The refreshed Tabora “friterie” or fries shop, located on the Rue de Laeken in downtown Brussels, has opened its new shop on Monday, November 30th. The old building was destroyed at the beginning of the year to make way for a new mirrored structure, which reflects the entire neighborhood on its stainless steel facades.
Already announced in January 2018, the new building of the mythical French fries shop, presents a mirrored facade that reflects the entire square between the Porte d’Anvers and the Rue des Commerçants.
“It’s important our unique Belgian fries culture is allowed to thrive,” said Eddy Van Belle, creator of the first Fries Museum in Bruges, to news outlet VRT. The Bruges Fries Museum tells the history of the potato and its relevance in Belgian street food culture.
It’s all very recognizable and an attraction for tourists. It’s also a social phenomenon. These shops are open early and late, they create warmth and a great atmosphere, but also ensure social control on squares and street corners
Eddy Van Belle, creator of the first Fries Museum
According to VRT, the City of Brussels decided in 2017 to refurbish six French fries shops located in downtown Brussels. Together with the National Association of French fries shops, authorities at the city hall launched a design competition, out of which the choice fell on a very specific and recognizable model designed by the Ghent architects ‘studio MOTO’. Fifty two design firms replied to the call.
The new friterie shop, proposed at the initiative of the City of Brussels during the previous legislature, retains its “fritkot” habits with its sign, awning, and refrigerated display case, but unveils a new attractive setting for customers.
Six such shops in the City of Brussels will eventually unveil a renovated façade, like that of Tabora’s, for a total budget of 1,140,000 euros.
