Gastronomy revitalizes city centers: 40% of visitors are looking for enjoyment!

Restaurants, cafés and bars are becoming increasingly important in German city centers. According to a recent survey, 40 percent of passers-by cite dining options as a motive for visiting city centers. This number shows an increase compared to previous years: in 2022 the proportion was 35 percent and in 2020 it was only 26 percent. The managing director of the IFH, Boris Hedde, emphasizes that demand for catering has increased, particularly among younger people. The desire for meetings and personal exchanges has increased.

The “Vital City Centers” study is based on a representative survey of 68,451 people in 107 German cities that was carried out last fall. The most common reason for visiting remains shopping, which was mentioned by 61 percent of survey participants. The participants were able to give several reasons for their visit. In order to revitalize inner cities more sustainably, there is a need for measures to combat vacancies and to improve infrastructure, such as providing toilet facilities.

Role of gastronomy in urban development

Another study carried out by IFH KÖLN and METRO surveyed 250 restaurateurs about the current situation and the requirements for the city center location. This survey shows that gastronomy is identified as a central factor for the revitalization of inner cities. The focus is on the different motives that are crucial for visiting city centers, including culinary experiences, going out and shopping. Around 60 percent of restaurateurs rate the current situation as mediocre to very bad.

A major problem is the shortage of skilled workers, which 71 percent of those surveyed cited as crucial. In addition, 52 percent of restaurateurs have difficulties dealing with authorities. High rents for attractive locations are criticized by 46 percent, while 43 percent criticize the non-transparent allocation of locations. Important location factors include cleanliness, ambience, number of customers, public transport connections and accessibility for suppliers. Many restaurateurs are calling for simpler legal frameworks and approval procedures. One suggestion to improve the dialogue between gastronomy and politics is to create a city gastronomy representative.

For further information on current developments regarding shopping and dining options in city centers, please refer to the reporting by South German newspaper as well as the study by IFH COLOGNE.