Catering at Messe München
Strong catering partners
With Käfer and Able, Messe München has two strong catering partners at its side. Both family-run companies are deeply rooted in Munich and are characterized by their quality, tradition and sustainable orientation.
Both partners combine tradition and innovation and share our values: sustainability, the highest quality standards, and a strong commitment to regional products. Together with Käfer and Able, we create unforgettable trade fair experiences that leave a lasting impression on our customers.
Able Catering, which stands for outstanding Bavarian cuisine and innovative catering, is firmly anchored in Munich’s catering world. Today, the founder’s two sons are continuing to run the business successfully, combining tradition with modern culinary approaches.
At the Oktoberfest, they run the Goldener Hahn tent, which impresses with its first-class cuisine and hospitality. Able is also known for its high quality event catering and its use of regional and sustainable products, with sustainability and regional ingredients being key components of its philosophy.
Feinkost Käfer stands for the highest culinary excellence and tradition. Since its foundation as a small delicatessen, the Munich-based family business has developed into an international pioneer in the areas of delicatessen, gastronomy and catering.
Käfer is particularly well known for the Käfer Wiesn-Schänke at the Oktoberfest, where haute cuisine and regional products are served in an exclusive setting. In addition to the Oktoberfest, Käfer also runs renowned locations such as BMW Welt, the sustainable restaurant Green Beetle, and Gut Kaltenbrunn on Lake Tegernsee. Käfer is represented internationally in the Netherlands and China, where it sets standards for fine dining.
Today, the company is run by Michael and Clarissa Käfer, the second generation of the family to continue the family tradition with passion and a spirit of innovation.
Culinary diversity
Messe München offers a culinary experience that leaves nothing to be desired. From quick snacks to cozy business lunches, our restaurants, bistros and cafés have something to suit every taste and schedule. All of the catering establishments offer at least one vegetarian or vegan main course to choose from, so that even discerning connoisseurs will be satisfied.
In the Gastro Guide you will find an overview of our wide range of catering services on the exhibition grounds.
For connoisseurs, the Käfer am See at the West entrance and the Restaurant am Turm at the East entrance offer Bavarian and international cuisine at a high level. The Restaurant C1/C2 also offers an ideal retreat for relaxed business lunches. The self-service restaurants are located on the first floor between Halls B2/B3 and B4/B5.
A wide selection of international delicacies awaits you in our numerous bistros: from Bavarian and German specialties, and Italian and Asian dishes, to flexitarian, urban and oriental delicacies.
- Germany: Traditional food and Bavarian specialties
- Austria: Hearty delicacies from the Alpine region
- Italy: Mediterranean flavors and classic pasta dishes
- Thailand: Exotic dishes and spicy specialties
- India: Aromatic spices and hearty curry
- Orient: Oriental delights with refined spices
- International cuisine: Healthy flexitarian options, creative urban dishes, delicious snacks and street food from different cultures. Fresh salads and bagels offer variety for a snack.
The day bars at the West and East entrances offer delicious coffee specialties, snacks and light meals for an ideal start to the trade fair day. Whether it’s a relaxed breakfast or a quick treat in between, you’ll find just the right thing here.
When the weather’s good, enjoy the beer gardens in the atrium between Halls A1/B1 and A6/B6 – the ideal place to take a deep breath and leave the hustle and bustle of the trade fair behind you.
Sustainable catering
Sustainable catering on the exhibition grounds means enjoyment with a clear conscience: We rely on strong partners and resource-conserving concepts to ensure that you are completely carefree.
The renowned Munich family businesses Able and Käfer operate the restaurants, bistro bars, grills and beer gardens at the exhibition center and also offer catering and delivery services.
A key maxim that guides their actions is sustainability with the principle of “avoid instead of compensating”. By working with local suppliers and focusing on seasonal produce, as well as measures to avoid food waste, they help reduce the environmental impact and promote sustainable business practices.
Able’s and Käfer’s commitment to the responsible use of resources is reflected in their diverse range of food and beverages:
Seasonal and regional produce: The focus is on dishes with seasonal and regional sourcing.
Animal welfare: Both companies are committed to animal welfare.
Fairtrade coffee and organic milk: Able and Käfer use certified Fairtrade coffee and organic milk.
Vegetarian and vegan options: At least one vegetarian or vegan main course is available in all catering units.
Vegan milk alternatives: These are available in all catering establishments.
Take a look at our Catering flyer.
We also focus on regionality when selecting our partners, thus protecting the environment:
- Short delivery routes: Able and Käfer have their logistics and production directly on the exhibition grounds. That shortens delivery routes, which contributes to a reduction in carbon emissions.
- Supporting regional suppliers: Both restaurateurs source their goods from reputable regional producers and therefore also support the economy and sustainability in the region.
Find out more here:
As part of their commitment to reusable packaging in the catering industry, Able and Käfer focus on consistent waste reduction, which includes the following measures:
Reusable tableware: Both restaurateurs mainly use reusable items made of ceramic or glass to minimize waste.
Avoidance of single-use plastic: Single-use plastic items are consistently avoided and replaced with alternative, recyclable solutions.
Returnable deposit system: To-go products are part of the returnable deposit system.
Increased deposit: An increased deposit for bottles ensures that the containers are returned.
Own containers: Upon request, Able and Käfer will fill containers that customers have brought with them with food and drinks.
Large containers in catering: In catering and delivery services, restaurateurs attach great importance to the use of large containers and reusable containers in order to reduce packaging waste.
Able and Käfer focus on the efficient use of food. Their measures show how resource conservation and economic strategies go hand in hand: advancing the catering industry.
Calculation based on demand: Meals are calculated based on demand in order to avoid surplus.
Utilization of surplus products: Leftover ingredients are processed as far as possible or used in other dishes.
Reduced prices: At the end of the event day, Käfer offer non-reusable products at significantly reduced prices.
Recycling of used fats: Used fats are recycled and reused as technical fats in order to promote a sustainable circular economy.
In their commitment to the catering industry of the future, our partners Able and Käfer continuously focus on sustainable solutions and social responsibility. The measures already implemented include
- Energy-efficient delivery vehicles: Only the latest generation of low-emission delivery vehicles and electric vehicles are used. Within the exhibition grounds, a significant proportion of the goods are distributed emission-free using trolleys.
- Digital processes: Delivery notes are partly recorded digitally.
- Energy-saving measures: Energy-saving measures have been introduced in the production areas and offices, and a sustainable energy mix is used.
- Social commitment: Both restaurateurs support social projects.
Further information
Would you like to find out more about Able and Käfer’s sustainability goals? Click here for detailed information about their sustainability concepts:
Able Catering GbR – Messegastronomie Josef Able & Söhne
Feinkost Käfer GmbH – Käfer Goes Green
Find out more about Messe München’s holistic approach to sustainability.
Competent contacts
The restaurateurs Able and Käfer welcome you to Messe München’s restaurants and bistros. As reliable delivery service partners, they are always available to support you with their expertise.
