One year ago, Berlin Brandenburg Airport went online at a challenging time in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. The travel catering firm casualfood has been at the airport since the very start as its largest food-service operator – with a total of nine permanent outlets plus several mobiles in Terminals 1 and 2. Although the first few months were sluggish, there is now plenty going on at BER as it reaches its first anniversary: there are more outlets, more employees, more passengers and more customers using the eateries and stores.
“Things are looking up; there’s a spirit of optimism at the airport! The coronavirus pandemic isn’t over yet, of course, and it remains to be seen what will happen this winter. However, the fundamental mood is positive. It’s obvious that something new is being added every month and BER is constantly further developing. Almost all the food-service outlets and stores are now open in Terminal 1. Basically, we have now built on the phase which should have started back in November 2020,” said Benedikt Augustin, casualfood site manager in Berlin.
Three new Berlin food-service brands for BER
The travel catering firm developed three new food-service brands specially for BER. The new east side berlin and the Deli Berlin mobiles started serving customers back in October 2020 when the airport opened. Following a hiatus due to coronavirus, the Deli Berlin concept was only added in August 2021, offering a cosy interior and a large terrace on Willy-Brandt-Platz. Two new Berlin Pub outlets are due to open soon as well. The three new food-service brands draw on Berlin’s history and offer diners a wide range of dishes from the city’s culinary melting pot.
In Terminal 1, casualfood also operates its successful basta! concept serving classic pinsa and pasta dishes. Run as a franchise, the Kamps bakery can be found there too, offering regional and handcrafted baked goods. With the completion of Terminal 2, casualfood will also roll out the Italo-American deli GOODMAN & FILIPPO, Hermann’s with its tasty classic snacks, and Beans & Barley selling beer and coffee specialities. The majority of casualfood’s food-service concepts at BER are on the air side, i.e. after security.
The following casualfood concepts have already opened in Terminal 1:
east side berlin – a blend of art and cuisine
Original images from the East Side Gallery and countless fitting details bring the history surrounding the Berlin Wall to life and create a unique atmosphere which blends art with cuisine. The menu ranges from Berlin classics such as Solyanka soup, goulash and meatballs to trendy options like its Hipster Bread and Happy Hummus, creative burgers and pasta dishes, and all sorts of vegetarian and vegan meals. After the first year at BER, east side berlin is undergoing a soft relaunch to reflect customers’ wishes even more strongly. For instance, greater privacy will be ensured via separate seating areas and the lighting concept will be adjusted.
Deli Berlin – the trendy, all-day concept with feel-good vibes
Providing a genuine taste of Berlin, the trendy, urban all-day concept Deli Berlin has adopted the Berlin bear as its logo mascot. It is a feel-good place to eat with a cosy, friendly atmosphere, chill-out music and an introduction to Berlin dialect. Along with a cosy interior and an innovative menu, customers can enjoy a large terrace immediately on Willy-Brandt-Platz, overlooking the main entrance to the airport. Thanks to its attractive location, Deli Berlin does not just welcome air passengers: it is also open to hotel guests and other visitors who want to enjoy delicious food in a laid-back atmosphere. It serves a variety of breakfasts from popular classics to home-made vegan coconut milk porridge, followed later by exciting dishes for lunch and dinner including pasta, burgers, kumpir, bowl food and salads. The drinks menu has something special in store too: freshly squeezed sugar cane juice, served on its own or mixed with rum.
Deli Berlin mobiles – right by the gates
Featuring the Berlin bear, the Deli Berlin mobiles offer fast refreshments by the gates. Passengers can choose from freshly prepared favourites to take away, such as pretzels, filled baguettes and bagels, hot dogs and schnitzel rolls. There are sweet treats like chocolate croissants, doughnuts, muffins, confectionery and a wide range of beverages as well.
basta! pizza e pasta – benvenuti in Italia
basta! offers classic pizza and pasta dishes made using original recipes. Crispy pinsas from Margherita to Diavolo, served by the slice or for the whole family. The dough is left to rest for 72 hours and is much easier to digest than conventional pizza. Combine your own pasta and sauces. Paninis, crunchy salad bowls and a selection of drinks, from aperitivo to espresso. The Nutella pinsa is a real highlight.
Kamps franchise – attention to detail
At the Kamps bakery, bread and other baked goods are made, filled and finished by hand with close attention to detail. Guests can experience freshness and craftsmanship at the Kamps bakery, whose cosy atmosphere also makes it a great place to spend time. Freshly baked bread, rolls, pastries and cakes are at the heart of the franchise concept.
The following casualfood concepts are due to be added soon:
Berlin Pub – an authentic Berlin bar
The combination of nostalgia and modernity is an atmospheric homage to one of Berlin’s most momentous eras. Large-scale pictures on the walls tell the capital’s story. Overlooking the airport’s runway, guests can enjoy lots of local products. In addition to beer from Berlin, there are plenty of snacks, such as pretzels, sandwiches and curried sausage.
GOODMAN & FILIPPO – the best of both worlds
This unusual deli restaurant serves specialities from two popular national cuisines – those of the USA and Italy. The menu ranges from a quinoa avocado bowl to the Goodman’s cheeseburger with 100% beef and from a spicy chicken teriyaki burgerto delicious steaks, pizza and pasta. The food is complemented by fresh fruit and vegetable smoothies and hand-picked wines. Meat and fish are cooked using a special sous vide method which delivers excellent results.
Hermann’s– the snack bar with a difference
Hermann’s combines a cult retro butcher’s design with the contemporary styling of a modern snack bar chain. Its menu features the tastiest classic snacks: an extensive selection of top-quality sausage varieties from the local area, fresh chips, a unique range of sauces, home-made salads, rolls and pretzels, gluten-free products and draught beer.
Beans & Barley – high-quality beer and coffee specialities
Beans & Barley stands for individuality and skill with its wide range of classic beer products, special craft beers and high-quality coffee specialities. In addition to Berliner Pilsner and Berliner Kindl, guests can enjoy regional beers made by Berliner Berg or Braufactum. Meanwhile, a highlight of the coffee menu is the nitro cold brew made in Berlin. Nitro brewing turns the nutty, chocolatey cold brew into a creamy, mild taste sensation – enriched with nitrogen, available on tap and served ice-cold. It comes in various flavours such as almond, caramel, toasted marshmallow or Irish cream and with a wide range of different milk types like almond milk, oat milk, soya milk or lactose-free milk. Beans & Barley is also bringing trendy blended coffees to Berlin.