VIDEO INTERVIEW: Discovering Hospitality Talk with Restaurateur and Craft Beer Maker, Oli Stassen
Updated: Sep 6
From the heart of Belgium to the shores of Boracay, Oli Stassen’s journey is a story built on hospitality, friendship, and, of course, good beer.
Growing up beside a beer brewery in Belgium, Oli was immersed in the hospitality business from an early age. He began working for his family’s brewery, traveling from one client to another, selling their beer and building relationships along the way. With his natural charisma, friendliness, and hardworking spirit, connecting with people—and closing a deal—came naturally to him.
But after years of being on the other side of the counter, Oli dreamed of having a restaurant of his own. That dream took an unexpected turn when the pandemic left him in Boracay, where he eventually found not only a new home, but also the perfect place to bring his vision to life.
In November 2022, Oli opened Bistro des Amis, a French-Mediterranean bistro offering a distinctive French-Belgian dining experience, featuring local ingredients, French and Belgian wines and beers, and his very own Bier des Amis—“beer of friends.”
The name perfectly captures Oli’s philosophy: a restaurant where friends can gather, slow down, enjoy good food and drinks, and simply spend time together.
So, on a fine day at Bistro des Amis, we sat down with Oli over a satisfying meal and a glass of Bier des Amis to discover the story behind his journey—from growing up around a Belgian brewery, to selling beer around the world, to becoming a restaurateur on the island he now calls home.
Watch our conversation with Oli Stassen of Bistro des Amis, and read the transcript here.
