This is how restaurant De Vrienden van de Burgmeester got its name

We have been able to have lunch, coffee, drinks and dinner at the restaurant on Stadhuisplein for years The Friends of the Mayor. Our editors wondered how this catering business got its name. And, quite a mystery: are there only friends of the mayor coming?

The catering business on Stadhuisplein was first called Timber and then Christmas Café, before Jochum van Oostenbroek took over the business in 2015. He had not thought in advance that a music concert and a few liters of beer were needed to arrive at the current name.

Everything had to go

The takeover took place in October 2015 and Jochum immediately started making new plans. “At the beginning of 2016, the Christmas lights were still in the building. Everything had to be removed and a new interior was installed. But I didn’t have a new name yet. Both the menu and the name should not become too complicated, fitting for Zoetermeer.”

Jochum visited a concert by The Friends of Amstel Live. “I had quite a few beers and partied that night. In the night I got a hunch. The name came from the name of the concert and the location of my business opposite the town hall The Friends of the Mayor suddenly on me. That had to be it!”

The mayor was there

After a two-month renovation, Jochum opened his new restaurant on Stadhuisplein. “Charlie Aptroot was our mayor at the time and he was at the opening. Our glasses already had our logo and name on them The Friends of the Mayor. He thought that was funny.”

Last King’s Day, mayor Michel Bezuijen visited the restaurant. “He comes here often, but on May 27 my staff wore special orange clothing with texts such as The Major, The Wife of the Major and The Daughter of the Major. He joked that he’s the only mayor of the city, isn’t he? His wife took pictures of us. Those are nice things.”

And this is what the mayor says

Mayor Michel Bezuijen indicates that he regularly has lunch or has a meeting of, for example, the municipality at The Friends of the Mayor. “The restaurant is opposite the town hall on the other side of the square. I like coming here for work or private. But it is not the case that only friends of mine come.”

Also spotted a mystery?

Another mystery solved! Do you also have a question about Zoetermeer? Maybe you are curious about what the Hulk is or where the former foot organ of the old sprinter station has gone. indebuurt is looking into it! Mail your mystery to [email protected].