Case

Taking over the café and establishing a new concept

About the task

Establishing a sustainable concept and ensuring optimal operation of the restaurant. Dorte Damgaard Hansen, co-owner of Alrø Købmandsgård, talks about the guidance she and her husband received from TOC's partner Kim Nielsen, MaksConsulting, during the establishment of the grocery store

- In connection with the establishment of Alrø Købmandsgård, we have needed to seek sparring and advice from various companies. And we have really needed many types of advice on everything from breeding issues in connection with the bison, restaurant operations, finances, etc. We have utilised TOC's partners for the establishment and some minor questions and advice along the way.   

Challenges to overcome

The Damgaard Hansens' competences lay primarily outside the experience industry, secondarily in the breeding of American bison, and the couple therefore needed sparring on the operation of the restaurant in Købmandsgården and advice on developing a sustainable concept for the restaurant with a focus on storytelling and guest contact.

Results

Growth is very good at Alrø Købmandsgård. Turnover was more than satisfactory in 2021 and in 2022 they are ahead of budget. The two passionate bison lovers have now decided to find a tenant for the café and concentrate on breeding bison in the future.

- During one of the first phone meetings we had with TOC's partner Kim Nielsen from MaksConsulting, he gave me a really good piece of advice that I'm convinced has contributed to the success of our business. Kim told me that guests want to meet me and hear the story - that's what will make a visit to Alrø Købmandsgaard special, as he said. An advice I decided to follow. I'm now out among the guests and have hired a chef in the kitchen. With good and constructive input from Kim Nielsen, I have subsequently allowed myself to think big, because he said that the concept can carry it. We have now made some progress with our business and have decided to look for a tenant for the café, to whom we will give exactly the same good advice and emphasise the importance of being close to our guests and telling the good story about the place and the bison.

Dorte Damgaard Hansen, founder of Alrø Købmandsgaard

About Alrø Købmandsgård

The married couple Dorte and Henrik Damgaard Hansen took over the former Alrø Traktørsted back in December 2020, and after a complete renovation of the place, they opened the doors to Alrø Købmandsgård in the spring of 2021, which the couple renamed the tractor place. The grocery store is a combination of shop and café, serving bison burgers made from meat from the couple's own American bison, among other things. On 1 November 2022, Dorte handed over the keys to Massimiliano (Vecchio Convento), as the new tenant.