The Origins of OFYR
Interview with Hans Goossens, Founder of OFYR
Hans Goossens, founder of OFYR, takes us back to the origins of the brand. In this interview, he shares how a simple idea around fire, cooking and togetherness grew into a globally recognized outdoor concept — and why connection has always been at the heart of OFYR.
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In 2015, a dream came to life. OFYR, now a globally recognized concept in outdoor cooking, was born from the vision of Hans Goossens, a passionate entrepreneur who wanted more than just a cooking appliance. The story started small, but quickly grew into a symbol of togetherness, creativity, and craftsmanship.
Hans began his journey with a clear mission: to create a product that did more than just cook. "With OFYR, we wanted to connect people. It's not just about food, but the experience around it," Hans explains. "I didn't want to design just another product; I wanted to create something that fostered an experience, a shared moment."
It all started with an idea: a fire pit that combines cooking and togetherness. During the Spirit of Winter event in the gardens of Paleis Het Loo (The Netherlands), the first OFYR was presented. "We stood there with a prototype, hoping people would understand the concept," Hans recalls. The reactions were overwhelming. Visitors were captivated by the simplicity and impact of the design. This moment marked the first step toward OFYR’s international growth.
What makes OFYR so unique is the combination of design and functionality. The round, sculptural shape makes the device not only an eye-catcher in any garden but also an invitation to cook together. "The open circle symbolizes connection. Anyone can join, whether you're an experienced chef or not," Hans explains. "Fire has always brought people together. We wanted to capture that in our design."
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In less than ten years, OFYR has grown into a beloved brand worldwide. From the Netherlands to Australia, the fire pits bring people together all over the world.
"It's incredible to see how people around the world feel the same connection to OFYR," Hans says proudly.
However, Hans emphasizes that OFYR’s success is more than just commercial achievement. Sustainability plays a central role in everything the brand does.
"We strive to create a product that is not only beautiful but also durable and has minimal environmental impact."
The future: Innovating without losing the core.
Hans continues to dream and innovate. "We have so many ideas we still want to bring to life." Yet, the essence of OFYR remains unchanged: it’s all about connection. "The fire never goes out, both literally and figuratively."