Hanau's gastronomy has so far received a good 150,000 euros from the city's subsidies.

In view of the long closure time of restaurants, beer gardens, bars and pubs due to the corona pandemic, this support is not enough, according to Mayor Claus Kaminsky (SPD).

The catering industry has suffered severely from the pandemic since spring 2020.

Pick-up offers for food and the easing phase last summer would not have compensated for the massive loss in sales, according to Kaminsky.

The funds made available have been used up, but the situation in the catering trade is still tense.

That is why Kaminsky is offering further financial support.

Luise Glaser-Lotz

Correspondent for the Rhein-Main-Zeitung for the Main-Kinzig district.

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    The funding program from last autumn mainly related to investments in hygiene concepts, in conversions to comply with the distance rules and in devices for air purification. This year it was mainly about outdoor catering and new protection concepts. Since it was foreseeable that the first loosening of the outdoor areas would come, most of the applications were made for this, says Martin Bieberle, managing director of Hanau Marketing GmbH, which controls the allocation of the subsidies. The city has shown itself to be generous in expanding existing areas or approving new areas.

    According to the city, new outdoor dining options, which are popular with guests, were also promoted.

    Bieberle names the terrace of “Ellis Bistro” at the “Johanneskirche” cultural center, the pop-up beer garden at Philippsruhe Palace or the “Wirtschaft im Hof” in the Fronhof in the old town as examples.

    The city cannot take over all the investments, but is providing help with a grant and encouraging people to break new ground.

    In total, more than 40 catering establishments both in the city center and in the city districts have been funded.

    The city's hygiene team helps with implementation

    With rising vaccination numbers and falling incidences, Kaminsky says the catering industry is gradually returning to everyday life. The city's aid is a successful component of the city's funding programs in times of Corona. Hanau's gastronomy has developed well in recent years, thanks in part to the redevelopment of the city center and the commitment and creativity of the restaurateurs. This positive development should not come to an end because of the pandemic.

    The city itself appears as an actor. Step by step, the previous sunshades with advertising in the restaurants in the old town would be exchanged for new ones. They are designed uniformly, only differ in color. According to Bieberle, this takes into account the design guidelines for the city center. In addition, the city provides active help with its hygiene team, helps with the establishment and implementation of concepts and certifies the companies.

    The Grimm check campaign was also a success last year, in which retail customers as well as visitors to catering establishments received a discount on their sales in the form of vouchers, the Grimm checks, which in turn could be redeemed in retail and catering . The action should take place again in autumn. In several test centers in the city, after a quick test, the newly issued Gastro-Grimm-Check was also given as a thank you.

    The city also provides support through the “Summer in Hanau” program with the organization of events and the placement of musicians. The “Abendgold” series will be reissued from July 8th. Every Thursday evening there is live music in front of the backdrop of the goldsmith's house. In addition, the existing gastronomy offers of Hanau Marketing GmbH are to be expanded, for example with several gastro nights. The first is scheduled for July 17th.