July 15, 2013 · Team HG
Fans of Dutch-language music will soon be able to indulge themselves in Groningen's nightlife. At the end of July, Café Klein Amsterdam will open its doors in the former Rumba building. According to owner Marcel Levee, it will be carnival four days a week in this new party café. “We want to recreate the atmosphere of ‘De Toppers’ here.”
The last R&B notes had barely faded when hospitality entrepreneur Marcel Levee was already handing construction workers a sledgehammer. Since July 1st, work has been going on almost day and night, because Café Klein Amsterdam needs to welcome its first guests in just two weeks. “I won’t deny that a renovation like this is quite a challenge,” laughs Levee.
Yet he did not shy away from this. The perfect location of the property, which can moreover accommodate at least three hundred partygoers, made it so attractive for the hospitality entrepreneur to invest. Levee: “When I heard six months ago that this property was becoming available, I realized that this was a unique opportunity that I could not pass up.”
He was supported in this idea by partner Marcel de Wreede. Together, they have been running the party bar Shooters for twelve years. In 2009, they also opened the Twister together. “Both businesses are doing well, and at some point, you start to get the itch,” says Levee. “When Reagan Petronia (owner of security company Prohost Security, ed.) indicated that he also wanted to invest, we decided to take on the challenge and start a third business.”
The three hospitality entrepreneurs decided that their newly acquired premises should become a Dutch-language party bar. Levee: “The range of pubs in Groningen is very diverse, but nowhere is only Dutch-language music played.” Initially, they named the pub ‘La Bastille’, after the similar concept in Amsterdam. “Unfortunately, the name was snatched right from under our noses just a month ago,” laughs Levee. It became Café Klein Amsterdam, which is a nod to the way Groningers characterize their city.
Although Café Klein Amsterdam is going to look like a traditional pub, the main focus is on partying. “The DJs will be positioned among the bartenders, and there will be beer tanks above the bar. This ensures plenty of interaction between the guests and the staff.” This is reminiscent of Shooters and Twister, but according to Levee, Café Klein Amsterdam definitely distinguishes itself. “We are focusing more on the early evening by opening around 9:00 PM. Moreover, Dutch-language music also appeals to a somewhat older crowd.”
According to Levee, the secret to a successful pub lies, among other things, in the owner's presence on the floor. “That way, you know exactly what’s going on, what works, and what needs to be improved.” Consequently, he and his partners will also be regularly found at Cafe Klein Amsterdam. “It is always nerve-wracking, of course, especially in the beginning, but I have confidence in it. When we opened Shooters and Twister, everyone was very critical. Now we are getting nothing but wildly enthusiastic reactions.”
The opening of Café Klein Amsterdam is expected to be on July 24. After that, the pub will be open from Wednesday to Saturday.
By Julia Kramer
