Suche
Mein Konto
Lake Constance ferries without restaurants: Who will save the bistros?
Konstanz: Lake Constance ferries are struggling with the catering crisis, a lack of staff and conversions for vending machines from January 2025.
Lake Constance ferries without restaurants: Who will save the bistros?
The Lake Constance ferries between Konstanz and Meersburg will be without a tenant from January. How Schwäbische.de reports, Midce GmbH, the current operating company, has decided to end its catering operations on the ferries. The main reason for this decision is the acute staff shortage, which is placing a heavy burden on the company in the current economic situation.
Marco D’Arca, a restaurateur at Midce GmbH, emphasizes that in addition to the lack of staff, the sharp increase in purchase prices also contributed to the termination. A long-term absence due to illness since spring 2025 has further exacerbated the situation. These circumstances mean that everyday operations on the ferries are becoming increasingly unpredictable.
Challenges and solutions
Passengers spend only 20 to 40 minutes on the ferries, which requires a fast and efficient service. The pressure on staff is enormous, especially in the summer months, when up to five ships are in operation at the same time. This prompted the operators to refit the “Lodi” in April. Instead of the previous bistro, there are now vending machines with food and drinks, which represent a practical and contemporary solution.
Feedback on this conversion was initially mixed, but opinions have since evolved positively. The machines are primarily used by day guests and holidaymakers who are in transit. D’Arca sees this as a good solution, as the machines offer an extensive selection of products around the clock.
Outlook: Refitting the “Konstanz”
After the experience with the “Lodi”, the “Konstanz” will soon also be converted, as can be seen from the tender from the Konstanz municipal utility company. This could be an important measure to counteract the ongoing personnel problems and make the catering sector more attractive again.
Another fact that affects the catering industry on these ferries is the possibility that the operators and the municipal utilities will look together for a successor. However, no successor has been determined yet. The uncertain future of on-board catering could cast a shadow over the otherwise service-oriented structure of the ferry service.
The challenges of catering on the Lake Constance ferries are also reflected in the general economic conditions. There are reports of uncertainty everywhere – whether in the restaurant market or in other areas. The adaptability of companies will be the key to overcoming these hurdles.