Back from being away: food truck Falafel & Halloumi restarts on Utrecht Science Park after fire
On 20th of July 2024, a fire broke out in the kitchen of the foodtruck Falafel & Halloumi on the Utrecht Science Park. No one was injured, but nothing was left of the food truck. After a crowdfunding campaign, a lot of insurance work and his own money, owner Eid Alhadad managed to restart. We talked to him about how he is doing now.
Eid had been on the Utrecht Science Park with his food truck for over three years. His food was popular among students, employees and visitors to the Utrecht Science Park. The fire that broke out cost him a lot of money and energy, but eventually he managed to come back with a new food truck. Although it is not yet like it used to be. Eid says: ‘It’s not yet running as well as it did with the old food truck. Many people don’t know we are back. We have the same concept, but unfortunately turnover is still a bit lower. People need to know how to find us again.’
While Eid is positive, it will take time and effort to get back to the old level. ‘We are trying our best to do everything the way we did at the old stall. We have been here for a long time, so hopefully that will help us grow again.’
“I have had a lot of support from the area here, many people have called me.’
Eid is very happy with the crowdfunding, although it was not quite enough for the entire funding. ‘I was very happy with the amount raised by the crowdfunding campaign. It certainly supported, but by no means all of it. In the end, a lot had to be arranged with insurance as well and I also had to invest my own money and from family. All in all, it has ensured that I can stand here again, for which I am grateful.’
He continues, ‘I’ve also had a lot of support from the area here, many people have called me. They said: ‘We stand by you, we are going to support you’. That felt really nice.’
Eid is not quite sure yet what his future looks like here at the Utrecht Science Park. If it were up to him, he would like to stay here for years to come. ‘I’ll see, in any case I’m putting my full weight behind it,’ he says.
From Utrecht Science Park Foundation, we are very happy that Falafel & Halloumi is back at the Utrecht Science Park. Hopefully everyone will know how to find their way to its delicious and sustainable food truck again, and we wish Eid the best of luck.
Official opening of the renovated Coimbra Square and Buurthuys at Utrecht Science Park
On Tuesday, 2 June, the renewed Coimbra Square and the new Buurthuys were officially opened at Utrecht Science Park. During a festive gathering, residents, students, staff, and partners came together to celebrate and officially open these new community spaces.
31 May running festival at Utrecht Science Park; read all about accessibility
On Sunday 31 May 2026, Utrecht will once again be fully dedicated to the HiPRO Utrecht Marathon supported by Utrecht Science Park. With a large amount of participants in the previous edition, the event has grown into a staple for runners from Utrecht and far beyond. This year also promises to be a special edition, featuring the new addition of the Dutch National Championships Half Marathon (NK Halve Marathon). Utrecht Science Park will once again be the vibrant heart of the event, where sport, energy, and connection come together.
Jan Henk van der Velden leaves Utrecht Science Park Foundation and becomes the new Managing Director at Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park
After nine years, Jan Henk van der Velden will step down as Managing Director of the Utrecht Science Park Foundation effective this coming July 1. As of September 1, 2026, Jan Henk will become Managing Director of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park Foundation. He announced his departure several months ago.
Fantastic atmosphere at the Utrecht Science Park during the Utrecht Marathon 2026
On Sunday, May 31, Utrecht was all about sport: the Utrecht Marathon, with the Utrecht Science Park serving as both the start and finish location, brought together thousands of enthusiastic runners and spectators.