After eight years, Brigitte Hofstee is saying goodbye to Brasserie Zernike (now Contini Zernike) at Campus Groningen. On 1 February, she handed over the keys to her successor, René Contini. What started as a leap into the unknown grew into a place where hospitality, entrepreneurship and the campus community came together. “We’ve truly built something here together,” says Hofstee. In this interview, she looks back on her years at the campus.
Eight years of Brasserie Zernike
Hofstee took over Brasserie Zernike on 1 March 2018. Shortly after, the coronavirus pandemic broke out. Yet she does not look back on that period negatively. “It was incredibly educational. It brought me a lot and taught me a great deal.” The brasserie became a regular meeting place on campus for staff, students and entrepreneurs. “That dynamic: people working, studying and running businesses here, is what made this place so special.”
The decision to pass on the baton came gradually. “I worked an average of seventy hours a week. At some point, that takes its toll,” Hofstee explains. What weighed heavily on her was her team. “It was very important to me that my employees would also have a secure future. That’s why I spoke with them first. They fully understood my decision, and that gave me peace of mind.”
She was not too concerned about finding a successor. “Daytime hospitality businesses are popular among entrepreneurs. But I felt it had to be someone who truly connects with the campus. We all work hard here to be visible and welcoming — you need to feel that as well.”
From Hanze to hospitality
Before moving into hospitality, Hofstee worked for nearly fifteen years at the Hanze in Groningen in various support roles. “From preparing accreditations to guiding students going abroad. Planning, organising and being hospitable — I was already doing that there.” With a background in business administration, she had always had a quiet ambition. “If I were ever to run a daytime hospitality business, it would ideally be in a setting that combines companies and institutions. When Brasserie Zernike crossed my path by chance, I didn’t have to think twice.”
“That dynamic: people working, studying and running businesses here, is what made this place so special.”
Entrepreneurship is building together
In addition to her role as a hospitality entrepreneur, Hofstee was a visible and active member of the campus community. “What made my work enjoyable was building something together with others. That’s what we literally do on campus — everyone at their own level, macro or micro.”
Over the years, she saw engagement grow. “The support for entrepreneurs from Campus Groningen and Bedrijvenvereniging WEST has increased tremendously. That makes you want to give something back.” That sense of reciprocity is what she will miss most. “The shared commitment to giving the campus a welcoming character.”
She has also seen a positive development among companies. “More and more businesses are joining campus activities. You can tell they find it important to belong and to be visible.” Events such as the Campus Café, the Campus Trail and the Marathon Groningen powered by Campus Groningen reinforce that sense of community.
Hofstee actively encouraged collaboration among entrepreneurs. “Why source products or services outside the campus when we have so much to offer here? When I was too busy, I outsourced work to other entrepreneurs on campus. That way, you keep it within the community.”
Advice for new companies
Hofstee has a clear message for new companies on campus: get involved. “Join activities, even if they are not directly related to your field. You’ll meet people who play a role here and hear what’s going on.” Her advice is to connect with Campus Groningen and Bedrijvenvereniging WEST. “Even if you first take a look around — it’s truly worthwhile. You get a lot in return.”
‘First, I promised my husband some rest’
Since 1 February, Hofstee has officially stepped down. “I feel like I’m playing truant,” she says with a laugh. “After being ‘on’ every day for years, it’s very strange to suddenly be at home.” At the same time, it gives her energy. “New ideas are already bubbling up.”
She is closely following developments around Groningen as a conference destination and welcoming city. “I see opportunities for myself there, perhaps as a self-employed professional, helping companies or institutions further professionalise their hospitality. I don’t yet know exactly how.” First, it is time for rest. “I promised my husband that. And I can tell — it’s doing me good.”
Finally, Hofstee expresses her appreciation. “Campus Groningen, Bedrijvenvereniging WEST, the Hanze and the RUG are truly putting this place on the map. Entrepreneurs feel supported here. I have always found that incredibly valuable.” And for her successor René, she has one heartfelt wish: “That he will have just as wonderful a time on campus as I have had.”
Text Campus Groningen (interviewer Marlies Schipperheijn)
Photo: Brigitte Hofstee, copyright STOK MEDIA
