Overview

• The episode “Der Kiosk: Kaffee, Bier und Emotionen” aired on 30 September at 22:15 on ZDF.
• Research cited in the film estimates the number of kiosks in Germany fell from about 44,000 a decade ago to roughly 24,000 today.
• In Berlin, the number of Spätis is reported to have halved over ten years to around 1,000, with many taking on roles once served by more costly pubs.
• The film follows Naciye in Oer-Erkenschwick and Serdar in Berlin-Kreuzberg, focusing on family help, loyal customers, and efforts to keep neighborhood hubs alive.
• Key pressures highlighted include competition from long-hours discounters, staffing shortages, and inflation, with operators experimenting with late hours, tailored assortments, seating, and parcel acceptance.