About Bart

I was born and grew up in Ruurlo, my parents or family don’t really have any affinities with the hospitality industry yet from a young age, I was basically all about cooking and baking. Therefore, I was determined to find a part-time job in the catering industry at a young age. Through the grapevine I came in at the Tuinkamer in Ruurlo, an artisanal kitchen with classic French cuisine. From the first moment I stepped into the kitchen, I felt this was where I felt at home and where my passion lay. I have actually always worked at a high level and it was the colleagues and work mentality that attracted me the most, everyone is ready to get the most out of themselves to take care of the guests in the best possible way.

The one thing I got from my parents from an early age is that if you want something you will have to work for it. In fact, this has always been my life motto and I firmly believe that if you do something with total dedication and do everything in your power, the impossible is possible.

For example, sometimes I would find that I was not yet very good at something or that I couldn’t quite do it, then I would go to my mother’s at night after work to raid the fridge to practise until I could do it and make sure I could do it the next day.

In my personality and cooking, honest and pure are central. Pure in the values but also in the flavours and honest as in the products should speak for themselves and everyone should be able to say and think what they want.

About Janiek

Janiek is the maître/owner of The Church. She has a huge passion for her craft. Sincere hospitality and ultimate service comes from her heart. At a young age, Janiek already knew that her passion lay in hospitality. At 14, she started washing dishes and progressed to the front of the restaurant from there.

During her education at hotel school, she gained her experience in service at Chateau Neercanne, among other places. The classic cuisine and high-level service there appealed to her greatly. At Hotel Villa Ruimzicht, Janiek came in as a trainee in the restaurant and from there she progressed to front-office manager. She saw the combination of the hotel and restaurant as a challenge.

Bart and Janiek got to know each other at Hotel Villa Ruimzicht and that’s where the spark happened. They have worked together ever since. A new adventure in Deventer allowed them to experience what it was like to run a restaurant together.

Their ultimate dream was to start their own business together. In December 2022, Bart and Janiek were able to realise their dream and The Church opened its doors in March 2023. Janiek is the face of the front of the hotel and restaurant. She ensures a warm welcome and unforgettable stay.