BONNIE IS NOW AVAILABLE ON WHATSAPP
Republiek Bloemendaal sits along the Dutch coast, where a beach walk usually ends with a table there. A refreshed interior and a menu built on natural ingredients keep people coming back, whatever time of day they arrive.
On the coast at Bloemendaal, Republiek serves breakfast through dinner with a view of the sea, a wine list built with the same care as the food, and a kitchen that, in chef Gerrit Marcus’s words, refuses to cook like a typical beach spot.
Operating seven days a week from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, this bustling restaurant consistently welcomes a full house. This created unique challenges in managing reservations and phone inquiries. To address these challenges, Republiek Bloemendaal teamed up with Bonnie.
In a recent conversation with Bernou van der Ent (Managing Director), we explored how Bonnie has improved their operations and overall guest experience.
Understanding the challenges
The primary challenges were clear: “With our restaurant being open all week from morning till late at night, and always being full, we had little time to answer phone calls or handle reservations effectively,” says Bernou van der Ent, Managing Director. “This often led to missed calls and frustrated guests. Like many in the industry, we’ve also faced staff shortages, which made it even harder to manage these tasks.”
Why Bonnie?
“Bonnie offered a real solution for our issues,” Bernou says. “The system ensures our phone is always answered, and all frequently asked questions are addressed promptly. She helps us fight staff shortages by handling routine calls, and increases our availability, something our guests had complained about before. That lets our team focus more on the guests on-site.”
The change was immediate. “From day one, we didn’t have a constantly ringing phone anymore, and when it does ring, we know to answer it. That alone has been a huge relief for our team.”
How did Bonnie help?
The introduction of Bonnie AI has also changed the way the team at Republiek Bloemendaal works. “Our team can now focus entirely on their roles during both day and evening shifts without the distraction of unanswered phone calls. This has enhanced our overall efficiency and service quality.”
One of the most significant benefits of Bonnie has been its impact on addressing staff shortages.
"By handling routine calls and reservations, Bonnie has effectively reduced the workload on our staff. This means we need fewer people dedicated to answering phones, allowing us to allocate our limited staff resources more effectively on the floor.”
Bernou van der Ent
Managing Director | Republiek Bloemendaal
Guest reactions to Bonnie have also been positive. “Most of our guests appreciate the efficiency and convenience that Bonnie provides. While some older guests are still getting used to ‘that automatic computer,’ the majority have embraced the improvement in our service.”
