How This Patio Cover Became an Upgrade for the Tolhuis-Veer Restaurant in Schelle

As soon as you walk in, you'll be blown away

Early one Wednesday morning, armed with questions, a camera, and a drone, we set off for the Tolhuis-Veer restaurant in Schelle, Belgium. It’s a dining venue housed in a classic building with a distinctive look. Recently, an addition was made to the terrace: four interconnected louvered canopies from Deponti’s Pinela Series. It’s a story where the right product, a strong partnership, and an entrepreneur with vision come together.

"Wow" effect

Upon arriving at the restaurant run by Jeffe Vanherck, it’s immediately apparent how classic and modern elements complement each other perfectly. The distinctive building remains the heart of the business, while the new canopies give it a contemporary look. Jeffe welcomes us with a warm smile and proudly tells us about the changes to his business.

“I’m trying to create a cozy gourmet restaurant with a homey atmosphere, where there’s something for everyone. I felt that this character needed to be preserved, but the outdoor space could make a bigger impression. And we’ve succeeded. Because now, when you walk up, you immediately get that ”wow“ effect,” he says. “What I’m proud of is the restaurant’s new look. It’s as if, with the addition of the louvered canopies, we have a brand-new restaurant—even though the business has been around for about forty years.”

Going with the Flow of the Seasons

The investment gives Jeffe more than just a new look. “By adding the patio covers to my business, I can adapt to all seasons. Especially as winter approaches, our indoor seating fills up quickly. Now I can welcome my guests with an aperitif on the patio. Thanks to the sliding glass walls and heating, guests can come here even during that time of year to enjoy ‘a nice piece of meat,’” says Jeffe.

Meanwhile, Cedric Devos nods in agreement. As an account manager, he was closely involved in the project, in collaboration with DAE Renovatie. He explains: “In the hospitality industry, it’s all about the experience and profitability. A business owner wants guests to be comfortable, but he also wants to make better use of his outdoor space. With a solution like this, you turn a patio into a full-fledged part of the business and realize its full potential.” The Pinela Deluxe Plus quickly emerged as the perfect solution. “The canopy has a sleek design, is versatile, and is suitable for larger patios,” Cedric continues. “Thanks to the convertible effect, Jeffe can use his patio year-round and thereby elevate the experience of his restaurant to a higher level.”

This presents a commercial opportunity for Deponti partners. Hospitality business owners are increasingly looking for ways to use their patios more intelligently, for longer periods, and in a more appealing way. As a partner who thinks proactively, you offer more than just a canopy. You help business owners create additional possibilities, increase revenue opportunities, provide greater comfort for guests, and enhance the establishment’s image.

A Strong Partnership

One of the reasons Jeffe looks back on the result with complete satisfaction is the excellent guidance he received throughout the process. That guidance stemmed from the expertise of Dimitri Ertrijcks, owner of DAE Renovatie and a Deponti partner. “The collaboration between DAE and Deponti is going extremely well. Both companies were fully on board with what I was looking for: the quality of the products, the budget, and the options I wanted all came together perfectly in the recommendations they provided. Even during installation, Dimitri and Cedric looked for adjustments that would improve the overall result.” Dimitri nods: “If there’s one thing that makes this project unique to me, it’s the collaboration between the supplier, the installer, and the end customer. That, combined with the product, of course.”

Cedric knew right away that DAE was the right fit: “When Tolhuis-Veer submitted a request for a quote through us, I set out to find the perfect partner who would immediately understand Jeffe’s challenge. I saw this as a fantastic opportunity for Dimitri and his company. We’re not quite on each other’s speed dial yet, but we know exactly how to reach each other. We brainstorm together about the best solution for Jeffe, the right products to go with it, delivery, and installation. It’s precisely by being involved at every step—from product advice to project guidance, delivery, and technical support—that we can make a difference for both the partner and the end customer. Especially on a project like this.”

Endless possibilities

The story says a lot about Deponti’s mission: building strong partnerships for the great outdoors. Cedric: “As a supplier, we support our partners with a wide range of products, reliable solutions, direct communication, and practical market knowledge. From product advice to project guidance and from technical support to marketing materials: we work closely with our partners every step of the way, so they can stand stronger at the table with their customers.” “By the way, the story isn’t over yet,” says Jeffe with a wink.

“There will be more projects to come to complement the business.” These will, of course, be expertly installed by Dimitri, in collaboration with Cedric.” This just goes to show that when there’s strong collaboration between the end customer, the installer, and the supplier, the possibilities for outdoor living are sometimes endless—even for the hospitality industry.