Interview With CEO FEBO Netherlands: Dennis Borst
Posted on: januari 1, 2025
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Dennis Borst (op de foto hierboven) is de huidige algemeen directeur van FEBO Nederland. Hij is ook de kleinzoon van Johan de Borst (1919 – 2008), de oprichter van de FEBO.
De restaurantketen was oorspronkelijk gewoon een bakkerij genaamd "Maison FEBO" naar de Ferdinand Bolstraat te Amsterdam. Sindsdien is het Nederlandse concept veranderd en is de naam ingekort tot gewoon “FEBO”, maar de kwaliteit blijft. We hebben een kort interview met hem gedaan over het meest geliefde walk-up restaurant van Nederland.
1 | Dennis Borst, how would you describe the FEBO to foreigners?
The FEBO at Leidsestraat Amsterdam back in 1987.
FEBO is een van de grootste snackbar-keten van Nederland. Elke dag maakt FEBO Nederland haar snacks vers in de keuken. Iedereen kent FEBO van de automaat. Neem een snack van de muur. Dit Nederlandse erfgoed wordt streng bewaakt door de familie FEBO.
The FEBO nowadays at the Leidsestraat in Amsterdam.
2 | De “kroket” is een origineel Hollands tussendoortje. Wat zijn de ingrediënten?
We make a fresh broth from Dutch beef. In grandfather’s fashion we make a creamy ragout that serves as a filling for our delicious croquettes.
3 | Wat was de favoriete FEBO-snack van de beroemde voetballer Johan Cruijff?
Johan Cruijff often visited the two branches at Amsterdam’s Stadionplein. The FEBO and FEBO Olympia, his favourite snacks were the sandwich special and the sandwich “halfom”. The halfom being his true favourite. (Editor’s note: a sandwich “halfom” is a typical Dutch snack consisting of salted meat and cooked liver, with or without bacon. The name “halfom”comes from “half-to-half” sandwich, i.e. half-baked with two types of meat.)
4 | Wat voor snack is de vega grill-burger?
De VEGA Grillburger is de vegetarische versie van onze 40-jarige held de Grillburger. Net zo lekker maar dan zonder het vlees.
5 | Ben je van plan om in de toekomst nog meer verrassende nieuwe Hollandse snacks uit te brengen?
We werken er hard aan om ons vegetarisch assortiment verder uit te breiden. Binnenkort komen we ook met verrassende combinaties voor ons befaamde FEBO-ijs.
6 | Nog niet zo lang geleden had FEBO Nederland een drijvend doorvaartrestaurant in de grachten. Wat was de reden hiervoor en zal het ooit terugkeren naar Amsterdam?
On the occasion of our 75th anniversary, we treated the whole City of Amsterdam to free party croquettes. Who knows, maybe it will return someday. It was a big success!
7 | Hoeveel FEBO’s heeft u in Nederland?
FEBO Netherlands currently has 75 branches.
8 | Wat is de populairste (beste) snack van de FEBO?
De Kroket en de Grillburger zijn onze absolute helden. Maar op hun hielen zitten onze frites, kip, milkshakes en ijs.
9 | Op welke manieren past FEBO zich aan de nieuwe trend van gezond eten aan?
We monitoren onze 77 jaar oude familierecepten en zorgen ervoor dat er minder zout in zit en we bakken verantwoord. We schenken geen alcohol en promoten het drinken van water.
10 | Waarom heb je besloten om met ons samen te werken aan onze gloednieuwe audiotour over de Wallen van Amsterdam?
De Wallen (wat de Nederlandse naam is voor de Wallen van Amsterdam) vormt een belangrijk onderdeel van de geschiedenis van Amsterdam. En waar onze gasten Amsterdam ook bezoeken, er is altijd wel een FEBO te vinden. We zijn trots op onze FEBO op de Wallen. Kreeg je tijdens dit interview niet spontaan honger?
Learn more about FEBO Netherlands, Dutch culture & Amsterdam during our Red Light District tour. With the app Amsterdam Audio Tours you get stories from 22 different experts (including FEBO’s CEO) who share their expertise about Holland’s capital.
DOWNLOAD NOW!The Fascinating History of FEBO Amsterdam
FEBO is more than just a fast-food stop — it’s a Dutch institution with roots going back to 1941. It all began in Amsterdam when baker Johan de Borst opened Maison FEBO on Ferdinand Bolstraat. Initially known for fresh bread and pastries, the bakery quickly became famous for its homemade croquettes.
By the 1960s, de Borst revolutionized Dutch street food by introducing the automat wall — a row of glass-fronted compartments stocked with hot snacks ready for the taking. This innovation changed the way locals ate on the go and set FEBO on the path to becoming one of the Netherlands’ most beloved food brands.
The Unique Automat Dining Experience
De FEBO automat is like no other dining experience in Amsterdam. Picture a wall lined with small windows, each containing a freshly prepared snack. You simply insert coins or tap your card, open the door, and enjoy — no lines, no waiting.
Behind those little doors, staff work constantly to replenish the compartments with piping hot treats. This means you’re getting fast food that’s freshly made, not sitting for hours. For visitors, it’s both a meal and an experience — the novelty of grabbing food from a wall never really wears off.
What to Eat: FEBO’s Most Popular Snacks
FEBO’s menu is a celebration of Dutch comfort food, and there are a few items you can’t leave without trying:
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Kroket – A golden, crispy roll filled with creamy meat ragout.
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Frikandel – A skinless, spiced sausage that’s best with mayonnaise or curry sauce.
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Kaassoufflé – A cheese-filled pastry that’s perfect for vegetarian visitors.
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Kipcorn – Breaded chicken with a crunchy cornmeal coating.
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Bami & Nasi Snacks – Indonesian-inspired fried noodle and rice bites, reflecting Dutch colonial history.
The best part? Snacks are affordable, usually between €2–€3, making it easy to try several in one visit.
FEBO’s Place in Dutch Culture
For many locals, FEBO is more than a quick meal — it’s part of growing up in the Netherlands. Students grab a kroket between classes, partygoers stop by after the clubs close, and families visit for a weekend treat. The brand has embraced this cultural significance, even releasing merchandise like FEBO-branded hoodies, caps, and socks.
FEBO isn’t just selling food; it’s serving nostalgia. For tourists, eating at FEBO is a way to experience everyday Dutch life in the most authentic — and delicious — way possible.
Tips for Visiting FEBO in Amsterdam
If you’re planning to try FEBO while in Amsterdam, here are a few tips for the best experience:
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Go during busy times for the freshest snacks — lunch, dinner, and late night are ideal.
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Try multiple items — part of the fun is sampling different flavors.
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Bring small change or use contactless payment for speed and convenience.
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Look for central locations like Damrak, Leidseplein, and near Amsterdam Central Station for easy access.
Whether you’re in the city for sightseeing or nightlife, FEBO offers quick, tasty fuel to keep you going.
FAQs About FEBO Amsterdam
What does FEBO stand for?
FEBO is named after its first location on Ferdinand Bolstraat in Amsterdam.
Is FEBO open late?
Yes — many Amsterdam branches are open well past midnight, especially in nightlife areas.
Is FEBO food vegetarian-friendly?
Yes — try the kaassoufflé or vegetable spring rolls for vegetarian options.
Is the food fresh if it comes from a wall?
Absolutely — staff refill the compartments continuously, ensuring snacks are hot and fresh.
BEKIJK OOK:
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