There are no less than three new entrepreneurs on the Vriesestraat: Hûis Arrest, Rotiflix and Healthstore the Gorilla. That means you can not only put Surinamese catering on your discovery list, but also the nicest interior items and a real health store. But that's not all. There is also good news about Bluebirds in the Backyard.
Once again, there is much new to discover in downtown Dordrecht!
New location feels like homecoming for Bluebirds
The Bluebirds in the Backyard store is in a new building, at Voorstraat 230. At the old location on Wijnstraat, you can still have lunch, there is still the play area for kids and the shop section with sales; after June, the catering section will also move to the Voorstraat side. From clothing to home accessories, at the new location you will find these products and more. In other words: everything in the field of living and lifestyle, including vintage items. The move is a step in the direction of bohemian, so if you like this style, you can't miss Bluebirds in the Backyard! Owner Claire MacNeilage is thrilled with the new place. "I think this is a 100 percent improvement! Before this, on Wijnstraat, we didn't have a window, now we do. This really feels like coming home. I now have more customer contact and have already received many positive comments about the new location. Which, by the way, I moved in a sustainable way: on foot, without a car, by moving all the stuff over the little bridge. With quite a bit of manpower, haha."
Three new acquisitions on the Vriesestraat!
Hûis Arrest: home store and interior design studio
It's a great combo: a home furnishing store and an interior design studio. An idea of Martine Barnhoorn, who has been an interior designer for eight years and has transformed the front part of her new building into a store, the back into an office. Small design: that's what you'll find at Hûis Arrest. From decoration to rugs and lighting to candelabras. And all from well-known, colorful Scandinavian brands like &Tradition, Normann Copenhagen, Hübsch and Bongusta. Previously, Martine could be found mostly online, but a store was definitely a desire. "It's a step for many people to approach an interior designer, so it's great that I can now talk to customers. I regularly speak to people who, like me, have a passion for design. I am told that I am unique in Dordrecht because of the distinct design brands." You can have your entire home designed by Martine, because she also helps with styling. Right down to the sofa!
Products from nature at Healthstore The Gorilla
Natural products, from nutritional supplements to organic superfoods: the new health store Healthstore De Gorilla has all kinds of natural products that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Feeling less tired, sleeping better, experiencing less stress, having more energy: all pleasant side effects when you give natural foods a chance, says owner Carlo Meijers. He studied commercial business and worked in a similar natural food store for three years. Until he thought it was time to start for himself. A good move, he concluded soon after opening his business. "I love this work! Some people find it exciting to go to a health store, thinking of mind-altering substances, but my intention is to help people. Awareness of what can be found in nature. That's why I sell only pure nature products. I give the best possible advice with that; explaining what the products do." Such as so-called grow kits or a mushroom growing kit, organic natural herbs, CBD and plants with energizing effects.
Rotiflix: real, authentic Hindustani roti
Fresh, Hindustani roti with curry: that's what the takeout and delivery restaurant Rotiflix stands for. Not mass, but authenticity. "Our rotis are made as they should be!" says Anish Soekhan, co-owner with his little brother. More than a decade ago, the brothers already had the plan to "start something" together, but it never came to pass. Until now. Anish and his brother saw the not too large building on the Vriesestraat empty and decided to finally go for it. For four months they renovated and now they make all kinds of roti meals with their own hands. Their sister and Anish's wife are also in the business. Anish: "We notice that there is a need for what we sell and we regularly hear that a business like Rotiflix did not yet exist in Dordrecht. So it was a good step to start for ourselves. With roti as it is made at home and with potato filling! Furthermore, we make nasi and noodles Hindustani style and from the summer saoto soup will be on the menu."
