Our story.
Philippe Meirlaen has carried a lifelong passion for food, hospitality and flavor. Years of experience in the hospitality industry, combined with a constant curiosity for strong culinary concepts, led him to one clear mission: to develop the perfect burger.
Philippe has been an IT professional since 1998, but his love for food and hospitality goes back just as far. As a student, he worked five years at Hotel Restaurant De Sterre in Menen, where he learned the tricks of the trade and further developed his passion for taste, hospitality and experience.
On April 30, 2009, Philippe organized his first Dine To Meet event: a culinary friends and dating concept at a restaurant that brought people together around the table. What started as an original idea grew into a social and gastronomic concept that brought thousands of people together in restaurants across Flanders. For three years, Dine To Meet was his culinary baby.
In 2013, Philippe earned his chef's diploma at PIVA Antwerp through evening classes. Despite his professional career in IT, he never forgot his culinary passion. Through his culinary activities and presence on social media, Philippe was twice contacted in the past by VTM to participate in "Mijn Restaurant" and once by VT4 for "Komen Eten". Each time he refused — something he looks back on today with a bit of regret.
On April 1, 2026, Philippe posted an April Fools' joke on Facebook that he would open his own restaurant "Chez Philippe" in Nevele on April 30. What was intended as a playful post quickly received unexpectedly positive reactions: congratulations through various channels, enthusiastic messages and even phone calls from abroad.
Because the reactions were so positive, Philippe wanted to give something culinary back. During a pleasant conversation with some culinary friends at Praatcafé De Kastelein in Nevele, the idea for Fluppe Burger was quickly born: a burger concept with character, rooted in taste, a long-standing love of hospitality, friendship and connection.
The result is Fluppe Burger — a signature burger concept where craft, quality and character come together. No compromises. No unnecessary frills. Just the essence of a burger at its very best.
For Fluppe Burger, Philippe works exclusively with carefully chosen top suppliers. The meat is selected in collaboration with Cédric Mortier, known for his craftsmanship and quality. The buns are daily fresh and hand-picked. The secret spice blend and signature sauces are developed, tested and refined by Philippe himself until every detail is right. Fluppe Burger is not an ordinary burger. It is a flavor concept with a story.
“It's about the essence. The rest is noise.”