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Berlin's Spätis: Late-Night Hubs Face Decline, But Remain Community Staples

Berlin's late-night Spätis are disappearing, but they're still the heart of the city. Meet the new and veteran owners keeping these community gathering spots alive.

This is an inside view of an shopping complex, where there are trees, umbrellas with the poles,...
This is an inside view of an shopping complex, where there are trees, umbrellas with the poles, passenger lifts, name boards, stalls, lights, light boards,group of people.

Berlin's Spätis: Late-Night Hubs Face Decline, But Remain Community Staples

Berlin's Spätis, small business ideas, face a decline with only around 1000 left, down from 2000 a decade ago. Despite this, they remain beloved community hubs. A new documentary, 'The Kiosk' from the series '37 Grad', directed by Daniel Hartung, delves into the emotional significance of these late-night shops.

Serdar, a young entrepreneur, has taken over the Späti at Viktoriapark in Berlin-Kreuzberg, giving it a youthful twist. He's stocked it with items appealing to youngsters and fostered community engagement. Meanwhile, Naciye has been running the 'Ballerbude' kiosk in Oer-Erkenschwick since 2012, offering a wide range of products and serving as a listening ear for customers.

Spätis are increasingly becoming the go-to late-night spot in Berlin, replacing more expensive bars. These small business ideas, also known as 'Trinkhallen', are more than just shops; they're gathering spots where locals can socialise and connect. The documentary 'The Kiosk' explores this emotional aspect, highlighting the role these small businesses play in German communities.

Despite their decline, Spätis continue to be cherished community spaces. New owners like Serdar are breathing fresh life into these kiosks, while veterans like Naciye keep the tradition alive. Documentaries like 'The Kiosk' remind us of the importance of these small businesses in our neighbourhoods.

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