Suche
Mein Konto
Ice cream parlor Rendezvous in Gera is closing its doors after 60 years!
The Rendezvous ice cream parlor in Gera will close after almost 60 years on August 31, 2025. The reasons are health and economic challenges.
Ice cream parlor Rendezvous in Gera is closing its doors after 60 years!
In Thuringia, dark clouds are gathering with the impending end of the “Eiscafé Rendezvous” in Gera. After almost 60 years of successful business, the traditional ice cream parlor announced its closure on August 31, 2025. The decision was not easy for the operators, especially the owner Alexandra Spanaus, and was due to health, personnel and economic reasons. However, until it closes, the café will remain open for loyal guests, who can also place culinary orders, book catering and redeem vouchers, as thueringen24.de reports.
The “Eiscafé Rendezvous”, located at Dornaer Straße 25 in Gera, is without a doubt one of the most popular places in the region. Known for its variety of classic ice cream flavors and hearty dishes such as schnitzel and mozzarella, Gera residents can still enjoy this place even in the summer season. Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the exception of Friday when it is open until 9 p.m. Customers appreciate the great service and friendly atmosphere in the café, which has a Google rating of 4.6, as Restaurant Guru adds.
Difficult times for the catering industry
The closure of the ice cream parlor is part of a larger trend in the restaurant industry, which has faced severe challenges since 2020. Between 2020 and 2023, around 48,000 catering establishments had to close and 6,000 filed for bankruptcy. Although the sector is showing initial signs of recovery, record inflation and the associated price increases are affecting many companies. Inflation was 2.5% in January 2024 and adjustments are necessary. Catering establishments are required to pass on additional costs to their food and drinks, as gastprodo.com analyzes.
With the return to VAT of 19% on food served on premises from January 1, 2024, traders expect higher prices for consumers. The increased demands of guests, high food prices and the lack of staff also represent further challenges. To counteract these, many restaurateurs rely on digital solutions and offer employee benefits such as fuel vouchers.
Despite all these challenges, the catering industry remains a dynamic sector with opportunities for further development. While Gera will soon have to do without a traditional café, it remains to be seen how the region's gastronomic landscape will continue to respond to the challenges.