ROTTERDAM, 22 April 2026 – The HAKA building in Rotterdam will reopen on 28 May with a new role as a hospitality and events venue. Dudok Horeca Groep is launching HAKA Rotterdam and HAKA Urban Bistro in the restored monument after years of vacancy and temporary use.
A new chapter for HAKA
The reopening gives one of Rotterdam’s best-known industrial landmarks a new public function. Dudok Horeca Groep is positioning the site as a combined restaurant and events location, with the grand opening taking place on 28 May.
The HAKA building was originally constructed in 1932 for the Handelskamer and was designed by architects Hermann Friedrich Mertens and Jacobus Koeman. It is seen as an example of the New Objectivity movement (De Nieuwe Zakelijkheid) and has held national monument status (rijksmonument) since 2002.
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Industrial heritage in M4H
Dudok says the renovated building brings together old and new, with characteristic elements from the original design kept in place. The restoration was carried out with WDJARCHITECTEN, while the new interior was designed by Ron Tetteroo to suit the building’s role as a restaurant and hospitality venue.
Frans Salawanej, Commercial Director at Dudok Horeca Groep, said: “With the arrival of the Urban Bistro and the event spaces, we are breathing new life into this monumental building. At the same time, we are contributing to the development of the M4H area into an inspiring place for makers, entrepreneurs and a new generation of urban residents.”
HAKA Urban Bistro will serve lunch and dinner, with a menu shaped by the city’s port character and its mix of cultures. The kitchen is presented as accessible and contemporary, with room for experimentation.
Urban bistro and event spaces
The food concept follows what Dudok describes as a straightforward Rotterdam approach. HAKA Urban Bistro will serve lunch and dinner, with a menu shaped by the city’s port character and its mix of cultures. The kitchen is presented as accessible and contemporary, with room for experimentation.
The venue itself is spread across three floors. The basement is designed for smaller events, break-out sessions and parties, while the ground floor now houses the restaurant and a separate private dining space behind large glass sliding doors. According to Dudok, this level can host around 150 to 200 people for a seated lunch or dinner.
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Space for business and culture
The first floor is aimed at congresses, drinks receptions and larger gatherings, with natural light and an industrial look. Outside, the grounds include a large terrace with open fire, with plans for a kitchen garden and more greenery over time.
Alongside business events and congresses, the location will also be used for cultural programming. One of the first named events is Dagvlinder, which is scheduled for 1 August and will use the full site.
Opening days and vacancies
Following the invitation-only opening on 28 May, HAKA Rotterdam will be open for dinner on Thursday and Friday. On Saturday, the restaurant will open for both lunch and dinner, and on Sunday for lunch. Dudok Horeca Groep is still recruiting for the kitchen brigade, including a head chef, sous chef and chef de partie. More information and applications can be found at: https://dudok.nl/vacatures/werkplek-haka-rotterdam/
How to get there
HAKA Rotterdam is in the M4H area at Vierhavensstraat 40, on the edge of one of the city’s most active redevelopment zones. If you’re coming from the centre, this is western Rotterdam, near the Marconiplein area and not far from the old harbour-side industrial district.
