Start of the career of Chris Frens
Chris Frens started working in the herring industry. Back in 1972, Chris joined his family in the fish stall next to the Munttoren in Amsterdam (close to the current location).
Since 1972, Chris Frens has worked in the herring industry. After working a couple of years with his family in the stall close to the Munttoren in Amsterdam, Chris decided that it was time to start his on business in 1976. After ten years of growing the business, Chris moved to the location where it is today: Koningsplein in Amsterdam. Discover the full history of our company.
Chris Frens started working in the herring industry. Back in 1972, Chris joined his family in the fish stall next to the Munttoren in Amsterdam (close to the current location).
Chris decided that it was time to expand the business: he opened his own stall. With the money he saved, he bought a second-hand herring stall, and had clear ambitions: offer the freshest herring at the Gaasperplas in Amsterdam.
Chris invested his earned money in a completely new stall. To this day, we still work in the same stall. Naturally, we've modernized and innovated the stall. 1983 also was the year that Chris' love of his life Liesel joined him at Frens Haringhandel. Together, they've build the herring stall to the beautiful family business it is today.
Chris and Liesel returned to the center of Amsterdam: on the Koningsplein.
Business is going well, and Chris & Liesel's quality standards were rewarded: in 1996 Frens Haringhandel was labeled as the best herring of the Netherlands. On top of that, an artist painted the blinds of the stall. Today, this piece of art is immortalized on many postcards.
The shopping area around the stall has become more attractive for tourism. That is why the municipality decided to redevelop the square. This has lead to the pretty, clear square it is today.
On the age of 65, Chris Frens decided to take a step back. He feels honored that his son Jasper wants to help continue the tradition.
After 4 years, Jasper and his parents decided the the stall requires significant renovations to make sure it meets the current standards. After the renovation, they are ready to continue to serve their customers.
After many years of hard work, Chris handed over the baton to his wife, son and Ruben van de Ven, close friend of the family and best friend of Jasper.