The grand café has been a household name in the city of Groningen for 48 years. The business of Mirjam Jager and her brother Dick is located in a prominent place on Poeleplein. In 2004 they took over the company from their parents, who had already been in business for 28 years. They passed on a thriving business to their children, which it remains to this day.
Spacious terrace characteristic
Time Out is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to about three at night. Then you can immediately go there for a cup of coffee, a sandwich or even a beer. The terrace has more than 80 seats and is generally full, according to Jager. “Mainly due to the large canopies with heaters,” she adds. “Many people also know us because of our terrace.”
Us knows us
The audience at Time Out is very diverse. “There's all kinds of things to come,” says Jager. 'Students, older people, young families with children. Also regulars who have been coming to us since the first year or so.' But also companies that have something to celebrate or political parties that are looking for a space to meet. Everyone knows where to find the attraction in the 'Poele'.
The atmosphere in Time Out is family-like. That is also because of the people who work there. 'We have many people working here whose parents met here at Time Out, or who also worked here themselves. Even grandchildren. That's really nice. It is certainly a household name in the city, you cannot ignore us," says Jager.
Beer posts
Time out of course means that you stop time for a moment. Jager continues: 'So much has happened here in those 48 years. It was first a disco for 9 years, then it became a grand café. My parents have not stood still in all that time and have always kept up with the times. My brother and I too. We are always busy adjusting everything with the interior.'
They have been selling beer poles at Time Out for a few years now. 'That is a tower from which 12 beers can be obtained. Very popular among students. They have it on the table and then they pour their own beer. Since last year we also have cocktail trees. Then there are 8 cocktails in such a tree, with a firework in it. It is often ordered when people have something to celebrate.'
Affordable
'What we often hear is that we are not very expensive. I try to keep the price as competitive as possible,' Jager explains. 'Our snacks too. It has to be a fair price, and apparently that's why people know where to find us.'
'Our menu has changed a little bit recently. We had starters, main courses and desserts. We have now made the dishes a bit smaller so that it fits better with drinks, which many guests come here to do. Dining has become a bit secondary to drinks. The menu still contains satay and spare ribs, according to my father's recipe.'
Grand Café Time Out is open seven days a week from 11.00 a.m. to 03.00 a.m.
For more information on Grand Cafe Time Out.