Jack Bean (named after the eponymous beanstalk-climbing hero who traded his cow for magic beans) offers take-out and fast food with a twist: it’s all vegan. Its meals and snacks are served as quickly as regular fast food, but they’re healthier, ‘tastier’ and use locally sourced ingredients. The founders hope their menu can persuade people to choose vegetarian options more often.

“We want to offer fast, tasty dishes that are made using Dutch products but don’t compromise on flavour,” says Van Elswijk. “We hope to lower the threshold for a healthy and sustainable diet as far as possible.”

Glowing reviews

How did they do it? Their first location was enthusiastically received by the reviewers. “Jack Bean’s food-for-on-the-go combines a solid concept and good prices,” wrote a Volkskrant food critic shortly after they opened their first location at Rotterdam Central Station in 2018. Their score? Eight out of ten. And NRC was also enthusiastic about the ‘sustainably produced vegetarian fast cuisine’: “It’s a good place for a quick bite. A very good one, to be precise.” NRC also gave Jack Bean an eight.

The menu features main courses between EUR 6.70 and 8.80 that can be eaten on the spot, picked up as take-out or delivered. From sandwiches to bowls and bean burgers, with side orders like chips, bean hummus and coleslaw.

Satebar’s old location

Jack Bean will be setting up at the former location of the Satebar. This chain disappeared from the Food Court after going into administration.