More choices and time for menu during lunch break
That is noticeable. The factory canteen has been sporting a new look since October 1st. Restaurateur Christian Floh (44) and his team have taken on the task of satisfying the workers’ hunger at the Berndorf business park and to grant them some downtime with sustainable regional flavors. The preparations took several months.
At the beginning of summer, the BAG chairman announced the upcoming changes in the canteen, thanked the previous tenant Lukas Wippel for many years of good cooperation, and wished him much success for his future plans. The new “factory engineer of culinary delights”, Christian Floh, did not need much of an introduction in Berndorf. His restaurant “Stadtwirt” in Berndorf’s town center has been popular with guests from far and wide since 2016.
The resources for his kitchen stem from regional suppliers. In his inn, dinner is always served with Berndorf cutlery and attention to visual appeal. After all, we eat with our eyes first. Preserving the regionally-rooted culinary culture is not the only bridge the innkeeper built to the Berndorf factory tradition early on. He has also been taking care of the buffet in the “Arbeitertheater” [Worker’s theatre], which dates back to the Krupp era of the cutlery factory, for years.
New freedom of choice in the menu plan
The “stage” which the gastronomic impresario is now using for the sustainable development of a contemporary company catering concept on behalf of the Berndorf AG certainly appeals to Christian Floh: “The Berndorf factory has a beautiful canteen building with excellent equipment and a lovely garden. Our catering offer ought to make this flawless infrastructure a popular gathering place for people.”
The new weekly menu is well-received. Each day, there are up to five different healthy menus to be chosen from – including traditional as well as vegetarian dishes. As a result, whether fish, vegetables, or meat is served no longer depends on the day of the week – that is up to the palate, says the innkeeper: “With out menu, we convey a philosophy of sustainable freedom-of-choice and regionality to our guests. Schnitzel is always available additionally – they are prepared a la minute here.” The fact that the new canteen’s kitchen hours have been extended to 2:30 p.m. suits this well. This way, people can briefly recharge their batteries in the canteen on their way home or take a hot meal home with them – a good prospect for all those who work shifts until 2 p.m.
Supply grows: Shopping at the factory
2025 promises even more: With the “Regionalbox im Werkscafe” [regional box in the factory café], the canteen aims to expand further and establish a 24/7 shop for Triestingtal products. The employee card provides access to the box’s self-service area. Payment will then be cashless using the Berndorf app on a cell phone – just like in the canteen in 2025. Beverages, milk, and cheese from local farmers, or pasta from the region, will hence soon be available to buy stress-free and without having to queue at the supermarket.
