Dudok Hospitality Group breathes new life into monumental HAKA building

After years of vacancy and temporary use, iconic building opens HAKA Rotterdam and HAKA Urban Bistro

Dudok Horeca Group will open the doors of the iconic HAKA building in Rotterdam on 28 May. With a festive grand opening, after years of vacancy and temporary use, the monumental building will be given a new purpose as a versatile catering and events location: HAKA Rotterdam with the HAKA Urban Bistro.

Iconic heritage gets contemporary interpretation

The HAKA building, originally built in 1932 for the Chamber of Commerce (HAKA) and designed by architects Hermann Friedrich Mertens and Jacobus Koeman, is a paragon of the ‘New Objectivity’ architectural movement. Since 2002, the building has carried national monument status and is recognised as valuable industrial heritage. “With the arrival of the Urban Bistro and event spaces, we are breathing new life into this monumental building. At the same time, we contribute to the development of the M4H area into an inspiring place for makers, entrepreneurs and a new generation of city dwellers,” said Frans Salawanej, Director of Commerce at Dudok Hospitality Group.

In the renovated building, owned by Dudok Real Estate, WDJARCHITECTEN harmoniously brings past and present together. Characteristic elements from the original design have been retained and combined with an interior by Ron Tetteroo, matching its new function as a restaurant. The industrial character remains tangible, with a contemporary interpretation that suits Dudok Horeca Groep.

No-nonsense gastronomy

This same approach is reflected in the kitchen. HAKA's Urban Bistro offers an accessible menu for lunch and dinner, based on the Rotterdam mentality of ‘don't bullshit but clean up’. The kitchen reflects the energy and diversity of the city and draws inspiration from the port area and the many cultures in Rotterdam. These influences come together in a contemporary, no-nonsense style with room for experimentation and innovation. HAKA positions itself as an urban bistro where meeting and hospitality come together.

Flexible spaces for a variety of events

The building and surrounding grounds are designed for a variety of uses. Inside, the venue is spread over three floors. The basement provides an intimate setting for events, break-out sessions and parties with a ‘dark & moody’ atmosphere. Where the office area used to be on the ground floor is now the restaurant, including a space for private dining enclosed by large sliding glass doors. The entire floor can accommodate 150 to 200 people for a seated lunch or dinner. With plenty of natural light and an industrial design, the first floor lends itself perfectly to conferences, get-togethers and larger events, Outside, the premises feature a spacious terrace with an open fire, a vegetable garden in due course and plenty of greenery.

Besides business events and conferences, there is also room for cultural programming. On 1 August, for instance, the event ‘Day Butterfly’ will take place on the entire site. This makes HAKA Rotterdam a unique location for smaller parties as well as events of a large calibre.

Grand opening on 28 May

The Grand Opening of the HAKA Building will take place by invitation on 28 May. Immediately afterwards, it will be open for dinner from Thursday to Friday. On Saturdays, the restaurant will be open for both lunch and dinner and on Sundays for lunch.

To fill the kitchen brigade, Dudok Horeca Group is still looking for a chef, sous chef and chef de partie, among others. Vacancies and applications can be found via https://dudok.nl/vacatures/werkplek-haka-rotterdam/