History
Since 1968
Originally, The Dutch Shop opened its doors in September 1968, established by Jerry Hiemstra, a Dutch immigrant who had previously launched another location in Beamsville, Ontario. Although the Beamsville store has since closed its doors, the Grimsby location found new life when Bill and Agnes Bennink took ownership in 1971. They made a booming business of it and moved it to it’s present location at 52 Main
Street, West in Grimsby.
After years of growth and evolution, the Dutch Shop underwent another significant transition after 17 years of family operation. In 1988, Sippe and Delia Hibma became the new proprietors. Subsequently, on March 28, 1995, the store’s
legacy continued when Jaco and Anne-Marie Haas took ownership.
Jaco brought authentic Dutch heritage to the business, having been born and raised in Rozenburg, the Netherlands, where he grew up as part of a vibrant family of eight. Meanwhile, Anne-Marie contributed her local Canadian perspective, having grown up in nearby Caledonia, Ontario.
Under their dedicated leadership, the business continued to thrive and expand. Consequently, by the summer of 1998, they successfully purchased the building and dramatically expanded the Dutch Shop to more than double its original footprint.
In 2001, they enhanced the shop’s offerings by adding a bakery. Building on this success, in 2005 they strategically acquired the neighbouring building to accommodate an
expanded bakery operation, introduce more product lines, and create a welcoming lunch corner that comfortably seated approximately 30 guests.
In 1996 Jaco launched The Dutch Shop Online, the first version of the
Dutch Shop’s website. In 2012, he brought on Daniel Vandersteen, a promising graphic design student, to enhance the store’s marketing efforts. Daniel became close to the store and often joked that he would buy it someday.
The refinished facade, completed in 2010
In 2010 the Dutch Shop underwent a total make-over again. Later, in 2018 the cafe section was wound-down, and the space sold to the neighbouring collectibles store. The Dutch Shop re-focused on what it does best, while keeping an offering of baked goods and deli sandwiches available.
The Current Era
In 2019, Daniel Vandersteen purchased The Dutch Shop from Jaco and Anne Haas. After 26 years, The Dutch Shop reinvented itself once again, while maintaining what has made it so popular and enduring for all these years.
Since then DutchShop.ca has become the #1 online source for Dutch groceries in Canada, shipping to every province & territory, and over 40 US states including Hawaii!
The Dutch Shop, Hamilton
Dutch Toko was founded by Jack Thalen in 1959 in Guelph, Ontario. In 1974 they expanded to Hamilton with their second store on Hamilton mountain.
In 2014 the Hamilton store moved out of the Hamilton mountain mall area and in to its current location at Upper James & Mohawk.
In 2024 the Hamilton store was acquired by The Dutch Shop. Jack's son and and grandson, Harry & Trevor, still run the original Guelph location and we are thrilled to be able to carry on the legacy of the Hamilton store as The Dutch Shop, Hamilton!
