JRE-Netherlands crowns top culinary talent at spectacular awards show

Chef, Hostess and Restaurant of the Year announced

On Monday evening during a festive theatre show in Hardenberg, JRE-Nederland presented the JRE Awards 2026. Three members stood out in the awards who, according to the association, excel in craftsmanship, hospitality and entrepreneurship. Rick Blanken of Ledeboer (Almelo) was named Chef of the Year, Hanneke Verstappen-Jacobs of De Beejekurf (Venray) as Hostess of the Year and the Restaurant of the Year is The Church (Arnhem) of Bart Leussink and Janiek van den Broeck. New members and the new board were also introduced. 

JRE-Netherlands, the leading association of young, ambitious restaurateurs, once again put exceptional talent and remarkable entrepreneurship in the spotlight with the JRE Awards 2026. Extra special is that the winners are chosen by the members themselves, colleagues from the profession who know better than anyone else what excellence means. The evening was all about talent, inspiration and experience: a sparkling programme in which members, partners and guests enjoyed short films, interviews and live music.

Chef of the Year 2026 - Rick Blanken (Restaurant Ledeboer, Almelo)

In the former premises of the Twentse Bank, Rick Blanken runs his Restaurant Ledeboer, a place where experience and gastronomy go hand in hand. His cuisine is pure, refined and full of fresh accents. Rick started as chef and manager, grew to co-owner and since 2023 he is full owner of the restaurant. With his team, he puts Almelo and Twente on the culinary map.

The award was presented by Tijn Swinkels (Royal Swinkels).

Hostess of the Year 2026 - Hanneke Verstappen-Jacobs (De Beejekurf, Venray)

With her attention, personal style and natural flair, Hanneke Verstappen-Jacobs of De Beejekurf knows how to make every guest feel right at home. She is the face of the restaurant and, together with her team, takes it to the next level.

The award was presented by Martijn Kwast (Kwast Wijnkopers).

Restaurant of the Year 2026 - The Church (Arnhem)

In the monumental church in Arnhem's fashion district, Bart Leussink and Janiek van den Broeck combine gastronomy, atmosphere and storytelling into one special experience. Their restaurant The Church surprises with contemporary fine dining, thoughtful wine-food combinations and a setting that makes every dinner unforgettable.

The award was presented by Michelle Hartman (illycaffè).

New chairman and new members

During the show, JRE-Nederland also announced its new board and members. After six years, Marko Karelse (Villa la Ruche, Voorburg) handed over the chairmanship to Bjorn Massop (Restaurant Lokaal, Doetinchem). Together with vice-chairman Rick Blanken (Ledeboer, Almelo) and Lino de Vrede (Au Coin des Bons Enfants, Maastricht), he forms the new board.

The new members are:

• Roel Sieverink & Kim Blaauw - The Ölliemölle (Borculo)
• Kaj & Lissa Landman - Holsterhof (Posterholt)
• Danny Meijers & Rik Opstals - G7 (Sittard)
• Yorick de Groot & Michelle Leone - Éclusier (Bloemendaal)

International nominations

The following Dutch members have been nominated for the international JRE Congress 2026 in Cologne:

• Rick Blanken - Ledeboer (Chef of the Year)
• Hanneke Verstappen-Jacobs - The Beejekurf (Hospitality Excellence Award)
• Lino de Vrede - Au Coin des Bons Enfants (Sommelier of the Year)
• Laurent Smallegange - Splashes (Sustainability Award)
• Bart Leussink - The Church (Re-Generation Award)
• Pasquale Carfora - Aroma (Taste of Origin)

With these nominations, JRE-Netherlands once again highlights the quality and ambition of their members.