THE FAMILY IN GENERATIONS

First generation: Nicholas & Elisabeth van der Valk

Had 24 children. Bought the farmhouse de Gouden Leeuw in Voorschoten in 1862, and the first café was opened.

Second Generation: Martinus & Rie van der Valk

Martinus had a nose for business and figured out that you could make more money by slaughtering the cattle yourself. In 1929 he took over the farm with café and expanded it with a playground. So at 25, he was a farmer, café operator and butcher, and later he also rolled into the car business. These various trades were all crucial to the creation of today's Valk chain. You will find Martinus & Rie's portraits in almost every Valk business.

Third Generation

Bep (eldest daughter of Martinus and Rie) moved to Durgerdam in 1946, where Martinus bought the tavern in the red pan neighborhood for her. In 1948 the Haagsche Schouw was bought for Riet.

The Bijhorst was intended for Ina which was purchased in 1949. With the expansion, brothers Arie and Gerrit stepped more and more to the fore. Arie had advanced his education and became the financial man, while Gerrit, like his father, purchased everything. Ten years before Martinus' death, all of his children were in charge.

Fourth Generation

In 1995, the final transition took place between two generations. Gerrit and Arie formally withdrew from daily management, and Martinus' grandchildren were now put in charge.

The fourth generation steadfastly continued to expand the number of supply businesses. From butcher shops to construction companies, anything and everything related to setting up and operating restaurants and motels, the Falcons attracted.

Six fourth-generation individuals talk about what goes into running a Van der Valk Hotel in the television series Young Falcons. You can watch this series via this link!

Fifth Generation

The young Falcons are well-educated and (if possible) even more headstrong than their parents. They experiment with new culinary concepts and have their own vision of the future of the hospitality industry.