In the beginning
De Financiën has long been a household name in Loon op Zand and the surrounding area. Maarten tells me that the location used to be on a toll road between the castle of Loon op Zand and Belgium. Travelers liked to take a break from their journey as they paid the toll. At these toll spots, catering establishments soon sprang up. This is also how De Finantie came into being around 1900.
In 1976, Maarten's parents bought the pub. The name was changed from De Finantie to De Financiën. Then the highway from Tilburg to Loon op Zand was built, which meant less traffic passing the pub. The previous owner didn't like that, but Maarten's father did. When the van Son family bought the property, there was nothing more than the small pub, a soccer field and a French fry shop. From then on, there was more and more expansion. The pub's regular customers increasingly asked if they could also celebrate their parties and anniversaries at De Financiën. And so a party room was built that kept getting bigger and bigger.
A family business
Family van Son lived above the premises and so it is not surprising when Maarten tells me that he has always helped out in the business. From 2003 he became co-owner and in 2006 his father stepped down from this position and Maarten became the sole owner. That doesn't mean, by the way, that his father no longer helps out. If you pay close attention, you can still see Maarten's father walking around outside to help where he can.
The parties got bigger and bigger, and later there were even afternoon parties. These parties were a great success. Then they started offering different activities such as archery, miniature golf and the playground. The number of requests increased, but the group size of the parties decreased. So in 2008 they wanted to see what else was possible.
Maarten noticed that many families and children sat on the terrace near the playground and miniature golf course in the summer. They only missed these in the winter. So Maarten started looking for a suitable concept so that these families could visit De Financiën all year round. Maarten already knew that they were going to do something with food. So eventually they ended up with a pancake restaurant. This is where they started in 2008 and this slowly took over the entire business.
Pancakes & more
But De Financiën is of course much more than just a pancake restaurant. In 2019, the whole new concept of De Financiën has been set up. With an indoor and outdoor playgrounds, the mini-golf course, different types of children's parties, the pancake restaurant and, last but not least, Fientje the butterfly with Fientjes florijntjes.
And still De Financiën continues to develop. For example, there is much more to do than just miniature golf and eating pancakes. Many different activities can be organized for groups. Think bubble soccer or archery, for example. There is also consideration for big and small children. For example, there is a separate indoor playground for the little ones. Everything at De Financiën focuses on the experience for children and parents alike. The modern interior, with soundproofing, ensures that even with enthusiastic children you can really enjoy a nice meal or a drink. It has become a place where young and old can enjoy themselves. From a delicious pancake, a cozy drink with friends or a lovely afternoon with the kids.