May 29, 2017 · Team HG
Within seven months, hospitality entrepreneur Michel Zwart has expanded his number of establishments from two to five. In October 2016, the operator took The Black Sheep under his care, but since last April he can also Cantina Mexicana and Tapasco to count as his business. What is his plan?
Zwart stated that he did not plan to do anything new in 2017, but was surprised by the news that Henri van Wermeskerken had put the two businesses up for sale. His doubts did not last long, and the investments were soon completed. The restaurants now continue operating under the name of Michel Zwart, but the properties remain the property of Van Wermeskerken.
When asked whether the new owner enjoys visiting the businesses himself, he answers wholeheartedly, “Yes! Especially for the atmosphere.” That is why Zwart states he does not want to change much about the successful concepts. Cantina Mexicana is known as a beautiful piece of Mexico on the Vismarkt and is very popular among the people of Groningen. Tapasco, a successful tapas restaurant, is located right behind it on Haddingedwarsstraat. The restaurants are connected by the adjacent roof terraces. Together, the terraces can accommodate about 300 people for outdoor dining.
Some refurbishment work will be carried out. Some new furniture will be added here and there, and the bars and tap columns will be renewed, including a wider selection of beers. On the roof terrace of Cantina Mexicana A generous herb garden is flourishing under the supervision of employee Koos, with the intention of including even more fresh, home-grown ingredients on the menu. On Saturdays, guests will most likely be able to enjoy live music while having a Mexican meal.
Furthermore, the businessman wants to pay extra attention to the websites through videos and drone footage. “We want to take the party we have inside out,” says Zwart. In addition, he is working on devising a concept to link his companies and introduce guests to the other businesses. One can likely expect a transport service in the form of a cargo bike soon, allowing people to reach, for example, a scenic route quickly. Louis XV or El Txoko could be.
When asked whether Michel Zwart sees himself taking over more businesses in the future, he answers with full conviction: “Yes, absolutely.” Perhaps even sooner than we might expect.
