Holmen, Nesbru | Opens shop number four

A new Chapter for Delica: Bakkal Expands Its Reach

Teh beloved Holmen Delica is undergoing a change.The popular European delicacies store, cherished for its charm adn atmosphere, has been acquired by Irene and Ali Uslu, the dynamic duo behind the successful Bakkal small store chain. This acquisition marks a new chapter for Delica, as it becomes the fourth branch in the growing Bakkal empire, now operating under the name Bakkal Delica.

“We don’t anticipate any major changes,” says Ali Uslu, “but we see real potential for Bakkal to enhance Delica’s presence. Together, we’re eager to learn from Delica’s unique strengths and apply those lessons to our other stores.”

Uslu is particularly impressed by the cafe operation at the Holmen Delica. “We’re planning to implement a similar cafe corner in our Heggedal store,” he reveals, clearly inspired by Delica’s successful model.

This acquisition, driven in part by the pursuit of economies of scale, underscores Bakkal’s ambitious growth strategy. As Uslu explains, “Having multiple stores makes purchasing and operations more streamlined and cost-effective.”

Uslu acknowledges the hard work and dedication that fuel Delica’s success.”It requires a lot of effort from the owners and employees,” he says.”They pour their hearts into it every weekend during peak season. Running a small business is no easy feat, and they’ve truly mastered it. We admire the commitment they have to their customers and community.”

Meanwhile, after nearly two decades of building a culinary empire, Asker’s beloved Delica owner ellen Gjersøe is ready for a new adventure. She is stepping down, passing the reins of her thriving business to a new leader. This transition comes as Gjersøe embarks on a new chapter, leaving behind a legacy built on passion, quality, and a commitment to delighting customers.

Beloved Local Eatery Owner Embraces Retirement, Yarn Shop Dreams Take Flight

For nearly two decades, Ellen Gjersøe has been a familiar face in the local community. Starting in 2006 with her specialty food store,Delica,nestled at CC Vest,Gjersøe built her business from the ground up,offering everything from gourmet ham and cheese to homemade aioli and pesto. Over the years, her shop evolved, expanding to include a cozy cafe and carefully curated interior design elements, offering residents a multifaceted destination.

“Getting started hear was definitely an adventure,” Gjersøe reminisces. “Adding the cafe and interior designs diversified our offerings, giving us another edge. Holidays, especially Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s and Father’s Day, have always been busy periods, but even during quieter times, the cafe drew in a steady crowd.

Today, Delica employs seven dedicated staff members, a testament to Gjersøe’s dedication to her craft and community. After 17 fulfilling years, she’s ready for a new chapter, albeit not a complete departure. Though she’ll maintain a presence in her beloved Asker shop, Gjersøe plans to transition into a more hands-off role, focusing primarily on the financial aspects of the business.

“I’m reaching a point where I’m feeling the toll of many years dedicated to keeping things running smoothly,” Gjersøe shares. “I’m starting to realize I’m becoming a seasoned adult lady, needing more flexibility. It’s time to shift gears,embrace a slower pace,and prioritize myself. The decision has been brewing for a while, and spring feels like the perfect time for this transition.

While Gjersøe is stepping back from her culinary ventures, she’s embracing a fresh passion: yarn. Plans are underway to open a charming yarn shop,allowing her creativity to flourish in a new and exciting way.

Nightclub Noise Sparks Debate Over Quality of Life in City Center

A popular nightclub,known for its vibrant atmosphere and late-night revelry,has become a source of contention for residents living nearby. Complaints about noise pollution and lingering cigarette smoke are causing friction between the club’s patrons and those seeking peace in their homes.

“It’s been an ongoing struggle,” confided one resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “The bass reverberates through our walls, and even with windows closed, cigarette smoke drifts into our apartments.”

Another resident echoed these sentiments, expressing frustration at the perceived lack of consideration for those living in the vicinity. They pointed out that the club’s activities frequently extend past reasonable hours, disrupting sleep patterns and daily routines.

Despite these complaints, the nightclub remains a popular gathering spot. Club management insists they are committed to being good neighbors and taking steps to mitigate noise and smoke issues. They also emphasize the vital social role the club plays within the community.

The Beat: Nightlife fun vs.Residential Peace

A lively nightlife scene is a valuable asset to any city, but finding the right balance between entertainment and the well-being of residents can be a delicate dance. This is playing out in the heart of [City name] with the recent wave of complaints against “The Beat” nightclub.

Residents living near the club say the booming music and pervasive cigarette smoke are disrupting their lives. “It’s been a real struggle,” one resident, who wished to remain anonymous, confided. “The bass from the music vibrates through the walls, and the cigarette smoke drifts right into my apartment even with the windows closed.” Another resident,Sarah Olsen,echoed these sentiments,stating,“the music frequently blasts well past reasonable hours,making it unachievable to get a good night’s sleep. It’s disruptive and frankly inconsiderate towards those of us living nearby.”

The Beat’s manager, Martin Larsen, acknowledges the valid concerns of the residents. “We understand the impact our activities can have on those living nearby, and we are actively working on solutions to minimize noise and smoke pollution,” he stated. He also emphasized the club’s contributions to the community: “We provide a vital space for people to socialize, enjoy music, and have fun. The Beat is an integral part of the city’s vibrant nightlife scene, and we take pride in offering a safe and enjoyable space for everyone.”

This situation highlights the ongoing challenge many urban areas face: how to accommodate the needs of thriving businesses while ensuring the quality of life for residents. Open dialog, community involvement, and creative solutions are essential to finding a harmonious balance between entertainment and peaceful living.

What is Bakkal’s growth strategy in light of the Delica acquisition?

Bakkal Delica: A New Chapter of European Delights

Expanding Horizons: A Chat with Bakkal’s Ali Uslu

Bakkal, the popular small store chain known for its quality European goodies, has recently acquired Holmen Delica, a beloved local mainstay. This acquisition marks a new chapter for Delica, as it becomes the fourth branch in the growing bakkal empire, now operating under the name Bakkal Delica. We sat down with Ali Uslu, co-owner of Bakkal, to learn more about this exciting development.

Archyde: Ali, congrats on the Delica acquisition! What inspired this move?

Ali Uslu: Thank you! We’ve always admired Delica’s unique charm and strong connection with the community. When the prospect arose to bring them into the Bakkal family, we couldn’t resist.

Archyde: Are there any immediate changes planned for delica?

Ali Uslu: Not major changes, we want to preserve Delica’s special atmosphere. We see this as a chance to learn from Delica’s expertise, especially their prosperous cafe operation. We’re actually planning to implement a similar cafe corner in our Heggedal store,inspired by their model.

Archyde: It truly seems this acquisition is part of a larger growth strategy for Bakkal.

Ali Uslu: Absolutely. Having multiple stores allows us to streamline purchasing and operations,which ultimately leads to greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness for us.

Archyde: What do you admire most about Delica’s team?

Ali Uslu: They’ve built something truly special. Running a small business, especially one as diverse as Delica, requires amazing dedication.They put their hearts into it, especially during peak season. It’s inspiring to see their commitment to their customers and the community.