘America has many different styles of food. Naturally, there will be a lot of comfort food, but this has different perspectives. NY style, Cajun, and Tex-Mex are a few examples of the styles this country has to offer. We do want to present this cuisine in a 2022 context, so from a sustainable perspective. We will incorporate this into our business operations (just like at Florentin). We are doing as much as possible with vegetables and plant-based products; you will be surprised. Of course, we will not be hesitant when it comes to burgers or other meat products, provided they have a good origin.’
At an American diner, of course, one thing cannot be missing: decadent milkshakes and sorbets. Emile: “Milkshake with rum? Vegan sorbet? Why not? As for cocktails, we are working on developing a classic and almost kitschy cocktail menu where we respect the classics. Pina Colada, Dirty Martini, and Tequila Sunrise—we’re going back to basics for a bit, haha.”
“After two years of Florentin, Donna’s is a wonderful addition. This concept is a dream of ours. We had been looking to establish ourselves in the city center for a while, and now it is finally becoming a reality. The past few years have had their ups and downs. We are proud of Florentin and ready for the next step. This gives us some positive vibes during this … period. We are just going to floor it,” says Tom.
This project is different from Florentin in its early stages. Emile: “It is a shell building, so we had to design and furnish everything from scratch. This offers a lot of freedom, but certainly stress as well. We haven't held back during the planning and execution of this project. We want everything to be just right. Even when you visit the restroom, you need to know what the DJ has in store.’ But why Donna’s? Donna is a disco diva with a conscience. She doesn't give a damn and does what she wants. Tough and elegant at the same time, these are the headliners of this place.”
The concept will not be comparable to Florentin. Donna’s will be a concept with a faster turnover and fewer components on the plate. People are also welcome for a drink until the late hours. Donna’s is open for a quick bite or a few late-night snacks. “We are going to create a new dynamic between food, music, interior, and drinks in the city center,” says Tom.
Donna’s Social Club will be open six days a week for drinks, tasty dinner, and late-night drinks until approximately 3:00 AM.
