Meet Tamara and Justin

Why did you start your own business in Delft?
When the historical visbanken closed permanently and Delft was in danger of losing its permanent fish shop, we saw an opportunity as well as a responsibility. It would be a loss for the city centre if there was no longer a place for fresh quality fish with craftsmanship. Our shop in De Lier has proven for years that consumers are prepared to come to us for really good fish. With Just-Fish, we want to bring that same quality, service and hospitality closer to the people of Delft. That is why we started our business here.

What do you like best about being a local entrepreneur in the city of Delft?
What we like best about being an entrepreneur in the city of Delft is that we really get to be there for the inhabitants of the heart of Delft. The people of Delft have a strong awareness of sustainability, quality and local products. Many people get their fish from a stall, but a regular shop where you can always go, where you get attention, can ask for advice and where you know where it comes from, that has real value.

This is why we consciously choose a physical location in proud Delft. We want to provide the neighbourhood with fresh fish, as well as catering meals and products you often cannot find elsewhere. This allows us to contribute every day to an honest, high-quality and local part of Delft.

How do you work with other local entrepreneurs in Delft?
We have only been open in Delft since 18 June and are now in the phase of actively building relationships with local entrepreneurs. We strongly believe in reinforcing each other locally, helping each other commercially as well as enhancing the taste experience in the city centre together. We are already supplying fresh fish to several Delft catering businesses, something we are very proud of. We find this cooperation valuable because it contributes directly to quality on the plate of guests in Delft. In the coming period, we will further expand this cooperation structure with shops and entrepreneurs in the city centre.

If you could give one message to the residents and visitors of Delft about local shopping, what would you tell them?
As residents and visitors, you decide whether Delft keeps a lively city centre. Local shops only exist as long as people consciously choose to buy here, taste here, experience here. If we all choose outsiders' convenience or only large chains, we will gradually lose the unique character of our city. Inner city = from all of us. Local shopping ensures that Delft remains vibrant, diverse and attractive. If we support each other in this, the centre remains full, strong and alive, and we keep Delft truly Delft. That's value you can't buy anywhere else.

Which other local entrepreneur(s) in Delft should residents and visitors definitely visit?
Delft has so many local gems that are more than worth a visit. Butcher's Leo, greengrocer Bertels and bakery De Diamant have been fixtures for the city for years, and so are our charming cheese shop and century-old medicine shop. For a unique experience, visitors can also take a tour boat ride to discover Delft from the water. Actually, there are too many great entrepreneurs to mention, but it is precisely these local shops and initiatives that make the city centre lively, authentic and special, and that is something every Delft resident and visitor can enjoy.