Our story
Quality and good taste. Those are the main keyword in our lives; the lives of Saskia and Martin Postma. Martin was born in Leeuwarden and Saskia in Joure. We got to know each other in 1979 in a local bar in Joure.
Martin had to do one's military service and Saskia was just gratuated, when they were asked to run the restaurant and café establishment of Langweer. After a while we realised that we would rather start our own business! But then, there was a pregnancy. The time to grow up had arrived.
Martin went to England to become a professional diver. Professional divers make a lot of money, and that was exacly what we wanted! The first house was bought in Joure, and the second and third kid were born. Twelve years later, the kids were grown up and in this fase of their lives they decided to do things properly. Rather one excellent diner than five takeaway pizza's! Only the best was good enough, passion with everything they chose or did.
After ten years of diving, Martin wanted to do something else. They started searching. One day, because of the bad and stormy weather, Martin comes home early. He reads the local newspaper and one little advert catches his eye. A beautiful building in Akkrum. For sale! What a coincidence, just at that moment there was a friend who offerd her help to look after the children. They got in the car immediately and drove to Akkrum. Love at first sight! However, the real estate agent had bad news. It was already sold...
That evening, they decided to be a bit bold... they made a higher bid! They knew that that ought to be theirs. And of course - as if it written in the stars - they got the house! Pand 56 was born. A shop filled with stuff that they liked. Stayed close to theirselves. And it workend. After almost 13 years Pand 56, they found yet another mission in life. In 2003, their 'sandwich baby' asked if she could go to America for one year - High School.
If a child asks such a question, there is only one answer possible. Ofcourse you can! So she went. She was 16 years old and deeply in love with Brad Pitt. So ofcourse, she wanted to end up in California. But it turned out te be quite different. It was Maine where got placed! Eastcoast insted of westcoast. They visited her and went shopping in Maine. Purely on the looks and totally unintended, they bought in different shops the same products. Over and over. Stonewall Kitchen. Back in the Netherlands, they twisted the lids of the jars and they didn't know what happened. Such beautiful flavours, unbelievable... The plan was quickly drawn. Order every single Stonewall Kitchen product, ship it to Akkrum and test it out in Pand 56. The office was moved to the attic for more space. After six months it was such a enormous success, they decided to open a brand new shop. After they made the deal with Stonewall Kitchen U.S.A. it was time to start. The first CuliShop was born. After three years the second CuliShop arose in the centre of Groningen city. You can join in as well. Every day, a Stonewall Kitchen day!