Good news from Oudsbergen: Ateljee 94, the well-known butcher’s shop, caterer and delicatessen shop of the Tormans-Cox family, will reopen six months after the declaration of bankruptcy. “We have learned our lesson and are going to do things differently,” says Frank Tormans. “The motivation to serve our customers is greater than ever. We are really pleased that we can realize the restart.”
It was a major surprise to many that Ateljee 94, better known in the Oudsbergen region as Slagerij Tormans, was declared bankrupt at the end of March. The entrepreneurs themselves had not seen it coming and were devastated by the verdict. They immediately expressed their intention to restart as soon as possible, but that still took a lot of effort.
“We were still able to do the catering orders, but our store has remained closed all this time,” says Frank Tormans. “We have taken the time to put things in order and eliminate the pain points. The problem lay mainly with administration and communication, because there was plenty of work. We have now decided that both myself and my son will be present on the work floor full-time, and an external party will take care of all the administration for us.”
And so the Tormans-Cox store can finally open again. “It is a bit ‘back to the basics’, so a slightly more limited offering, with slightly less staff, but the aim is to quickly pick up our level of the heyday,” says Tormans. “The holidays are slowly approaching, and by then we will be completely in the rhythm. We are really looking forward to serving our customers face-to-face. And vice versa, we are sure that many loyal customers will be happy that they can contact us again.”
Oudsbergen’s Butcher Shop Rises from the Ashes!
Ah, the sweet scent of redemption, folks! Ateljee 94, the butcher’s shop that has been as fickle as a teenager’s mood swings during exam season, is reopening its doors in Oudsbergen after a six-month sabbatical into the world of bankruptcy. Don’t worry, we’re not talking about a spa retreat; we’re talking about a proper financial faceplant, complete with all the dramatic flair of a daytime soap opera. Frank Tormans, the family patriarch (or should we say “meat tyrant”?), believes he’s learned a thing or two from the ordeal. “We have learned our lesson and are going to do things differently,” he proclaims, reminiscent of a drunk uncle promising he’ll cut back on the spice at the next family barbecue. Fingers crossed for the sake of everyone’s taste buds!
This comeback comes as a surprise to locals, many of whom had ostensibly smothered their bacon-wrapped dreams with a bit too much optimism. The demise of Slagerij Tormans was like discovering the last piece of the cake you were saving for a special occasion was actually made of cardboard. Nobody saw it coming! Except, perhaps, the accountants lurking in the shadows, sharpening their pencils like they’re preparing for a duel.
According to Frank, who sounds like he’s been binge-watching motivational speeches on YouTube, the main culprit behind their financial woes was not the quality of their sausages (thank goodness). No, it was the administrative snafus and lackluster communication that should have been as clear as a butcher’s instructions at a barbecue contest. “We have now decided that both myself and my son will be present on the work floor full-time,” Frank shares. Ah, yes! When you want things done right, put the family back in charge—nothing says ‘stability’ like a father-son combo potentially arguing over the last pork chop!
The reopening plans sound delightfully modest, akin to a pop star post-breakup saying they’re just focusing on their “personal growth” and “taking it one day at a time.” A simpler offering and fewer staff mean that Ateljee 94 is going back to its roots—much like a struggling band that discovers they’re much better off playing in small venues. Frank assures us that while they are shifting gears, their aim is to eventually get back to their bustling prime—much like a legendary rock band on a reunion tour!
With holidays on the horizon, and eager customers undoubtedly champing at the bit (not literally, of course), Tormans is confident that the loyal clientele will be thrilled to pop back in. Frank says, “We are really looking forward to serving our customers face-to-face.” Well, let’s be honest, Frank—after six months away, I’m sure your customers are equally excited to see you, if only to confirm you actually still exist and weren’t just an elaborate social experiment.
So, hats off to the Tormans-Cox family! May your sausages be plump, your communication clear, and your lessons learned be more than just “Don’t declare bankruptcy again.” And let’s hope that they can turn this comeback into a legendary tale of triumph, much like a feel-good movie with a soundtrack that’ll have you dancing in your kitchen—just maybe keep the knives away.
So, if you’re in Oudsbergen, raise your forks and knives to Slagerij Tormans—the butcher shop that dares to dream of slashing their way back into the hearts and stomachs of the local community!
