Medal of honor for Bram Stoverink

Bram Stoverink took over the restaurant from his parents in 2023. Since then, he gave it his own signature, with contemporary cuisine that focuses on pure flavors, regional products and craftsmanship. The rising star of Bram Stoverink began to attract more and more attention. So much so that he was awarded the Young Chef Award at the Michelin Star Gala on October 8, 2025. And restaurant Olde Marckt was awarded its first star. 

Mayor Anton Stapelkamp: "That someone from our own municipality manages to achieve a Michelin star in such a short time fills us with pride and admiration. Bram Stoverink shows that top quality can go hand in hand with sobriety, craftsmanship and love for the region. He is a wonderful example of Achterhoek decisiveness and dedication."

Back on native soil

In 2023, Bram Stoverink returned to his native soil and took over the family business on the Markt in Aalten. Restaurant Olde Marckt, formerly Herberg d'Olde Marckt, then celebrated its 25th anniversary. The restaurant was remodeled and refreshed in 2024. Respecting what his parents had built, he continued their familiar formula: hospitality, craftsmanship and a strong connection with local producers. 

Anchored in the region

Sober as a true Achterhoeker, he passionately does his work in the kitchen. In doing so, he increasingly uses local ingredients. His love for craftsmanship and the region is expressed not only on the plate. He works closely with local partners and is a true ambassador for network Achterhoek Food, which promotes short chains and local products. For example, he recently lent a hand in bringing in the grape harvest for the first wine from Wijnhoeve Elfa, on the border of the municipality of Aalten and Winterswijk. In this way, Bram and his Olde Marckt remain firmly anchored in the community, a restaurant where the Achterhoek is literally and figuratively flavored.

Medal of Honor 

In 2021, the City Council decided that the Medal of Honor is a special honor awarded only to individuals and organizations that have rendered outstanding service to the local community and/or municipality. The medal of honor may also be awarded to individuals and organizations that have distinguished themselves in a special way at the national or international level in areas such as science, entrepreneurship, culture, and sports. It is clear that Bram Stoverink has put not only the Olde Marckt on the culinary map but also the Achterhoek and his municipality of Aalten. He thus more than meets the criterion for awarding the Medal of Honor.