- The University
- 22/10/2026
Bakkie 040 gets a new heart but remains a meeting place
Bakkie 040 is open again. After the business went bankrupt in September, Jesse van Meer and Thijs Hendal bought the coffee shop at the Blauwe Loper. “We want there to be a place that is run by and there for students and young people in Eindhoven.” The entrepreneurs, who have joined forces through the Del&More Foundation, plan to create that space by organizing themed cafés, among other activities.
Jesse van Meer has known since childhood that he wanted to become a hospitality entrepreneur. When he heard that five parties were interested in buying Bakkie 040, he discussed the opportunity with Thijs Hendal. Together, they decided to explore the possibility of making his childhood dream come true.
Both are familiar with the TU/e campus. Hendal is a master's student in Innovation Management, while Van Meer completed his bachelor's degree in Psychology & Technology at TU/e. They are both founders of the Donatues Foundation, which supports neurodivergent and gifted students.
They also know the Blauwe Loper well. Van Meer explains that Woonbedrijf made The Hangout available for six months for Donatues activities. “In six months, with three days of activities per week, we welcomed 1,300 visitors. The Hangout was one big living room where you could study, eat, hang out, or relax so completely that you could even take a nap.”
They saw that there was a strong need for a meeting place and decided to make a good offer for Bakkie 040. Van Meer beams as he explains what becoming an owner means to him.
"We took over everything: the furnishings, the equipment, and the name. We're keeping the name Bakkie 040 because it's already well known, and there's nothing wrong with the associations people have with it. Our main goal is to become a central meeting place where young people in Eindhoven can connect.”
The partnership with Springplank 040 has ended. Van Meer says he is putting his whole heart into the project and giving the coffee shop a fresh start. “For staff, we're thinking of students from Fontys, Rooi Pannen, and TU/e. These will be work experience opportunities with an inclusive approach.”
Coming together
Bakkie 040 wants to make room for themed cafés. “Think of a LEGO café and, of course, a neuro café. That would be a gathering with fewer sensory stimuli, where neurodivergent young people and students can meet. Again, if Bakkie 040 has to be one thing, it's a place that brings people together.”
Van Meer also hopes to organize music cafés. “I know students really enjoy getting together to jam with their own instruments, and Thijs is the drummer for the band Dropout. They play acoustic songs, among other things, which would naturally work well for a jam session. That's how we'll bring the Blauwe Loper to life.”
Space rental
They are also considering renting out the space outside their own opening hours, either before or after the café is open. They will likely be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., six days a week. “We'll be open on Saturdays, too, because many international students don't go home for the weekend.”
The space could be rented for formal drinks receptions or workshop evenings, but parties and alcohol don't fit the concept. “We don't have an alcohol license, but more importantly, alcohol doesn't fit with our approach or our audience.”
Fresh brownies
Van Meer currently feels a deep sense of pride, happiness, and peace of mind. “I've taken a new step in my life. No one can take that away from me.”
Coffee is already available at Bakkie 040, but the Del&More Foundation will officially open the café on November 2. Fresh brownies will probably be available for sale by then, as they have already found a student who bakes.
This article was translated using AI-assisted tools and reviewed by an editor.
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