SIJL Coffee

More About SIJL Coffee

SIJL Coffee, micro-roaster with an immersive experience in Assen

Step by step, SIJL Coffee is building a recognizable specialty profile in Assen. The concept combines an espresso bar, bonbon bar, and roastery into one flagship. Guests enjoy quality, experience, and innovation in a compact, accessible setting.

From online roastery to flagship

It all began in 2020, when the first own coffees appeared via an online roastery. A rented PROBAT was used to get started quickly. In 2021, “SIJL Espressobar” opened in Drenthe, positioning the brand as the “first specialty coffee bar in Drenthe”.

The first location at Weiersloop 15 spanned 54 m² and focused on espresso. From November 2022 to May 2024, a second site operated at Warenhuis Vanderveen on Koopmansplein 16. In 2024, operations were consolidated at Gedempte Singel 15, 9401 JM Assen, serving as the central hub.

Leadership and a culture of quality

Founder Jibbe Sijl is the visible owner and the face of the brand. His motto “QUALITY, EXPERIENCE AND INNOVATION…” aligns with his hands-on approach. Job descriptions emphasize training for baristas and the chocolate team, focusing on craftsmanship and professional growth.

In-bar micro-roasting as a unique centerpiece

SIJL is betting on micro-roasting right in the bar, allowing guests to see, smell, and taste the roasting process. They opted for a “Shop Roaster” from the United States, selected because it can operate in city centers without a special permit. The plan was to receive the roaster in May 2025 to transition to fully in-house roasting in Assen.

During the move in early 2024, in-house roasting was temporarily paused. The production line is shifting toward frequent, small batches, directly linked to the guest experience on the floor.

Equipment and showroom for the prosumer

The roastery roadmap centers on integrating the Shop Roaster into the espresso bar. The shop also serves as a showroom for home and prosumer equipment, featuring brands such as Rocket, ECM, Lelit, STONE, and La Marzocco. The flagship explicitly lists an “Espressomachine Showroom”.

Signatures and single origins

The current single origin “Ethiopië Bookkisa” is an omni-roast with notes of melon, blackcurrant, and black tea. The coffee works well as both filter and espresso and comes from Sookoo Coffee by Ture Waji. It is a natural process with 74110 and 74112 varieties grown at 2,000 to 2,150 meters.

During the roasting hiatus in 2024 and 2025, SIJL sold and served selected Kolibri Coffee Roasters. This ensured the specialty offering remained consistent for both regulars and new visitors.

Origin and Partnerships

The Ethiopian origin refers to Dambi Uddo in Shakiso, Guji, involving approximately one hundred smallholders. Cherries are sorted by sub-kebele for better lot consistency. The mentioned partner is Sookoo Coffee by Ture Waji. Further annual partners, importers, and FOB transparency are not publicly available.

Location, hours, and offerings

Flagship address: Gedempte Singel 15, 9401 JM Assen. Open Monday through Saturday 10:00–17:00, Sunday 13:00–17:00. The establishment offers seating, a terrace, an on-site roastery, to-go options, viennoiserie and snacks, chocolate sales, coffee sales, and the espressomachine showroom.

Previous locations included Weiersloop 15 and Koopmansplein 16 between November 2022 and May 2024. The consolidation brings all elements together under one roof.

Sales Channels and Concept

The core focus is on-premise specialty coffee, featuring a bonbon bar and an equipment showroom. Additionally, there is an online shop for beans, chocolate, and machines, offering nationwide shipping for orders above a minimum threshold. SIJL is developing a flexible franchise concept “SIJL by ‘You”, providing training, brand processes, and room for local menu and supplier choices.

Community and Recognition

In 2024, SIJL collaborated with Kolibri Coffee Roasters, serving three Kolibri coffees during the renovation phase. Visitor reviews highlight tasting sessions led by the owner and strong guest interaction. SIJL is featured in the European Coffee Trip guide for the Netherlands.

Key points at a glance

Launched online roastery in 2020, opened espresso bar in 2021 in Drenthe
First site 54 m² at Weiersloop 15, second site in Warenhuis Vanderveen
Flagship since 2024 at Gedempte Singel 15, 9401 JM Assen
In-bar micro-roasting with Shop Roaster, delivery expected in May 2025
Showroom featuring Rocket, ECM, Lelit, STONE, and La Marzocco
Single origin “Ethiopië Bookkisa” from Sookoo Coffee, natural 74110/74112
Sourcing via Dambi Uddo, Shakiso, Guji, involving approximately one hundred smallholders
Opening hours, Mon–Sat 10:00–17:00, Sun 13:00–17:00
Franchise concept “SIJL by ‘You” with training and local autonomy
2024 collaboration with Kolibri, featuring three Kolibri coffees on the menu

What this means for professionals

SIJL directly links branding to the guest experience by micro-roasting visibly within the bar. The permit-free Shop Roaster supports inner-city locations with limited installation space. The combination of a bonbon bar, espresso bar, and showroom broadens margins and increases dwell time. For roasters, cafés, and retailers, this model illustrates how small batches, transparent service, and education reinforce one another.

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