1.-This is how We started
In 1970 Henk de Vries sold his first African Grass in matchboxes at the 'Kralings Bos' pop festival in Holland . How could he have known that this would result in a company known worldwide many years later.

2.-How on earth did We get our name?
On December 17 th , 1975 , Henk emptied the contents of his fathers sex-shop into one of Amsterdam 's famous canals. Now he had a place for his latest experiment, the world's first coffeeshop. But what should he call it? The answer came to him in the shape of Joris, his four legged friend.

3.-Why is this our favorite jewelry?
In the early days, Henk and his customers were arrested literally hundreds of times, the police-station became almost like a second home to them. When Amsterdam Police headquarters came up for sale in the mid-eighties, we knew it was time for a bold new statement, that this was a perfect place for tourists and locals alike to experiment with cannabis safely - The Palace was born, the fight for legalization continued.

4.-How to build an empire...
Selling more beer and grass then any other police-station in the world allowed Henk to grow (and open a whole series of shop) in the eighties and the nineties. You'd think this would be enough for anyone, but no there is more. As well as establishments all over Amsterdam (and locations in Europe and North America), single speed bicycles (with basket) are also available for hire.

5.-What about the future?
Legislation? Expansion? Going abroad? More budget hotels? More coffeeshops, Grand Cafes, Cocktail bars, Bikes, Souvenirs? We are quietly optimistic that things will work out O.K. in the end (even if they do get a bit strange for a while), and we are happy doing what we do in the meantime....why not come to Amsterdam and visit us?