TV and radio broadcaster takes over Jette chip stand

A Belgian broadcaster and TV personality has taken over one of Brussels' most iconic chip shops - with plans to reopen soon.

The municipality of Jette has awarded the tender to radio presenter David Antoine and entrepreneur Sébastien De Messemaeker, who will now run the Friterie du Miroir chip stand on Place Reine Astrid.

Antoine, a stalwart at French-speaking Belgium’s Radio Contact and news site RTL, and De Messemaeker want to make the place a “typical Belgian culinary attraction” again.

“The winners of the tender for the chip shop were able to convince with their experience, motivation and desire to integrate into the local commercial life,” Jette municipal council said.

The chip shop’s appearance will be updated to make it “cosy”. Jette residents will be able to eat on site, take fries home and have them delivered. The new owners will work together with another famous Jette landmark, nearby butchers shop Cortoos, to provide the meat specialities.

The chip shop was a familiar sight on Place Reine Astrid for around 60 years, but closed in July 2024 following the death of the previous owner.

Jette locals and frite-loving visitors will have to wait a few more weeks before the chip stand reopens.