Marcel Baanen is a proud father and devoted husband whose identity is deeply rooted in family values. He is the father of three sons, Boyd, Bobby, and Scotty, and the stepfather of Syl. He shares his life with his wife Marieke, and together they form a strong, supportive family unit that fuels his passion and purpose. His motto, “Nooit Saai” (Never Boring), captures his enthusiastic approach to both life and work, reflecting a personal philosophy driven by creativity, love, and resilience.
A Legacy of Catering Excellence
Marcel is the torchbearer of Bon Bon Party Service, a family-founded catering and event company established in 1984. Originally the brainchild of his father Jan Baanen and co-founder At de Bruin, the business was built on the foundation of culinary excellence. Marcel officially joined the company in 1988, bringing youthful vision and strategic ambition to expand its services. Over time, Bon Bon transformed from a catering provider to a full-fledged event management powerhouse, offering creative and customized solutions for weddings, corporate events, private gatherings, and more.
Innovation in Event Experience
Under Marcel’s leadership, Bon Bon Party Service began integrating event styling, entertainment, venue logistics, and culinary artistry to offer holistic event experiences. His introduction of personalized tasting sessions, live cooking presentations, and interactive walking dinners set new standards in the Dutch catering industry. Marcel emphasized the use of fresh, local, and organic ingredients, aligning his services with sustainable and health-conscious trends.
Bon Bon’s headquarters in Alblasserdam became a hallmark location for clients to engage in planning and sampling their events in a dedicated, stylish environment. The facility was not just a production site, it was a stage where the client’s vision came to life.
Rebuilding After Disaster
In 2023, Bon Bon’s Alblasserdam headquarters was devastated by a massive fire, causing extensive damage to the beloved facility. The loss was not just physical, it was emotional. But for Marcel, adversity became a call to action. Rather than retreating, he quickly relocated operations to Heeren venues and temporary locations, demonstrating incredible resilience and leadership. He also vowed to rebuild the facility sustainably on the same site, transforming tragedy into an opportunity for innovation.
This swift recovery and forward-thinking mindset gained admiration across the Dutch business community, cementing Marcel’s reputation as an unwavering entrepreneur who turns setbacks into opportunities for growth.
The Rise of Heeren Horeca Groep
Marcel’s ambitions extend far beyond catering. As co-founder of Heeren Horeca Groep, he has introduced a new dimension of hospitality, developing creative venues that fuse culinary excellence with immersive design. These ventures include:
- Floating Brasserie & Boutique Hotel in Streefkerk, repurposed from a former lemonade factory.
- De Heeren van Slydregt, a fine-dining restaurant located in a beautifully renovated old train station.
- Upcoming transformations of historical sites like the “Witte Boerderij” in Heinenoord.
Each location under the Heeren brand tells a story, designed to be memorable and visually captivating while offering exquisite dining experiences.
Calm Leadership and Bold Vision
Marcel’s calm demeanor and strategic mindset have become pillars of his leadership style. Whether managing day-to-day operations or guiding his team through a crisis, he leads with focus, empathy, and foresight. His ability to inspire trust and stay grounded under pressure has earned him deep respect in the hospitality sector.
Colleagues describe him as a creative force, capable of dreaming big but executing with discipline. From crafting unique event experiences to opening design-forward restaurants, Marcel’s consistent drive for quality and innovation sets him apart.
Looking Toward the Future
The journey ahead for Marcel Baanen is one of continuous reinvention. With Bon Bon’s upcoming relaunch, new hospitality venues on the horizon, and a growing legacy rooted in family, creativity, and resilience, his impact on the Dutch event and hospitality scene is set to expand further.
His story reminds us that passion, vision, and strong personal values can drive success in any endeavor. Marcel Baanen is not only rebuilding a business, he’s shaping a new standard for experience-driven hospitality in the Netherlands.
