New management Claus Events

April 30, 2025

Hoofddorp, April 2025 – A new generation of leadership is rising at Claus Bowling, Claus Events, and BARRACA Rodizio Grill & Bar. The family-owned business, with more than 55 years of history, has welcomed a new management team: Warner Claus, son of Rick Claus, and Simone Lijdens, a homegrown talent who has advanced through the ranks.

Growth and development at Claus

Simone has been part of Claus since 2015, starting as a Junior Event Manager intern. Thanks to her drive and experience, she steadily advanced to Event Manager and now takes on the role of General Manager. Simone shares: “My goal is to find harmony in working hard while always making room for fun and offering our guests top quality. I also want to give our team every opportunity to grow as well.”

Warner Claus brings a different perspective. With a Bachelor of Business Administration and years of experience in Amsterdam’s event scene, he has developed multiple successful concepts for festivals and club nights, and is also known as an MC. Now, together with Simone, he holds final responsibility for Claus. “I want to ensure that we deliver a flawless product from A to Z at Claus and exceed our guests’ expectations every single time,” Warner says. “The guest experience is the key to success, and our focus is on quality, service, and genuine hospitality.”

A shared vision for Claus

Claus in Hoofddorp employs over 100 team members and includes Claus Bowling—the largest bowling center in the region—BARRACA Rodizio Grill & Bar, a thriving Brazilian-style restaurant, and Claus Events, which is much more than just an event venue. The complex also houses Casino Admiral and multiple escape rooms by Escape World Hoofddorp. “We deliver top quality seven days a week,” says Simone. “Our teams are diverse, with more than 25 nationalities. They are the foundation of the guest experience and by far our most valuable asset.”

Complete experience

With the new leadership comes a fresh mindset. “Of course margins are important, but we want more than that. Industrializing the hospitality environment is not acceptable to us—we want to preserve a personal and artisan approach,” they explain. “That’s what makes our work so interesting. Our products must be fresh, of excellent quality, and made with care, regardless of price point. It’s all about the total experience—how do we ensure every guest leaves with unforgettable memories? That’s what drives us every day.”

A family business since 1969

Warner is the next member of the Claus family to take the reins. His brother, Jelrick Claus, now serves as Managing Director following the retirement of their father, Rick Claus. “I’m incredibly proud of Warner. He radiates positivity, which is essential in life—and even more so in hospitality,” says Jelrick. “Rick led the company for many years alongside his brother. If things keep going this way, we’ll have another pair of brothers at the helm. I’m also proud that we continue to offer opportunities to talent from within. After Robin Harting, Assistant General Manager, Simone is the second team member to grow from intern to a senior leadership role. That’s rare—and very well deserved!”