Going, going, gone: Bidding war for friet stands in Ghent
The city of Ghent has auctioned the licences for its 16 frietkot sites, after it has scrapped the rule that favoured bids by current operators, but not everyone was happy with the decision
Two new owners
The association of licence holders took the issue to the Council of State, but the council ruled against them. That’s why if you were passing by city hall in Ghent one day last week, you may have been surprised to see people shovelling tonnes of raw fries onto the steps of the building by those most in fear of losing their spot – and their livelihood.
Christophe Peeters, the city councillor in charge of finance, was disappointed by the action. “This is a painful form of food waste,” he said. “It’s a shame to see a mess made on a public street by sore losers.”
Fourteen of the sites were retained by the current owners, but two went to new owners, including one of the most popular: Frituur Jozef on Vrijdagmarkt. Prices skyrocketed because of new bidders, who previously stood little chance of winning because they could always be outbid.
Another of the city’s most popular locations, De Gouden Saté in the student quarter, will also change hands, but this time willingly. The owners are putting the chippy up for sale. Price negotiable.
Photo courtesy De Standaard
