.jpg)
ROTTERDAM, 14 November 2025 – Bagels & Beans on Schouwburgplein in Rotterdam is preparing to reopen with a new franchisee at the helm. Local entrepreneur Frank Bosmans aims to turn the café into a familiar meeting point for city centre visitors, theatre-goers and commuters.
Bagels & Beans returns to Schouwburgplein
On Saturday 15 November, Bagels & Beans at Schouwburgplein in Rotterdam will reopen its doors under the leadership of 50-year-old franchisee Frank Bosmans. The café on the edge of the city centre is set to continue serving coffee, bagels and light dishes to people passing through the busy square between Rotterdam Centraal and the Schouwburg.
For Bosmans, the step marks a new phase after many years in retail and self-employment. He describes the move as a way to bring together his experience in entrepreneurship with his preference for direct contact with guests and practical work on the floor.
From retail to hospitality
After working in retail and running his own business, Bosmans felt last year that it was time for a change of direction. “I discovered that I get the most energy from real contact with people and from working with my hands,” he says. “Running my own Bagels & Beans therefore feels like a logical next step. Here I can put my passion for hospitality and entrepreneurship to use.”
The choice for Bagels & Beans came naturally. Bosmans was already a regular visitor, attracted by the coffee and informal atmosphere. “I already liked coming here for the coffee and the relaxed atmosphere,” he explains. “When I heard that the Schouwburgplein branch was looking for a new entrepreneur, I knew straight away that I had to go for it. At two metres tall, the high ceilings and large space suit me well. And the big windows bring in a lot of light and create an open feel. I could really see myself standing here as host.”
Preparing for a fresh start
Setting up as a franchisee required a period of preparation behind the scenes. Bosmans points out that starting a hospitality business involves many practical steps, from paperwork to recipes. “There is a lot involved in starting a business. Fortunately I did not have to figure out everything myself and I received a lot of support with things like administration, recipes and training. That makes a big difference. It means I can concentrate on what I like doing most: welcoming guests and making sure they leave feeling good.”
The location on Schouwburgplein will soon receive a modest interior update. The café will keep its warm look, but the walls will be repainted and a new floor will be laid. Bosmans expects the refreshed interior to remain accessible to a broad mix of visitors, including people heading to nearby offices, shops or the theatre. “Working hard and having fun together, that is important to me,” he says about his future team. “When the atmosphere is good, guests notice it immediately. That is what I am aiming for.”
Practical information
Bagels & Beans Schouwburgplein is located at Schouwburgplein 80, 3012 CL Rotterdam. The café is scheduled to open daily from Monday to Sunday between 08:59 and 17:01.
How to get to Bagels & Beans Schouwburgplein
Bagels & Beans Schouwburgplein is situated on Schouwburgplein, a central square between Rotterdam Centraal and the Rotterdamse Schouwburg, within walking distance of Lijnbaan and the surrounding shopping streets. The area is accessible on foot from the station, by tram via stops such as Kruisplein and Weena, and by car using nearby underground parking beneath the square, making it easy to combine a visit with shopping or an evening at the theatre.
