Iconic Dutch road restaurant De Molshoof in Kelpen-Oler is closing its doors permanently this week after 183 years of operation, according to L1 Nieuws and Transport-Online.
The shutdown removes a long-standing refuge for long-haul truck drivers in Limburg.
First established in 1843 as a farm and cafe, the facility evolved into a critical stopover along the N280 for drivers needing meals, showers, and safe overnight parking.
Local reports indicate the building will be demolished to make way for a modern gas station with food service.
Owner Nelly Gubbels-Bollen, who took over in 1973, prepares to celebrate her 80th birthday while her children opted not to continue the family business.
The closure leaves regional truck drivers searching for alternative sites offering secure overnight facilities across the province.
Local business owners report that displaced drivers are already relocating to remaining truck stops along major transit corridors.
Impact on Nearby Truck Stops
In Kessel, De Pleisterplaats owner Brian Vaessen manages between 35 and 40 truck parking spots along the N273, opening early each morning specifically to cater to long-distance drivers.
"There are many campsites in the area and many day-trippers pass by here. Fortunately so, because we cannot live on truck drivers alone," Vaessen said.
"We have between 35 and 40 spots for truckers—depending on how they park—and those are regularly full."
Vaessen explained that providing early morning service requires substantial reliance on non-trucking clientele to stay profitable throughout the year.
"That is service, because if they make use of the facilities and do not consume anything, we lose money on it.
Without tourists and people from the neighborhood, we wouldn't make it," Vaessen said.
Farther south in Nunhem, road restaurant Feyenoord faces similar succession issues along the Napoleonsbaan.
Owner Ans Smeets, 67, runs the 20-space facility established by her parents in 1968, but currently lacks a successor to take over the business.
Meanwhile, along the A2 highway in Weert, restaurant Goudreinet de Wildenberg is attempting to address the region's growing driver accommodation gap by expanding its current 40-space parking lot.
"Fortunately," said owner Bea Meulendijk-Verwoert, "we are not focused on a single target group. On weekends, when there are no drivers, it is also full."
Meulendijk-Verwoert noted that truck drivers from Kelpen-Oler are already redirecting toward Weert, causing trucks to occasionally park along the road while the business awaits municipal approval for a zoning plan amendment to expand its land.
