Dries Henau (1984, Zottegem) & Yuri Vandenbogaerde (1988, Kortrijk) are partners in work and life. They live in Ghent but are proud second-home owners in Ostend.
After selling their own hospitality concepts, WASBAR and Chez Claire, they founded The Brand Guys, with which they develop brands and concepts domestically and internationally, with a strong focus on hospitality and experience.
The Ostendian is the ultimate example of this: not just a hotel in a city, but a hotel of the city. Dries and Yuri developed the entire overall concept: from positioning and brand strategy to the name, identity, storytelling, and experience. They brought Ostend inside and send guests out to discover the most delightful spots.
They have also been providing strategic advice to Toerisme Oostende for over 10 years and are responsible for the rebranding of the Kursaal, putting this iconic place back on the map as the center for live entertainment by the sea.
Their favorites? Buying shrimp at the Vistrap, a long walk towards Raversijde, and a drink at The Bar of The Ostendian.
© The Brand Guys
