A new neighborhood venue is preparing to open on Zoutkeetsplein in Amsterdam’s Zeeheldenbuurt. Café Iep will fill the space previously occupied by Café Mads, which closed in June after 12 years of business.
The takeover marks a new chapter for the corner spot, which served as a central gathering point for local residents for more than a decade.
A new venture for experienced chefs
The new owners, Melle and Ellie, bring extensive restaurant backgrounds to the project. Melle started his career in the industry 20 years ago as a dishwasher at Café Schiller before working as a cook.
Ellie began her career as a chef in London before moving to Amsterdam, where the pair eventually met while working together in a local kitchen.
Renovations are currently underway inside the building at Zoutkeetsplein 1H. The interior painting is complete, woodwork and flooring are finished, and kitchen installation is nearly done.
Opening planned for later this year
While an exact opening date has not been announced, the couple aims to open later this year and make use of the outdoor terrace before the warm weather ends. They are currently encouraging local residents to stop by and introduce themselves while preparations continue.
Café Mads had established a strong local presence over its 12-year run, serving food and drinks from breakfast through dinner and even setting up a small ice rink on the square during winter months.
The former owner expressed confidence in the new team upon stepping down, handing the venue over as a continued space for the neighborhood.
