Sad news: Eiscafé rendezvous in Gera closes after 60 years!

Sad news: Eiscafé rendezvous in Gera closes after 60 years!

Dornaer Straße 25, 07548 Gera, Deutschland - The "Eiscafé Rendezvous" in Gera, a integral part of the Thuringian catering scene, has announced its end as a popular meeting point for ice lovers and coffee gourmets after almost 60 years. On August 31, the café, which is known for its friendly service and the good quality of its dishes, will close its doors. Owner Alexandra Spanaus made this decision for health, personnel and economic reasons. The tasty delicacies and cozy hours in the café remain possible until the closure, because the rendezvous remains open throughout the summer season.

The closure of the "rendezvous" shows the challenges that many restaurants are facing. In recent years, numerous restaurants, cafes and pubs have had to close. Coronapandemic has left its mark, and sales in catering fell by 3.8 percent compared to the previous year in 2024. While the number of cafes and bars in 2023 almost reached the pre-pandemy level, the situation for restaurants and pubs is becoming increasingly critical. A “death death”, especially in rural areas, is the result of increasing operating costs and loss of income.

customer experience up to the last minute

For the loyal guests of the "Eiscafé Rendezvous", the closure not only means a loss of a popular restaurant, but also the possibility to address personal farewell words to the team and the owner. Up to the last day, customers can give up orders, book catering or redeem vouchers. The café can be reached from Tuesday to Sunday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., which was a recurring climax in summer for many.

With a wide range that ranges from Schnitzel to Mozzarella to the popular ice, and a Google rating of 4.6, the "rendezvous" has made a name for itself. Despite the financial challenges, the team is known for their excellent service and the friendly atmosphere.

the gastronomy under pressure

The closure of the "rendezvous" is not an isolated case. Experts report on continuing pressure on catering businesses, which often have to ensure combative survival through high energy and rental prices as well as increasing food costs. In some regions, such as in Brandenburg, the number of restaurants has dropped drastically to only 1,800 within eight years.

Especially in rural areas, new operators often move into closed restaurants, while traditional inns often fall by the wayside. A possible solution could be in cooperatives that try to get the cultural meeting points - such as the "hiking pub" in Saxony.

The fate of the "Eiscafé Rendezvous" in Gera reflects the broader crisis of the gastronomy. Even if some companies react to new offers and adapted opening times, the question remains as long as these measures will be sufficient to protect the catering landscape.