NL Sanna op Zuid is described as a community restaurant, meeting place, and learning-work center in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde, with a focus on coffee, activities, collaborations, and its role within the neighborhood.
About Sanna op Zuid
Sanna op Zuid in Rotterdam-Zuid: learning, dining, and coffee in the neighborhood
Sanna op Zuid is a public-access location in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde. The primary address is Van Langendonckstraat 51, 3076 SH Rotterdam. Located in Lombardijen, it is described in public records as a community restaurant, a meeting place, and a learning-work center. Additionally, a second location at Tibullushof 107 in Rotterdam is mentioned.
History and Concept
Behind Sanna op Zuid are Santucia Hamelinck and Natalie Fernand. Santucia has a background as a flight attendant, while Natalie is a trained chef. The initiative began during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing furniture packages for low-income individuals, later evolving into a practical learning center and restaurant.
According to public information, Sanna op Zuid officially opened in September 2023 at the Jan Meertensflat location. However, a later neighborhood publication reported that Santucia and Natalie had been running the site since April 2023. LinkedIn lists 2023 as the founding year, placing the organization in the restaurant sector with a team of 2 to 10 employees.
The concept centers on practical training, work experience, and guidance toward employment. The organization identifies the kitchen, front-of-house service, reception, and cleaning as key work areas. As such, the location serves more than just a hospitality function; it acts as a practical environment for those looking to gain experience in a real-world work setting.
Coffee and Brewing
For coffee enthusiasts, the most relevant detail is that Sanna op Zuid serves coffee and tea. Public information mentions free coffee and tea on weekdays from 10:00 to 12:00. It has also been reported that coffee is available from 10:00 in the community restaurant. Specific drink names are sparsely documented, though water is mentioned alongside coffee and tea.
The coffee linked publicly to Sanna op Zuid comes from Heilige Boontjes. A public LinkedIn post from Sanna op Zuid mentions that the location serves coffee from this Rotterdam-based roaster. Similarly, a post linked to Heilige Boontjes identifies Van Langendonckstraat 51 as a place where their coffee can be found.
Less information is available regarding the brewing process. No publicly documented brewing methods were found, nor was there a menu listing espresso, filter coffee, pour-over, cold brew, or other specific coffee preparations. Consequently, based on the available material, no conclusions can be drawn regarding the equipment, recipes, or the coffee style served at the bar.
Learning-work functions and collaboration
Sanna op Zuid describes itself as a learning-work center. The location collaborates with Albeda College and is an SBB-certified training company. This status aligns with its role as a practical training site. The hospitality setting provides participants with an environment where daily routines, customer interaction, and basic skills converge.
Additionally, a partnership with Stage Connect Curaçao is mentioned, focusing on preparatory tracks for students heading to Curaçao for internships. Rikx also appears in public information regarding Sanna op Zuid; the location participated in a Rikx round and was presented as an “impact maker”.
Community role and activities
Beyond food and drink, Sanna op Zuid focuses on community connection. The organization views food and culture as tools to bring people together. Through Stichting Sociaal Netwerk Versterken, events, workshops, and activities are organized to strengthen networks and reduce social isolation.
The documented activities are diverse. They include a community meal on Monday evenings, coffee and tea hours on weekdays, lunch sessions, a craft club for children, piano lessons, monthly bingo, and Dutch lessons at A0/A1 level. At the time of consultation, no upcoming events were listed on the official events page.
Practical assistance also plays a role. In collaboration with Nieuw en Oud, Sanna op Zuid offers administrative and social support, including help with paperwork, referrals for debt relief, and access to a confidant. Event calendar information also mentions learning-work positions, debt relief referrals, activities for children, and flexible workspaces.
Revenue, Sustainability, and Coffee Sourcing
The organization states that revenue from meals, meeting rooms, and venue rentals flows back into the learning-work center. This gives the hospitality function a financial role within the broader social framework. Additionally, Nieuw en Oud mentions an eco-friendly solution for home evictions, in collaboration with Sanna.
Regarding coffee sourcing, only the relationship with Heilige Boontjes is publicly documented. No separate coffee procurement policy was found for Sanna op Zuid itself. Heilige Boontjes states that it works with certified products. The party mentions, among others, organic Fairtrade coffee, direct trade routes via Pure Africa Coffee, and a contribution of one euro per kilo from the “Hier en Daar” line to the Pure Africa Foundation. Heilige Boontjes also mentions the reuse of coffee grounds through a circular process with partners.
Public Visibility
Sanna op Zuid has been mentioned in various local and regional overviews. The location appears as a neighborhood restaurant in Lombardijen, as a location in IJsselmonde, and as a meeting point and information center. Sanna op Zuid is also listed as a recognized social entrepreneur in the talent development category. No public documentation of a coffee-specific award or food guide mention was found for Sanna op Zuid.