Shock in Tuttlingen: Bistro Mamie Concetta closes after just one year!

Shock in Tuttlingen: Bistro Mamie Concetta closes after just one year!

The bistro “Mamie Concetta” on Rudolf-Maschke-Platz in Tuttlingen has closed after less than a year. The restaurant, open since the end of November last year, was an attempt to enrich the gastronomic diversity of the area and has now been declared closed with a sign on the front door and the regret of city spokeswoman Sabine Felker. “It’s really a shame,” said Felker, who regrets the closure and points to the recent opening of the new café “Twenty Two,” which is intended to help revitalize the square. Maschke-Platz is often perceived as deserted, which has led the city to initiate a citizen participation process to redesign the area. Positive feedback from citizens shows that there is great interest in changes here.

A sidewalk chalk festival with live music and a cocktail bar was held in the summer and attracted about 250 people. The youth department was also active and reached around 75 teenagers and young adults as part of the “Pudding with Fork” campaign. These events could be signs of a creative revitalization of the district, which is also supported by the installation of a new water cooler.

The challenges of gastronomy

Raffaele Lauro, the tenant of “Mamie Concetta”, was already known for his businesses in Trossingen, where he runs another café. He has not yet responded to the reasons for his closure as he is abroad. Meanwhile, there were reports of problems with the restrooms at the site, but Felker said they are open as normal. The last few years have not left their mark on the Tuttlingen region's gastronomy either. Gastronomic establishments are directly related to urban development and the attractiveness of the city center. The last few years have been marked by a withdrawal from the catering industry and the rise of system catering.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these developments, which is why local policies and economic development measures have been developed to support the hospitality industry during these turbulent times. Innovative concepts such as ghost kitchens are becoming increasingly important and are contributing to the diversification of the culinary offerings in inner cities.

The role of gastronomy in urban development

Gastronomy is not only an important economic factor, but also a central meeting place for the population. Currently, the revitalization of urban neighborhoods is seen as a way to promote social life. Local politicians have recognized that a sustainable dining scene is crucial for the quality of life in cities. Mobility and innovative solutions in the catering industry, such as sustainable food, are just as important in making inner cities fit for the future. City planners and citizens are called upon to work together on these goals and to integrate gastronomy as a valuable element in urban development.

With all of these challenges, Maschke-Platz is at a crucial turning point. It remains to be seen whether the efforts to redesign and event formats will be sufficient to increase the attractiveness and vitality of the square.