Overview

• An increasing number of German restaurants are shifting to walk-in or hybrid reservation models to reduce financial losses from no-shows.
• No-show fees remain enforceable only if customers are clearly notified in advance, as clarified by consumer protection organizations.
• Operators like Sören Zuppke are leading the walk-in trend with venues designed for spontaneity, rejecting rigid booking systems.
• The German Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga) notes that while walk-ins are gaining attention, they remain a niche practice in the country.
• Restaurateurs face risks of online backlash if no-show fees are perceived as insensitive, highlighting the need for careful customer management.