Opposite the new start is therefore the approaching farewell of Nelly’s. Kooij bought the café in 2014, but never intended to stand behind the bar. Yet this has been the case in recent years.
“I was with a lot of pleasure in itself, but I also have a successful company in laughing mirrors, which I can also live on. After a busy working week you no longer feel like tapping beer in the evening. I am an entrepreneur, not a pub boss.”
‘Stop lifted head’
According to Kooij, who rented the building, it is not located at the selling price. The price for the household effects dropped from 67,000 to 15,000 euros. “I almost wanted to give it away, as long as the pub was preserved in front of the village. I now also have peace with it that it did not work. We stop with the head held high.”
The rental contract ends on 1 May and then the doors of Nelly’s close forever. Kooij does not know what the property owner will do and he is not concerned with it either. Nelly’s will be open during the fair in August, but without too much bombing. “De Brink Village House puts down a fairground, we don’t want to get in the way.”
Helping brother and sister with renovation
At the moment the Wapen van Obdam is being renovated. The fair is not going to get Marise, the goal is to open in September. Brother Martijn and sister Marloes also help in the renovation.
To get well prepared, Marise has listened to the wishes of the village. “Simple and good food. And not too expensive. We have a small card, but with the right products. So that people also come back.”