The restaurant Friends of the Mayor After eight years, it has become an indispensable part of Zoetermeer. People come from all over the city and beyond for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks. Owner Jochum Oostenbroek is proud to welcome so many guests. According to him, this is not only due to a strong team, but also to how accessible the restaurant is. “There is something for everyone at any time of the day.”
The Friends of the Mayor is a restaurant on the cozy Stadhuisplein in Zoetermeer. The business is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. The theme of the menu? “Accessible, simple and tasteful,” says Jochum. “For example, we have a Josper charcoal oven. That gives our meat that unique smoky taste.” They also make a lot themselves at De Vrienden van de Burgemeester. “The bread and hamburger buns are made especially for us by a local baker. So you can’t get that anywhere else.”
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For everyone
There is something for everyone’s wishes and taste on the menu. “Because in addition to burgers and satay, we have plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options,” he says. “More and more guests are asking for this and we are listening. Because you can make a delicious carpaccio with the best meat, but it is just as easy to make a vegetarian version with, for example, beetroot and specially made dressing.”
Full attention
Jochum stands at the front of the store with his wife. Was it their dream to start their own restaurant? “No, not at all actually,” says Jochum. “It just came our way and we jumped at the opportunity.” He worked for pizzeria Domino’s for many years and was responsible for fifteen locations. Jochum often hears from regular guests that they find the atmosphere so relaxed, partly thanks to the staff. “We have a very close team, something that does not always happen automatically. We are a well-oiled machine. I’m quite proud of that.”
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A quick snack
What Jochum takes with him from his years at Domino’s is the work pace. That is why many people from the offices in the area like to have lunch at The Friends of the Mayor. “Because if you only have an hour, it’s nice to have your dish on the table within fifteen minutes. That is the case with us,” he says.
A bustling square
The only thing Jochum had some concerns about when he opened the restaurant was the location. “It didn’t look as good then as it does now, but the plans were already there. Stadhuisplein would become a vibrant square full of catering establishments. After seeing the plans and drawings for the future, all I could think was: I have to respond to this. And I’m so glad we did that. It has become a great place in the city.”
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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, Just Brands, Foot Locker, Albert Nolten, Primark and the Douwe Egberts Café. 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.