Which Amsterdammer didn't grow up with it? Correction: which Dutchman didn't grow up with it? The Amsterdam family business that started in 1941 as a bakery has become an indispensable part of our street scene. But did you also know that the croquette that you might pull from the wall at 't Leidse tonight, was freshly made this morning in Amsterdam Noord? And that they still work with grandpa's secret recipe? The beginning of bakery Maison Febo Let's start at the beginning: in 1941, FEBO started as a modest bakery on the Amstelveenseweg. So not on the Ferdinand Bolstraat as many people think, although it is true that the name 'FEBO' is derived from it. This is where founder Johan de Borst learned the baking trade, after which he opened his first own business on the Amstelveenseweg. (That misunderstanding has now been cleared up;)) Although the 1940s were not easy for many entrepreneurs, Johan had a special talent. He could still bake delicious bread with limited ingredients: a skill that came in very handy during the war years. From bread to snacks Snacks were also becoming increasingly popular at that time and Heck's opened their very first vending machine around the corner from Rembrandtplein. That inspired Johan, who decided to also start making croquettes. They were so popular with his customers that they soon formed queues outside the door. That tasted like more and Johan decided to convert his house on Karperweg, around the corner from his bakery on Amstelveenseweg, into a vending machine. But of course, there was no more time to lie on the couch with a vending machine in the living room, so the family (literally) made room for this new development and moved to Slotermeer. As we know, that was a good move. The secret... The company is now run by grandson Dennis de Borst. He proudly talks about his grandfather Johan, whom he considers a true pioneer. But the 'FEBO virus' is not only found within the family. Employees are also crazy about the story and the company, such as FEBO trainer Michel. After working in production for just one day, Michel was sold. He has now been working happily for FEBO for 7 years and is happy to take us on a tour of the factory in Amsterdam Noord, where everything is made fresh. Grandpa's recipe is still used here - which is unfortunately a top secret. One of the secrets that FEBO trainer Michel can share with us is that broth is crucial for the unique FEBO taste. He also tells us passionately about the snacks. For example, the croquettes are made fresh every day, after which they are brought to the FEBO stores as quickly as possible. So there is a good chance that when you order a croquette on the Leidsestraat in the afternoon, it was made that same morning in the factory in Noord. In addition, according to Michel, the frikandellen are so good that he is happy to go out of his way to fry one - unfried - off the conveyor belt and eat it out of his fist. Family business Although Michel has been working at FEBO for a while, that is nothing compared to his colleagues. For example, kitchen employee Kevin has been loyal to the company for 20 years, and chef Nico even for 40. In addition, you will also find many employees in the businesses in the city center who have been with the company for years, such as Sara, who works in the FEBO on the Leidsestraat and welcomes every customer with a smile. Regular FEBO customers Regular customers know where to find FEBO at least once a week. Some also like to come because it reminds them of nice childhood moments, others just really love fries... But whatever the reason, the customers and the employees have at least one thing in common: their great love for Amsterdam. Moving with the times Although traditions and recipes are incredibly important to FEBO, Dennis is not afraid to innovate. For example, you get your snacks and fries at FEBO in paper containers since 2015 and the ingredients come from local farmers. So you literally know what kind of meat you have in the tub! More info, contact or collaboration? Go to the website: www.fccentrum.nl or mail: [email protected] Follow us via: / fccentrum / fanclubcentrum #fccentrum #Amsterdam #centrum #fanclub