Miranda Dontje has been working in the Oosterpark district for 17 years. She began that adventure as business manager of the then Treslinghuis community centre, part of WerkPro. There she started a small eatery called Grand Cafe Treslinghuis. But when news broke that the community centre was being demolished, Miranda had to look for a new place for herself and her staff. When she cycled past the building on Sawmuldersweg 3 one day and saw a sign saying 'for rent' in the garden, she almost fell off her bike. "It felt like this was meant to be, there is a huge feel good about this business".
Living room feeling
Miranda has now been running Stadsrestaurant Het Oude Politiebureau for six years. At the time, there was a lot of demand from the neighbourhood for a place where you could eat a bit healthier, the neighbourhood only knew snack bars, a kebab shop and pizza joint. The restaurant is part of Werkpro. "The people who work here have experienced one thing and want to make strides again. They often have no experience in the hospitality industry, but we show that we are just as good, friendly and welcoming as the regular hospitality industry. I'm really incredibly proud of them."
Het Oude Politiebureau is open Tuesday to Friday, from 10am to 10pm for lunch, drinks and dinner. And although they are thus not open on weekends, the place is always busy. Miranda noticed that after opening, there was an immediate rush and after six months all evenings were fully booked. And that is still the case today. The audience? A combination of regulars and new faces. "The word-of-mouth advertising is going really well," Miranda laughs. And that's not surprising, as the restaurant feels like a nice living room in the middle of the neighbourhood.
Sustainable
Before the restaurant opened, an appeal was made in the neighbourhood newspaper to hand in old crockery. "We were then buried with boxes of old plates and other crockery, which we still use. So you have a chance of coming across your own plate when you eat here" Miranda says. This sustainable nature is carried through to every corner of the business. Almost all the furnishings are second-hand and there is an active focus on reducing waste streams, purchasing and wastage. All kinds of energy-saving measures have also been implemented and more veg(n) dishes are deliberately offered.
But there are also many other projects in the neighbourhood to promote sustainability and greener living, under the name Sustainable Oosterpark, consisting of a group of some 40 local residents. Some of them meet every Monday morning or evening to clean up the neighbourhood entirely without obligation. In addition, 25 brightly coloured extra bins have been placed and an election is held every year for the cleanest street in the neighbourhood. "Together with the Litter Teams, we vote for the cleanest street; a sign is put up in that street and we go by with an ice cream truck. We ring everyone's doorbell, congratulate the residents and treat them to an ice cream. In this way, we encourage people to be more conscious of their waste in a low-threshold, positive way. Das a lot more fun than pointing fingers!"
Connection
Besides sustainability, Het Oude Politiebureau has two other pillars, local and social. And according to Miranda, these are just as important: "Local because we feel very connected to the Oosterpark district, but also because we work a lot with local and regional products." But the social aspect also lives on in everything Stadsrestaurant Het Oude Politiebureau does.
Thus, the restaurant is known for their 'Donate a Dinner' action. The action is there especially for local residents with a small budget or who are struggling for whatever reason. But also for residents who should be put in the spotlight because they do a lot for others or the neighbourhood. People are nominated by various neighbourhood parties, but also by concerned residents. "Throughout the year, donations trickle in from our guests and our suppliers also participate. During our Christmas campaign last year, we threw over 12,000 euros into the Oosterpark neighbourhood in the form of pamper boxes for Christmas or gift vouchers to come and eat with us completely unburdened, anonymously and according to your own wishes. Because we want to be there for everyone. But especially that someone is nominated and thus seen by someone else, means a lot and is wonderful" Miranda beams.
The mural at the restaurant shows that the restaurant, WerkPro and Miranda are important players in connecting the neighbourhood. Last summer, Miranda was involved in the Street Art Festival, organised by Writer's Block Murals on behalf of the Municipality of Groningen, which brightened up the neighbourhood with seven colourful murals. The mural at the restaurant shows an embrace, which fits well with the character of Het Oude Politiebureau.
Favourite spot
Miranda's favourite spot? A random Groningen terrace in summer, and preferably at a good neighbourhood café in one of the surrounding neighbourhoods. "I think that's the way to go: more small catering spots in the suburbs. The relaxed and mixed company at a terrace in a random neighbourhood café is connecting and therefore extra fun!"
This entrepreneurial portrait was made as part of the Gastvrij Groningen programme. The Gastvrij Groningen programme is run by Marketing Groningen and implemented and financed on behalf of The Fund for Enterprising Groningen, the Municipality of Groningen and Groningen Bereikbaar. Koninklijke Horeca Nederland and the four Groningen business associations: Groningen City Club, Bedrijvenvereniging West, Bedrijvenvereniging Zuidoost and Bedrijvenvereniging Noordoost are also involved in the programme.