1/2 Jules and a full menu from his high-tech airfryers (photo: Collin Beijk).
Jules Paquay opened the first airfryer snack bar in the Netherlands a year ago in Eindhoven. A few weeks later, energy prices skyrocketed. The Frietaire managed to survive. “But despite the positive reactions, it was not an easy year.”
You won’t find deep fryers and oil in Jules’ shop, but there are four large air fryers behind the counter. Within three minutes, up to 2.5 kilos of crispy chips come out, just like in the traditional snack bar.
“I have sworn off frying fat and then this is a nice alternative.”
“We focus on people who want to make a more conscious and healthier choice,” says Paquay. This target group also knows where to find their business. “I have sworn off frying fat and then this is a really good and tasty alternative,” says a woman who eats fries and a frikandel sandwich with her daughter. “I also think this is the future. It is certainly healthier.”
A boy walking by thinks the chip shop full of air fryers is a smart idea. “I’m a deep fryer myself, but I do understand that people want healthier fries and snacks. And to be honest, I sometimes throw something in the air fryer.”
“It was not an easy year.”
Paquay opened his business just as the war in Ukraine started. As a result, gas and electricity prices shot up. “I don’t have gas-fired deep fryers, but these hi-fryers also draw 16 kilowatts, so I felt that. It wasn’t an easy year.”
Although electricity is a lot cheaper than gas, De Frietaire also had to survive. “You can’t pass on everything, because then a fries will be five euros.” Jules hopes that electricity prices will drop soon, because everything else he uses in his business also became more expensive. “And then we also use special fries for the airfryer.”
“People will come back to us.”
Still, he is positive about the first year. “People do come back to us and soon we expect improved versions of the hi-fryers we use.” Now Jules rents the devices because they are still under development. “The producer of these special catering airfryers is coming up with a version that is even better.”
De Frietaire is currently the only chip shop that only works with air fryers. “I still want to expand and have heard that more and more catering establishments are becoming interested in these devices.” The manufacturer also uses Jules’ business as a practical example, which ensures that people from the hospitality industry regularly come to watch.
“You will always keep two teams.”
Although not everyone is enthusiastic, as was evident last year at the NK airfryer throwing in Mierlo, organized as a statement against the advance of the airfryer. “You will always keep two teams, but I think there are enough people who go for the airfryer. We still believe in that.”
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