The Dutch word “gezellig” is proudly emblazoned on a wall in Hamilton’s Café Oranje. “It’s hard to translate,” says co-owner Amy Gringhuis. “There’s not really an English equivalent. It kind of means ‘cozy,’ but it’s more than that. It’s like a connection between people.”
Gezellig is the atmosphere Amy and co-owner Chris Godwaldt wanted to achieve when opening Café Oranje. “I’ve been to coffee shops before that can feel a bit intimidating. So we wanted it to be super accessible,” Amy says.
The result is a cozy, warm and inviting café that has attracted an eclectic mix of customers, which Amy feels has been an essential element of the unique Café Oranje atmosphere.
