Grandma's Kitchen in Vienna: Where Everyone Connects.

A unique café in Vienna is a popular spot for all ages, offering not only authentic dishes but also a fresh perspective on ageing and café culture on the side. Run by savvy life experts—no senior citizens here—Vollpension fosters independence for everyone, and as it turns out, Grandma still has lots to do. This is their story.

Self-empowerment across generations and cake at the Vollpension cafe (Vollpension, Mark-Glasser).

"Two young men are sitting in a Viennese coffee house and realise that the cake is far too dry. They agree that grandma’s cake is the best – and the rest is history." These are the words of the Vollpension team on their website, explaining how this distinctive coffeehouse concept emerged. It was created to offer visitors the comforting tastes of grandma’s baking while providing the older generation with more opportunities for financial independence and an active social life.

From Two Beers to a Distinctive Success Formula: Grandma's Kitchen

"During the night – and, rumour has it, after a beer or two – they came up with the name Vollpension," the site continues. In German, "Vollpension" translates to "full pension," referring to both retirement benefits and a hotel stay that includes all meals. This concept, which began as an inclusive and innovative initiative during Vienna Design Week 2012, has evolved into a lively emblem of intergenerational connection and has become a fixture in Vienna's culinary landscape, according to a spokesperson.

"Two young men are sitting in a Viennese coffee house and realise that the cake is far too dry. They agree that grandma’s cake is the best – and the rest is history."

Grandma Baking School

Participants of the OMA Masterclass 'Pearls of the Vienna Patisserie Baking Academy' proudly present a beautifully crafted cake, showcasing their skills in traditional patisserie (Vollpension, Mark-Glasser).

Today Vollpension , the one-of-a-kind, friendly downtown Vienna spot, also known as a generation-bridging café, is all about breaking stereotypes and making a social impact. Their mission? Using cake to tackle loneliness and spark conversations between generations.

The first opened in 2015 and the second in 2019. Vollpension offers traditional cakes, coffees, and lunches, among vegan options, such as 'Grandma Erika's plant-based platter'. In the evenings, the senior staff serve various drinks and regularly invite guests to events. In summer, the large outdoor area is a popular place to linger. Using cake to fight loneliness and promote generational dialogue, is their mission.

Additionally, there is a baking school named 'BakAdemy,' recognised as the world's first 'grandma baking school.' This institution is celebrated for bridging generations through both online and in-person classes, where seniors share their expert baking knowledge.

At Vollpension's Vienna, people of all ages share smiles and stories in a cozy, nostalgic setting (Vollpension, Mark-Glasser).

Oma Still has Lots to Do

"It touches my heart, this, I love it," the British actress Joanna Lumley exclaimed in one of her travel programmes while visiting the place and talking to one of the 'Omas' (grandmas). "Because I'm an Oma," she added, "and it just makes sense. We are the same age; we are old, but we are not finished. We've got much to do, we've got love to give, and we've got skills."

That the unique formula of grandmas and grandpas in the kitchen and running their own place, as well as a location that fosters 'intergenerational togetherness', as the team calls it, and good food works, is self-evident. Vollpension is likely Austria's most renowned social enterprise and offers far more than a typical coffee house, the site claims, highlighting its appeal to international tourists, a top 10% award from TripAdvisor, and media features by CNN, BBC, and The New York Times.

"It just makes sense. We are old, but we are not finished. We've got much to do, we've got love to give, and we've got skills."

Teamwork across generations: Employees at Vienna's Vollpension Café connect through shared smiles and culinary passion (Vollpension, Mark-Glasser).

Now More Relevant Than Ever

The team emphasises that the concept of Vollpension is more relevant now than ever. Data from Statistics Austria shows a significant number of people over 65 experiencing poverty and social exclusion—a challenge not confined to Austria, as the Vollpension website points out.

"This is one of the most delightful places I’ve ever been to, as it's where people are cared for by grandmothers," said Lumley as she wrapped up the segment about the cafe in her travel programme, and added: "I believe we should have more of these globally."

"This is one of the most delightful places I’ve ever been to, as it's where people are cared for by grandmothers. I believe we should have more of these globally."

Cozy charm meets stylish nostalgia at Vollpension, where vintage decor and elegant furnishings create a warm, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of grandma's living room (Vollpension, Mark-Glasser).