City Guide: Amsterdam

We met with Kevin, co-founder and co-executive chef of Stacks Group. He focuses on the creative side - developing the menu, and the brand with his partner Jesse Katzman and their team. Stacks runs a Diner and Deli on Amsterdam’s west side, serving homestyle cooking that’s “family style with finesse.” With carefully sourced ingredients, they offer everything from a chicken biscuit with a beer to a full three- or four-course meal, depending on your mood.

I first discovered Palet through my friend Malvin Wix, who gifted us a piece for the Diner’s backroom. We loved their work and wanted to collaborate. When designing Stacks Deli with Pauline Caubel, we aimed for a timeless look - oak paneling, stainless counters, and antique French tiles - but needed a modern touch. The central column became the perfect spot, clad in bright orange Palet tiles with a subtle pattern. To this day, guests comment on how it breaks the classic interior in just the right way, tying the whole space together.

My name is Andy, and I’m one of the four owners of Bar San Francisco. The bar used to be a notorious late-night spot where hood rats and other night owls gathered until the early hours. About a year ago, we revamped the place, staying true to its name and opening hours. For me, the best part of having a bar is collaborating with friends and meeting new ones, whether they’re talented DJs, skilled painters, amazing bartenders, great joke tellers, or brilliant tile printers/makers.

Like I said, we try to work with friends and friends of friends as much as we can. We’re lucky to be surrounded by so many talented people. The different vibe you feel in the bar and the basement is emphasized by the Palet tiles. The tiles behind the bar, jokingly named 'frikandellen', remind me of the old Amsterdam bruine kroeg. The 'gurken' in the basement add something electric and create a beautiful contrast with the surrounding concrete. The pillar upstairs has become an icon that draws you in, each element serves its own purpose.

We’re Isidoor van Esch and Rick Swinkels - two friends with completely different backgrounds. Rick comes from hospitality, while Isidoor is a photographer. What we share is a love for art, design, and the dream of creating the kind of restaurant we always wished existed. BENNIES is our take on hospitality: no fuss - just really good food, great value, a comfortable setting, and a lively vibe with warm, attentive service. We’re not tied to any traditional “horeca” category… simply a place that feels genuinely good. We serve seasonal dishes, wines we personally love, and playful cocktails - all in a laid-back yet stylish atmosphere. Whether you’re joining us for a casual dinner, a business lunch, a first date, or a private event, our goal is to make it feel special in an effortless, relaxed way.

We instantly fell in love with Palet tiles - for both their aesthetic charm and functional quality. They strike the perfect balance between playfulness and clarity of design, which aligns beautifully with our vision at BENNIES. The tiles bring texture, color, and a distinctive touch to our space, naturally defining the bar and kitchen areas in a way that feels seamless and intentional. They don’t just look good - they add structure and soul. Exactly what we were searching for.