Stooges' opens second restaurant in Industriegebouw

At Station Bergweg, Stooges' smash burgers gained cult status and a steady stream of fans in no time. Now owners Kick Vogel and Jip Boon have opened their second shop in Het Industriegebouw.

There, they serve a wide menu from lunch to dinner. With smash burgers, of course, but also deli sandwiches, bar snacks, natural wines and cocktails. ''This is exactly where we wanted to go," says Kick. "Just doing what we think is cool, but in a place that we can build ourselves from scratch. We're confident we're going to rock it here."

The Stooges' adventure began two years ago at Bergweg Station. ''It was really cool to see people coming especially to Stooges'," says Jip. "That just gives a thrill. It must feel like when you were eight and went to McDonald's. Something you know you really shouldn't do, but that makes you so happy you almost bounce with joy."

Things went so well that last summer they also took over the kitchen at De Maaskantine. ''When we were able to run the kitchen in De Maaskantine as well, we knew we were ready for more,'' Jip says. Now they are taking the next step, with their own place in The Industry Building. ''This business will be Stooges' 2.0," says Kick. "We can show here how broad our idea actually is."

Stooges' Funhouse

Stooges' Funhouse will be everything you've come to expect from Stooges', but with good (natural) wines, cocktails ánd weekend DJs. "I call it a perfect mix between a pub and a restaurant," says Kick. "You can walk in here for a drink at the bar, but just as easily make a reservation with friends and stay the whole evening. Nothing is too crazy for us; a playground funhouse, but on the Stooges'-way. It will be a step up in chic. But always with the same Stooges'-fun."

The Industry Building as a new backdrop

With Stooges', Het Industriegebouw is once again bringing in a Rotterdam favourite. The listed building on Goudsesingel has grown into a place where businesses, makers and catering meet and strengthen each other. Stooges' arrival fits in perfectly with the ambitions for a lively ground floor where public and community come together. ''We love the fact that Stooges' is coming down here,'' say Eva Sharo and Desiree van den Wittenboer, directors of Het Industriegebouw. ''It's a concept with energy, creativity and a large fan base. Exactly the dynamics we love and a perfect complement to our current catering offer."