OUR Story

Over 30 years of experience in creating memories

Welcome to MUST, a new culinary destination crafted by two industry legends—Alain Van den Hove and Abdon Chobli. With a combined experience of over 70 years, Alain and Abdon are no strangers to creating memorable dining experiences. Alain, with over four decades in high-end restaurant management, and Abdon, renowned for his impeccable guest service, are reuniting to bring you something truly special.
Having previously delighted patrons with their restaurant "Enjoy," they are now embarking on a fresh, exciting adventure with MUST.

MUST is not just a restaurant; it's an experience. Whether you're looking for a delightful aperitif, a refined dinner, or some tantalizing finger food, you’ll find the perfect spot to unwind and indulge. The beautifully designed space blends sophistication with warmth, setting the scene for an unforgettable evening.

With a kitchen open until 24:00, MUST caters to life enjoyers who crave a late-night dining experience after work, a film, or a theatre performance. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual drink or settling in for a gourmet meal, Alain and Abdon are thrilled to welcome you to their new home. Come for the food, stay for the ambience, and make MUST your go-to spot for life’s finest moments.

TEAM

OWNERS
Alain Van den Hove - alain@must-restaurant.be
Abdon Chobli - abdon-must-restaurant.be

PRESS
Cécile Istace - cistace@sparkies.be

DESIGN & DECORATION
Michele De Maertelaere - michele@lamovida.be

RENOVATION & BRAND IDENTITY
La Movida Building Brands & Spaces - yourmove@lamovida.be

ESG - Environmental, Social & Governance

Environmental Commitment (E)

MUST aims to operate as a modern, responsible restaurant with a low-impact footprint.

Our core environmental goals include:

  • Responsible sourcing:

    Prioritising local Belgian producers, seasonal ingredients, sustainable fisheries, and artisanal suppliers to reduce transport footprint and support the regional economy.

  • Waste reduction:

    Implementation of a kitchen-wide waste separation system, composting of organic waste (via local partner), and strict planning to minimise food waste through menu engineering and dynamic stock management.

  • Energy efficiency:

    Use of LED lighting, energy-efficient kitchen appliances, and regular maintenance to optimise consumption.

    Heating and ventilation calibrated to avoid unnecessary usage.

  • Sustainable materials:

    Preference for durable furniture, recycled or low-impact materials in interior design, and eco-certified cleaning products.

Social Responsibility (S)

MUST is built on respect, hospitality, and community.

  • Employee well-being & development:

    Fair wages compliant with Belgian horeca standards, continuous training in service excellence, wine knowledge, and food safety, and an open feedback culture.

    Staff scheduling designed to avoid excessive night shifts and promote long-term well-being.

  • Inclusive culture:

    A diverse team with equal opportunities regardless of background, gender, or age.

    Safe, respectful, and harassment-free workplace guaranteed.

  • Community engagement:

    Collaboration with local artisans, neighbourhood events, and promotion of Brussels’ culinary culture.

    Late-night kitchen concept designed to serve the community respectfully while managing noise for neighbours.

Governance Principles (G)

MUST operates with transparency, accountability, and ethical principles.

  • Clear operational governance:

    Leiderschap door Alain Van den Hove en Abdon Chobli, gecombineerd met een sterke operationele structuur, duidelijke verantwoordelijkheden en transparante rapportering.

  • Compliance & ethics:

    Full compliance with Belgian food safety regulations (AFSCA), labour laws, HACCP standards, and environmental rules.

    Ethical procurement with suppliers aligned to our sustainability principles.

  • Data & privacy protection:

    Secure handling of client information (reservations, payment systems, loyalty programs) according to GDPR.

  • Responsible alcohol service:

    Staff trained to manage alcohol service responsibly and maintain a safe environment for guests