After more than thirty years in the Hinthamerstraat in the center of Den Bosch, the coffee shops Chip ‘n Dale and Meetpoint will move their branch to the Nelson Mandelalaan on the edge of the city. Both entrepreneurs want to set up a drive-thru there, so that visitors can pick up their orders from their car. This should ensure smooth flow and prevent parking nuisance in the area.
Mayor Mikkers emphasizes that it is a big step: “It is no small matter to move the coffee shop owners after more than 30 years. At the same time, it is necessary to make the Hinthamerstraat quieter and more car-free.”
No coffee shops in the center
The move fits in with the municipal coffee shop policy, which has aimed since 2022 to move coffee shops from the city center to places on the edge of the city. Due to the smoking ban and their function as a pick-up location, coffee shops attract hundreds of visitors every day, resulting in a lot of traffic and parking pressure.
Meetpoint is looking forward to the move: “It is special to say goodbye to our familiar place, but we have found a location that does justice to the interests of the city, our visitors and the environment.”
30 beautiful years
Chip ‘n Dale looks back: “Sometimes looking ahead also means reflecting on everything that lies behind you. We would like to express our gratitude for the wonderful times at Hinthamerstraat.”
The drive-thru must ensure that visitors can collect their orders quickly and safely, while the neighborhood is less affected by traffic and parking problems. At the same time, the new location offers room for possible adjustments in supply, for example due to the national cannabis experiment.
Declaration of Intent
The move is not yet final, but all parties have signed a declaration of intent.