Brownies&downieS Gouda is located in a monumental building in the beautiful old town of Gouda. The building's unique interior design is industrial in style and wonderfully cozy. It feels like a warm living room in the busy city center. Every day, we strive to make our guests feel at home and even exceed their expectations. The team consists of 21 wonderful young men and women with intellectual disabilities who have a lot of fun working with us. Coming to our restaurant is not just about lunch. Lunch with us is a real experience. Conviviality, warmth, love, and care for each other. The restaurant also has a nice gift shop where you can buy original gifts, but also various types of brownies to go.
We got started in 2016. The team consists of an enthusiastic group of people with and without intellectual disabilities. We give it our all every day, which led to us winning the award for the best restaurant in Gouda in 2018 and 2019. At the restaurant, employees learn a trade. What may be a disability to one person is an opportunity to us!
The entrepreneurial couple behind Brownies&downieS Gouda are passionate about their craft. Bas has been working in the hospitality industry for many years. Saskia has experience in healthcare—specifically, caring for people with intellectual disabilities, psychiatry, and managing elder care. Bas and Saskia had one more dream: to start their own business that combined care and delicious food. Welcome to Brownies&downieS Gouda!
Brownies&downieS Gouda employs 21 young people, both with and without barriers to employment. The regular job market is often too demanding for them. At the Brownies&downieS restaurant, these young people can learn the hospitality trade. We focus on possibilities rather than limitations. Growing slowly and gaining confidence! The young men and women have Down syndrome, autism, or a mild intellectual disability. Fortunately, that doesn’t prevent them from being themselves and enjoying their work.
