In 1939, Martien en Rie van der Valk opened a restaurant together in Voorschoten. Hard work, and a hospitable, homely approach turned their own business into a success.

In the years after the Second World War, they built a number of restaurants together with their 11 children. Meanwhile, their grandchildren and great grandchildren have turned their business into the largest catering chain in the Netherlands, with 64 branches and 28 hotels spread all over the world. Van der Valk Hotel Brussels Airport is the ninth hotel in Belgium.

The vision Martien and Rie had regarding hospitality, still is the foundation of the successful Van der Valk formula". Their attitude and entrepreneurial spirit is an example for younger generations of ‘Valken'.