story
founders/owners/entrepreneurs/baristas
the creative boy
Kick van Doorn (1994) was born and raised in Amsterdam. Next to YUSU he is busy running his own Branding & Communication agency called Skandl. Kick has worked in the event industry for a while, organizing a number of club nights and art events. He studied Sociology at the University of Amsterdam and started working as a barista in the coffee industry at a young age. He has worked at Two For Joy, Coffee Roasters (where he met Nicole), Back to Black Coffee, The Meets & Charley's, among others. The ambition to set up their own coffee shop has always been there and YUSU is the beginning of that dream.
the business lady
Nicole Lieuw (1995) was born in Amsterdam. She studied International Business & Languages. Thanks to this study, Nicole has learned a thing or three about finance, which always comes in handy when running a business. She has been working as a barista in the coffee industry for almost 10 years now, making her a true coffee vet. Fun fact - besides Two For Joy Coffee Roasters, Frederix Coffee Roasters, Westcord Fashion Hotel, she also worked as an Airbnb host for two years. The opening of YUSU also offers Nicole the chance to take her passion for baking to the next step (and she’s killing it, as you might have tasted already).
team/family/crew/employees/friends
rand
Favorite drink: Americano
Rand! She has been working with us for a couple of months already and is one of the smiliest girls we know. Even if she is not in a good mood.. you won’t recognize this.
When Rand starterd working at YUSU her coffees were okay.. lets say her barista skills was 5,5 out of 10… but after giving it some positive energy, focus and hours behind the machine she improved her grades to an 8. Haha you guys probably think… why are you rating her?? Well.. here comes the mnemonic.. Rand is a school teacher in training. She is currently studying and believe me she is going to be best, happy & progressive teacher the world needs!
Besides all of this.. Rand is a very good singer! We never saw her perform, but when there is Dutch music playing at YUSU, and she is working behind the coffee machine, you can find her sing along! Its very rare, because she doesnt like to be noticed, but maybe you are the lucky one!
Last but not least.. Rand is a fighter when it comes to inequality, racism & injustice AND we love that!
Fun fact: Rand and her family own a bar in Wageningen. So if you are around.. Pop by!
jelle
Favorite drink: Cappuccino and cortado with oat
You might have seen this giant mans already! This sweet, cool & handsome dude is called: Jelle, and is a 100% barista. Jelle is part of the team since last summer, but it actually feels way longer. He is not only a lovely employee he is also YUSU family now!
Jelle lives in the north side of Amsterdam and worked a couple of years at PLLEK (thats were he learned himsef how to make coffee). Besides making coffees he also likes to skateboard at Skatepark Noord and parry at Skatecafe. So… he is a real ‘noordeling’!Last but not least this mans is a top model! He is signed at multiple agencies in Amsterdam and beyond. He already got many photoshoots planned, but if you need a TOPMODEL.. holla!
malou
Favorite drink: Flat white sproud
Meet Malou! Most of you know her already because she has been working with us quite some time now!
Malou is the queen of latte art. She makes whole landscapes, detailed faces & all kinds of animals in your coffee (its insane). She is one of the youngest members of our team, but you won’t notice this. She is responsible, very sweet & super experienced behind the bar! Oh and her nickname is ‘Mal’.
For us Mal feels like the little sister of Nicole. Part of the family! Duh! Anyway.. Malou grew up in The Hague, is studying two different studies at the same time (psychology & bio psychology) and also works 3 days a week at YUSU. Wauwwww what a winner!
Last but not least, Mal is always down for ‘gezelligheid’, ‘supports the YUSU soccer team’ and loves to be around her friends!
Fun Fact: Malou is very good at dyeing hair. She bleached Kicks hair at home! Barber pop up at YUSU soon?!? 👀💥
"Our team/family consists of the nicest people of Amsterdam. Super sweet, pure & cool. They all have their own particular skills and experiences. If you would like to keep informed about our team members click here."
values/missions/visions/brand
coffee
YUSU sells and serves various coffees. The beans are imported, selected and roasted in collaboration with Back to Black Coffee. Back to Black has been active in roasting its own coffee since 2005 and tries to achieve this in the most sustainable way possible.
The green bean importers are carefully selected. The importers encourage farmers in various ways to work more sustainable, for example by offering higher prices for higher quality produced coffee, or by advising them on location about growing, processing and storing coffee.
snacks
All the delicacies are prepared in-house at YUSU. Have you already seen photos of our cute little baking house? No? Ask our staff to show it, because you really need to see it! Co-founder Nicole has a huge passion for baking and developed the recipes for the cakes together with Kick. The savory snacks were created with the help of Millie (Nicole's mother) and Vania (Kick's mother-in-law), so if you feel like snacking at Yusu, try the traditional Surinamese pastry or the Brazilian cheese ball. If you would like to order a full loaf, pie or bag of matcha cookies - shoot us a message or order in the store.
diversity
It is very important to the YUSU team that everyone feels welcome and at home. All layers of society should be able to come and drink a cup of coffee. We try, in our own way, to contribute to a more progressive society, in which everyone is equal and no one is discriminated against.
YUSU comes from seryusu, the Surinamese word for serious. YUSU does not only refer to seriously good coffee, but also makes a link to the urban subculture. YUSU is widely used in Dutch Hip-hop music and in slang.
creativity
YUSU wants to provide a platform to artists and creative organizations through various types of collaborations, such as ceramics, clothing, and other lifestyle treasures. The art you see hanging in our space is alternated every few months, giving you the chance to discover a new visual artist from Amsterdam and the surrounding area.
The interior of YUSU was designed and realized by the owners themselves, with the help of Kick’s father-in-law. So, as you can tell, we are a family-business with a passion for creativity, through and through.
We collaborated with New Balance, Ace & Tate, Milou Broersen (ceramics), The New Originals (t-shirts), Permanent Clothing (t-shirts, bag & socks) Frenz (website design), Lukas Korschan (photography art), Skandl Amsterdam (dj shows) & many more to come...
