How did the idea for Café De Schelp come about, and why was A Lab such a good fit?
“The idea of starting my own hospitality business had been on my mind for a long time. Still, there was always some doubt, or the circumstances weren’t quite right. Over the years, the concept shifted shape regularly, and fortunately, my tastes evolved along with it.
Food and drink are incredibly important to me. I want to know where the products on my plate come from, how they’re made, and who is behind them. That makes you appreciate them even more and makes you less likely to take them for granted.
I wanted to create a place where food and drink are the focus. A business that offers quality but is also accessible to everyone. Fair prices for honest products, sourced as much as possible from producers and importers we know personally.
When A Lab was looking for a new catering operator, it felt like an opportunity. The application process gave me the space to further develop my business plan and actually take the leap. A Lab is a place where experimentation is encouraged, and that gave me the confidence to just go for it.”
De Schelp is located right in the middle of the A Lab lobby. What kind of place do you want it to be?
“From the start, we wanted an open kitchen where you can easily pull up a chair for a meal. The fact that there’s a fantastic chef standing there for you is a pleasant surprise.
I hope De Schelp becomes a place where people love to return. That a ‘Schelp Plate’ during your lunch break eventually becomes a staple within A Lab.
Of course, you’re also welcome for a coffee or to work behind your laptop for a while. But it’s our job to make sure that laptop gets closed during lunch.”
