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Shock for coffee lovers: Two 44 SQM” cafes in Hamburg are closing!
Popular cafes in Altona and Ottensen close; Owner Ilic focuses on catering. Who, where, why? Learn more.
Shock for coffee lovers: Two 44 SQM” cafes in Hamburg are closing!
Hamburg's culinary landscape has suffered a severe setback in the last few days. The two popular “44 QM” cafés in Ottensen and Mitte Altona are closing their doors. Miroslav Ilic, the owner, announced the closure of the café on Susanne-von-Paczensky-Strasse in April. The last coffee in Ottensen will then close from July 1st. For many regulars, this is sad news and has already caused consternation on social media. “It is a decision that is not easy for me,” said Ilic.
Why this step? Ilic says that in the future he wants to focus more on catering, which offers him more flexibility and efficiency in his everyday life. Think big! His caterings are designed for events with up to 200 guests, from job meetings to wedding receptions. And don't worry, the existing concept in Ottensen will continue under a new operator, even if the name will change.
Challenges of the catering industry
The closure of the cafés is further evidence that the catering industry in Germany is faced with enormous challenges. Many entrepreneurs have already complained about closures, staff shortages and rising prices. Loud foodnotify.com The catering industry has suffered greatly in recent years, not least because of ongoing inflation and the war in Ukraine. A look back at 2022 shows that although the industry experienced a 12.5% increase in employees, the numbers fell by 11.8% compared to 2019.
The BW circumstances could hardly be more difficult: From January 1, 2024, VAT on food and drinks will increase from 7% to 19%, with the exception of take-out sales. A catastrophe for many restaurateurs who are faced with the question of whether they can pass the price increase on to consumers. foodnotify.com reports that digitalization can help in this context - for example through the use of robots.
Economic situation and future outlook
The entire catering market has changed significantly in recent years, according to an analysis by g-wie-gastro.de shows. For example, sales in the catering industry in September 2023 are 12.6% lower than four years ago. Only restaurants, pubs and cafés were able to hold their own relatively well, with a decline of 4.1%. A real up and down!
Despite these challenges, there are also opportunities in the air. The catering industry has the potential to redefine itself through trends such as the demand for regional products or the increase in healthy eating options. In fact, 78% of diners said they enjoy dining at restaurants that feature local produce. In addition, 80% of restaurateurs are already using energy-saving technologies to reduce costs while operating sustainably.
The restaurant industry is at a crossroads, and the coming months could be crucial in determining how this industry develops. While the “44 QM” cafés were part of the local culture in Hamburg for many, the situation also shows that changes are necessary in order to survive in the long term. The mixed feelings surrounding these closures will certainly be discussed for a long time.