At the start of the semester

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The canteen on Sonnenfelsplatz in Graz closes

(Bild: Pail Sepp/Krone KREATIV)

Excitement in Graz shortly before the start of the new winter semester: the canteen on Sonnenfelsplatz and a canteen on the Inffeldgassen campus of the Technical University are closing. Discussions and alternatives are now being sought.

Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz has confirmed media reports to this effect to the "Krone" newspaper: The canteen on the University of Graz campus at Sonnenfelsplatz will close in October. This could mean the end of a student institution. It is not run by the University of Graz, but by the Austrian canteens. On Wednesday, it was also announced that Café Mercato, a canteen near Inffeldgasse on the TU campus, is also closing.

Peter Riedler, Rector of the University of Graz, only found out about the closure on Tuesday. "We were surprised ourselves and would have liked to have had more time to perhaps do something." The vegan restaurant Café Erde will soon be moving into the Resowi Café, as was announced a few days ago. 

"Historic location"
"The supply is not in danger, we have many restaurants offering hot meals on campus," says Riedler. However, on the one hand it is about providing affordable food and on the other hand "a historic location that is closely linked to the University of Graz". Even the Tuntenball started here in the 1990s. "That really hurts us."

Peter Riedler, Rector of the University of Graz

(Bild: Universität Graz/Marija Kanizaj)

Riedler now wants to talk to the management of Mensa Austria. "We will try to get more answers and perhaps offer an alternative."

Andreas Kabela, Managing Director of Mensa Austria, issued the following statement in the afternoon: "Unfortunately, the closure of Mensa Graz was unavoidable. The location has not been economically viable for years and the costs have not been covered for some time. As the forecast for the current financial year indicates a further decline in sales, the management has decided to close this location for economic reasons." Individual solutions are to be found for the employees.

The location has not been economically viable for years and costs have not been covered for some time.

Andreas Kabela, Österreichische Mensen Betriebs GmbH

Students hit particularly hard by cost increases
Politically, there is certainly an uproar in Graz. "This is a slap in the face for many students," says Geidorf district leader Hanno Wisiak (KPÖ). "Over 80 percent of students have to work to finance their studies. They have been hit hard by the drastic rise in rents and inflation in recent years. This makes a facility like the canteen, which offers good and affordable food, all the more important."

Neos local councillor Philipp Pointner is calling for a solution: "A functioning canteen is more than just a place to eat - it is an important anchor point in the stressful everyday university life," he explains. "A solution is urgently needed to ensure that students continue to have access to affordable and good food."