Heilige Boontjes

Rotterdam has countless coffee bars, but Heilige Boontjes stands out. This social roastery delivers specialty coffee and new opportunities for young people with a criminal record. In ten years the brand has grown into an icon in the Dutch coffee world.

Heilige Boontjes started in 2015 when community police officer Marco den Dunnen joined forces with former youth offender Rodney van den Hengel. Their goal was simple, to keep young people out of crime by getting them to roast and serve coffee. That fresh approach produced immediate results.

A year after opening the café moved into an old police station on Eendrachtsplein. Ex-delinquents now stand behind the La Marzocco there while the old cells still show graffiti. This is how the slogan "from cell to cappuccino" took literal shape.

The program offers structure, training and a real salary. Since 2015 Heilige Boontjes has supported over 400 young people, with virtually no recidivism. Fifteen participants have already progressed to become permanent staff, proof that investing in people pays off.

Each cohort has around 24 trainees who learn roasting, serving and teamwork. Mentors such as top barista Pauline safeguard quality standards so customers come back for the taste, not out of pity. That focus on craftsmanship keeps the enterprise sustainable.

In the cellar a Dutch Giesen drum roaster handles small batches with utmost precision. Temperature and airflow are continuously adjusted to hit the desired flavor curve. Quality always comes before profit, a principle co-investor Dick de Kock continues to emphasize.

Used coffee is collected and converted into bio-energy, keeping the chain from bean to waste circular, that way the roastery demonstrates that great taste and environmental care can go hand in hand.

- Blend 010: robust mix from Guatemala, Brazil and Honduras, with chocolate, caramel and mild bitterness.
- Brazil Cascavel Verde: single origin with notes of almond, dark chocolate and an SCA score of 84.
- Sumatra espresso: deep, earthy and powerful for lovers of a strong shot.
- Ethiopië × Brazilië: mildly sweet, ideal for cappuccino or flat white.
- "Bakkie pleur": traditional filter recipe on the Moccamaster, popular in Rotterdam.

The team now includes 32 full-time staff, including former interns who now teach, their stories of experience inspire new participants and show guests what a second chance can yield, this internal progression keeps the culture fresh and engaged.

Heilige Boontjes wants to replicate the successful model in other cities. New branches in, for example, The Hague or Amsterdam are on the drawing board. Additional locations mean more trainees and greater recognition for socially roasted coffee.

In addition, the roastery is expanding its retail channels. Jumbo supermarkets in the region already sell the beans, and corporate clients such as the National Police serve Blend 010 in their canteens. Further contracts and subscription services are expected to double production without compromising quality.

, Former police station serving as an atmospheric roasting and tasting venue.
, Quality-first philosophy, even within a social enterprise.
, Direct trade with farmers, Fairtrade and organic certified.
, Proven reintegration model with 400 success stories.
, Creative side projects such as the "Perspectief" card game and seasonal specials.

Heilige Boontjes demonstrates that excellent coffee and social impact can reinforce each other. Each cup contributes to craftsmanship, opportunities and a stronger coffee culture. It leaves people wanting more.