Ron Blaauw

Founder
Ron Gastrobar

Ron is originally from the city of Hoorn in North Holland, where he also had his first job as a newspaper boy. Yet Ron has always felt connected to the city of Amsterdam. Ron likes the people who are nice and straightforward and say what they mean. But above all, the uncomplicated feel of the city. Something that Ron also shows in all his ventures; uncomplicated and accessible, without too many rules.

After more than thirty years of experience in the kitchen at, among others, De Kersentuin, Aujourd’hui and ‘t Jagershuis, Ron Blaauw is no longer a chef, but a culinary entrepreneur. He inspires everyone with the same passion for entrepreneurship.

In addition, Ron is a real family man. He has three children and lives with his wife Carla in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, where his culinary story began.

Curious why Ron has developed a passion for cooking?

1999 | Ron Blaauw Restaurant

“And then I started my first own restaurant in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel…” A dream of every chef. Two people in the kitchen and two in the service, but it didn’t matter; because finally Ron had his own restaurant. “We thought we did the dishes ourselves. But after two days at half past four in the morning, we thought we’re not going to do this anymore.”

This hard work was eventually rewarded with two sparkling and long-hoped-for Michelin stars.

2011 | Ron Blaauw Restaurant Amsterdam

After having outgrown the premises in the building in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, the move to Amsterdam has started. Despite the success of the restaurant, Ron started to gnaw after a while… “What annoyed me was that it wasn’t buzzing. It was full every day, but after dinner there was just no atmosphere.” After being inspired during a trip to Copenhagen, Ron has changed course.

2013 | Ron Gastrobar

“Music, casual atmosphere, €15 dishes, different cocktails, high quality, and perhaps most importantly: everyone should feel welcome.” Ron Gastrobar’s successful formula was born.

BIRTH RON GASTROBAR

It all started with the Ron Gastrobar restaurant; a unique concept of low threshold, but still enjoying high quality food. Meanwhile, the Ron Gastrobar group consists of four different restaurants, and the formula of accessibility and high quality has been applied everywhere. Each with its own interesting story.

Curious about how all current Ron Gastrobar restaurants came into being?

View the whole story here

ADVICE

Ron has a lot of experience in the world of Gastronomy, fine dining and craft. This knowledge is much appreciated by start-ups in the field. That is why Ron has an advisory role at the following restaurants: Bistrobar Berlin in Nijmegen, Bistrobar Bankoh in Nijmegen, Bistrobar Beaune in Rosendaal, Javaanse Girls in Alkmaar and soon Garoeda by Ron Gastrobar Indonesia.

RON GASTROBAR AT HOME

TV PROGRAMS

In addition to being a chef and entrepreneur, Ron has grown into a TV personality. Ron participated as a final jury in the RTL program Topchef in 2009 and as a jury member in the SBS program Junior MasterChef. In addition to sharing his knowledge and experience in these programs, Ron also creates programs to draw attention to social and important issues. Together with Johnny de Mol, Ron makes the Restaurant Misverstand program to guide people with Alzheimer’s.