Zoutleeuw (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Zoutleeuw café owner, Georgette, returned to business operation today to mark her 100th birthday anniversary. The cafe Rembrandt operated under her leadership for longer than 50 years but ceased operations nearly 30 years back when she reached 73.
Georgette, who formerly operated a café in Zoutleeuw in Flemish Brabant province of Belgium, opened her café today to mark her 100th birthday celebration. Café Rembrandt operated for more than 50 years until closing its doors nearly 30 years after Georgette reached the age of 73. Customers who had frequented the place over the years returned to share drinks with Georgette in her original establishment, which remained untouched. She tied the knot with Marcel after achieving senior age.
She owned the café while he operated an electronics store. After the café and store could not function together anymore, Georgette presented her husband with a decision between operating the café and the store.
I’ve lived there since I was 7 and even celebrated my communion there,
says Georgette.
I told my husband that he had to choose which of the two he wanted to continue with, he then chose the café,
says Georgette.
We renovated, and the interior has never changed since then,
says Georgette. The regular customers who came by today found the café as they have always known it.
We came here every week, it was like a family party,
say Herman and Ludo, 2 regular customers.
Despite her age, Georgette still lives in the house that adjoins her café.
I’m comfortable there in my armchair,
she says.
But in the café, olala, we’ve experienced a lot there.
What is the history of Café Rembrandt and Georgette’s legacy?
Café Rembrandt in Zoutleeuw functions as a cultural landmark because the establishment has served Zoutleeuw residents for numerous decades. Georgette inherited the café from her father before she took over to run the establishment for more than five decades. The celebration of Georgette’s 100th birthday demonstrates society’s appreciation for the café’s longstanding contribution to Zoutleeuw’s heart and soul.
Small family-operated cafés named Rembrandt face a declining trend in Europe due to economic difficulties and altering consumer tastes, causing numerous closures. The business place retains its original interior design alongside faithful customer relations that display its timeless character. In the past, community-based cafés provided a central gathering point for people to build relationships and maintain local customs.
