"By providing extra warmth and comfort on my terrace, I am increasing my seating capacity in winter".
16 November 2023
"What do I enjoy doing most myself? Yes that is setting up and working out new things," says Dirk van de Voort, owner of Tapasbar de Markt in Breda. Dirk is a true entrepreneur who loves innovation. "You are always changing too" is something Dirk often hears. "Sometimes people also doubt those changes. Me too. But then when your guests end up being happy about it... That's what gives me energy!"
Continue to grow
Meanwhile, Dirk has been the owner of Tapasbar de Markt in Breda for two years. Inside it is small, but outside he has a large terrace with a view of the church and over the large Market Square. That's why Dirk is interested in getting the most out of his terrace: "By adding extra warmth and comfort to my terrace, I increase my seating capacity in winter," he says. After two years, there is already huge growth in the tapas bar's terrace. "For the time being, I want to keep growing. I notice that the investments in the terrace are generating bigger revenues," Dirk says. "Next year we will start working on windbreaks, another new challenge."
People don't believe it
For several months now, cushions from Sit & Heat have been on Dirk's terrace. "By using my heaters less, I hope to eventually make substantial savings on energy costs", he says, adding, "I read a column by Radboud Bergevoet in the Misset horeca. He talked about how Sit & Heat provides a piece of service and hospitality to guests. This made you stick around. And the reactions are very nice to hear. Many people don't believe it: 'Heated cushions!? Really!", they will say. Then when they sit down, they think it's brilliant! I'm sure they will share this experience at home".
