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).
Frens Haringhandel, a true family business
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.
1972
1976
The beginning of Frens Haringhandel
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.
1976
1983
Major investments: acquiring the current stall.
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.
1986
Frens Haringhandel established at the Koningsplein
Chris and Liesel returned to the center of Amsterdam: on the Koningsplein.
1986
1996
Rewarded "best herring of the Netherlands"
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.
2000
Redevelopment of the area Koningsplein
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.
2000
2010
Son Jasper joins the family business
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.
2014
Significant renovation of the herring stall
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.
2014
2016
Chris handed over the baton to Liesel, Jasper and Ruben
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.
Together, Ruben, Jasper and Liesel aim to keep the Dutch tradition alive!
Frens Haringhandel Amsterdam
Best Herring stand in Amsterdam
Koningsplein, Amsterdam
+316 51 17 77 60 | info@frens-haring.nl
Frens Haringhandel accepts cash, Maestro, Mastercard, and Visa.
Did you visit Frens Haringhandel? We'd love to hear about your experience!
