Treffpunkt Gaststätte – warum sich Kommunen stärker um ihre Kneipen und Restaurants kümmern sollten

Abstract

The change in structure, size and location of pubs and restaurants in Germany has so far been largely neglected in scientific discussion as well as in the practical work of economic progression, city marketing and urban development. For example, the withdrawal of food service companies from the sector, the spread of restaurants into pedestrian zones and the increase in system catering do indeed have a formative influence on urban development and the appeal of locations for companies and residents. The article describes the change of pubs and restaurants in Germany and identifies different aspects of the importance of restaurants for the development of inner cities and districts. These include the importance for communication, identification, image and social cohesion, as well as direct and indirect economic effects. It is argued that economic progression, city marketing and urban development should focus more on the development of pubs and restaurants. The article is based on a literature review and qualitative interviews with different representatives from the catering industry, as well as economic and city marketing agencies.