Stadium caterer Eiken Grosch GbR agrees to continued partnership with VfL Osnabrück for food services.
In the heart of Osnabrück, Germany, VfL Osnabrück has made significant changes to its Bremer Brücke stadium's public catering setup for the 2025 season. The addition of more food and drink outlets aims to enhance the fan experience, but it also brings challenges for the caterers due to rising costs and moderate price adjustments after three years of stability.
According to reports in July 2025, VfL Osnabrück has expanded its catering infrastructure, offering fans a wider variety of options. However, this expansion coincides with increased costs for caterers, putting pressure on service quality and pricing. The increased number of stands requires more logistics, staff, and supplies, while cost pressures create a challenging environment for caterers managing these factors.
Despite these challenges, the partnership between VfL Osnabrück and Eiken & Grosch Stadioncatering GbR appears to be thriving. Sales figures and fan feedback indicate a positive development in the partnership. The catering team, led by Holger Eiken and Guido Grosch, has managed to meet high demands, even with the lack of separation between production and sales areas.
The contract between VfL Osnabrück and Eiken & Grosch has been extended until 2024, with a detailed performance catalogue outlining criteria for fan-friendliness, structures, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Future improvements are planned, particularly for the west area of the Bremer Brücke, where a weather-independent solution will be created during the summer break.
Visitors from the Affenfelsen can expect a new beverage stand with seating options for the new season. The service provider has been open to innovations such as the reusable cup system, cashless payments, and cup donations. Some of Holger Eiken's employees have been working at the Bremer Brücke for years, contributing to the smooth operation of the expanded catering services.
Shorter waiting times have been maintained despite football-specific peak business, thanks to the introduction of mobile "beer caddies" in the standing areas. These mobile units enable shorter paths and faster supply, ensuring fans don't miss a moment of the action.
Dr. Michael Welling, commercial manager of VfL Osnabrück, expressed his pleasure about the contract extension, noting significant improvements achieved at the Bremer Brücke in recent years, particularly in cooperation between finance and organization departments.
In conclusion, while the expansion of catering services at VfL Osnabrück's Bremer Brücke stadium brings challenges for caterers, the partnership with Eiken & Grosch Stadioncatering GbR seems to be navigating these challenges successfully. The focus on fan experience, innovation, and sustainability ensures that fans continue to enjoy their time at the stadium while supporting their favourite team.
The expanded catering services at VfL Osnabrück's Bremer Brücke stadium, due to the 2025 season, includes a variety of options for football enthusiasts, such as sports drinks and snacks, aligning with the European-leagues standards. The increase in food and drink outlets means increased logistics, staff, and supplies for caterers, making this season a critical test for the partnership between VfL Osnabrück and Eiken & Grosch Stadioncatering GbR.
