As a seventeen-year-old boy, Batuhan Bolat got a part-time job at the Ekmekci restaurant in Rotterdam. During his studies he continued to work in the kitchen. Batuhan secretly dreamed of opening his own branch of the restaurant. In June of 2023, that dream became a reality, when he launched his own franchise of the popular restaurant opened in Stadshart Zoetermeer. And that was before he graduated. “The concept of Ekmekci appeals to me: we are there for everyone.”
Ekmekci serves unique dishes in an inspiring environment at pleasantly busy locations. You can go there for an extensive breakfast with family, a lunch meeting with colleagues or a dinner with friends. Or get something tasty for the road. Ekmekci is open all day and has an extensive menu. “That’s why there’s something for everyone,” says Batuhan. There are also vegetarian, vegan and halal dishes. You can have many customized to your own taste. “This way we cater to everyone and at the same time our dishes are as ecological as possible,” he explains. “We throw away virtually nothing.”
To dream
During his part-time job, Batuhan fell in love with the concept of Ekmekci. He already dreamed of his own establishment then. “Ekmekci is more than a restaurant. It is a place for meeting and dialogue. We are there for everyone. That is why our guests are very diverse,” he explains. Batuhan always had a connection with the owner. When Ekmekci opened more and more branches, he was already hoping for the opportunity to join in. The restaurant now has fourteen branches. The twelfth can be found in Stadshart Zoetermeer, opposite Primark and the Mediamarkt. “A very cool location if you want to attract a broad audience.”
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Meet at the tree
Anyone who has ever been to Ekmekci has probably seen that beautiful tree in the middle of the store. The tree is central to every Ekmekci branch. This is inspired by Middle Eastern traditions, says Batuhan. “People often come together there to meet each other, eat or relax in the shade of the tree.” Bathun also wants to realize that feeling of connection with the tree in his unique restaurant. You will also find a balcony in the restaurant room: also something you don’t see every day. “We do everything we can to create a unique ambiance and I think we succeeded!”
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Ekmekci has now been open for a quarter and already has numerous positive reviews. “We notice that not only passers-by like to take a look. Residents also know where to find us. I am very happy with that,” says Batuhan. “We like to welcome different cultures, ethnicities and ages. I want Ekmekci to be a place where we find each other and connect.”
City center Zoetermeer
In City center Zoetermeer there is a lot of choice of shops. Whether you are looking for a new television, beautiful clothes or an original gift: you have come to the right place in Stadshart Zoetermeer.
The range of shops varies from small specialty stores to large department stores, such as Mediamarkt, Albert Heijn XL, TK Maxx, JD Sports, Douglas, Rituals, H&M, Mango, Foot Locker, Albert Nolten, Primark and the Douwe Egberts Cafe. Stadshart Zoetermeer also offers a wide choice of various dining and entertainment options. Have you worked up an appetite from shopping? Or would you like to take a break with a drink? You will find a place to settle down in the City Heart!
This article is sponsored by Retailers Association Promotion Stadshart Zoetermeer.