Terraces are becoming increasingly important

 

Restaurant Brasa in Purmerend is looking forward to the winter months positively. “It’s going to be full steam ahead for us again,” says owner Arwin Versteyne. Together with his team, he rolls up his sleeves for the many activities with which he attracts guests to his business and the winter terrace. Programming is the new trend: from a Spanish or Italian evening and a fish market to Swingin’ Sundays and a boot camp.

WINTER TERRACE WITH 180 SEATS

Terraces are becoming increasingly important, they are increasingly an extension of your business, notes Arwin Versteyne, owner of Brasa on the Koemarkt in the heart of Purmerend. The catering business has been around for ten years now and has 120 seats inside and 180 on the terrace. Since corona, there is not only a summer terrace, but also a winter terrace from November to March. “The only good thing that Covid has produced,” Versteyne laughs. His group of employees is the strength of the business. “I’m really proud of them. Their appearance is professional and that is how we train them here. In addition, guests come here for the quality food and (soft) drinks that we serve. Lipton Ice Tea, for example, is a favorite on our terrace.”

DANCING, GOOD FOOD, A MATCHING (FRESH) DRINK AND SPORTS

Versteyne makes his business extra attractive by regularly organizing fun evenings and activities. And that in turn extends to his terrace. For example, every last Sunday of the month there is a Swingin’ Sunday at Brasa, with good food, a wide (soft) drinks menu, a host and live music for dancing. “Those evenings always fill up very quickly,” says the entrepreneur. “And this also applies to our theme evenings, such as an Italian evening with pasta or a Spanish evening with paella.” Every now and then we also organize a fish market, Versteyne continues, and sporty guests can participate in a boot camp or a cycling race. “The terrace is an extension of our business, also for these types of evenings and activities. A number of guests often choose to end the evening on the terrace. And the sporting events also end on our terrace. We organize this in such a way that guests can relax here. With a cool glass of Lipton Ice Tea, for example,” says Versteyne, smiling.

‘Guests enjoy our comfortably furnished winter terrace’

WINTER TERRACE WITH HEATING

Brasa’s terrace is already ready for the winter months. It looks cozy, with an arrangement of square, round and picnic tables, various planters, fur and fleece blankets and mood lights. There are gas heaters on the facade and electric heaters under the parasols. And here and there there are cushions with heating on chairs or sofas. Versteyne: “Because when it is cold but sunny, guests prefer to sit outside on the terrace. Outside is the new inside.” To do this sustainably, if possible, the heaters are not turned on. “We then offer our guests the warming pillows. A very nice alternative, which saves a lot of energy.”

Hospitality is of paramount importance to Arwin Versteyne, owner of Brasa in Purmerend. Just like quality. That’s why he only serves soft drinks from A-brands, such as Lipton Ice Tea. “Quality pays for itself. And Lipton Ice Tea is doing well. The different variants of Lipton Ice Tea really sell themselves very easily. Versteyne is also very pleased with the contact with the Lipton Ice Tea team: “Our contact person is always available, we are kept well informed during annual campaigns such as ‘The Lipton Terrace’ and he visits regularly. And you need that with a busy business like this.”

Source: Entree magazine
Text: Roy Timmerman
02-15-2024