Father and son united by a passion for good food
For Mark and Maarten Verbelen, the move also marks the start of a new chapter for the family. Mark had been running the Spar in Brusselsestraat for four years. At the new location, his son Maarten will join the business. Remarkably, both father and son exchanged careers in banking for a future in food retail.
"We love supermarkets with a great fresh-food offering, where customers enjoy browsing and discovering tasty products. That's the kind of feeling we want to create in our own store. For me, it's especially rewarding to be creating that together with my father," says Maarten.
The familiar store team will make the move to the new location as well. The team is being strengthened with three new permanent co-workers and several flexi-jobbers.
More space for fresh food and tasty discoveries
Thanks to the doubled retail space, the range has been significantly expanded. Whether they're shopping for everyday essentials or picking up a quick snack, both Leuven residents and students will find exactly what they need.
The new store's key highlights are:
- The bakery offering freshly baked bread and pastries;
- The deli section featuring freshly-prepared meals, poke bowls and freshly made sandwiches.
Local products will also play an important role. Spar Leuven Hertogensite partners with Magnolia Flowers for dried flowers and features granola from Odette Noisette.
"As local entrepreneurs, we enjoy putting fellow local makers in the spotlight and showcasing their products in our store. That way, customers can always discover something new while doing their shopping," adds Mark.
Sustainability at the heart of Leuven
The new store also represents a step forward in sustainability. The building is equipped with a heat pump and operates entirely without gas. The new store forms part of Hertogensite, the urban regeneration project on the former hospital site. The development of the site focuses on initiatives such as a geothermal heat network, additional green spaces and new cycling and walking connections within a low-traffic environment.
Festive opening with plenty of flavour
On Wednesday 21 October, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Mark and Maarten will kick off the opening celebrations with an evening reception featuring snacks and drinks, a DJ and saxophonist and a fun photo booth.
The store will officially open its doors on Thursday 22 October. Between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., customers can sample the new fresh-food range, including soups, homemade specialities and freshly baked baguettes served with homemade spreads.
The opening promotions are equally tempting, including buy-one-get-one-free offers on selected homemade specialities from the deli section. From 5 November to 2 December, customers will also have the chance to win great prizes every week, including an electric bicycle, an iPhone 17 and a De'Longhi coffee machine.
More information
Spar Colruyt Group Leuven Hertogensite
Brusselsestraat 73
3000 Leuven
Store managers:
Mark Verbelen and Maarten Verbelen
Opening hours Spar Leuven:
Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
About Spar Colruyt Group
With more than 200 stores, Spar is a network of welcoming neighbourhood supermarkets operated by skilled independent entrepreneurs, each bringing their own personal touch and expertise to make their store truly unique. Located in village and town centres, they stand out thanks to their fresh products, competitive prices and passion for great food. Store sizes range from 300 to 1,200 m². For more information, visit mijnspar.be.
About Retail Partners Colruyt Group
Retail Partners Colruyt Group is the licence holder of Spar Colruyt Group in Belgium. It works closely with more than 200 independent Spar retailers, providing not only supply and distribution services but also full support and a unique partnership-based consultation model. In addition, Retail Partners Colruyt Group supplies fresh products and groceries to Alvo stores. The organisation for independent retailers is responsible for purchasing and transporting goods, and provides advice on the product range and promotional policy. Retail Partners Colruyt Group also supplies 120 independent retailers, including 31 Mini Markets. More information is available at retailpartnerscolruytgroup.be.
