Bremen boasts a female-exclusive café.
Ladies' Lounge - A Cafe in Bremen has been providing a feminine sanctuary for about a month now. Men are not granted entrance into this establishment. The concept allows an 18-year-old and her family to fulfill her personal desire.
The inside and exterior of the establishment resonate with womanly chatter and camaraderie, creating a vibrant and cheerful atmosphere. The ladies-only ice cafe in Bremen has been operational for approximately a month. Alongside various beverages, there are ice creams, desserts, pastries, and waffles available for indulgence. Men are not granted seating at the cafe, Baresha, as it is exclusively for women and children. "I definitely believe that women feel more at ease here than in mixed cafes," shares owner Sumeja Zumberi. "They view it as a retreat." Cafes in Gröpelingen are usually overwhelmed by male patrons.
Only a scant few gastronomic businesses in Germany cater exclusively to women. The German Hotel and Restaurant Association Dehoga Bremen is unaware of any comparable offerings in Bremen, the smallest state. The cafe is considered a unique establishment, says managing director Nathalie Rübsteck. She points out that many individuals with migrant backgrounds reside in the district of Gröpelingen, and the sexes often keep to themselves. "I think it's excellent that women have a place to share ideas," Rübsteck shares.
Between School, Driving Lessons, and Cafe Management
The young owner of the new women's cafe in Bremen is 18 years old, attends school, and is learning to drive. Simultaneously, she is the sole proprietor of Baresha Women's Ice Cafe, as Zumberi reveals. However, she acknowledges that she could not manage the place alone. "I get a lot of support from my parents, especially from my father," Zumberi explains. Since he has experience as a business owner, he manages the finances and insurance. Her mother assists at the cafe. "I'm not alone," Zumberi reflects on the initial weeks post-opening. "I'm definitely looking forward to the future with the business."
The idea for Baresha Women's Ice Cafe was inspired by a long-standing desire of Zumberi's father, as the owner shares. According to her, he had wanted to open his own ice cream parlor for years, after living in Germany for about 30 years and working diligently. During the discussions and planning, the family realized that a typical ice cream parlor would not suffice, as there are already many in Gröpelingen.
As a family, they pondered what was lacking in Bremen and developed the concept of a women's ice cream parlor. "In our homeland, women's ice cream parlors are quite common," the 18-year-old, who was born in Germany like her siblings, explains. "We are from the Balkans, we're Albanians from Kosovo," she explains. The name Baresha is intended to express their heritage, as their origins might sometimes be forgotten in Germany. The Albanian word Baresha, she says, signifies a shepherdess - a woman who manages various responsibilities.
An exact number of establishments in Germany that cater exclusively to women is unknown. The DEHOGA federal association does not possess statistics on this, as reported. However, such offerings are not a novel concept, according to the spokeswoman, who references various businesses in Germany, such as a women's pension, a home with vacation apartments, a hotel with a breakfast salon, or a shisha bar, among others. Additionally, there are numerous women's cafes organized by charitable organizations, though these are not permanent gastronomic establishments, but rather events aimed at refugee women.
Zumberi receives numerous accolades for her cafe in Bremen. The patrons present on this day also commend the offering. There are many male-dominated spaces in Gröpelingen, shares a first-time customer, making women-only spaces essential. "This is an outstanding concept," she says.
Her friend agrees. She appreciates having a women's gathering spot and the opportunity to converse with others from the neighborhood. She also appreciates that children are welcome. In her opinion, the cafe fills a gap. If men feel slighted by the women's cafe, it's almost provocative, she shares, considering the overwhelming presence of men in public spaces.
"I feel more comfortable, undisturbed here," shares a third customer, who frequently visits with her friends or sisters. "I enjoy that it's only for women," she says. "I feel more comfortable, undisturbed here." Women require a break from men occasionally, she adds. Owner Zumberi is pleased with such feedback, but she also has plans for the future. Her next dream is to become a teacher, she says, and she would run the ice cream cafe on the side.
The vibrant atmosphere at Baresha Women's Ice Cafe largely stems from the women's lively conversations and camaraderie, making it a favorite spot for many female patrons. The establishment in Bremen is not only a unique gastronomic business but also a place where women can unwind and share ideas, as expressed by managing director Nathalie Rübsteck.
