On June 4, 2026, exists Grand Café Time Exactly fifty years have passed. What Dick and Jeanette Jager started in 1976 as a modest bar-dancing grew into one of the most beloved hospitality venues in Groningen's city center. Half a century full of beer, music, renovations, and countless memories.
From bar-dancing to grand café
In 1976, the couple opened the doors of what was then still a typical bar-dancing. No one could have suspected then that fifty years later their name would still be hanging above the door. But Time Out grew. From a dance hall to a grand café, from small to large, from simple to a fully-fledged meeting place for everyone Groningen has to offer: students, locals, tourists, athletes, associations, and businesses. Renovations followed, the establishment expanded, but the core remained the same.
Three generations of Hunters
The second generation has been at the helm since 2004. Mirjam and Dick Jager took over the business from their parents and continue the family tradition. And by now, the third generation also regularly helps out behind the bar. A family business in the most literal sense of the word.
“You don’t run the hospitality industry alone for fifty years,” says Mirjam Jager. “We are incredibly proud and grateful to everyone who has contributed to that over the past fifty years: our parents, family, employees, suppliers, and of course our guests.”
A place that connects generations
Anyone familiar with the history of Time Out also knows the names of the nights that bound generations of Groningers to the establishment. Country Weeks, Swingin' Groningen, European and World Cup nights, party nights, and staff outings: there are few Groningers who do not have at least one memory of Time Out. From students who came to drink their first beer there to guests who now sit on the terrace with their children.
To announce the anniversary, special moments from the company's history were looked back upon daily over the past hundred days. Those stories struck a chord: the reactions made it clear how many people feel personally connected to the business.
Three days of celebration
On June 4, the anniversary will be celebrated with a select group of friends, family, former employees, regular guests, and business associates. Time Out will also continue to be fully dedicated to the milestone on June 5 and 6. In the evening hours, a DJ will provide extra atmosphere, so that regular guests can also get a taste of this special moment.
After fifty years, the idea that drives everything is still exactly the same as in 1976: to create a place where everyone feels welcome.
