generations in the making
We wanted to take a moment to share with you the history behind this family-owned business the Quad Cities has come to know and love. Many grew up right along side the Belgian Village and have watched it grow and prosper throughout the years. But for those who haven't, we are pleased to present a small bit of history...
1977
In 1977, an electrician and father of six young children took on the challenge of the 'American Dream' to open his own business. The tavern, located in the Belgian neighborhood known as “Olde Towne”, abounded with pigeon racers and rolle-bolle fans.
Not long after Denis Ceurvorst opened the newly remodeled building, the clamor for food found his wife nudging her way into the tiny kitchen to bring the Belgian staples of soup and sandwiches to the neighboring crowd.
Tutored in the school of a “handful of this” and “klein betje of that” recipes that her mother, Joanne DeMeyer, brought from her native Belgium, Loretta Ceurvorst warmed up the electric hot plate and started the first of many thousands of gallons of soup to come from the kitchen of the Belgian Village Inn.
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Homemade bread is such an important ingredient in the diet of Flemish people that even today it is delivered to the homes and left in the wide window ledges by the delivery person. The fond memories of fresh baked currante broed (raisin bread) that filled our house was a natural addition in a Flemish neighborhood. Soon ham on raisin bread found its way on the menu. Shortly after, wheat bread was also offered.
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A favorite sandwich of the new owners was the Rueben. While not a Belgian sandwich, it could certainly be modified by adding ham, a favorite meat among the Belgian populace. With the generous portions Belgians enjoy, the ordinary size Rueben just did not fit the picture. And so, the concept of a much larger version complete with ham and corned beef was born, it was called the “VandeRueben®”. The excitement and
reception of the VandeRueben®, raisin bread sandwiches, and homemade soups was a hit…and the rest is history.
1997
Belgian Village Inn was a true original family tradition.
Each of Denny and Loretta’s six children had their share of flour-caked aprons and dishpan hands.
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Happiness must have outweighed the headaches as tradition continued with the purchase of the Belgian Village Inn restaurant in 1997 by eldest daughter Karen and son-in-law Shawn Manning.
They packed up, moved with their 4 children to the Quad Cities, and poured everything they had into this proud family business.
The success of the Belgian Village Inn not only continued to flourish, but also continued its creative homemade tradition with new menu items, the best Prime Rib around, and the ongoing commitment to quality that is the Belgian Village.
2016
Today, run by Katie & Devon Manning (children of Karen and Shawn), we continue our dedication to quality homemade food, not in the original restaurant setting, but in a new way.
It was in 2016 that the Belgian Village began its journey as a to-go only operation. The idea: highlight the VandeRueben®. Sell it cold for in home grilling. Provide an option to local grocery stores, restaurants, food trucks, cafes, etc. who may want to sell it cold or grill it for customers.
It was a new vision. A very different vision. But one that had the potential to open up exciting possibilities for the future of the Belgian Village. And for that the challenge was gladly accepted.
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Our passion for that which our family has built is unwavering. From the unique history dating back generations, the one-of-a-kind creations, to the quality that is simply hard to find…we believe the Belgian Village has yet to reveal just how versatile and strong its foundation has become. The possibilities for that which our family has built are nothing short of amazing. The family of patrons and community support is inspiring.
We hope to continue to make the previous generations proud by continuing that tradition while at the same time pushing the limits as we explore new frontiers for the Belgian Village.
Belgian Village. Quality Homemade Food. For Generations past…and Generations to come.
We thank you for your support.