Almost a year at the helm at Flater: Arne-Jan quietly builds on

That Arne-Jan is not the type to retreat into an office soon becomes apparent. Since he took over Flater almost a year ago, he prefers to be at work: in the service, in the kitchen, behind the bar. And that shows: Flater is running well, the atmosphere is relaxed and Arne-Jan seems visibly at home. He likes the entrepreneurship. "It really feels like my place now. You make choices, set a line and see that it works."

Familiar faces

Of course it was exciting, such a takeover. After all, Flater is a household name in Ommen. ArneJan is very aware of that. "You can never do it right for everyone," he says soberly. But fortunately, the decision to bring more focus resulted in mostly positive reactions. "We see many regular faces back, and new people too. And yes, Ommen people are honest," he laughs. "But in general I get a lot of nice reactions. That says it all."

Focus on one thing

That focus is reflected on the menu. No more everything-for-everyone, but conscious choices. "The restaurant is the base," explains Arne-Jan. "Good, fresh and often local products, more cooking, more attention." So the burger remains, but in a new form: smashburgers, for example, with good ingredients and their own twist. "If you want to deliver quality, you have to dare to choose. Otherwise you're all a bit."

And then... the snack bar

Perhaps the most talked about part: the snack bar, a household name in Ommen since April 16, 1987, will finally close its doors on Tuesday, January 20, at 8:00 p.m.. "The snack bar feel no longer fits with what we want to put here," says Arne-Jan. "But take-away is not disappearing completely. It's coming back, just in a different way." Fewer snacks, a smaller but more conscious selection and more connection to the restaurant menu. "We're just warming up with take-away for businesses first," he explains. "Then we'll pick it up for individuals as well. That won't take long," The snack bar's last day is not going unnoticed. "We came up with a fun promotion," laughs Arne-Jan. "On Tuesday, January 20, you get 50% off the assortment." Excluding specials, menus and lunch rolls. A nice ending to an era.

Big renovation: here's what's going to happen

And then comes the moment everything is working toward: the remodel. Flater will be closed from January 26 to February 9 for a major renovation.

What to expect?

A completely new frontage on the snack bar side, more light and more space, extra seating areas and a bigger, more logical (open) kitchen for chef Naut and his team. "It's really going to be one whole," Arne-Jan says enthusiastically. "We're rebuilding everything so it fits with our vision."

Warm bath

Despite all the changes, Ommen also feels like a warm bath to Arne-Jan. He knows the hospitality industry here well, has many great plans with other entrepreneurs and feels supported. "That makes doing business here nice," he says. "You're not alone."

This is just the beginning

One thing is certain: this first year was just the beginning. And if the energy with which Arne-Jan talks about his plans is a harbinger, it promises a lot of good things to come. But first that renovation. Then re-opening. And after that? "Step by step," smiles Arne-Jan. "But this will be very nice."

Practical at a glance

• Snackbar closes for good: Tuesday, January 20 at 8 p.m. (50% off the entire assortment this day!)
• Flater closed due to renovation: January 26 through February 9
• Keep an eye on Flater's socials for a fun **opening promotion!