Fast self-service at Avia Weghorst

The energy and fuel of choice have changed over the years, but convenience has always been important. That’s why Niek’s great-grandfather started delivering peat and coal to homes in 1931 as an extra service. Later, that became liquid oil in tin jerrycans, and when the first motor fuels such as kerosene became available in the 1950s, the family opened the first gas station in Borne. Niek says, “My great-grandfather initially ran a trading business buying and selling solid and liquid fuels. As more motorized traffic appeared, that business grew over the years.” After starting the gas station, a small shop with convenience products was added. Visitors could also have some technical services done, such as installing radios—garages as we know them today did not exist back then. “Eventually it became an all-in-one place: a gas station, garage, and supermarket.”

Well-oiled family

Niek is the fourth generation of the Weghorst family in the business: “I never felt pressured to work in the company, although as a child I did enjoy helping with car washes and riding along in the tank trucks. After my studies, I first worked in fashion, then in real estate.” But the oil eventually pulled him back in. Niek has now been working for AVIA Weghorst for five years, three of which have been as commercial manager.

AVIA Weghorst has 128 locations throughout Northeast Netherlands. The staffed stations operate under the name AVIA, while the unmanned stations are called Xpress. At each location, the family does everything they can to keep their visitors satisfied.

A pleasant place to be

For AVIA Weghorst, providing the best service means you are never finished developing. “We continuously look ahead to where we need to go. If you wait for your customers’ or the market’s wishes, you are too late. The art is to stay ahead.” And so, the larger staffed locations are being transformed into full-service points.

At Diamantstraat in Hengelo, there is a location of the brand-new concept: cozy seating, super clean sanitary facilities, and an extensive food court where guests—because Niek never speaks of customers, only guests—can order delicious food all day long. A place full of local products and a warm interior made of natural materials, where it’s very pleasant to be. “People shouldn’t come here just to refuel, but mainly for a cozy moment of rest, a meeting with clients, a great breakfast, coffee with something on the side, an extensive lunch, and even complete, healthy meals. Think fresh smoothies, luxury sandwiches, soups, pizzas, pastas, and full main dishes. Everything fresh with a large portion of responsible products from local entrepreneurs. As a local player, we find that important—working together with your community.”

Collecting energy

When you enter this new full-service location as a guest, you will find not only the “regular” POS but also two special self-order kiosks where you can select and pay for your order yourself. Thanks to an integration with kitchen order screens, the chefs know exactly what to prepare for you. On the pickup screen, you can see when your meal is waiting at the counter. No more waiting times: super convenient! But AVIA always wants more. Niek says, “Our products are also for people who are not able to visit in person. They can order via the webshop, and we deliver their products with an electric vehicle!”

Total solution with order kiosks

In the new flagship store in Hengelo, AVIA uses the complete DISH solution; they chose a POS, self-order kiosks, bar and kitchen management, and staff planning all in one. Niek Weghorst of AVIA: “It is important to have a strong brand, with good appearance, quality materials, and good service. Unfortunately, POS systems in our industry are often not very innovative and not suitable for our modern approach. So we needed a partner that could support our entire service offering. Eijsink offers more than just software. We share the same way of working and communicating. They do what they say and simply make sure we succeed together!”