Bonaire IslandLife XpBonaire Feature Story
We are excited to announce the upcoming reopening of the former Wattaburger! Now called Wattaria, it is located downtown next to Islander and has undergone a facelift with a new industrial style interior, two counters, seating areas inside and out and a brand new menu.
The owners, Henri Verhoef and Ewoud Heidema, are very excited to open the new and improved version of the former Wattaburger, hopefully at the end of August.
The Owners
Henri came to Bonaire for the first time in 2002. Having worked in the hospitality industry since the age of 18, he came to Bonaire for a change of scenery and was sick of all the rules in The Netherlands. Even though he returned to the Netherlands, Henri had fallen in love with the island and was waiting for a chance to come back. In 2005, he returned to the island when he was given the opportunity to open Wattaburger. Wattaburger opened its doors successfully in 2006. The Dutch snack concept, offering easy on the go food, deep fried goodness, juicy burgers, shakes, sandwiches and more was welcomed by many.
A few years ago, family members introduced Henri to Ewoud and the two soon became friends. During the temporary closing of Wattaburger, a business break for the complete renovation and reconstruction of the whole location, the two agreed on a business partnership with the opening of the new Wattaria.
Ewoud came to the island in 2015. He was working in retail and during a vacation on Aruba, he looked for opportunities in this region. There were no jobs on Aruba or Curacao, but there was a job on Bonaire. For the last 5 years, Ewoud has been working at Warehouse supermarket. Even though he enjoyed his work, he is certain that he made the right choice by diving into a new adventure and becoming a business owner.
Wattaria
The look of the location has changed overall and the interior of Wattaria is a modern, industrial style that is clean, comfortable and welcoming.
The Menu
Not only has the face changed, but also the menu. It will offer a broader variety of food and beverage items. Besides the Dutch deep fried snacks, French fries and various burger choices, you will find sandwiches, salads, smoothies, milk shakes, ice cream, local food and specials.
Environmental Conscious
Henri and Ewoud are very aware that they chose a business that creates waste and they made sure to use materials for their take-out containers that are compostable.
For the really environmental conscious customer, Wattaria will also introduce refundable food boxes that you can buy for $5 each. Return the box and receive your $5 back or use the box each time you purchase take out from Wattaria. On location, they will serve the food on plates at the tables.
Open 7 days a week
Yes, Wattaria will be open 7 days a week.
Monday through Thursday 11 am – 10 pm
Friday and Saturday 11 am – 11 pm
Sunday 3 pm – 9pm
Vending machines
Wattaria will introduce the first vending machines on the island! The vending machines will be filled throughout the day, starting with pastechies in the morning and deep fried snacks at night. Just imagine, you can buy some yummy midnight snacks from now on! Next to the vending machines you will be able to exchange money for tokens to use in the vending machines.
Take-out and delivery
Of course Wattaria will offer take out. You can place your order by phone and pick it up.
They will also introduce a new order and payment option, both via FB and the new website. Soon it will be possible to order online and even (in the near future) pay online. The order is then guaranteed to be ready for pick- up within 15 minutes. You can also make your reservation online.
Wattaria will also work together with Dinner in a Box delivery service, in case you can’t pick it up.
Kidscorner
Wattaria knows it offers foods that all kids’ hearts’ desire. That is why they will have a kids’ corner for your youngsters to keep themselves occupied and enjoy themselves.
Opening
Since the opening depends on completion of the building construction, the exact date is unsure. Please check the Wattaria Facebook page where you will find any future updates or keep yourself updated on Xp IslandLife Facebook page.
Info
Wattaria
Kaya Isla Riba, Kralendijk
Phone: 701 35 47
Facebook: Wattaria Bonaire
Website: wattaria.com
