September 28, 2016 · Team HG
Some had already noticed, others hadn't yet. For over a week now, on the Westerkade, in the old La Compangie building, City Café Double-A opened.
After more than six months of renovation and furnishing, the city café opened its doors to the public on Friday, September 16, 2016. It is the first hospitality business of partners Arend Haarsma and Arend van der Wal. The two entrepreneurs joined forces with an interior designer and an installer to realize their vision for a hospitality company. This vision stems from their background as real estate developers in the retail and hospitality sectors. As well as from personal experience, Arend Haarsma explains: “You have to look at what adds value to a day of shopping here in Groningen, what makes a day complete. A cup of coffee in between, or finishing off with a bitterball and a nice beer.”
The industrial interior is minimalist yet very warm and inviting. Inside, there is seating for one hundred people. The terraces at the front and side of the establishment provide another forty seats. The covered side terrace will be open all year round. “We are going to decorate the side terrace with plants and patio heaters so that people can enjoy themselves comfortably here even in the winter,” says manager Sander Haarsma. Together with head chef Jacco Hoekstra, they will be responsible for running this city café. Currently, the menu focuses primarily on lunch, snacks, and set menus; the intention is to have a dinner menu within a few months to welcome guests in the evening.
At Double-A, they leave the origin of the name open with a smile. Could it refer to the Hoge der Aa and Lager der Aa located around the corner, or perhaps the initials of both entrepreneurs? Groningen has gained another fine hospitality establishment! One where shoppers, students, and business clients alike can enjoy themselves.
Author: Amedé Disbeschl
