Bjorn van Dijl wins Entree Award for ‘Hospitality Entrepreneur of the Year’

Focus on talent development and working atmosphere central to Van Dijl's unique vision

At the Entree Awards 2025 ceremony in Amsterdam on 1 December, Bjorn van Dijl was named Hospitality Entrepreneur of the Year. As founder and driving force behind the Willaerts Group, Van Dijl was praised by the jury: “A man without fuss and military discipline. Others call that practical and goal-oriented, but we say: this is excellent entrepreneurship. Our winner dares to think big and knows exactly what he wants.”.

Hospitality Oscars

The Entree Awards are often referred to as the Oscars of the hospitality industry. Every year, media brand Entree Magazine presents awards to the best new hospitality businesses, the best bartender and the Hospitality Entrepreneur of the Year, among others. The winners are selected through an independent and extensive jury process. This is the first time that Bjorn van Dijl has won the prestigious Hospitality Entrepreneur of the Year award. Previously, KITA, a restaurant owned by the Willaerts Group, was awarded Best New Dine & Drink Concept.

Employees as our most valuable asset

“Of course, I am very proud of this individual award,” says Bjorn van Dijl. “But I could never have won it without the support of the amazing teams who deliver the best possible experience to our guests every day in all our businesses. They are the Willaerts Group's most valuable asset, so this award is for all of them!” Van Dijl is known as an entrepreneur who devotes a lot of time and attention to training his employees. He explains: “My motto has always been ‘attention to your employees pays off in attention to your guests’. I firmly believe in this and we act on it every day by investing structurally in training, career opportunities and a good working atmosphere.”

Impact on the region

In May, the Willaerts Group opened Grand Café Noordkade in Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht. The establishment immediately received a nomination for the Entree Award Best New Dine & Drink Local. The jury explained: ‘You no longer have to go to big cities for good hospitality. These nominees can be found in ‘the region’. They are new, accessible concepts where guests can enjoy both food and drinks and where there is an energetic vibe throughout the evening. The winner scores well on all aspects (food & beverage, atmosphere and service, design and entrepreneurship) and has an impact on the region’. Bjorn van Dijl: “It's a great compliment that our new business has already been nominated. And here too, this nomination belongs just as much to my partners Natasha van Dijl, Maikel Terlouw, Barry Wilgenburg and Wilco Zwier as it does to me. Congratulations, everyone!”