The aroma of freshly baked goods wafts through Theresienhöhe in Munich, but behind the ovens, you won’t find trained confectioners. At Café Kuchentratsch, grandmas and grandpas stir the batter with dedication, skill, and a remarkable history. This is a story of resilience, community, and the sweet taste of a second chance.
The Heart of Kuchentratsch: More Than Just Baking
At the Kuchentratsch cafe, located in the Schwanthalerhöhe district, up to 60 seniors regularly bake cakes. These aren’t just any bakers; they are grandmas and grandpas who bring years of experience and a genuine love for baking to every creation. Their passion is palpable in every slice, making each cake a taste of home.
For many of these seniors, their involvement means much more than just an additional income to their pension. Among the employees are also single individuals who have found connection and community at Kuchentratsch. “It’s important to meet other people and pursue a hobby,” says Monika, a 72-year-old baker.
Monika, a trained retail saleswoman, has been part of the team since 2018. She read about the project in the newspaper and spontaneously dropped by. “I still want to do something. Retirement and just staying at home, that’s not for me,” she explains, embodying the spirit of many of her colleagues.
From a Dragon’s Den to a Pandemic’s Shadow
The beginnings of Kuchentratsch date back to 2014 when founder Katharina Mayer opened the first bakery in a backyard on Landsberger Straße. Three years later, the VOX show “Die Höhle der Löwen” (Germany’s “Shark Tank”) brought nationwide recognition. Investors Carsten Maschmeyer and Dagmar Wöhrl got involved, and mail order flourished. By 2019, around 40,000 cakes had been shipped across Germany.
Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the company with full force. The bakery closed, an attempt to save it with baking mixes failed, and insolvency followed. It was a dark time for a project that had brought so much joy.
A Sweet Revival: The Höflinger-Müller Bakery Steps In
In 2022, the Höflinger-Müller bakery stepped in to rescue the beloved project. “Kuchentratsch is a really nice project that deserved to be saved,” says Marketing Manager Julia Höflinger. A year later, in 2023, the new cafe at Theresienhöhe opened its doors, and since then, the ovens have been running at full capacity.
The online shop now delivers not only throughout Germany but also to Austria, Switzerland, and even once to Barcelona, demonstrating the renewed success and expanded reach of the project. The new location in Schwanthalerhöhe, near Theresienwiese and the Bavaria statue, has become a vibrant hub for the community.
Innovation and Modernity: Grandmas and Grandpas Keep Up with the Times
The innovative spirit of the older generation is also evident in the product range: vegan creations have long been a permanent offering. “All the grandmas and grandpas are very modern and young at heart – also thanks to their work at Kuchentratsch,” says Monika with a smile, highlighting the dynamic and forward-thinking approach of the team.
The success of Kuchentratsch is a testament to the power of community, the value of experience, and the enduring appeal of homemade treats. It’s a place where tradition meets modernity, and where every cake tells a story of passion, resilience, and the joy of baking.
Source: Own research and interviews with Jonas Hönle, editor for tz.de and merkur.de.
